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Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Autism (EQUAL)

Marketing Title
Level 3
Part-Time
BHSL3005 (2026/2027B)
05/10/2026
Format
19/03/2027
Format
Online Provision
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Course Information

Course Information
This online course is designed to increase your knowledge and understanding of autism.

By completing the online course, you will develop in-depth knowledge of autism which could support progression onto appropriate qualifications and into relevant employment in the health and social care sector. Autism is described by The National Autistic Society as a complex, lifelong developmental disability that typically appears during early childhood and can impact a person's social skills, communication, relationships, and self-regulation. Individual preference regarding terminology used for an individual on the autism spectrum may vary and must be valued and respected.

The course content, specification and associated materials are reviewed regularly to ensure that they remain fit for purpose, however, terms tend to change. The National Autistic Society provides a useful source for accurate terms and reference and can be found on their website.

A level 3 qualification is equivalent to an advanced technical certificate or diploma, or A levels. The qualifications could help you:
- Gain skills that employers value
- Improve your job prospects
- Earn a higher wage
To be awarded the Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Autism, learners are required to successfully complete 6 mandatory units:
• Unit 01 Autism in context
• Unit 02 Positive behavioural support for individuals with autism
• Unit 03 Understand support and management of transitions for individuals with autism
• Unit 04 Therapeutic interventions and support available for individuals with autism and co-occurring conditions
• Unit 05 Communication and social interaction with individuals with autism
• Unit 06 Safeguarding and resilience in autism

Completion of the qualification will help you to understand:
• how to adopt a positive approach to supporting individuals with autism
• the current legislative framework relating to individuals with autism and how different theories have developed over time
• how to support and manage transitions for individuals with autism
• the range of therapeutic interventions and support available for individuals with autism and cooccurring conditions
• how to support communication and social interaction for individuals with autism
• how to develop an understanding of how individuals with autism may be vulnerable and the support worker’s role and responsibilities relating to safeguarding according to legislative requirements.
The course content is designed to take around 200 hours (20-24 weeks) to work through both learning and assessments. Learners will be given access to a comprehensive online learning platform (EQUAL) which will provide them with detailed knowledge and information to support their successful completion of each unit.

A tutor will be assigned to the learner once enrolled, they will support you in your induction and be the point of support throughout the length of the course. Further self-directed research is encouraged to expand learner’s understanding of key topics.
In order to attend the course, learners should be able to follow instructions in English at Level 2 and above. Learners will also need a good level of IT skills to be able to access and navigate the learning platform and keep in contact with their personal tutor. There are no specific recommended prior learning requirements for this qualification, however, learners may find it helpful if they’ve already achieved a Level 2 autism qualification, or qualifications in mental health or social care contexts at a similar level.

Learners will need access to a computer, laptop or tablet device with access to the internet. 

The setup of this course enables learners to study independently and flexibly at times convenient to them.

All learners will need to initially apply online and complete an initial assessment prior to access to the course.
Clear deadlines will be provided for each unit to ensure the qualification is completed within the set time frame. Completion and progress on each unit is clearly identified on the learner’s online dashboard. Learners will receive regular feedback throughout the course including opportunities for further development. You will be completing work in relation to each unit, which a range of activities and questioning to allow you to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding. You will complete this online using the online platform. The Additional Learning Support Team work across college supporting students with a variety of learning needs in different ways.  Support can be requested at enrolment or at any point throughout your course.
Following completion of this course the following progression option(s) are available:
- Access to Higher Education Pathways
- Level 3 Diploma for the Children's Workforce (Early Years Educator)
- Level 3 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care
- Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
- Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools
- Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training.
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Course Fees (evidence may be required) Fee
I am paying for the course with an Advanced Learner Loan
£811.00
Standard Course Fee
£811.00
Eco Inact - health, disability, caring
£0.00
Eco inactive - Skills, emp, progression
£0.00
I am aged 19+ (on the 31st August) and have earnings of less than £29,431 per year (inc any benefit payments)
£0.00
I am aged 19-23 (on the 31st August) and do not already have a level 3 qualification
£0.00
I am aged 19-23 (on the 31st August), have no previous Level 3 Qualification and earn over £29,431
£0.00
I am aged 19-24 (on the 31st August) and have a EHCP
£0.00
I am aged under 19 (on the 31st August)
£0.00
I am currently under formal redundancy consultation
£0.00
I am unemployed and in receipt of Employment Support Allowance
£0.00
I am unemployed and in receipt of Job Seekers Allowance
£0.00
I am unemployed and in receipt of Universal Credit with a take home pay less than £952 (or £1534 for a joint claim) per month
£0.00
I am unemployed, not in receipt of any benefit and am seeking employment in relation to this course that i am enrolling onto.
£0.00