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Develop the practical skills and understanding needed to confidently support adults’ health, wellbeing, and independence in diverse care environments.
Overview
The Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care is a nationally recognised qualification that prepares you to work confidently and competently in adult care environments. Whether you’re already working in care or looking to begin a new career, this course provides the practical skills, knowledge, and confidence you need to support adults across residential, domiciliary, and healthcare settings.
Throughout the course, you’ll explore key areas of care practice, including person-centred approaches, safeguarding, dignity, and promoting health and wellbeing. You’ll also strengthen your communication skills and learn how to respond to complex situations with professionalism, empathy, and compassion.
This qualification is ideal for those who want to make a real difference in people’s lives—every day.
This course is ideal for:
Care assistants, support workers, or personal assistants looking to progress
Individuals currently working or volunteering in adult social care settings
Career changers entering the care sector for the first time
Learners aiming to move on to Level 4 or 5 qualifications, or even healthcare and nursing pathways
You don’t need any previous qualifications to enrol, but you must be working or volunteering in a real care setting to complete the practical elements of the course.
You must complete a mixture of mandatory and optional units:
Mandatory units (39 credits) cover key areas such as:
Promoting communication in care settings
Handling information in adult care
Promoting personal wellbeing
Person-centred practice and choice
Equality, diversity and inclusion
Promoting health and safety
Safeguarding, duty of care, and mental capacity
Infection prevention and control
Support for health, social care procedures and responsibilities
Optional units (minimum 19 credits) may include areas such as:
Dementia care
Mental health support
End‑of‑life care
Clinical skills (e.g. medication support, reablement)
Specialist care settings tailored to your role or interests
This qualification is internally assessed through a portfolio of evidence and externally quality assured to ensure consistent national standards.
A minimum of 300 hours of practical experience is required, with 350+ hours recommended to fully develop the skills needed for successful assessment.
Minimum age: 16+ (some funded places require 19+)
No formal prior qualifications needed
Must be in a real adult care work placement or employed in a relevant care setting to complete assessment requirements
NCFE CACHE
This qualification is awarded by NCFE CACHE, a trusted and nationally recognised awarding organisation specialising in health, social care, and education qualifications. NCFE CACHE ensures that the course meets rigorous quality standards and is regulated by Ofqual, providing you with a respected and widely accepted certification to support your career in adult care.
We offer this course for free to eligible learners under government-funded schemes. For those who don’t qualify for free tuition, Advanced Learner Loans are available to help spread the cost.
Additionally, we provide support through ASC-WDS (Adult Skills and Careers – Workforce Development Scheme) to assist eligible learners working in the adult care sector.
It also provides a strong foundation for progression to the NCFE CACHE Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care or the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care, ideal if you’re aiming for a supervisory or management role in the future.
Getting started with London Cactus College is quick, simple, and fully supported. Here’s how it works:
01
Explore our range of fully accredited courses and pick the one that matches your goals.
02
Complete a quick form, we’ll check your eligibility and guide you through funding options like the Advanced Learner Loan
03
Once approved, get instant access to your course materials and start learning at your own pace with expert tutor support.
04
Complete the course, pass your assessments, and earn a nationally recognised qualification.
All our courses are fully accredited by NCFE CACHE, VTCT, and more.
Get guidance, feedback, and ongoing support tailored to you throughout your course.
Study anytime, anywhere. Choose online, blended, or self-paced options that suit your lifestyle.
We offer full support with Advanced Learner Loan applications
Study with professionals who bring hands-on experience into every lesson.
From enrolment to employment, we’re with you every step.
Need Help?
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from our learners. Learn more about course details, enrolment, funding, and support, or get in touch if you need further assistance.
Most courses require you to be aged 19 or over and a UK resident for the past 3 years. Many have open entry, so no formal qualifications are needed.
Courses are delivered flexibly: online, blended, or self-paced, so you can learn when and where it suits you.
Yes, many learners use the Advanced Learner Loan, a government-backed option that covers course fees with no upfront cost.
Duration varies by course but generally ranges from 6 months to 1 year. Self-paced learning lets you progress at your own speed.
You will earn a nationally recognised qualification accredited by respected awarding bodies like NCFE CACHE, VTCT, etc.
You’ll get dedicated tutor support, learning resources, and help with funding applications throughout your course.
Yes, we support both individual and bulk staff enrolments, and offer bulk enrolment options to easily upskill your team with flexible learning and dedicated support.
We assist with funding applications, provide individual tutor support for each learner, and offer progress tracking to ensure successful outcomes.
Partners & Accreditations
