• Access Duration: 12 Months
• Awarded by: NCFE CACHE
• Guided Learning Hours (GLH): 153
• Total Qualifications Time (TQT): 211
• Qualification Level: 3
• Qualification Number: 601/8968/X

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.

• Gain a complete understanding of the principles, concepts, and theories in counselling.
• Demonstrate effective listening and communication techniques.
• Identify and explain key counselling theories and approaches.
• Learn to establish goals and develop an action plan in collaboration with your clients.
• Reflect on personal values, beliefs, and biases and their impact on counselling practice.
• Develop trust and rapport through ethical and respectful interactions.

• Mental Health Workers
• Support Workers
• Healthcare Assistants
• Counsellors
• Public sector employees
• Voluntary and community workers

• There are no formal prerequisites. Learners over the age of 16 years are eligible to enrol for the course.
• No work placement is required for this course.
• A good knowledge of written and spoken English.
• It is recommended learners have a Level 2 qualification in mental health, healthcare or social care.

• This course can be completed through two flexible study options to suit your lifestyle:
  • Standard Course Plan (6 months) – ideal for learners balancing other commitments.
  • Fast Track Option (3 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 153 guided learning hours.

T&C apply

• Written Assignments: Each of the five units in this course requires you to complete a written assignment. Your assignments will be marked internally by an assessor.
• Feedback and Guidance: Your personal tutor will consistently monitor your progress and provide you with detailed feedback and guidance. This constructive feedback is designed to help you improve in future assessments.
• Assessor Support: You will have full access to your assessor for guidance and support through 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 in a matter of months or over the course of a year. Most learners will complete this course in 4-6 months. Some learners may complete the course quicker, depending on their personal circumstances and available study time. We will accommodate your pace, providing unlimited support for 12 months.
• The Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health requires approximately 153 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.

Completing the NCFE CACHE Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health equips you with the knowledge, awareness, and confidence to support individuals experiencing mental health challenges with empathy and professionalism. This nationally recognised qualification helps you develop practical insight, emotional understanding, and communication skills. essential for promoting wellbeing and creating positive change in both personal and professional settings.

Potential Academic Progression Pathways

• Step 01: Foundation Degree in Mental Health
• Step 02: Bachelor’s Degree in Mental Health or Psychology
• Step 03: Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma in Mental Health

Alternative Pathways

• Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care
• Certified Mental Health Professional (CMHP)
• Counsellor Training

Gain the essential knowledge, awareness, and confidence to support mental health and promote emotional well-being with the NCFE CACHE Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health. This nationally recognised qualification helps you understand a wide range of mental health conditions, their impact, and effective ways to provide compassionate, informed support. It’s the ideal next step for those aspiring to work in mental health services, counselling, social care, or any role dedicated to improving lives and fostering positive wellbeing.

Here are some careers you could pursue, along with typical UK salaries (Source: Glassdoor):

• Mental Health Support Worker – £21,500
• Healthcare Assistant – £25,000
• Support Worker (general mental health/support roles) – £26,000
• Mental Healthcare Coordinator – £28,960
• Counsellor – £41,400

With this award, you can also progress to higher-level CACHE Certificates or Diplomas, taking on more specialised roles or leadership positions and boosting your earning potential over time.

• 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.