Course Name
NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care
Overview
The NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care is an Ofqual‑regulated vocational qualification at Level 3 designed to develop the knowledge, skills and competence required to work effectively in adult care roles across a range of settings. It’s ideal for learners aiming to work as lead care workers or senior practitioners and is also a foundation for management progression or higher‑level study.
- Qualification Level: Level 3 (equivalent to A‑Level standard)
- Awarding Body: NCFE CACHE (regulated by Ofqual)
- Qualification Number: 610/0498/4
- Guided Learning Hours (GLH): 437
- Total Qualification Time (TQT): approx. 580 hours
- Credit Value: 58 credits
- Minimum Age: 16+
UCAS Points: Yes — it has UCAS tariff points, which can support HE progression.
Key Facts
Course Level
3
Course Duration:
Part Time: 9 Month
Course Delivery Method
Blended
Course Fees
£1850
Location:
36, Campus Road
Lesterhills Science Park
Bradford BD7 1HR
Get in touch
For enquiries about this course please call us at 08000996062 or email to contactus@bsbcuk.co or simply Chat with us
HIGHLIGHTS
- Combines knowledge and practical competence — includes mandatory and optional units so learners can tailor the qualification to their role and interests.
- Designed for adult care workers, including residential, domiciliary, community and day service settings.
- Workplace‑based learning: learners must be working, volunteering, or on placement in a care setting to gather practical evidence.
- Portfolio assessment: evidence is collected through assignments, observations, professional discussions and reflective practice — not formal exams.
Recognised by employers and approved for public funding (including Age 16‑19 funding, Advanced Learner Loans, and Free Courses for Jobs where eligible).
Course Details
Structure
To achieve the qualification, learners must obtain 58 credits:
- 39 credits from mandatory units
- At least 19 credits from optional units
- At least 35 credits must be at Level 3 or above
🧠 Mandatory Units (example)
Common mandatory topics include:
- Promote communication in care settings
- Handling information in adult care
- Promote own continuous personal/professional development
- Person‑centred practice, choice and independence
- Understand how to promote personal wellbeing
- Promote equality, diversity, inclusion and human rights in care settings
- Promote health and safety in care settings
- Support the health and wellbeing of individuals
- Scope and responsibilities of an adult care worker
- Understand duty of care
- Understand how to safeguard individuals
- Understand mental capacity and restrictive practices
- Infection prevention and control in a care setting
🧪 Assessment
- Portfolio of evidence collected in the workplace or placement setting
- Observation, professional discussion, written/reflective work and third‑party testimony
- Internally assessed and externally quality assured by NCFE CACHE
⏱ Duration
Typically 12–24 months depending on work access, pace of study, and provider delivery (online/blended/classroom options).
- Minimum age: 16+ (16–18 learners may be funded, but providers set own criteria).
- No formal academic prerequisites, though many learners have Level 2 care or related qualifications and workplace experience.
Must be working, volunteering, or in placement within an adult care environment to meet competence requirements.
Career & Progression
Completing this diploma supports progression into roles such as:
- Lead Adult Care Worker
- Senior Care Support Worker
- Support Worker or Key Worker
- Domiciliary Care Supervisor
- Community Care Specialist
It also provides a pathway to higher‑level leadership qualifications (e.g., Level 4 Certificate in Leadership and Management for Adult Care and Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care).
🧠 Skills Development
- Person‑centred care and choice
- Communication and professional relationships
- Safeguarding, duty of care and risk awareness
- Equality, diversity and inclusion practices
- Health, wellbeing and infection control
- Reflective practice and continuous professional development
🏆 Recognition
- Fully Ofqual‑regulated and recognised by employers in the UK adult care sector.
UCAS‑tariff points can assist with further academic progression.
This qualification is suitable for:
- People working in adult care settings (e.g., residential care, domiciliary care, supported living) who want formal certification of their skills.
- Learners looking to become lead adult care workers, senior care practitioners or key workers.
- Those aiming to progress to supervisory or management pathways (e.g., Level 4 Certificate in Leadership or Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care).
Learners interested in further study or entry to related areas of health and social care.
CAREERS AND EMPLOYABILITY
Students can get opportunities in th relevant fields likewise
• lead adult care worker
• senior care support worker
• lead personal assistant