ONLINE QUALIFICATION

Level 3 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care

Awarding organisationFocus Awards
Qualification number601/7450/X
Study modeOnline
DurationFlexible, self-paced
Credits21
AssessmentPortfolio of Evidence
£225.00

Start your qualification for £14.99 and pay as you progress.

Level 3 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care

About the Level 3 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care

The Level 3 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care develops knowledge and understanding relevant to working in adult social care. It is suitable for learners preparing to enter the sector as well as people who want to strengthen their theoretical understanding before progressing further.

This Level 3 adult social care qualification explores communication, equality, diversity and inclusion, personal development, safeguarding, duty of care, person-centred approaches, health and safety, secure information handling and the role of the social care worker.

The qualification is awarded by Focus Awards, has qualification number 601/7450/X, carries 21 credits, includes 190 Guided Learning Hours and has 210 Total Qualification Time. It is a regulated Level 3 qualification and can be checked through the Ofqual Register.

Importantly, this is a vocationally-related, knowledge-based preparation qualification. It develops the underpinning knowledge needed in adult social care but does not itself confirm occupational competence through workplace practice.

Who Is This Level 3 Adult Social Care Course For?

This Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care Level 3 course is designed for learners who want deeper knowledge of the principles underpinning adult social care.

  • People preparing to start a career in adult social care
  • Learners progressing from introductory or Level 2 health and social care study
  • Existing care-sector staff who want to strengthen underpinning knowledge
  • Career changers preparing for adult care roles
  • Learners planning future progression to an adult care diploma
  • People seeking a regulated online adult social care qualification

What You Will Learn on This Level 3 Adult Social Care Course

Across nine mandatory units you will develop a broad understanding of safe, person-centred and responsible adult social care practice.

Person-Centred Approaches

Explore person-centred values, consent, active participation, informed choice, wellbeing and risk assessment.

Health & Safety

Understand responsibilities, risk assessment, infection control, moving and handling, medication, food safety and environmental safety.

Communication & Confidentiality

Develop knowledge of communication needs, barriers, communication methods, confidentiality and appropriate support.

Safeguarding & Protection

Recognise abuse and unsafe practice, understand responses to concerns and explore safeguarding systems and responsibilities.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Understand inclusive practice, discrimination, legislation, individual values and ways to promote equality and diversity.

Professional Development & Duty of Care

Explore reflective practice, feedback, development planning, duty of care, conflicts, dilemmas and complaints.

Qualification Structure and Units

To achieve the Focus Awards Level 3 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care (RQF), learners must achieve all 9 mandatory units. There are no optional units.

Qualification total: 21 credits • 190 GLH • 210 TQT.

9 Mandatory Units

Unit TitleUnit ReferenceLevelGLHCredits
Understand How to Handle Information in Social Care SettingsD/602/3119391
Understand Health and Safety in Social Care SettingsL/602/31783495
Principles of Diversity, Equality and Inclusion in Adult Social Care SettingsM/602/30443192
Principles of Communication in Adult Social Care SettingsR/602/29063172
Principles of Personal Development in Adult Social Care SettingsR/602/30363192
Understand Person-Centred Approaches in Adult Social Care SettingsR/602/31823374
Principles of Safeguarding and Protection in Health and Social CareA/601/85742263
Principles for Implementing Duty of Care in Health, Social Care or Children’s and Young People’s SettingsR/601/1436351
Understand the Role of the Social Care WorkerA/602/3113291

Entry Requirements

Learners must be aged 16 or over. Focus Awards does not set additional formal entry requirements; entry is at the discretion of the centre and SJA may apply appropriate course guidance or additional criteria.

As this is a Level 3 qualification involving reading, writing, discussion and assessment evidence, learners should have suitable communication and study skills to work effectively at this level.

Do You Need a Work Placement?

A current adult social care job or formal work placement is not specified as an entry requirement for this vocationally-related qualification. Assessment is based on achievement of the learning outcomes and assessment criteria through a portfolio of evidence.

This qualification develops knowledge and understanding. It should not be confused with the Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care, which is intended to confirm occupational competence through workplace-based evidence and assessment.

How You Will Be Assessed

The Level 3 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care is internally assessed. You must create a portfolio of evidence demonstrating achievement of all learning outcomes and assessment criteria associated with each unit.

The official specification permits evidence such as assessor observation, witness testimony, learner products, worksheets, assignments, projects or reports, oral and written questioning, learner and peer reports and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), where appropriate.

All nine mandatory units must be achieved to complete the qualification.

Study the Level 3 Adult Social Care Course Online

Study this adult social care course online through SJA Global Academia's learning environment. Access structured learning materials and assessment activities remotely and organise your studies around work, family and other commitments.

Flexible online study provides a convenient route to completing the nine mandatory units while developing knowledge relevant to adult social care practice and progression.

Tutor & Assessor Support

SJA Global Academia provides structured learner support from enrolment through assessment and quality assurance.

Tutor Guidance

Receive support with Level 3 concepts and learning across all nine mandatory units.

Assessment Support

Get clear guidance on portfolio evidence and assessment requirements.

Constructive Feedback

Receive assessor feedback on submitted evidence and any improvements required.

Quality-Assured Assessment

Assessment decisions are subject to SJA's internal quality assurance arrangements.

Certification & Recognition

Successful learners receive the Focus Awards Level 3 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care (RQF), qualification number 601/7450/X.

The qualification is regulated and can be verified through the Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications.

Following assessor confirmation, completed work is subject to SJA's Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) process and any applicable awarding-organisation quality assurance requirements before certification. Certification normally takes approximately 3–5 weeks after formal completion and assessor confirmation, although this is an estimate rather than a guaranteed issue date.

An electronic certificate is provided as standard. A printed certificate can be requested for an additional £7 administration fee, plus applicable postage or courier charges.

This certificate confirms achievement of the specified Level 3 knowledge and understanding; it does not by itself certify workplace occupational competence.

Preparing for Adult Social Care Careers

  • Develop stronger knowledge before applying for adult social care opportunities
  • Strengthen understanding relevant to care and support roles
  • Prepare for progression to competence-based adult care qualifications
  • Support continuing professional development for people already working around the care sector

Progression Routes

  • Focus Awards Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care (RQF)
  • Focus Awards Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care (RQF)
  • Focus Awards Level 2 Diploma in Care (RQF)

Why Choose SJA for Your Level 3 Adult Social Care Qualification?

Focus Awards Qualification

Work towards a regulated Level 3 adult social care qualification.

Flexible Online Study

Study remotely and organise learning around your existing commitments.

Competitive £225 Fee

Access the complete qualification at a competitive course price.

9 Mandatory Units

Follow a clear fixed structure covering the essential knowledge areas of adult social care.

Tutor & Assessor Support

Receive guidance and feedback throughout your learning and assessment.

Clear Care Progression

Build knowledge for progression towards adult care diploma qualifications where appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions

GET STARTED

Start Your Professional Journey Today

Explore recognised qualifications, flexible online learning and affordable study options designed to support your career and professional development.

Focus Awards Approved

Recognised qualifications.

Expert Tutor Support

Guidance at every step.

Flexible Online Study

Study anytime, anywhere.

Start from £14.99

Begin eligible courses today.

Interest-Free Payments

No extra instalment fees.

Shopping Cart
Scroll to Top