Level 3 qualifications: what’s changing?
Updated Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care - launching 1 April 2026
Following consultation with the adult care sector, Skills for Care has updated the content and criteria for the Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care.
In line with these changes, NCFE will launch an updated Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care from 1 April 2026.
The new qualification:
- will be eligible for Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS) funding
- meets the mandatory qualification requirement for the Lead Adult Care Worker apprenticeship.
The current qualification NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care (610/0498/4):
- will no longer be eligible for LDSS funding from 31 March 2026
- will continue to attract 16–19 funding, Free Courses for Jobs, Advanced Learner Loans and devolved 19+ adult funding until 31 July 2026.
Transition to the Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in Adult Care (TOQ)
From August 2026, NCFE will launch the Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in Adult Care (Diploma).
This new Technical Occupational Qualification (TOQ) is designed to support occupational competence in adult care roles and has been approved for several adult funding routes.
The qualification will be approved for funding under Adult Skills Fund (ASF), Free Courses for Jobs, Tailored Learning and MCA/GLA funding. Funding approval currently runs until at least the 2027/28 academic year.
This qualification will replace the previous Level 3 Diploma for most adult learner funding routes from 1 August 2026.
Download the Level 3 Funding Overview
What’s different in the new Level 3 Diploma?
All mandatory units have been redeveloped to reflect the updated Skills for Care criteria.
New areas of focus include:
- prevention in adult care
- supporting health and wellbeing
- equity and equality
- working digitally in care settings.
Optional units have also been reviewed to ensure they remain relevant and flexible. Most remain unchanged or have minor updates, allowing learners to tailor their learning to specific care environments.
