The VTCT Skills Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care (RQF) is a professional qualification designed for learners working in adult care settings who want to develop and evidence their competence in providing high-quality, person-centred care. It builds the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to work confidently in adult care, covering safeguarding, duty of care, communication, mental capacity, person-centred practice, health and wellbeing, equality and diversity, health and safety, infection prevention, handling information and continuous professional development.

Learners complete mandatory units and a selected set of optional units to achieve a minimum of 58 credits. The qualification is assessed through a portfolio of evidence and skills-based assessment where applicable, using the learner’s real workplace practice.

Qualification details 

Qualification: VCT Skills Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care (RQF)

Product code: CD3R

Qualification number: 10/7098/1

Level: 3

Guided Learning Hours: 391

Total Qualification Time: 580 hours

Credits: 58 (minimum)

Age requirement: 16+

Units: 18–67 depending on selected optional units

Assessment: Portfolio of evidence and skills-based assessment where applicable

Course Delivery

The course is delivered through a combination of:

• Live online Zoom classes
• Tutor-led teaching
• Independent study
• Recorded session replays
• Workplace evidence
• Portfolio development
• Reflective accounts
• Professional discussions
• Direct workplace observations
• Tutor and assessor feedback

Learners normally attend two live online sessions each week. Recordings are available for replay and revision.

Practical competence must be demonstrated within a real adult care workplace. Direct workplace observation is the main assessment method for practical skills.

Simulation is not normally used as a substitute for genuine workplace practice.

• Adult care workers and senior care assistants

• Support workers in residential, domiciliary or community care

• Staff providing person-centred care and support

• Learners progressing from Level 2 to Level 3

• Experienced care staff seeking formal recognition of competence

• Learners preparing for further study at Level 4

Learners must have access to a real adult care workplace so they can gather evidence and demonstrate competence in practice.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be at least 16 years old
• Be working in an adult care setting
• Have access to a genuine adult care workplace
• Have employer support for workplace evidence and observations
• Have sufficient spoken and written English to complete the course
• Have access to a reliable internet connection
• Have a suitable device for attending live Zoom sessions
• Be able to complete written portfolio work and reflective accounts

No specific previous qualification is mandatory. However, the course is particularly suitable for learners progressing from Level 2 or experienced care workers seeking formal recognition of their skills.

Workplace access must be confirmed before the programme begins.

• Ways of working, duty of care and continuous professional development

• Effective communication and handling information

• Safeguarding, mental capacity and restrictive practice, equality and diversity

• Person-centred practice, choice and independence, person-centred assessment planning, positive risk taking

• Health and wellbeing, health and safety, infection prevention and control, personal wellbeing

• Understanding mental health problems and promoting positive behaviour

• Optional specialist content selected for this cohort: assistive technology, person-centred assessment planning, positive risk taking, promoting positive behaviour

• Tutor-led learning support and guidance for all mandatory and optional units

• Portfolio evidence and workplace-assessment guidance

• Skills-observation preparation and reflective-account guidance

• Professional discussion support and tutor/assessor feedback throughout

• Progression guidance for further adult care qualifications

• Faculty support, replay access to recordings, and guided observation experience