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

• 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.

• 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. 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.

• This course can be completed through two flexible study options to suit your lifestyle:
  • Standard Course Plan (9 months) – ideal for learners balancing other commitments.
  • Fast Track Option (4 months) – perfect for those who can dedicate intensive study time.
• Most learners complete within their chosen timeframe, though some may finish earlier depending on personal circumstances and available study time. We accommodate your pace with unlimited support for 12 months. This Level 3 Certificate requires approximately 619 guided learning hours.

T&C apply

After completing the Level 3 Certificate, you can advance to the HNC or HND in Healthcare Practice. You also have the option to pursue a degree in health and social care.

Potential Academic Progression Pathways

• 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

Alternative Pathways

• 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 careers you could pursue, along with typical UK salaries (Source: Glassdoor):

• Healthcare Assistants:£25,000
• Care Support Workers: £28,000
• Community‑Based Support: £33,000

The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) is a non-ministerial government department responsible for regulating qualifications, exams, and assessments in England. Ofqual ensures that all qualifications offered by recognised awarding organisations meet rigorous national standards, giving you confidence that any Ofqual-regulated certificate is high-quality and widely accepted by employers and universities.

RQF

The Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) is the system used in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland to standardise qualifications by level and size. Overseen by regulatory bodies such as Ofqual, the RQF ensures qualifications are consistent, transparent, and easily understood by learners, employers, and higher education institutions. All qualifications listed on the RQF are approved and awarded by recognised awarding organisations.