One of the most common questions we hear at Qualified Tutor is, “Do I need qualifications to be a tutor?” If you’ve been wondering the same thing, you’re not alone — and you’re in exactly the right place.
The short answer? In the UK and the US, there are no mandatory qualifications needed to become a private tutor. That’s right. You don’t have to have a teaching degree, a specific certification, or even a university diploma to start offering your support to learners.
That said, there is a slightly longer (and very important) answer too.
Qualifications Build Trust
While you don’t legally need a qualification, having relevant certifications can make a huge difference to your credibility. Parents, students, and even tutoring agencies often look for tutors who have some formal evidence of their skills, knowledge, and commitment to safeguarding.
For example, in the UK, having a DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service) is essential if you want to work with children. It’s not a qualification, but it shows that you’re safe to work with young people. Adding training like our Foundations of Effective Tutoring or Level 3 Award in Education and Training can set you apart even more — giving parents extra reassurance and giving you extra confidence.
In the US, a background check serves a similar purpose, and many families prefer tutors who can show training or experience, even if it’s not a formal teaching certificate.
Tutoring is a Fast-Developing Space
Tutoring today is changing fast. Online tutoring has completely transformed how parents find, choose, and work with tutors. The evidence for the power of tutoring is stronger than ever, with initiatives like the UK’s National Tutoring Programme recognising its impact. Meanwhile, school attendance rates are lowering, and mental health-related absences are soaring — creating a growing demand for skilled, supportive tutors.
At the same time, many teachers are choosing to leave the classroom, or burning out and having to step away from school life. For many, tutoring offers a solution — a gentler, more flexible way to stay in education and continue making a difference. This is wonderful, but it’s vital that tutoring isn’t seen as a “Plan B” — not for the student, and not for the adult. Tutoring deserves to be taken seriously, as a “Plan A.”
Parents should look for tutors who treat their work with the professionalism it deserves. Qualifications, especially our pioneering Level 7 Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Tutoring, demonstrate this commitment clearly.
At Qualified Tutor, we are proud to champion tutors who are safe, skilled and supported — and our training is designed to help you embody all three.
Is Being a Qualified Teacher Helpful?
Absolutely. If you are a qualified teacher, that background can be incredibly helpful when it comes to understanding how children learn, planning lessons, and assessing progress. However, it’s important to remember that tutoring is not the same as teaching. Tutoring is more personal, more flexible, and often more focused on the individual learner’s needs. Many brilliant tutors come from a teaching background, but great tutors can also come from many other walks of life.
At Qualified Tutor, we offer professional training that bridges this gap beautifully. Our Level 3 Award in Education and Training is an ideal starting point for those who want a strong foundation in how to create impactful learning experiences. And for those ready to take their practice to the highest professional standard, we are proud to offer our pioneering Level 7 Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Tutoring, developed in partnership with a UK university — the first qualification of its kind.
Your Experience Matters Too
Lots of incredible tutors build their reputation through experience. If you’ve worked in education, supported learners as a mentor, or even have a deep subject passion, you might already have everything you need to make a positive impact.
Of course, adding professional development along the way can help you grow your skills, meet new opportunities, and continue to build that all-important trust with families.
So, Should You Get a Qualification?
If you want to:
- Stand out from the crowd
- Build a sustainable tutoring business
- Show families and schools that you take your role seriously
- Feel more confident in your skills
… then yes, investing in a qualification or professional training is absolutely worth it.
At Qualified Tutor, we believe in empowering tutors to be the best they can be. That’s why we offer flexible training that fits around your life and your learners. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to take your next step, there’s a course here that will help you shine.
Our big mission at Qualified Tutor is to raise standards in tutoring together. So yes, you can tutor without a qualification — but why would you?
In Summary:
- You don’t have to have qualifications to be a tutor in the UK or US.
- Having professional training and certifications can boost your credibility, confidence, and career opportunities.
- Being a qualified teacher can be helpful, but tutoring requires a distinct set of skills that anyone can learn.
- Tutoring is a rapidly developing space with growing demand.
- Experience, passion, and a commitment to learning make a powerful foundation for any tutor.
- The best tutors are safe, skilled and supported.
If you’re ready to build your skills (and your confidence), we’d love to support you. Book a discovery call — we’re here to support you on your journey.
Looking for more answers to your tutoring questions? Visit our FAQ page or get in touch. We’re always happy to help.