Skip to content 
Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care (RQF/NVQ) (ENGLAND)
The Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care is a nationally recognised qualification designed for care assistants and support workers looking to progress into senior roles in adult social care. The Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care is endorsed by Skills for Care and approved by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). With our flexible online study, workplace observation, and assigned expert tutor support, you will gain the confidence and skills to move into senior care roles without the stress of exams.
What You’ll Learn
Build the skills that matter the most in care, including:
Duty of care and safeguarding
Promoting wellbeing and person-centred support
Communication and Teamwork
Leadership in Care Settings
Who Is This Qualification Is For ?
This course is perfect if you are:
Starting a career in adult social care
A care worker aiming for a senior role
Looking for a flexible, practical way to meet CQC standards
Study and Delivery Methods
A blended approach designed for working professionals.
Access all learning materials and assignments anytime, anywhere.
Get regular support from expert tutors.
Observations are completed within your workplace
Study flexibly at your own pace over 9–12 months.
Gain a nationally recognised Highfield certificate.
Aligned with recognised UK care standards.
Please complete the form below and a member of our Sales Team will contact you to discuss your enquiry
Secure your spot on the Level 3 Adult Care Diploma Today
Need help or unsure where to start? Share some details, and we’ll help you find the right path for your team or career
COURSE OVERVIEW
This NVQ Level 3 Adult Care qualification is built with a real-world focus, covering essential areas such as duty of care, safeguarding, wellbeing, and leadership. You’ll gain practical skills that directly impact the quality of care you provide.
We offer flexible online + workplace learning, allowing you to balance your studies with your professional responsibilities. No need to take time off work to attend classes.
You’ll be backed by expert tutors and delivered by Access Skills, an official National Care Association training partner, ensuring your qualification is respected industry-wide.
Quality Compliance Systems Learner Access
Live and recorded webinars and workshops
Learning activities aligned to your workplace
Weekday access to tutors and assessors
Feedback on assignment submissions
This is more than a qualification — it’s a real step forward in your care career.
Course Content - Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care
This course is made up of 15 mandatory units. In order to complete the full qualification and receive certification, a minimum of 19 credits from optional units must also be completed.
Understand your role and how to work effectively within a care team.
You will:
- Work within agreed roles, responsibilities and standards
- Build effective working relationships with others
- Contribute to high-quality, team-based care
Protect individuals by recognising risks and responding appropriately.
You will:
- Identify signs of abuse and neglect
- Follow safeguarding procedures with confidence
- Support individuals to stay safe and protected
Support individuals to make informed decisions while respecting their rights.
You will:
- Understand mental capacity and consent
- Promote choice and decision-making
- Apply the least restrictive approaches in care
Act responsibly to ensure safe, ethical and accountable care delivery.
You will:
- Understand your duty of care in practice
- Respond to concerns, incidents and complaints
- Balance safety with individual rights
Build trust through clear, respectful and adaptable communication.
You will:
- Communicate effectively with individuals and teams
- Adapt your approach to meet different needs
- Develop strong professional relationships
Manage information safely and professionally in a care environment.
You will:
- Record and store information accurately
- Maintain confidentiality and data security
- Share information appropriately within your role
Deliver care that reflects individual needs, preferences and values.
You will:
- Provide personalised, person-centred support
- Promote dignity, independence and respect
- Support individuals to take an active role in their care
Encourage individuals to maintain control over their daily lives.
You will:
- Support informed decision-making
- Promote independence in everyday activities
- Balance risk while respecting individual choices
Promote a positive and healthy lifestyle for those you support.
You will:
- Support physical and emotional wellbeing
- Encourage healthy routines and habits
- Recognise changes that may affect wellbeing
Provide fair and inclusive care that respects every individual.
You will:
- Promote equality and challenge discrimination
- Support individuals from diverse backgrounds
- Uphold dignity, rights and inclusion in care
Maintain a safe environment for yourself and those you support.
You will:
- Understand key health and safety responsibilities
- Identify and manage risks effectively
- Follow safe working practices
Reduce risks by maintaining high standards of hygiene and safety.
You will:
- Follow infection control procedures
- Use PPE correctly and consistently
- Help prevent the spread of infection
Apply health and safety knowledge to real care scenarios.
You will:
- Understand specific safety topics in care
- Respond appropriately to different situations
- Support a safe care environment
Grow your skills and improve your practice over time.
You will:
- Reflect on your performance and development
- Set goals to improve your skills
- Engage in ongoing learning
Look after your own wellbeing while working in a demanding role.
You will:
- Manage stress and workload effectively
- Maintain a healthy work-life balance
- Build resilience in care
Level 3 Diploma (Adult Care) - Learning Units
Unit 1: Communication in Care Settings
Build meaningful relationships through clear, respectful communication.
You will:
- Use communication to build trust with individuals
- Adapt your approach to meet diverse needs
- Develop active listening and empathy in everyday care
Unit 2: Duty of Care
Understand your responsibilities and the importacance of acting in the interest of those you support
You will:
- Use communication to build trust with individuals
- Adapt your approach to meet diverse needs
- Develop active listening and empathy in everyday care
Unit 3: Safeguarding and Protection
Protect vulnerable people by recognising signs of abuse and knowing how to respond.
You will:
- Identify different types of abuse
- Follow reporting procedures with confidence
- Apply safeguarding legislation in daily practice
Unit 4: Person-Centered Approaches
Put the individual at the heart of everything you do.
You will:
- Provide care that reflects personal choices and preferences
- Promote dignity, independence, and respect
- Create and follow person-centred care plans
Unit 5: Health, Safety and Wellbeing
Keep everyone safe through awareness, preparation, and professional practice.
You will:
- Carry out risk assessments confidently
- Use PPE correctly and consistently
- Follow emergency procedures when needed
Unit 6: Equality and Inclusion
Champion inclusive care that celebrates individuality.
You will:
- Challenge discrimination and promote fairness
- Support people from diverse backgrounds
- Understand the legal framework around inclusion
Unit 7: Personal Development
Take ownership of your learning and future in care.
You will:
- Reflect on your experiences to improve your practice
- Set goals and track your development
- Respond constructively to feedback
Unit 8: Mental Health and Wellbeing
Support positive mental health through understanding and empathy.
You will:
- Promote emotional wellbeing in your care setting
- Communicate supportively with those experiencing mental health challenges
- Recognise and respond to changes in mental health
Unit 9: Nutrition and Hydration
Provide balanced support for healthier living.
You will:
- Understand the principles of healthy eating
- Follow hydration and nutrition plans
- Support individuals with specific dietary needs
Unit 10: Infection Prevention and Control
Minimise risks through safe, consistent hygiene practices.
You will:
- Use PPE correctly and consistently
- Understand and apply infection control procedures
- Contribute to a safer care environment
Unit 11: Supporting Complex Needs
Deliver care with confidence for individuals with multiple conditions or disabilities.
You will:
- Plan and coordinate complex, holistic support
- Adapt care to meet varied and changing needs
- Promote dignity and independence in complex care
Unit 12: Teanwork in Care
Collaborate effectively to provide the best possible support.
You will:
- Communicate clearly within a team
- Understand your role in achieving shared goals
- Build trust and positive team dynamics
Unit 13: Mentoring and Buddying
Support new colleagues and strengthen your leadership practice.
You will:
- Guide and mentor others as they settle into their roles
- Develop coaching and feedback skills
- Contribute to a positive learning culture
Unit 14: Pain and Discomfort Management
Ensure comfort and dignity by understanding and managing pain.
You will:
- Recognise signs of pain and discomfort
- Use assessment tools and non-clinical interventions
- Provide compassionate, individualised support
Learners must be aged 18 or over.
Learners must be working in England, as the qualification content is aligned with England legisltion and regulatory frameworks.
Assessment is an essential part of your learning journey, helping you apply knowledge to practice while receiving valuable feedback after each unit. There are no formal exams, your progress is measured through real-world application and professional engagement.
Assessment Methods
Knowledge-based Q&A assignments
Reflective case studies and workplace-based projects
Task activities aligned with your current job role
Workplace observations by a qualified assessor to demonstrate your practical competence
Professional discussions, and supporting evidence from your day-to-day practice
Nationally recognised qualification awarded by Highfield. Endorsed by Skills for Care and aligned with Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards.
Fees & Funding
We’re here to make your learning journey is as accessible as possible. Whether you’re paying in full or need a bit more flexibility, we offer several options to suit you.
Here’s what’s available:
Up to £835 funding via the Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS)
Flexible payment plans to help spread the cost
For multiple enrolment discount, contact us at:
Career Progression With Level 3 Diploma In Adult Care
Earning your Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care isn’t just a qualification – it’s a real step forward in your journey. This diploma opens doors to a range of career opportunities in the care sector.
Typical roles include:
- Senior Care Assistant
- Lead Adult Care Worker
- Residential or Domiciliary Team Leader
- Care Coordinator
With this diploma, you’ll be ready to take on more responsibility in your role or progress into senior care roles.
You may choose to advance into further study with recognised qualifications such as:
Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care– For Team leaders and senior carers in supervisory position
Level 5 Diploma in Adult Care – For managers and senior practitioners
Specialist courses like understanding Mental Health, Dementia Care, Autism and End of Life Care
ADVANCE INTO FURTHER STUDY WITH RECOGNISED qualifications
Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care (RQF/NVQ)
Senior Carers, Carers in a supervisory position
Course Length
9-12 Months
Pricing
Payment Plans available, Government Funded Loans and Supported by LDSS Funding
Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care (RQF/NVQ)
For Registered Care Managers and Deputy Care Managers.
Course Length
9-12 Months
Pricing
Payment Plans available, Government Funded Loans and Supported by LDSS Funding
Specialist Care Courses
Specialist courses in Understanding Mental Health, Dementia Care, Autism and End of Life Care
Course Length
Flexible
Pricing
Payment Plans available, Government Funded Loans and Supported by LDSS Funding
Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care – FAQs
The Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care is a nationally recognised qualification for care assistants and support workers looking to progress into senior roles.
It develops the knowledge and practical skills needed to provide high-quality, person-centred care. The course covers areas such as safeguarding, communication, health conditions, and promoting independence, preparing learners for more responsibility in care settings.
Yes, NVQ Level 3 is the older term for the Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care.
The qualification now follows the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), but it is still assessed through workplace evidence, observations, and assignments, similar to the traditional NVQ structure.
There are no written exams.
Assessment is completed through practical, workplace-based methods, including:
- Knowledge-based written assignments
- Reflective case studies
- Workplace observations by a qualified assessor
- Professional discussions
- Portfolio evidence from your daily practice
Yes. There’s the Advanced Learner Loan and LDSS Funding Options.
Eligible learners may receive up to £835 funding through the Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS).
Yes. The qualification is specifically designed for working care professionals.
Because learning is:
- 100% online
- Flexible
- Workplace-based
Most of our learners are in full-time care roles while studying.
Most learners complete the Level 3 Diploma within 9 to 12 months.
The exact duration depends on your experience, working hours, and how quickly you complete your portfolio. Flexible learning allows you to study alongside your job.
Yes, Level 3 Adult Care can be studied online with flexible learning and tutor support.
While the theory is completed online, learners must still demonstrate their skills in a real care setting through workplace assessments and practical evidence.
Absolutely. You don’t need prior experience or qualifications, but you must be working or volunteering in a care setting. Even newly started care workers can begin their Level 3 Diploma while gaining hands-on experience.
Level 2 is for beginners, while Level 3 is for experienced users who want to progress.
Level 2 focuses on basic care skills and knowledge, while Level 3 develops more advanced skills, responsibility, and understanding required for senior care roles.
Yes. We offer flexible payment plans so learners who are not eligible for LDSS funding or Advanced Learner Loans can still complete the qualification without financial strain.
Join the 12,000+ learners we’ve helped across the UK. Our Matrix accreditation and 4.8/5 learner rating reflect our commitment to quality. Leave your review
Learner Testimonials About Level 3 Diploma In Adult Care
“I knew I wanted to progress when i started as a care assistant. The Level 3 Diploma gave me the skills, confidence, and structured guidance I needed. With the support of amazing tutors and high-quality learning resources, I’ve successfully stepped into a senior care role and genuinely feel excited for more opportunities ahead!”
“I was worried about combining full-time work with studying, but Access Skills made it surprisingly manageable. I never imagined learning could be this easy. The online learning system was straightforward, and the ongoing support made the whole journey stress-free. It was exactly what I needed to stay on track.”
“The way I deliver care completely changed after getting the Level 3 Qualification. I must say, the tutor feedback was clear, supportive, and really helped me grow significantly. I honestly now feel fully prepared and confident to move progressively into a senior position role with this qualification.”
“What I appreciated most with enrolling in the Level 3 Diploma with Access Skills online was how practical the training was. The flexibility meant I could study around my shifts, and everything I learned connected directly to my daily responsibilities which meant a lot to me. It made a real difference to my work.”
Explore Additional Resources to Support Your Level 3 Adult Care Journey
