Diploma in Adult Care Level 3

Overview

The NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care is designed to develop the knowledge, understanding and practical skills required to become a competent care or support worker across a wide range of adult social care settings.

This qualification supports learners to deliver person‑centred, values‑driven care, work with autonomy under supervision, and model best practice within their role. It is suitable for those already working in adult social care or those preparing to enter the sector.

The qualification can be taken as part of the Lead Adult Care Worker Apprenticeship Standard, or as a standalone qualification following robust initial assessment.

It is also recommended for the Care or Support Worker role category within the Care Workforce Pathway.

What you will learn

Learners study a broad range of topics relevant to modern adult care practice, including:

• Aspects of care and support
• Specialist areas of practice
• Clinical skills and healthcare tasks
• Leadership and management skills

The qualification includes mandatory and optional units, allowing learners to tailor their learning to their job role, interests and future progression.

Learners will develop the skills to:

• Provide safe, compassionate, person‑centred care
• Promote dignity, independence and choice
• Work effectively with colleagues, managers and external professionals
• Model best practice and support others where appropriate

Who Is This Qualification For?

This qualification is ideal for:

• Individuals working in adult social care settings
• Care or support workers seeking progression
• Those preparing to enter the sector
• Learners completing the Lead Adult Care Worker Apprenticeship Standard
• Staff working under supervision but with a degree of autonomy

Learners must have completed employer induction and mandatory training and be working towards modelling best practice.

Qualification Structure

The qualification includes:

• Mandatory units
• Optional units to tailor learning to specific roles or interests

This flexible structure supports a wide range of care settings and responsibilities.

Assessment

Assessment for the qualification is carried out through an internally assessed and externally quality‑assured portfolio of evidence. Learners will demonstrate their knowledge, skills and competence using a wide range of assessment methods, which may include direct observation in the workplace, witness testimonies, professional discussions, reflective accounts, written assignments, work products such as plans, logs and records, learner diaries, case studies or scenario‑based tasks, oral questioning and a compiled portfolio of evidence.

All units within the qualification are graded as Achieved or Not Yet Achieved.

What next

Depending on your job role and responsibilities, learners can progress to Level 4 or Level 5 adult care qualifications, as well as:

• Specialist care roles
• Senior support worker positions
• Apprenticeships at higher levels

Work / Industry Placement

Learners must be working, volunteering or on practical placement in an appropriate adult care setting to meet the assessment requirements.

Apprenticeship Route

This qualification can be delivered as part of the Lead Adult Care Worker Apprenticeship Standard.

Where required, learners may also complete:

• Level 2 Functional Skills in English
• Level 2 Functional Skills in Mathematics

Providers must refer to the latest Skills England standard and assessment plan.

Career Opportunities

This qualification supports progression into roles such as:

• Care Worker
• Support Worker
• Senior Support Worker
• Community or Domiciliary Care Worker
• Day Service Worker
• Residential Care Worker