What’s the Difference Between Qualified Tutor and The Tutors’ Association?
If you’re a tutor looking to build your career, you may have come across both Qualified Tutor and The Tutors’ Association (TTA). While both organisations support tutors, they have different focuses and provide distinct benefits.
This article explores the key differences between Qualified Tutor and The Tutors’ Association, helping you decide which aligns best with your professional goals.
What Is Qualified Tutor?
Qualified Tutor is a professional development organisation focused on raising standards in tutoring. It ensures that every tutor is safe, skilled, and supported by offering high-quality training, professional qualifications, and a collaborative community.
What Qualified Tutor Offers:
Accredited training and qualifications: Courses such as the Level 3 Award in Education and Training and AI for Tutors provide practical skills, certification, and qualifications.
A focus on safeguarding and quality teaching: Tutors receive guidance on best practices, student engagement, and professional growth.
A vibrant community: Tutors can network and learn from each other through a lively WhatsApp group and eight live sessions most weeks, including the Independent Tutors Club and Network and Connect sessions.
Certification and digital credentials: Qualified Tutor offers recognised credentials that verify tutors’ training and expertise, building trust with students and parents.
Enhanced DBS and Daily DBS checks: Qualified Tutor offers enhanced DBS checks, including Daily DBS checks, which provide an extra layer of safety assurance. This system ensures that any changes to a tutor’s criminal record status are flagged immediately, giving parents confidence that their child’s tutor remains compliant with the highest safeguarding standards.
Postgraduate qualification: Soon to launch the Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Tutoring, providing an advanced qualification for experienced tutors.
In-person and online networking: Tutors can attend two in-person events per year and participate in eight+ live online sessions per week.
A directory of certified tutors: Once tutors complete certification, they can be listed in the Qualified Tutor directory, increasing their visibility.
Membership costs: Independent tutors can join Qualified Tutor for £23.99 per month, which includes access to training, events, and digital credentials.
What Is The Tutors’ Association?
The Tutors’ Association is a formal membership body that represents tutors and tutoring businesses. It provides industry representation and sets professional expectations through its Code of Conduct but does not offer accredited training or qualifications.
What The Tutors’ Association Offers:
A code of conduct: Members agree to uphold ethical and professional standards.
Awards Night: TTA hosts an annual awards night and conference.
Public statements and advocacy: The organisation makes official statements on industry practices.
Enhanced DBS checks: TTA also offers enhanced DBS checks for its members but does not provide daily checks.
Training and networking: TTA provides a monthly networking call, an annual in-person event, a safeguarding session, and occasional ad hoc sessions.
A directory for all members: Tutors can be listed in the TTA directory upon joining.
Membership costs: Independent tutors can join The Tutors’ Association for £9.50 per month, which provides industry representation and access to networking opportunities.
What Each Organisation Sells
| Member Benefits | Qualified Tutor (£23.99/month) | The Tutors’ Association (£9.50/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Accredited Training and Qualifications | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Certification and Digital Credentials | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Enhanced DBS checks | ✅ Yes (includes Daily DBS checks) | ✅ Yes (no daily checks) |
| Postgraduate Qualification | ✅ Soon launching | ❌ No |
| Community and Networking | ✅ 8+ live online sessions every week | ✅ Monthly networking opportunities |
| Members’ Code | ✅ Yes (Standards for Excellence) | ✅ Yes (Code of Conduct) |
| In-Person Events | ✅ Yes (twice per year) | ✅ Yes (twice per year) |
| Public Statements and Advocacy | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Directory | ✅ Yes (once certified) | ✅ Yes |
| Leadership | Founder led | Committee led |
Overlap in Membership
Many tutors choose to engage with both organisations, as they provide different benefits. Tutors often turn to Qualified Tutor for professional development, accreditation, and a supportive community, while The Tutors’ Association offers industry representation and a formal membership structure. Being a part of both allows tutors to build their skills while also demonstrating professional credibility.
Which Organisation Is Right for You?
Both Qualified Tutor and The Tutors’ Association provide valuable services, but their priorities are different. If you’re looking for training, professional development, accreditation, and a supportive tutor network, Qualified Tutor is the best choice. If you’re seeking formal membership and industry representation, The Tutors’ Association may be a good fit.
Some tutors choose to engage with both organisations—building their skills and earning credentials through Qualified Tutor while gaining industry recognition through The Tutors’ Association.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between these organisations can help you make an informed decision about your professional development. Whether you prioritise training, accreditation, or community support, there’s an option that suits your needs as a tutor.
Want to learn more about Qualified Tutor membership? Book a free consultation now.