About this qualification

The Level 3 Certificate in Health and Social Care has been designed to enable learners to access Higher Education or assist with progression into the workplace.

This qualification has been designed and written by a team of subject matter experts, and we have involved employers and Higher Education Institutions in the review of the content.

What is a nested qualification?

This qualification is nested. Qualifications within a nested suite allow learners to be topped up to a qualification that is the same level and subject within the Award, Certificate, Extended Diploma structure. This can be done by self-service through the Portal. Qualification nests and top-up pricing can be found in our fees list.

What does it cover?

This qualification covers a wide range of key subject areas in health and social care.

Who is it suitable for?

This qualification is suitable for learners aged 16 or above who wish to progress on to Higher Education.

Experience in a real work environment

Learners will be required to attend placement in a real work environment to support their learning. The minimum required number of placement hours are 75 hours.

Entry requirements of Higher Education Institutions may specify the need for more work experience.

What are some examples of suitable work placement settings for learners?

Placement is a crucial element of the learner's journey. Listed below are some examples of appropriate settings which could support learners:

• Adult Residential Care Home
• Nursing Home
• Day Centre
• Children's Centre
• Health Centre
• Supported/Sheltered
• Accommodation
• Domiciliary/Community care
• Respite Care
• Residential Schools
• Assessment Centre
• Special Schools
• Hospital
• Specialised Voluntary Groups

What are the entry requirements?

Learners must be at least 16 years old. We do not set any other entry requirements but colleges or training providers may have their own guidelines.

How long it takes to complete?

Learners will usually be able to achieve the Certificate in one year.

What qualifications can you progress to?

Upon achievement of this qualification learners will be able to progress onto the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care. The Certificate supports learners’ access to Higher Education and progression into a wide range of job roles within the health and social care sector. The qualification also supports progression to further learning in related subject areas at Level 4 and above.

The Care Certificate

These qualifications promote high quality care and support and have been mapped to the standards within the Care Certificate.

For more information about the Care Certificate, including free teaching and learning resources, please see the Skills for Health website.

Funding for our qualifications

Find out more about this and other qualifications on the Funding page.

Which type of job roles can you apply for on completion?

This qualification does not provide a licence to practise, but may support progression into a wide range of job roles in the health and social care sector, including:

• Care Support Workers in adult residential settings
• Healthcare Assistants in community, primary care and acute health environments
• Care Support Workers in domiciliary services, supported living or day services
• Community-based Support Workers

More detail on the range of job roles and potential progression paths will be provided in the Learner Handbook.

External assessment timetable

Please see the external assessment timetable for a breakdown of the assessment dates for this qualification.

Useful links

Regulations for the conduct of external assessment

Qualification specific instructions for delivery (QSID)