NCFE CACHE qualifications · Online
Online adult care qualifications, Level 2 to Level 5
Orvanta Open College is an NCFE approved centre (centre number 11000895) delivering NCFE CACHE adult care qualifications online, with tutor and assessor support and workplace assessment.
The qualifications follow a clear career ladder: the Level 2 Diploma in Care for new care workers, the Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care for senior and lead care roles, the Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care for team leaders and deputy managers, and the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care for registered and aspiring managers.
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| Qualification | Level | Typical duration | Fee | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care (RQF) | Level 3 | 12–18 months | £799.00 or £319.60 + 6 × £79.90 | Learners must be aged 16 or over. |
| NCFE CACHE Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care (RQF) | Level 5 | 15–24 months | £999.00 or £399.60 + 6 × £99.90 | Learners must be aged 18 or over. |
| NCFE CACHE Level 2 Diploma in Care (RQF) | Level 2 | 9–12 months | £799.00 or £319.60 + 6 × £79.90 | Age 16 or over. |
| NCFE CACHE Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care (RQF) | Level 4 | 12–18 months | £899.00 or £359.60 + 6 × £89.90 | Learners must be aged 18 or over. |
NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care (RQF)
The benchmark qualification for senior care assistants, support workers, and team leaders. Gain the expertise needed to supervise others and deliver high-standard, person-centred care.
Who it is for
- Senior Care Assistants and Support Workers.
- Team Leaders or Care Coordinators aiming to formalise their skills.
- Healthcare Assistants working in residential care, nursing homes, or domiciliary care.
- Learners wishing to progress to a Level 4 or Level 5 management qualification.
Assessment
- Tutor-marked written assignments for theoretical modules.
- Workplace observations conducted by a qualified assessor.
- A portfolio of evidence containing reflective accounts, professional discussions, and witness testimonies.
NCFE CACHE Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care (RQF)
The definitive qualification required by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for Registered Managers. Master governance, financial control, human resources, and high-quality service delivery.
Who it is for
- Registered Managers of care homes, nursing homes, or domiciliary care agencies.
- Deputy Managers or Assistant Managers preparing to step up.
- Care Business Owners seeking to understand regulatory expectations.
- Seniors with management duties aiming to achieve the ultimate care qualification.
Assessment
- Professional discussions, reflective logs, and case studies.
- Analysis of workplace policies, procedures, and reports.
- Workplace observations or witness testimonies from senior executives/directors.
NCFE CACHE Level 2 Diploma in Care (RQF)
Begin your career in adult social care. Develop critical knowledge of person-centred support, communication, and safety regulations.
Who it is for
- Aspiring Care Assistants.
- Support Workers starting in domiciliary or residential adult care.
Assessment
- Written coursework and direct observation of care delivery.
NCFE CACHE Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care (RQF)
Develop specialist knowledge, professional judgement and leadership through authentic adult care practice. This 70-credit qualification connects online portfolio learning with evidence from your real work setting.
Who it is for
- Adult care practitioners who lead or influence practice in their setting.
- Experienced practitioners who can demonstrate responsibility through authentic workplace evidence.
- Learners seeking to develop specialist knowledge, professional judgement and person-centred leadership.
- Practitioners preparing for possible progression to Level 5 leadership and management study.
Assessment
- A portfolio combines written knowledge evidence with authentic activities from your adult care setting.
- A qualified assessor plans direct observation and verifies competence against the full learning outcomes and assessment criteria.
- Workplace supervisor testimony can support the portfolio, but the qualified assessor makes the final assessment decision.
- Expert witness evidence or simulation is used only where the official assessment principles and unit requirements permit it and the assessor agrees.
- The official grade is Achieved or Not Yet Achieved; there are no graded examinations.
Guides
- Adult Care Training Refund Scheme 2026-27: How Employers Reclaim Qualification Costs
- Adult social care in 2026: fair pay, a wider career structure, and a reform clock that just moved forward
- National Care Service 2026: What the Announcement Means for Care Workers
- How to Become a Senior Care Worker in the UK
- Level 3 vs Level 5 Adult Care: Which Qualification Is Right?
Recruiting staff?
We also arrange standard and enhanced DBS checks and BPSS screening for employers.
Buying for a council or combined authority?
See bulk qualification pricing for councils and combined authorities, with volume discounts of up to 25%.
Talk to admissions
Call 0161 641 5819 or email info@orvantaopencollege.co.uk. Orvanta Open College is operated by Orvanta Group Ltd (company number 16554536) and is an NCFE approved centre (centre number 11000895).