BTEC National (AAQ) in Engineering - Teaching, learning and assessment materials
A dedicated support page for the new BTEC Nationals in Engineering (AAQ), with essential guidance, downloadable templates, training links, and materials to support qualification delivery.
The Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Engineering (Extended Certificate) is an Alternative Academic Qualification (AAQ) designed for post-16 students with an interest in the Engineering sector and aiming to progress to higher education as a route to graduate level employment.
Equivalent to one A Level in size, it is suitable for students looking to develop their applied knowledge and skills in Engineering as part of a study programme alongside A Levels.
BTEC Nationals (AAQ) in Engineering has four mandatory units:
| Unit Name | Description | Internal/External | Mandatory/Optional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unit 1: Engineering Principles | Engineering data and applying mathematical procedures in mechanical and electrical contexts. | External | Mandatory |
| Unit 2: Engineering Applications | Advances in modern technology and how they are reshaping the engineering sector's function; materials and processes to devise sustainable solutions to engineering problems. | External | Mandatory |
| Unit 3: Engineering Design | Three-dimensional (3D) models and two-dimensional (2D) detailed drawings using a computer-aided design (CAD) system. | Internal | Mandatory |
| Unit 4: Engineering Project | Project management processes in Engineering products from concept to solution. | Internal | Mandatory |
Transitioning from BTEC Nationals in Engineering (2016)?
This document below is for centres/practitioners moving (transitioning) from Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Engineering to the Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Engineering (Extended Certificate)
Getting started:
Internal Assessment (unit 3 and unit 4):
Live training events are scheduled throughout the year. Visit the training page regularly to view upcoming sessions and book your place.
Teaching, learning and assessment materials
Here are the materials available for each unit to support effective teaching, learning and assessment. These resources are designed to help educators deliver content with confidence, prepare students thoroughly, and carry out summative assessment effectively.
Unit number and name |
Assessment method |
|---|---|
Unit 1: Engineering Principles |
External |
Unit 2: Engineering Applications |
|
Unit 3: Engineering Design |
Internal |
Unit 4: Engineering Project |
The centre guide to Quality Assurance is for centres delivering BTEC Nationals Alternative Academic Qualifications (AAQ) from 2025. It supports centres in understanding and implementing Pearson’s quality assurance processes to ensure consistent, valid, and reliable assessment outcomes.
Key Areas Covered
- Quality Assurance Model - centre quality
- Quality Assurance Model - programme quality
- Standardisation & Verification
- Case study...
Centre guide to BTEC Internal Assessment 2025-2026 provides essential guidance for centres delivering BTEC qualifications, including the AAQs. It outlines the responsibilities of the Lead IV and offers practical support for managing internal verification, standardisation, and quality assurance processes across programmes.
We have created new forms specific to the AAQs, including, the BTEC Assessment Plan Template, BTEC Assessment Record Template and Internal Verifiation of Assessment Decisions Template. These resources are designed to support effective planning, recording, and verification of assessment decisions across AAQ programmes.
Published resources available for the BTEC National 2025 Engineering qualification, includes student books and a complete teaching package with editable resources, quizzes, videos...etc.
Resources published cvovers all 4 units of the qualification.
Read more about the resources and order
Centre Standardisation Materials (CSMs)
Centre Standardisation Materials for Unit 3 are now available to support teachers delivering BTEC Nationals in Engineering (AAQ), helping ensure assessments meet national standards.
Subject advisor
Evren Alibaba
Engineering
