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Welcome to the new Level 3 BTEC National AAQs

12 September 2025
Dear Colleague,

Please share this with your Level 3 BTEC National AAQ programme leads and delivery teams.

If you’re planning to start delivery of the new Level 3 BTEC National AAQs this September, we want to make sure you’ve got everything you need.
Download your updated specifications and materials 

We’ve made amendments to some Extended Certificate materials over the summer. Please make sure you’ve downloaded the latest versions of these materials as you start delivering the qualifications:
  • All specifications and Pearson set assignment briefs have had updates to make them as clear as possible.
  • The Pearson set assignment briefs for Unit 4 in Applied Science have had specific updates to enhance delivery. Read a full summary of the changes.
  • The Unit 1 sample assessment materials for the externally assessed units in Applied Science and Computing have had minor amendments
You’ll find everything you need to deliver new BTEC Level 3 National AAQs with confidence on the specification and course materials pages for each qualification: from planning and transition guides to sample assessment materials, PSA briefs and standardisation materials.
Find your subject and download your course materials
Don’t miss our Getting Started events

We’re running a range of free live ‘Getting Started’ training events over the coming weeks, covering everything you need to help you plan your delivery of the new BTEC National AAQs.
Need help understanding funding? 

If you draw down DfE funding, you need to be aware of the changes to funding eligibility for two-year Level 3 study programmes from September 2025 in England. We’ve put a guide together to help you understand how different sectors are affected and how that might inform which programmes you register your students on.


Funding has been removed from the BTEC L3 Nationals in Hospitality (QCF). Read our June update if you missed it.

Most 2016 Nationals remain available and funded in Northern Ireland and Wales. Please refer to the funding guides for Northern Ireland and Wales.
More qualifications are on the way 

New Certificate-size (180 GLH) Level 3 BTEC National AAQs in the following subjects have been approved for funding and will be available for first teaching in England from September 2026:
  • Applied Science
  • Computing
  • Health and Social Care
  • Information Technology
At 180 guided learning hours, these smaller qualifications are equivalent in size to one AS level (half an A level). These give students the option of qualifications with an applied and practical focus to complement A levels as part of a mixed programme of learning, helping to bring theoretical learning to life.

The Certificate qualifications contain a subset of units which are shared with the Extended Certificate.


New BTEC Level 3 Technicals for Data Technicians and Software Development Technicians have also been approved for funding for first teaching in England from September 2026.
Need help? We’re here

If you’ve got any questions or need help with your Level 3 BTEC National AAQ programmes, we’re here to help you get started. Just reach out to us via the Pearson support portal.

Kind regards

Joel Cable
Strategic Lead - BTEC Product Applied

Pearson Customer Services

The Lighthouse, Manchester, M50 3BF

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