Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care helps you build professional care skills, improve career opportunities, and gain a recognised qualification in the UK.
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GoCardless The Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care (RQF) is an Ofqual-regulated UK qualification (Qualification Reference: 610/7192/4) for adult social care professionals in England. It is fully aligned with current Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards and Skills for Care guidance, ensuring learners meet today’s professional benchmarks for the UK care sector.
This diploma confirms a learner’s competence to work in real-world care environments including residential care homes, domiciliary (home) care, supported living, hospitals, and community day services. It is widely recognised as the standard qualification required for senior care roles such as Senior Care Worker, Team Leader, Care Supervisor, and Care Coordinator across the UK care sector.
Yes, the Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care (RQF) is the updated replacement for the older NVQ Level 3 and QCF Level 3 in Health and Social Care. It carries the same professional standing but follows the latest Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) structure, with content updated to meet current CQC standards and Skills for Care guidance.
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On successful completion of this course, you will be awarded the NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care (RQF) – a nationally recognised qualification regulated by Ofqual.
On successful completion, learners receive an Ofqual-accredited Level 3 Diploma with 58 credits at Level 3 (Qualification reference number: 610/7192/4).
This qualification is awarded by NCFE, a national Awarding Organisation with over 150 years of heritage in learning. NCFE designs and certificates nationally recognised qualifications across general, vocational, competence-based (NVQ), and Functional Skills areas — with over 340,000 learners from 2,000+ colleges, schools, and training organisations choosing NCFE last year alone.
As a registered educational charity, NCFE is recognised as an Awarding Organisation by the qualification regulators across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland — Ofqual (England), the Welsh Government (Wales), and CCEA Regulation (Northern Ireland).
Learners must be 16 years or older to enrol.
You have up to 12 months to complete your course, with flexible start and pace options to suit your circumstances.
Assessment is carried out through a combination of observations, case studies, witness statements, written questions, and professional discussions — no written exams are required.
Learners must be working in a care environment, either employed or on a temporary placement, with a supervisor or manager able to verify their practical work when required. This placement must continue throughout the qualification in care sector which is mandatory during the course of study. If a placement is required, learners should confirm this at the outset and upload placement details as part of their first assignment.
Direct observations are a mandatory part of this course. Assessors will organise and conduct these observations with learners at appropriate points during their studies.
Certificates are typically issued within 12 weeks of course completion followed by the sampling process, though this may take slightly longer if an External Quality Assurance (EQA) sample is required.
NCFE CACHE is an awarding organisation approved by Ofqual and offers RQF courses in a variety of sectors. RQF courses have different credit values that can be applied to the National Credit Transfer System. NCFE CACHE accredits courses developed by industry experts and collaborates with organisations to ensure the quality and value of the courses provided.
Completing the Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care opens the door to senior and specialist roles across the UK care sector, including:
As a Level 3 qualification equivalent to A-Level, it also provides a solid foundation for further study, including:
The Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care (NVQ/RQF) carries 32 UCAS points, making it a valuable qualification for learners planning to progress to higher education. These points can contribute towards university entry requirements alongside other Level 3 qualifications, supporting applications for degree programmes in nursing, social work, health sciences, and related fields.
The NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care (RQF) is designed for adults aged 16 and over working in or aspiring to work in adult social care settings across England. It suits both new entrants formalising their experience and existing care workers progressing into senior positions.
Recognised • Credible • Valuable
Complete this Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care and earn a nationally recognised RQF qualification that strengthens your standing in the UK care sector.
Certificate Highlights
Your Achievement, Certified Here's a preview of your Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care certificate.
This Adult Care Level 3 course is evaluated through a number of assignments that are designed to assess your knowledge and understanding. These are designed to be completed at various points in your programme, typically at the end of a module or unit.
Once you have read the course content and accessed the assignment, you can begin completing the assignment. The assessment method will be used to assess:
NCFE Cache Level 3 Adult Care Qualification
There will be one face-to-face observation conducted by a Lead Academy assessor at your workplace, who will spend around three-four hours observing your practice. To arrange this, simply contact us via email at least 1 month in advance to select a suitable time. This can take place anytime throughout your qualification.
In case you fail to meet the checklist criteria, there might be a need for a second observation at an additional charge of £120.
£250 for one observation
For The Others Awarding Bodies
There will be two face-to-face observations conducted by a Lead Academy assessor at your workplace, who will spend one hour observing your practice. To arrange this, simply contact us via email at least 1 month in advance to select a suitable time. This can take place anytime throughout your qualification.
In case you fail to meet the checklist criteria, there might be a need for a third observation at an additional charge of £120.
£300 for both observations
Real experiences from learners who are building their future with our Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care.
Customer Reviews
VerifiedA Qualification With Substance
NCFE CACHE accreditation gives this adult care qualification substance. I'm pleased that materials, assessment and certification come together rather than feeling like extras.
VerifiedA More Manageable Commitment
The six-month instalment option feels reassuring, and including materials, assessment and certification makes the Level 3 adult care package easier to consider.
VerifiedReassurance From Assessor Access
Having live one-to-one assessor support available throughout the Level 3 Adult Care diploma feels reassuring, especially when considering a regulated qualification.
VerifiedCredentials That Offer Peace
Knowing this Level 3 adult care diploma is Ofqual regulated and meets CQC requirements offers welcome reassurance when choosing a qualification.
VerifiedMore Than Course Materials
It's pleasing to see assessment and certification included with the Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care, rather than just course materials.
VerifiedCare Standards Worth Noticing
What stands out is the diploma’s stated alignment with CQC requirements, a reassuring detail when considering a regulated adult care qualification.
VerifiedEngaging & Informative
The course made adult care topics interesting. I actually enjoyed learning online!
VerifiedExcellent Guidance
Every question I had was answered quickly. The course was well structured and enjoyable.
VerifiedFlexible & Effective
I could study alongside my job, and the course didn’t feel rushed. Highly recommend!
VerifiedPerfect for Beginners
Even with no prior experience, I felt guided every step. Tutors were excellent.
VerifiedReal Confidence Boost
I now feel confident in my abilities to care for adults. Loved the practical examples.
VerifiedVery Informative
I learned so much in such a short time. The modules were clear and easy to follow online.
VerifiedExcellent Learning
I gained practical knowledge and confidence to work in adult care. Really satisfied.
VerifiedAmazing Support
The tutors were so patient and helpful. I felt guided every step of the way. Absolutely loved the course!
VerifiedFantastic Course
Everything was explained clearly. I never felt lost and enjoyed every module.
VerifiedSupportive Tutors
The instructors genuinely cared about our progress. I’m so pleased I enrolled!
VIDEO TESTIMONIALS
Our learners are building confidence, gaining skills, and creating better futures with the Level 3 Award in Health & Social Care.
Real Stories, Real Inspiration
Hear from our learners and see how this qualification can help you achieve your goals.
Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care
The Level 3 RQF Diploma in Adult Care is an Ofqual-regulated UK qualification (Ref: 610/0498/4) for adult social care professionals in England. It confirms competence to work in senior care roles and is aligned with CQC standards and Skills for Care guidance.
The Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care is equivalent to A-Level standard, carrying 32 UCAS points. It sits above the Level 2 Certificate and below Level 4 and Level 5 qualifications in the RQF framework.
With this diploma, you can progress into senior care roles such as Senior Care Worker, Team Leader, or Care Coordinator across residential care, domiciliary care, hospitals, and community day services. It also supports progression to Level 4 and Level 5 qualifications or university study.
This course helps you advance into senior care roles, earn a higher salary, and gain practical skills aligned with CQC standards. It is equivalent to A-Level and awards an Ofqual-regulated RQF certificate recognised across the UK care sector.
The Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care is delivered fully online through a flexible virtual learning platform, combined with mandatory workplace observations. Learners study theory remotely while gathering practical evidence in their care setting.
After completing the Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care, the recommended next step is our Health and Social Care Level 3 course, which builds advanced skills aligned with CQC standards and supports progression into supervisory and specialist care roles.
No! this qualification requires mandatory workplace observations at a UK-based (England) care setting, so learners must be based in the UK to complete the practical elements of the course.
Yes! the course is delivered fully online and self-paced, making it ideal for learners working part-time or full-time in a care setting. An active care role also supports the workplace observations required for the qualification.
Yes, but you must have access to a care workplace through employment, voluntary work, or a placement to complete the mandatory workplace observations. No prior qualifications are required.
No! there are no written exams. Learners are assessed through workplace evidence, including written assignments, case studies, witness testimonies, professional discussions, and direct workplace observations.
The course typically takes 6 to 12 months to complete, depending on your pace of study and weekly time commitment. Learners working full-time in care often finish faster, as workplace evidence can be gathered alongside daily duties.
Yes! throughout the qualification learners must be working, volunteering, or on placement in a care setting, with a supervisor or manager able to verify their practical work.
Yes! direct workplace observations are a mandatory part of this qualification. A Lead Academy assessor will arrange and conduct these observations with learners at your workplace during the course.
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