Level 3 Certificate in Information, Advice or Guidance (RQF)
This qualification is aimed at practitioners who provide information, advice or guidance in a professional capacity. The course will explore the skills, roles and responsibilities required to be an effective practitioner.
About this qualification
This qualification is designed for practitioners who provide information, advice or guidance in a professional capacity. The course explores the skills, roles and responsibilities required to be an effective practitioner, including managing information, signposting and referring clients, and operating within networks.
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 |
| 3 | Information, advice or guidance in practice | 3 |
| 4 | Managing information | 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 4 to 12 weeks depending on their study pace.
Entry Requirements
This course is open to anyone working 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 NVQ Certificate in Advice and Guidance, the Level 4 NVQ Diploma in Advice and Guidance, or any other advice and guidance qualifications.
How This Fits with the Other Advice and Guidance Qualifications
| Qualification | Price | Credits | Entry requirement | Assessment/competency requirement | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 3 Award in Information, Advice or Guidance | £300 | 6 | No requirement to already be working in the sector | Portfolio and knowledge only | 3 to 8 weeks |
| Level 3 Certificate in Information, Advice or Guidance (this course) | £450 | 12 | Must already be working in an advice and guidance setting | Portfolio and knowledge only, no observed practice required | 4 to 12 weeks |
| Level 3 NVQ Certificate in Advice and Guidance | £595 | 9 | Must be working in an advice and guidance role with client access | True NVQ, observed practice and demonstrated occupational competence | 3 to 6 months |
| Level 4 NVQ Diploma in Advice and Guidance | £495 | 17 | Must be working in an advice and guidance environment with client access | True NVQ, naturally occurring workplace evidence of competency | 4 to 12 weeks |
This Certificate sits in between the other two on the entry side, you do need to already be working in an advice and guidance setting to enrol, unlike the Level 3 Award below it, but on the assessment side it's still portfolio and knowledge based like that Award, written assignments, reflective accounts and workplace evidence, with no requirement to be observed demonstrating competence. That observed-competence requirement only applies to the Level 3 NVQ Certificate and Level 4 NVQ Diploma.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to already be working in advice and guidance to take this course?
Yes, this Certificate is open to anyone already working in an advice and guidance setting, unlike the Level 3 Award, which has no such requirement. That's an entry requirement rather than an assessment one though, you still won't be observed demonstrating competence the way you would on the NVQ qualifications.
Will I be assessed on my competence with real clients, or just my knowledge?
Just your knowledge and understanding. Assessment is by portfolio, written assignments, reflective accounts and workplace evidence, with no requirement for observed practice or demonstrated occupational competence. That's the key difference between this Certificate and the two NVQ qualifications in this family, which do require observed, competency-based evidence.
Is workplace evidence compulsory for this course?
No, it's one of several accepted evidence types alongside written assignments and reflective accounts, not a mandatory, observed requirement. That's different from the Level 3 NVQ Certificate and Level 4 NVQ Diploma, where naturally occurring workplace evidence and observed practice are central to how you're assessed.
What's the difference between this and the Level 3 NVQ Certificate in Advice and Guidance?
Both require you to already be working in an advice and guidance role, but this Certificate assesses your knowledge and understanding through a portfolio of assignments and reflective accounts. The Level 3 NVQ Certificate goes further, requiring you to demonstrate occupational competence in practice, assessed through observations of practice and professional discussions, not just written evidence.
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: £450. Instalments: deposit £250, one monthly instalment of £250.
Explore more Advice and Guidance Courses
Discover our full range of regulated qualifications delivered by online, blended, and classroom learning.
View All Advice and Guidance Courses