Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health (RQF)

• Duration: 365 Days 
• Qualification Level: 3 
• Awarded by: NCFE CACHE
• Guided Learning Hours: 153
• Total Qualification Time (TQT): 211 
• Qualification number: 601/8968/X 
• UCAS Points: 16

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.

• 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.

• 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 NCFE CACHE 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.

Next Steps for a Possible Academic Progression Pathway:

• 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

Additional qualifications you can progress to:

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

Completing the Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health at South London College opens up a range of rewarding career prospects in the health, health and social care, and public services sectors. The qualification equips learners with the foundational skills and knowledge to support individuals through their many mental health challenges. Certificate holders can pursue entry-level roles in mental wellbeing within schools, community organisations, and healthcare settings. With further training and experience, there is potential to progress to advanced roles. Additionally, the skills acquired through this course are highly transferable and beneficial in many other careers, including social work, youth work, care work, and human resources.

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

• Mental Health Workers
• Counsellors
• Assistant Counsellors
• Healthcare Assistants
• Helpline Operators
• Support Workers
• Mental Healthcare Coordinators
• Mental Health 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.