If you are thinking about a care or childcare career, you may wonder whether you need experience or other qualifications before you start. This guide covers the NCFE CACHE entry requirements you are likely to meet, and whether you need a Level 2 before a Level 3.
Short answer: most NCFE CACHE qualifications have no formal entry requirements beyond a minimum age. But many of them are assessed in a real workplace, so you will need access to a care or childcare setting.
NCFE CACHE Entry Requirements: The Basics
NCFE sets the minimum rules for each qualification, and these are usually light. For most courses, NCFE only asks for a minimum age and leaves the rest to the college or training provider.
Here is what that means in practice:
- Age: The NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care asks for learners to be at least 16. The Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care asks for at least 19.
- Previous qualifications: Usually none are required by NCFE. Some providers set their own rules.
- Experience: Not needed to apply, but needed to complete many diplomas (more on this below).
Providers can also decide who they accept. At Easy Training 123, entry is at our discretion, in line with the Equality Act 2010.
Do You Need Work Experience?
It depends on the type of qualification.
Knowledge-based courses teach you the theory and do not need a workplace. Some Level 2 and Level 3 certificates in preparing to work in adult social care fall into this group.
Competence-based diplomas are different. You have to prove you can do the job, so you need to be working, volunteering, or on a practical placement while you study. This applies to the NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care. You build a portfolio of evidence from your real work, and this is assessed by your tutor.
So you do not need years of experience, but you do need a setting where you can show your skills. If you are new to care, volunteering at a care home, day centre, or community group is a good way to get started.
You have to prove you can do the job, so you need to be working, volunteering, or on a practical placement while you study.
Do You Need to Take Level 2 Before Level 3?
No. NCFE does not require a Level 2 before the Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care. It only sets an age limit. NCFE does say learners may find it helpful to hold a Level 2 first, and some providers go further and ask for one.
For example, one London college asks Level 3 learners to be working in a senior care role and to have already completed a Level 2 in Adult Care. Another provider says no formal qualifications are needed, though a Level 2 would be an advantage.
This is why it pays to check each provider’s rules. Two providers can offer the same qualification with different entry requirements.
Understanding Qualification Levels
Many people think levels are steps you must climb in order. They are not. Levels show how difficult a qualification is. They do not set a fixed path. You can see how they compare on the GOV.UK qualification levels page.
Starting at Level 2 makes sense if you are brand new to care and want to build confidence. If you already work in care or have relevant knowledge, you may be ready for Level 3 straight away.
Do You Need Level 3 Before Level 5?
Not formally. The NCFE CACHE Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care has no formal entry requirements apart from being at least 19. NCFE recommends that learners hold a Level 3 qualification or above in a related area, because Level 5 is a big step up in depth and responsibility.
Level 5 is designed for people who lead or manage adult care services, including registered managers. As it is competence-based, you will need to be working in a role where you can show leadership and management skills. If you are unsure, contact us and we will talk through your situation.
For more on the Level 3 route, read our guide: Is the NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care the right qualification for you?
Do Childcare Qualifications Have Different Rules?
They can. Childcare and early years qualifications often come with extra conditions. For example, to count in staff-to-child ratios, Early Years Educators need Level 2 English and maths, such as GCSEs at grade 4 or above or Functional Skills. Many colleges also ask for a work placement with young children.
If you are interested in this area, check the entry rules for the Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector before you apply.
What Else Might a Provider Ask For?
Beyond NCFE’s own rules, providers may ask for:
- A DBS check. This is common for anyone working with adults who need care or with children.
- A good level of English. You will need to follow the course and write up your evidence.
- An initial assessment or chat. This helps the provider check the course is right for you.
- A work placement or volunteering role. This applies where the qualification is assessed in a real setting.
Always read the entry information on the course page, and ask the provider if anything is unclear.
What If You Have No Experience at All?
You still have options. Here are three ways to get started:
- Volunteer. Care homes, charities, and community groups often welcome volunteers. This gives you a setting for your portfolio.
- Apply for entry-level care jobs. Many employers hire care assistants with no previous experience and then support them to study.
- Start at Level 2. A Level 2 course can build your knowledge and confidence before you move on.
Can You Study Part-Time or Alongside Work?
Yes. Most of our learners study around a job. You complete your units at your own pace and use your day-to-day work as evidence. See our guide on how much an NCFE CACHE qualification costs if you are planning your budget.
Is It a Genuine Qualification?
Yes. NCFE CACHE qualifications are regulated, so employers and colleges recognise them. Read more in our guide: Are NCFE CACHE qualifications regulated?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need qualifications to start an NCFE CACHE course? Usually not. NCFE sets few formal entry requirements, though some providers set their own.
Do I need experience to do the Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care? You do not need previous experience to apply, but you need to be working, volunteering, or on placement so you can show your skills.
Do I need Level 2 before Level 3? No, but it can help, and some providers ask for it.
Do I need Level 3 before Level 5? Not formally. A Level 3 is recommended, and you should be in a role where you can show leadership skills.
How old do I need to be? The Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care starts at 16 and the Level 5 at 19. Other courses vary, so check each one.
Not Sure Where to Start?
If you are unsure which level suits you, we can help. Browse our NCFE CACHE courses, read our FAQs, or contact Easy Training 123 and we will help you choose the right course.
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