Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care (RQF)
The NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care (QN 610/7192/4) for those starting or formalising careers in adult social care. Approved by Skills for Care and part of the Lead Adult Care Worker apprenticeship standard, covering person-centred practice, safeguarding, duty of care, mental capacity, and health and safety.
1500+
care learners trained
12-18 months
typical duration
No exams
portfolio assessed
4.9/5
Google rating
The NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care (QN 610/7192/4) for those starting or formalising careers in adult social care. Approved by Skills for Care and part of the Lead Adult Care Worker apprenticeship standard, covering person-centred practice, safeguarding, duty of care, mental capacity, and health and safety.
Updated to the latest NCFE CACHE specification (April 2026)
Communication styles, methods and digital tools; overcoming barriers; confidentiality and independent advocacy
Secure handling of information, data protection, digital recording and care systems
Reflective practice, personal development planning and continuing professional development
Managing stress and pressure, resilience and self-care while working in adult care
Person-centred values, consent, risk-taking and individual care planning
Promoting choice, independence and risk-enablement for those accessing care and support
Supporting the physical and mental health and wellbeing of individuals in your care
Promoting equality and diversity, reducing discrimination and upholding human rights
Health and safety legislation, responsibilities and risk assessment in adult care settings
Applied health and safety topics including moving and handling, medication, fire safety and security
Preventing and controlling infection in adult care settings
Agreed ways of working, working relationships and partnership working
Understanding and applying duty of care, addressing dilemmas and responding to complaints
Recognising and responding to abuse, whistleblowing and safeguarding procedures
The Mental Capacity Act, best-interest decisions and restrictive practices in adult care
Choose optional units to reach at least 19 credits (with at least 35 credits overall at Level 3 or above). Examples: positive behaviour support, nutrition and hydration, managing pain and discomfort, supporting individuals to live at home, oral health and mouth care
Specialist pathways including dementia, end-of-life care, autism, mental health, sensory loss, stroke care, learning disabilities and substance misuse
Clinical tasks such as physiological measurements, medication administration, insulin administration, wound dressings and stoma care
Early leadership units including supervision skills, coaching and mentoring, quality assurance and leading an effective team
Aged 16+. Must be working, volunteering or on placement to demonstrate competence. No other formal requirements.
Internally assessed portfolio of evidence: direct observation of workplace practice, witness evidence, written assignments, reflective accounts and professional discussion. Assessed in line with the Skills for Care and Development Assessment Principles and externally quality assured by NCFE. Graded achieved / not yet achieved.
Typical 2026 UK salary ranges — based on national job-board listings.
Senior Care Worker
£23,000 - £28,000
Lead Adult Care Worker
£24,000 - £30,000
Team Leader (Care)
£25,000 - £32,000
Average salary after qualifying: £26,000+. Source: composite of Indeed, Reed and Totaljobs listings, May 2026.
Choose your plan
September Early Bird These prices end 30 September 2026
All three are the same Ofqual-regulated diploma — the difference is how much tutor support, turnaround speed and flexibility you want. Pick your monthly term, then your plan.
Same total cost either way — 6 months just means a bigger payment, twice as fast.
Standard
Best if you're confident and just want the qualification
£50 deposit · 12 monthly payments · 0% interest
NCFE Tutor-Supported
Best if you want regular guidance along the way
£50 deposit · 12 monthly payments · 0% interest
NCFE Premium
Best if you want the fastest, most supported route
£50 deposit · 12 monthly payments · 0% interest
NCFE Learners who complete this diploma go on to average £26,000+ roles. The more support you have, the faster you're likely to finish and put it to work.
All prices include VAT. Finance: £50 deposit + 6 or 12 monthly payments at 0% APR, your choice — subject to credit check via our FCA-regulated finance partner. Assessment is portfolio-based — no exam fees.
12 months standalone, 18-24 months in apprenticeship.
Yes — you need to be working, volunteering or on a placement so you can demonstrate competence for the portfolio.
No — Standard, Tutor-Supported and Premium all lead to exactly the same NCFE Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care. The difference is tutor support, turnaround speed and bonus extras, not the qualification itself.
Most learners progress to the Level 5 Diploma in Leading and Managing an Adult Care Service — the qualification CQC expects registered managers to hold.
You have a 14-day cooling-off period — full refund, no questions asked.
Often, yes — many care employers fund the Level 3 for senior carers. We can invoice your employer directly; mention it on your adviser callback.
4.9/5 Google Reviews "My experience has been very good — the way she teaches makes everything easy to understand. I am doing Level 3 in Adult Care and I am confident with my new skills."
"I am studying the NCFE Level 5 Adult Care Diploma in Leadership and Management. The course is well structured, practical, and relevant to real workplace leadership."
"I have started my Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management in Adult Care. Tutor support is readily available through messages and calls to help with assignments."
"I have started the Leadership and Management for Adult Care course. My tutor has been very supportive — she explains things clearly and makes learning feel encouraging."
Book a free 15-min call with a care-courses adviser. They'll help you pick the right plan — even if that's the cheapest one.
Same call, no obligation.
