Level 3

Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care (RQF) - Online

Take the next step in your care career with recognised qualifications designed to develop your skills, build confidence, and support your progression from entry level through to leadership.

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Course snapshot

Minimum duration

6-12

Months

STUDY TYPE

Online

qualifIcation

Diploma

course details

The Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care (RQF) is a nationally recognised qualification designed for people working in adult social care who want to develop their knowledge, strengthen their practical skills and progress in their career. The qualification covers key areas of adult care including person-centred practice, safeguarding, communication, duty of care, health and wellbeing, equality and inclusion, and professional development. You’ll apply what you learn to real workplace situations while building the knowledge and competence expected within the adult social care sector. Whether you're a Care Assistant, Support Worker or Healthcare Assistant, this qualification can help you develop towards greater responsibility and more senior roles within care. With KIB Training, you can study flexibly online alongside your work and other commitments, with guidance and support from your dedicated assessor throughout your qualification. Ready to take the next step in your care career? Enquire today to get started.

Career Progression

The Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care is designed to help you develop the knowledge, practical skills and confidence needed to progress within the adult social care sector.

On completion, it can support progression into roles such as:

  • Senior Care Assistant
  • Lead Adult Care Worker
  • Care Supervisor
  • Key Worker
  • Community Support Worker

It can also provide a strong foundation for learners looking to progress into leadership and management within adult social care.

Progress to higher-level qualifications

After completing Level 3, you may choose to continue your professional development with:

  • Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care
  • Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care

These higher-level qualifications can support progression towards roles such as Deputy Manager, Care Manager and Registered Manager, subject to the experience and other requirements of the role.

Want to know which qualification is right for your career goals? Contact KIB Training and we'll help you choose the right progression route.

Entry Requirements

To enrol on the Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care, learners should be working or volunteering in a suitable adult care setting, as the qualification requires learners to demonstrate knowledge and competence within the workplace.

Learners should:

  • Be aged 16 or over
  • Be working or volunteering in a relevant adult health and social care role
  • Have sufficient literacy and numeracy skills to complete the qualification
  • Have access to a suitable workplace where the required practical skills and competence can be demonstrated

A DBS check may be required by your employer or placement provider, depending on your role.

Not sure if you meet the entry requirements?
Contact KIB Training and we can check your eligibility before you enrol.

Assessment Method

The Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care is assessed through a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates your knowledge, understanding and practical competence within your role.

Assessment may include:

  • Written questions and assignments
  • Workplace evidence
  • Practical observations or demonstrations
  • Professional discussions
  • Reflective accounts
  • Other relevant evidence from your work where appropriate

Your work will be assessed by your allocated assessor and internally quality assured by KIB Training. To successfully complete each unit, you must provide sufficient evidence to meet all of the required learning outcomes and assessment criteria.

Flexible Online Study

Your assignments are completed and submitted through our online learner platform, giving you the flexibility to study around your work and personal commitments.

You'll receive dedicated tutor and assessor support throughout your qualification, with support sessions available when you need additional guidance.

Study flexibly. Get the support you need. Progress at your own pace.

structure requirements

To complete the Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care (RQF) (England), learners must complete the following:

• all units contained within the mandatory group totalling 39 credits

• a minimum of 19 credits from the optional group

Unit Breakdown

Unit 1: Communication in Care Settings

  • 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

  • Recognise and respond to concerns or complaints
  • Act within your professional duty of care
  • Handle situations with accountability and integrity

Unit 3: Safeguarding and Protection

  • Identify different types of abuse
  • Follow reporting procedures with confidence
  • Apply safeguarding legislation in daily practice

Unit 4: Person-Centred Approaches

  • 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
  • Carry out risk assessments confidently
  • Use PPE correctly and consistently
  • Follow emergency procedures when needed

Unit 6: Equality and Inclusion

  • Challenge discrimination and promote fairness
  • Support people from diverse backgrounds
  • Understand the legal framework around inclusion

Unit 7: Personal Development

  • Challenge discrimination and promote fairness
  • Support people from diverse backgrounds
  • Understand the legal framework around inclusion

Unit 8: Mental Health and Wellbeing

  • 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

  • Understand the principles of healthy eating
  • Follow hydration and nutrition plans
  • Support individuals with specific dietary needs

Unit 10: Infection Prevention and Control

  • Use PPE correctly and consistently
  • Understand and apply infection control procedures
  • Contribute to a safer care environment

Unit 11: Supporting Complex Needs

  • Plan and coordinate complex, holistic support
  • Adapt care to meet varied and changing needs
  • Promote dignity and independence in complex care

Unit 12: Teamwork in Care

  • Communicate clearly within a team
  • Understand your role in achieving shared goals
  • Build trust and positive team dynamics

Unit 13: Mentoring and Buddying

  • 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

  • Recognise signs of pain and discomfort
  • Use assessment tools and non-clinical interventions
  • Provide compassionate, individualised support

Course Content

Unit 1: Communication in Care Settings

  • 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

  • Recognise and respond to concerns or complaints
  • Act within your professional duty of care
  • Handle situations with accountability and integrity

Unit 3: Safeguarding and Protection

  • Identify different types of abuse
  • Follow reporting procedures with confidence
  • Apply safeguarding legislation in daily practice

Unit 4: Person-Centred Approaches

  • 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
  • Carry out risk assessments confidently
  • Use PPE correctly and consistently
  • Follow emergency procedures when needed

Unit 6: Equality and Inclusion

  • Challenge discrimination and promote fairness
  • Support people from diverse backgrounds
  • Understand the legal framework around inclusion

Unit 7: Personal Development

  • Challenge discrimination and promote fairness
  • Support people from diverse backgrounds
  • Understand the legal framework around inclusion

Unit 8: Mental Health and Wellbeing

  • 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

  • Understand the principles of healthy eating
  • Follow hydration and nutrition plans
  • Support individuals with specific dietary needs

Unit 10: Infection Prevention and Control

  • Use PPE correctly and consistently
  • Understand and apply infection control procedures
  • Contribute to a safer care environment

Unit 11: Supporting Complex Needs

  • Plan and coordinate complex, holistic support
  • Adapt care to meet varied and changing needs
  • Promote dignity and independence in complex care

Unit 12: Teamwork in Care

  • Communicate clearly within a team
  • Understand your role in achieving shared goals
  • Build trust and positive team dynamics

Unit 13: Mentoring and Buddying

  • 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

  • Recognise signs of pain and discomfort
  • Use assessment tools and non-clinical interventions
  • Provide compassionate, individualised support

Fact Sheet

Qualification Specification

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