Changes to Adult Care Qualifications
The adult care qualification landscape is being updated to reflect new Skills for Care (SfC) criteria and the evolving needs of the sector. These updates ensure qualifications remain relevant and support workforce development across adult social care.
Two key transitions are taking place:
- Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care to New Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care
- Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care to Level 5 Diploma in Leading and Managing an Adult Care Service
These changes introduce updated content, revised funding arrangements and new technical qualifications to support learners, employers and training providers.
Level 3 qualifications: what’s changing?
Updated NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care (610/7192/4)
(launched 1 April 2026)
Following consultation with the adult care sector, Skills for Care has updated the content of the NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care (610/0498/4). In
line with the new criteria, NCFE launched an updated Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care on 1 April 2026, which:
- is eligible for Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS) funding
- meets the mandatory qualification requirement for the Lead Adult Care Worker apprenticeship.
- replaces the NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care – 610/0498/4 as a funded option and is eligible for 16-19, national & regional adult (19+), Advanced Learner Loans, Free Courses for Jobs funding and Tailored Learning from August 2026.
- is available for learners aged 16 years and above
The current qualification (NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care 610/0498/4) will no longer be available for LDSS funding through Skills for
Care from 31 March 2026, but continued to attract 16-19, Free Courses for Jobs, Advanced Learner Loans and devolved 19+ adult funding until 31 July 2026.]
This qualification was withdrawn on the 31 July 2026.
Transition to the NCFE Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in Adult Care (TOQ) (610/6203/0)
In August 2026, we launched the NCFE Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in Adult Care (Diploma) (610/6203/0). This new TOQ is approved for the following funding until at least the 2027/28 academic year:
- ASF
- Free Courses for Jobs
- Tailored Learning
- MCA/GLA
As the this qualification is only available for learners who are 19+ NCFE will have the updated NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care (610/7192/4) available for 16-19 funding from 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.
Level 5 qualifications: what’s changing?
Level 5 Diploma in Leading and Managing an Adult Care Service - Launching 1 April 2026
Skills for Care has also updated the Level 5 leadership qualification to reflect current sector needs.
NCFE will launch the Level 5 Diploma in Leading and Managing an Adult Care Service on 1 April 2026.
The new qualification:
- replaces the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care (610/0673/7)
- the current qualification will be withdrawn on 31 July 2026
- will be eligible for Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS) funding
- will be the mandated qualification for the Leader in Adult Care apprenticeship.
Download the Level 5 Funding Overview
What’s different in the new Level 5 Diploma?
The updated qualification includes redeveloped mandatory units aligned with the latest Skills for Care criteria.
New focus areas include:
- prevention in adult care
- supporting health and wellbeing
- equity and equality
- working digitally in care settings
- supervising, supporting and developing others.
Need support planning the transition?
Our team can help you prepare for delivery of the new qualifications and navigate the funding changes.