The revised apprenticeship includes an updated occupational standard and a new assessment approach. The focus remains on delivering high-quality, person-centred care and leading others in adult care settings. Providers should review their curriculum delivery and assessment preparation arrangements to ensure they align with the revised requirements. Apprentices must still achieve the mandatory Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care alongside the apprenticeship assessment. 

The assessment plan has been published by Skills England for information only at this stage. Delivery can begin once final approval and a funding band have been confirmed. 

NCFE has launched its assessment offer now to help providers understand our approach, plan implementation and discuss onboarding arrangements ahead of the standard becoming available for delivery. 

Apprentices must achieve the mandatory Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care approved by Skills for Care before completing the apprenticeship requirements. 

NCFE launched an updated NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care in April 2026 that meets this requirement. 

All apprentices must complete: 

Professional Discussion 

Portfolio. 

Both assessment methods must be successfully completed before certification can take place.

We developed our approach through engagement with providers and employers. 

The Portfolio provides authentic, verifiable workplace evidence. The Professional Discussion allows apprentices to demonstrate professional judgement, reflection and understanding of their practice. Together, these methods provide a balanced and robust assessment of occupational competence. 

No. The Diploma is a mandatory requirement of the apprenticeship, but apprentices must also successfully complete both apprenticeship assessment methods before certification can take place. 

Yes, evidence produced during the Diploma can be included in the apprenticeship portfolio where it clearly demonstrates the knowledge and skills being assessed. 

Any evidence submitted for apprenticeship assessment must be free from assessor feedback. 

Using relevant Diploma evidence can help minimise duplication and support a more joined-up approach to programme delivery and assessment. Further guidance will be available in the assessment specification.

NCFE offers two assessment delivery models, both supported by robust quality assurance arrangements. 

NCFE Assessed 

NCFE assesses both the Professional Discussion and Portfolio. 

NCFE Combined 

NCFE assesses the Professional Discussion, and approved centres assess the Portfolio. Assessment decisions are supported through centre IQA processes and NCFE EQA arrangements. 

The Combined model offers greater flexibility and increased assessment capacity. It allows providers to assess the Portfolio internally while maintaining confidence in assessment outcomes through internal and external quality assurance arrangements.

Yes. Providers can start with one model and move to another as their needs or assessment capability develop. 

NCFE will provide onboarding support, implementation guidance, assessment resources, webinars, walkthroughs and dedicated customer support to help providers prepare for delivery with confidence. 

Using both products through NCFE can create a more joined-up experience from programme delivery through to apprenticeship completion. 

Providers can benefit from curriculum and assessment alignment, reduced supplier complexity and support from one organisation throughout the learner journey. 

NCFE's approach combines authentic workplace evidence with professional discussion. It reflects extensive provider and employer engagement and offers flexibility through both NCFE-assessed and centre-assessed delivery models. 

You can: 

visit the Skills England standard page 

access our latest walkthrough webinar. 

Alternatively, contact your dedicated NCFE Relationship Manager or our Business Development team for more information and onboarding guidance.