Qualifications can play an important role in learning and development and there are a wide variety available within adult social care.
Have your say: Help shape the future of adult care qualifications
Skills for Care is currently reviewing the Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care and the Level 5 Diploma in Leading and Managing an Adult Care Service. The aim is to ensure these qualifications remain relevant and effective for both the current and future workforce.
Your feedback will play a vital role in refining these qualifications to better meet sector needs.
The time it takes to complete the survey will vary depending on which qualifications and topic areas you choose to review. You’re welcome to complete both surveys and select as many topic areas as you wish. Skills for Care greatly appreciates your input.
Please submit your response by 17:00 on Sunday 15 June 2025.
If you have any questions, please contact evidence@skillsforcare.org.uk
Take the survey.
Qualifications range from diplomas to smaller awards and certificates which are more focused on specific topics.
Diplomas, certificates and awards
Qualifications are available for the adult social care workforce, from entry level into the sector and career progression. Find out more about the qualifications in social care.
Diplomas are longer qualifications with optional modules develop knowledge and skills in areas of interest or the organisations’ priorities.
Awards and certificates enable workers to continue their professional development through qualifications and are shorter in length.
Assessment principles
You can access information about assessment principles for qualifications in adult social care. Use of assessment principles create a consistent approach to the assessment of qualifications in the sector and support awarding organisations’ quality assurance processes.
Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS)
The Department of Health and Social Care is providing funding to support the learning and development of non-regulated care staff, including deputy managers, registered managers and agency staff. Find out further information.
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Approved qualifications have been developed in partnership with employers and awarding Organisations, in line with our specifications and checked by Skills for Care for consistency.
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For the Level 5 Award in Understanding Digital Leadership in Adult Social Care, we recommended these awarding organisations.