• Access Duration:  365 Days
• Awarded by: NCFE CACHE 
• Qualification Level:  Level 3
• Qualification Number: 610/0498/4
• Guided Learning Hours (GLH): 437
• Total Qualification Time (TQT): 580
• Credits: 58

• Improve communication in the care setting
• Keep information in adult care confidential and protected.
• Use person-centred and strength-based approaches.
• Promote human rights, equality, diversity and inclusion in care.
• Help keep care recipients well and safe.
• Know safeguarding, duty of care and abuse prevention
• Know intellectual capacity, consent, and limits
• Keep improving yourself, both personally and professionally.

Those 16 and up who want to work in health and social care can take the NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care. People who already work in care and want to move up should do this. It’s also great for people who are new to the field and want to start a rewarding job.

This course is ideal for:

• Care assistants and support workers seeking career progression
• Personal assistants working in adult care
• Career changers entering the care sector
• Individuals currently working or volunteering in adult social care
• Learners aiming to progress to Level 4 or 5 qualifications
• Individuals looking to gain a nationally recognised qualification
• Anyone wanting to specialise in dementia, end of life or mental health care

• You must be aged 16 years or older.
• You should be working, volunteering or on a practical placement in an adult care setting.
• You should demonstrate competence in knowledge and skills through workplace assessment.

• This course can be completed through two flexible study options to suit your lifestyle:
  • Standard Course Plan (9-12 months) – ideal for learners balancing other commitments.
  • Fast Track Option (6 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 Diploma requires approximately 437 guided learning hours.

T&C apply

No formal Examinations: There are no formal examinations at the end of the course.

Internal Assessment: You will complete written assignments as part of the internal assessment process, which are marked internally to demonstrate that you have achieved the required learning outcomes.

Portfolio of Evidence: You are required to produce a portfolio of evidence containing suitable assessment task work to demonstrate that all learning outcomes have been achieved.

Workplace Assessment: Your assessor will observe you directly in the workplace as you perform your practical skills.

Professional discussion: You will discuss with your assessor about your practice and understanding.

Reflective Accounts: Reflect on your practice and learning experiences.

Expert Witness Testimony: Experienced colleagues can provide evidence of your competence.

After completing the NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care, you can continue with further study. This skills-based diploma gives you UCAS points and can help you progress to college courses or jobs in social work, health care, and adult care.

Next Steps for a Possible Academic Progression Pathway:

• Step 1: Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care
• Step 2: Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care
• Step 3: Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Social Care

Alternative Pathways:

• Foundation degrees in Health and Social Care
• Nursing degree programmes
• Social Work degrees
• Specialist qualifications in dementia care, mental health or end of life care

With this Level 3 Diploma in Care, you can work as a senior care worker, which is more responsible and pays more. With this qualification, you can move up to leading practitioner, expert care, and management positions.

Here are some career opportunities you could pursue after progressing to further qualifications, along with approximate UK salaries. (Source: Glassdoor UK)

• Care Home Manager – £35,000
• Social Worker – £32,000
• Care Coordinator – £28,000
• Senior Care Assistant – £26,000
• Community Support Worker – £25,000
• Support Worker – £20,000

This qualification is regulated by Ofqual, the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation. Ofqual is the qualifications regulator for England and ensures that regulated qualifications meet national standards for quality, consistency and fairness. Ofqual regulation means that the course content, assessment methods and learning outcomes are monitored, giving learners confidence that the qualification is credible, recognised and supports progression to further study or employment.

RQF

The Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) is used to classify regulated qualifications in England and Northern Ireland according to their level of difficulty and size. It is overseen by the relevant qualifications regulators, including Ofqual in England and CCEA Regulation in Northern Ireland. The framework consists of nine levels, from Entry Level to Level 8, with each level showing the complexity and depth of learning. The RQF helps learners, employers and education providers understand the level and value of a qualification. For a qualification to appear on the RQF, it must be offered by a recognised awarding organisation and meet the relevant regulatory requirements.