The ACOES has, until recently, explicitly been a TESOL qualification. The ACOES is allocated 10 HE credits at Practitioner band and 30 at Master Practitioner band based on assessment criteria and course requirements. In allocating HE credit the Awards Officer has had to consider the overall coherence of students' courses and progression through those courses in terms of increasing level of demand, complexity, the depth of study and student autonomy. This required further research into the level descriptors of other leading HEIs.

The SEEC credit level descriptors state that a candidate at this level (ACOES) has a largely given, possibly uneven and limited factual and conceptual knowledgebase. The candidate has an appreciation of the breadth of the field of study and the relevant terminology. The candidate has some awareness of any ethical issues in the main areas of study and develops the ability to discuss these and to relate them to own personal beliefs and values.

Holders of a Certificate of Higher Education will have a sound knowledge of the basic concepts of a subject, and will have learned how to take different approaches to solving problems. They will be able to communicate accurately and will have the qualities needed for employment requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility. The Certificate of Higher Education may be a first step towards obtaining higher level qualifications. (QAA guidelines)

Candidates working at this level would normally be attempting a short course steeped in professional practice. 30 HE credits are awarded at the band of Master Practitioner and 10 HE credits at Practitioner band as traditionally this course is completed within two terms or less.

The College of Teachers' qualifications are independently valid and stand alongside the National Qualification Framework (NQF) and Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ).