Health & Social Care FAQ

An RQF (Regulated Qualifications Framework) diploma in health and social care is an Ofqual-regulated, work-based qualification assessed through your real care setting. The RQF replaced the legacy NVQ and QCF frameworks; qualifications awarded today by bodies such as NCFE CACHE, Highfield, and City & Guilds are all RQF-regulated diplomas. They are fully recognised by the CQC, Skills for Care, and employers across the sector.

Yes, the theory and knowledge units can be completed online through a digital learning platform. However, the competency units at level 3 and above require workplace observations by a qualified assessor — so you need to be working (or on placement) in a regulated adult care setting. Purely online study without a workplace component does not meet the qualification standards.

Most learners working full time in care complete the level 3 diploma in 12 to 18 months. Part-time or slower study can extend this to two years. Pace depends on how quickly your assessor can schedule workplace observations and how fast you work through the knowledge units in the online portal.

Yes, provided the qualification is regulated by Ofqual and awarded by an approved body such as NCFE CACHE, Highfield, or City & Guilds. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspects whether staff hold appropriate qualifications — an Ofqual-regulated RQF diploma achieved online is treated identically to one completed in a classroom setting.

The Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care is designed for experienced frontline care workers moving into senior care worker or lead practitioner roles. The Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care is the qualification required for registered managers of CQC-regulated care services. Level 3 covers care planning, risk assessment, and person-centred practice; level 5 covers governance, workforce management, quality assurance, and leadership. Lift College’s entry point is Level 3.

The Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care is the RQF-regulated qualification required to become a registered manager of a CQC-regulated care service. It covers resource management, quality assurance, safeguarding leadership, and governance. Skills for Care includes it on the approved qualifications register for registered managers in England.