Level 3 Award in Information, Advice or Guidance (RQF)
The Level 3 Award in Information, Advice or Guidance is aimed at providing learners with an understanding of the role and responsibilities of working where advice is provided. This includes the skills of negotiation, communication, wider skills, networking to meet needs.
About this qualification
This qualification is designed for practitioners who provide information, advice or guidance. The course covers the role and responsibilities of advice and guidance practitioners, including communication skills, negotiation, networking and understanding client needs.
Course Structure
To gain this qualification, learners must complete the following units:
| Unit Number | Unit Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Understanding information, advice or guidance | 3 |
| 2 | Developing interaction skills for information, advice or guidance | 3 |
Course Delivery and Support
Online (Distance Learning)
Our online distance learning option allows you to complete this course at your own pace from the comfort of your home or workplace. You will be assigned a dedicated personal tutor who will provide expert guidance, constructive feedback, and individual support throughout your course. All learning materials, assignment templates, and study guides are accessible 24/7 via our online learning portal.
Blended Learning
Blended learning combines the flexibility of independent online study with targeted face-to-face or live virtual workshops. This option allows you to work through theory assignments in your own time while benefiting from interactive practical sessions.
How long is this course?
Key Facts
We expect learners to complete the course within 3 to 8 weeks depending on their study pace.
Entry Requirements
This course is open to anyone working in or aspiring to work in an advice and guidance setting. You will be expected to have basic numeracy, literacy and IT skills. All learners should have access to the internet and a word processor.
Assessment
The course is assessed by a portfolio of evidence which you will compile and submit. Assessment methods include written assignments, reflective accounts and workplace evidence.
What can I do after completion?
You can go on to complete the Level 3 Certificate in Information, Advice or Guidance, the Level 3 NVQ Certificate in Advice and Guidance, or any other advice and guidance qualifications.
How This Fits with the Other Advice and Guidance Qualifications
| Qualification | Price | Credits | Evidence/competency requirement | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Understanding Information, Advice or Guidance, Level 3 Award (this course) | £300 | 6 | Portfolio and knowledge only, no requirement to already be working with clients | 3 to 8 weeks |
| Level 3 Certificate in Information, Advice or Guidance | £450 | 12 | Portfolio and knowledge only, but you do need to already be working in an advice and guidance setting | 4 to 12 weeks |
| Level 3 NVQ Certificate in Advice and Guidance | £595 | 9 | True NVQ, demonstrated occupational competence with real clients, including observed practice | 3 to 6 months |
| Level 4 NVQ Diploma in Advice and Guidance | £495 | 17 | True NVQ, demonstrated occupational competence with real clients, naturally occurring workplace evidence | 4 to 12 weeks |
This Award and the Level 3 Certificate above it are both assessed through a portfolio of written assignments and reflective accounts, with no requirement to demonstrate competence with real clients. The Level 3 NVQ Certificate and Level 4 NVQ Diploma are different in kind, not just in level: both require you to already be working in an advice and guidance role with client access, and both assess your actual practice through observation and naturally occurring workplace evidence rather than through assignments alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be working with clients already to take this course?
No. This Award is knowledge and portfolio based, assessed through written assignments, reflective accounts and optional workplace evidence, so there's no requirement to already be working in an advice and guidance role with access to clients. That requirement applies to the Level 3 NVQ Certificate and Level 4 NVQ Diploma instead, both of which need you to demonstrate real occupational competence.
What evidence will I actually need to submit?
A portfolio compiled from written assignments and reflective accounts. Workplace evidence is one of the accepted evidence types if you have it, but it isn't mandatory for this course the way it is for the NVQ Certificate and Diploma, where observed practice and naturally occurring workplace evidence are central to how you're assessed.
What's the difference between this and the Level 3 NVQ Certificate in Advice and Guidance?
This Award and the Level 3 Certificate above it are knowledge and understanding qualifications, assessed by portfolio, with no requirement to demonstrate competence with real clients. The Level 3 NVQ Certificate is a competency-based qualification instead, you need to already be working in an advice and guidance role, and you're assessed through observed practice and workplace evidence rather than written assignments alone.
Can I progress to the NVQ qualifications after this Award?
Yes. This Award and the Level 3 Certificate build your understanding of the role first, and the Level 3 NVQ Certificate and Level 4 NVQ Diploma build on that once you're working in a role with client access, since those require you to demonstrate occupational competence in practice rather than through assignments.
Enrolment (Costs and Signing up)
Our course fees are fully inclusive and cover awarding body registration, dedicated tutor support, tutorial guidance, access to online learning resources, portfolio assessments, quality assurance and certification. There are no hidden fees. Payment is required within 5 days of booking.
Online / Distance Learning
Full cost: £300. Instalments: deposit £165, one monthly instalment of £165.
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