Level 3 Certificate in Health and Social Care (RQF)

• Demonstrate a complete understanding of the core values, principles, and policies of health and social care practices.
• Recognise and address barriers to communication in health and social care environments.
• Assess and respond to the health and well-being needs of individuals in different care settings.
• Apply knowledge of safeguarding policies and legislation in various care settings.
• Recognise the importance of equality and diversity in health and social care environments.
• Develop care plans that reflect the individual needs and preferences of service users.

OFQUAL

Ofqual-regulated qualifications are overseen by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) in England. Ofqual is England’s main government-appointed regulatory body regulating school, college, and vocational qualifications in the UK. Ofqual ensures these qualifications meet high standards of quality and rigour, providing assurance they are recognised and respected by employers, educational institutions, and professional bodies. This oversight guarantees the qualifications maintain consistency, transparency, and credibility, meaning potential employers and organisations will have confidence in the individual’s skills and abilities, making them competitive candidates. They support professional development and compliance with industry standards, particularly in regulated fields such as healthcare, education, and public services. Ofqual-regulated qualifications are accepted abroad or can be easily converted to the country’s equivalent.

RQF

The Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) is a system used in England, Northern Ireland, and Wales to categorise and regulate qualifications based on their level of difficulty and size. RQF is jointly regulated by England’s regulator Ofqual, Wales DCELLS, and Northern Ireland’s CCEA. The RQF ensures qualifications are standardised, making it easier for learners, employers, and educational institutions to understand the value and level of each qualification. The framework consists of nine levels, from Entry Level to Level 8, with each level indicating the complexity and depth of learning. For a qualification to be recognised as part of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), it must be created or approved by an awarding body that is acknowledged by one of the government-appointed regulatory bodies.

• Duration: 365 Days 
• Qualification Level: 3 
• Awarded by: NCFE CACHE
• Guided Learning Hours: 619
• Total Qualification Time (TQT): 734
• Qualification number: 601/6109/7
• UCAS Points: 84

• Learners over the age of 16 years are eligible to enrol for the course.  
• It is recommended learners have GCSE in English and Maths or have a Level 2 qualification or equivalent. 
• Learners are required to attend practical placement in a real work environment to support their learning. Due to the work placement requirement, you need to be based in the United Kingdom. The minimum required number of placement hours is 75 hours. 

• Care Support Workers
• Healthcare Assistants
• Community-Based Support Workers
• Support Workers
• Care Workers

• Written Assessments & Workplace-Based Evidence: You are required to complete written assessments. In addition to written work, you will need to provide evidence from your practical placement in a health and social care setting. This will help you demonstrate your skills in a real-world environment.
• Tutor-Marked Assignments: There are nine units in this course, each requiring completion of assignments. Some units will specifically need you to showcase your skills through workplace evidence. Assignments will be assessed internally, and you will receive detailed, constructive feedback and guidance from your personal tutor.
• Practical Placement Requirement: A practical placement in a health and social care setting is mandatory. You will also need to complete an external assessment from home. This assessment is marked by NCFE CACHE, the awarding body. External assessments are conducted three times a year: in January, May, and September. It is recommended to discuss your planned submission date with your tutor.
• Assessor Support: You will have comprehensive access to support from assessors via various channels including telephone, WhatsApp, online discussions, email, and web chats.

For further details or any specific questions about the assessment process, please click the ‘Enquiry’ button below to get in touch with us.

The NCFE CACHE Level 3 Certificate in Health and Social Care requires approximately 619 guided study hours. This figure is an estimate and depends on how much time you can dedicate to your studies and how quickly you grasp the teaching, learning concepts, and course materials.

Next Steps for a Possible Academic Progression Pathway:

• Step 01: HNC/HND in Healthcare Practice
• Step 02: Degree in Health and Social Care or Nursing
• Step 03: Master’s Degree in Social Work, Health and Social Care Management

Additional qualifications you can progress to: 

• Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care 
• Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care 

This Level 3 Certificate in Health and Social Care at South London College will open up many fulfilling career opportunities in the health, health and social care, and public services sectors. The qualification equips learners with the foundational skills and knowledge to care for patients through their many challenges. Certificate holders can pursue various roles in a range of health and social care settings. With further training and experience, there is potential to advance to positions such as Healthcare Workers, Social Care Workers, and other senior care roles. Additionally, the acquired skills are highly transferable and beneficial in many other careers, including social work, youth work, adult care, and mental health support.

Here are some career prospects you can explore, once you’ve achieved the Level 3 Certificate. 

• Healthcare Assistants
• Care Support Workers
• Community-Based Support Workers
• Care Workers
• Support Workers

• From day one, we go above and beyond to help you succeed in your studies. The most valuable resource available to all our students is their tutor. When you enrol in this course, you are assigned a personal tutor with in-depth knowledge and experience in your chosen subject.
• Your assessment will be marked by your personal tutor, who will provide detailed feedback during your formative submissions. In addition to this, your tutor will offer pointers and advice on where you can improve. This guidance helps you get the most from your courses and continually enhance your skills.
• Our dedicated student support team is also readily available to provide advice and guidance, helping you navigate your course materials and resolve any queries. With just one click, you can trust that assistance is always there when you need it.