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- Certificate in Understanding Autism Level
Certificate in Understanding Autism
Level
3
15–25 weeks
Want to expand your knowledge of autism and explore the condition in greater depth?
Our NCFE CACHE Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Autism builds on Level 2 learning with a deeper exploration of autism’s effects on behaviour, communication, and sensory processing. You’ll study how to support autistic individuals more effectively, address misconceptions, and promote inclusivity in society.
This qualification is ideal for professionals in education, health, or social care who wish to strengthen their practice, as well as anyone supporting autistic people in a personal capacity.
Eligibility criteria
You must be either unemployed or in employment but earning below the low wage threshold of £25,750 or are aged 19–23 with a prior attainment below level 3 to be eligible to undertake this free online course.
*Other eligibility criteria may apply
Course title: NCFE CACHE Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Autism
Course ref: 603/1935/5
This qualification helps you:
- Adopt a positive and respectful approach to supporting autistic individuals, recognising preferences in language and identity
- Explain the current legislative framework relating to autism and describe how theories of autism have developed over time
- Demonstrate understanding of how to support and manage transitions for autistic individuals across different life stages
- Identify a range of therapeutic interventions and sources of support for autistic individuals, including those with co-occurring conditions
- Apply strategies to support communication and social interaction for autistic individuals
- Recognise how autistic individuals may be vulnerable and describe the safeguarding responsibilities of support workers in line with legislative requirements
- Use the National Autistic Society as a reliable source of accurate and up-to-date terminology, guidance, and reference materials relating to autism
- Use this qualification as a foundation for progression to further study or employment within the health and social care sector
- Unit 1: Autism in context
- Unit 2: Positive behavioural support for autistic individuals
- Unit 3: Understand support and management of transitions for autistic individuals
- Unit 4: Therapeutic interventions and support available for autistic individuals and co-occurring conditions
- Unit 5: Communication and social interaction with autistic individuals
- Unit 6: Safeguarding and resilience in autism
No exams required — you'll complete assessment activities that demonstrate your knowledge and skills.
Successful learners often progress to:
- Level 2 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care
- Level 3 or 4 Diploma in Adult Care
- Apprenticeship Level 3 Teaching Assistant
- Apprenticeship level 3 Childcare
This course is also a great step toward careers in:
- Healthcare
- Social care
- Teaching Assistant
- Support Worker
- Early Years Practitioner
- Mental Health Support Worker
- Volunteer roles
This course may be fully funded through the Adult Skills Fund if not we have self-funding options available.
Why learn with CT Skills?
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80% achievement rate
Achieve a nationally recognised NCFE qualification.
Dedicated tutor support
Expert guidance every step of the way.
Achieve in as little as 15–25 weeks
By committing 5–10 hours per week.
It has given me the confidence to develop my business. It has also affirmed what I already knew which is really helpful for my confidence.
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I have grown my knowledge in the customer service and I can use this to positively impact my work and my team who work in front of house.
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It's made me want to pursue a business administration degree then probably an MBA after.
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I can apply for a team leader position now and I have improved my skills!
Adult Skills Fund
This course may be fully funded through the Adult Skills Fund if not we have self-funding options available.
Use this search tool to check funding in your area.
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Eligibility Criteria:
- Aged 19 or over as of 31/8/25
- Living in England
- Not currently enrolled on any other government funded course or started another application for one
Please note: Not all areas of England are funded. You can use our postcode checker above to see if you are.
The most likely reason is that you live in a postcode area that we do not currently deliver funded courses in, but we do have a self-funded route. Please contact our customer service team to discuss via 0115 959 9544 or complete the contact form below.
Of course! We have options available to self-fund courses. Details can be found on each course page.
Level 2 courses typically take up to 10 weeks and Level 3 courses 15–25 weeks.
You will need to commit 5–10 hours study time each week to meet the course unit deadlines.
Yes – your qualification will be nationally recognised accreditation by NCFE CACHE and you will receive a certificate.
Once you've signed up, we'll check your details. As soon as everything is approved, your course will be unlocked. You'll get an automatic email to let you know it's ready. After that your tutor will send you a welcome email. They'll also invite you to a masterclass where you can meet them and get started.
Absolutely. Our courses can be offered via the adult skills fund if eligible, if not we have lots of options available to self-fund courses. Details can be found on each course page.