CD3 – VTCT (Skillsfirst) Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care (RQF)
This qualification is now closed for Registrations
Certification end date: 30/04/2024
View the replacement qualification – Skillsfirst Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care (RQF)
View our Adult Care – Replacement Qualifications update 01.02.2022
Qualification summary
The Level 3 Diploma in Adult care (RQF) sets out the minimum requirements for a qualification that develops and confirms the competence of those who work in health and adult care services in England.
The titling of each unit within the qualification mirrors the Skills for Care performance requirements listed in the agreed specification whilst the skills and knowledge requirements listed are all included within the unit content.
The qualification is suitable for learners with supervisory experience who are already working within the care sector, such as a lead adult care worker, lead personal assistant, etc. It could also be suitable for those seeking employment who having the ability and the opportunity to demonstrate recognisable competences.
This qualification recognises the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to demonstrate effective communication, person development, values and behaviours, health and wellbeing, responsibilities of self and others and safeguarding
If you feel your role is not in a supervisory capacity you could choose the Level 2 Diploma in Care (RQF)
It is anticipated that learners will progress to Level 4 or even Level 5 qualifications for management or senior practitioner roles in Health and Social Care, or to specialist qualifications reflecting the context in which they work.
Whilst this qualification is integrated into the Lead Adult Care Worker Apprenticeship Standard, the qualification may also be undertaken outside the Apprenticeship. This could be for learners who do not meet the age or qualification requirements for a full Apprenticeship, or who wish to use the qualification for CPD, to re-skill, or other development activities.
This qualification does not require you to have any prior qualifications or levels of previous learning.
It is supported nationwide by employers. For a list of the training providers and colleges who deliver this qualification in your area please contact our customer services team.
Related Documents:
VTCT (Skillsfirst) Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care (RQF) Handbook
Qualification structure
Learners need to complete a minimum of 58 credits to achieve this qualification.
All units must be achieved from Group M and a minimum of 27 credits from Group O.
Guided Learning Hours (GLH) are 315
Total Qualification Time (TQT) is 580
| Qualification number | Qualification reference |
| CD3 | 603/2807/1 |
Group M – mandatory units
| RQF unit no. | Skillsfirst unit no. | Unit title | Level | Credit value |
| Y/616/7798 | CA7 | Responsibilities of a care worker | 2 | 2 |
| J/616/7800 | CA9 | Safeguarding and protection in care settings | 2 | 3 |
| L/616/7815 | CA10 | Promote communications in care settings | 3 | 3 |
| R/616/7816 | CA11 | Promote effective handling of information in care settings | 3 | 3 |
| Y/616/78157 | CA12 | Promote personal development in care settings | 3 | 3 |
| D/616/7818 | CA13 | Promote person-centred approaches in care settings | 3 | 6 |
| H/616/7819 | CA14 | Promote equality and inclusion in care settings | 3 | 2 |
| Y/616/7820 | CA15 | Promote health, safety and well-being in care settings | 3 | 6 |
| D/616/7821 | CA16 | Duty of care in care settings | 3 | 3 |
Group O – optional units
| RQF unit no. | Skillsfirst unit no. | Unit title | Level | Credit value |
| M/502/3146 | ADV301 | Purpose and principles of independent advocacy | 3 | 4 |
| M/601/0648 | ASM1 | Recognise indications of substance misuse and refer individuals to specialists | 3 | 4 |
| Y/501/0598 | ASM34 | Administer medication to individuals and monitor the effects | 3 | 5 |
| J/602/4006 | CH47 | Administer oral nutritional products to individuals | 3 | 5 |
| R/602/4011 | CH60 | Support carers to meet the care needs of individuals | 3 | 5 |
| J/602/0103 | CMH302 | Understand mental health problems | 3 | 3 |
| L/505/1147 | DA4 | Understand the treatment and management of diabetes | 2 | 5 |
| F/615/4480 | DEM301R | Understand the process and experience of dementia | 3 | 3 |
| T/601/9187 | DEM302 | Understand and meet the nutritional requirements of individuals with dementia | 3 | 3 |
| A/601/9191 | DEM304 | Enable rights and choices of individuals with dementia whilst minimising risks | 3 | 4 |
| Y/6014693 | DEM312 | Understand and enable interaction and communication with individuals who have dementia | 3 | 4 |
| F/601/4686 | DEM313 | Equality, diversity and inclusion in dementia care practice | 3 | 4 |
| D/601/9023 | HSC2001 | Provide support for therapy sessions | 2 | 2 |
| K/601/9025 | HSC2003 | Provide support to manage pain and discomfort | 2 | 2 |
| R/601/8663 | HSC2017 | Provide agreed support for foot care | 2 | 3 |
| F/601/3764 | HSC3045 | Promote positive behaviour | 3 | 6 |
| K/601/9493 | HSC3046 | Introduction to personalisation in social care | 3 | 3 |
| T/601/9495 | HSC3048 | Support individuals at the end of life | 3 | 7 |
| R/601/8662 | HSC3052 | Undertake physiological measurements | 3 | 3 |
| D/601/8860 | HSC3053 | Obtain venous blood samples | 3 | 3 |
| F/601/9029 | HSC3057 | Work with families, carers and individuals during times of crisis | 4 | 5 |
| R/615/4483 | HSC3075P | Understand Parkinson’s for health and social care staff | 3 | 2 |
| J/601/8657 | LD308 | Support individuals with a learning disability to access healthcare | 3 | 3 |
| T/601/5317 | LD310 | Understand how to support individuals with autistic spectrum conditions | 3 | 3 |
| D/600/9799 | LDSSMP3 | Professional practice in learning development and support services | 3 | 5 |
| Y/601/6167 | PDOP33 | Understand the impact of acquired brain injury on individuals | 3 | 3 |
| H/615/4486 | SCM301 | Understand stroke care management | 3 | 4 |
| H/601451 | SSOP24 | Contribute to supporting individuals in the use of assistive technology | 2 | 3 |
| K/601/3483 | SSOP32 | Promote effective communication with individuals with sensory loss | 3 | 4 |
| A/601/5190 | SSOP33 | Support individuals with multiple conditions and/or disabilities | 3 | 4 |
| T/601/8721 | HSC2024 | Undertake agreed pressure area care | 2 | 4 |
| H/601/8049 | HSC3020 | Facilitate person-centred assessment planning implementation and review | 3 | 6 |
| Y/601/7903 | HSC3022 | Support individuals to live at home | 3 | 4 |
| F/601/7927 | HSC3013 | Support individuals to access and use services and facilities | 3 | 4 |
| L/601/8028 | HSC3003 | Provide support to maintain and develop skills for everyday life | 3 | 4 |
| L/601/9549 | HSC3066 | Support positive risk taking | 3 | 4 |
| A/601/7215 | LD302 | Support person-centred thinking and planning | 3 | 5 |
| D/601/7353 | LDOP303 | Promote active support | 3 | 5 |
To find out more about our registration/certification fees, contact our customer services team on
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