The QualCert Level 3 Certificate in Infectious Disease Medicine (Cert IDM) is a specialised qualification designed to equip learners with essential knowledge and skills in the prevention, control, and management of infectious diseases. This course addresses one of the most critical areas in modern healthcare, where the ability to understand disease patterns, implement control measures, and promote public health is vital.
By studying this qualification, participants gain a strong foundation in infectious disease medicine, preparing them for roles that support healthcare systems, communities, and global health initiatives.
This qualification is ideal for learners seeking to understand the mechanisms of infectious diseases and their impact on public health. It provides both theoretical and practical insights into how infections spread, how they can be controlled, and what measures healthcare systems must implement to safeguard communities.
The course also develops critical problem-solving and analytical skills, preparing learners to contribute effectively in health and social care settings, clinical support roles, and community health programmes. Employers value this qualification as it demonstrates a learner’s competence, awareness, and readiness to support infection prevention initiatives.
The QualCert Level 3 Certificate in Infectious Disease Medicine not only enhances specialist knowledge but also builds transferable skills such as critical thinking, communication, and research awareness. These skills are vital for anyone entering or progressing within healthcare and public health sectors, especially at a time when infectious diseases remain a global concern.
The QualCert Level 3 Certificate in Infectious Disease Medicine (Cert IDM) offers learners a strong foundation in understanding, preventing, and managing infectious diseases. It prepares individuals for rewarding roles in healthcare and public health while supporting further study and professional development. By completing this qualification, learners take an important step towards contributing to safer healthcare systems and healthier communities.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 3 Certificate in Infectious Disease Medicine (Cert IDM):
The QualCert Level 3 Certificate in Infectious Disease Medicine (Cert IDM), offers 20 Credits, requiring a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 100 hours, including 70 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).
| Unit Ref# | Unit Title | Credit | GLH | TQT |
| QC27085-1 | Principles of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology | 4 | 14 | 20 |
| QC27085-2 | Transmission, Prevention, and Control of Infectious Diseases | 4 | 14 | 20 |
| QC27085-3 | Outbreak Management and Epidemiology | 4 | 14 | 20 |
| QC27085-4 | Diagnostic Methods and Laboratory Safety | 4 | 14 | 20 |
| QC27085-5 | Ethics, Professionalism, and Public Health in Infectious Diseases | 4 | 14 | 20 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 3 Certificate in Infectious Disease Medicine (Cert IDM):
To enrol in the QualCert Level 3 Certificate in Infectious Disease Medicine (Cert IDM), learners must meet the following minimum entry requirements:
Minimum Age
- Learners must be at least 16 years of age at the time of enrolment.
- Centres may recommend learners to be 18 years or above if practical training or workplace observation is involved.
Educational Background
- A Level 2 qualification (or equivalent) in a relevant subject such as Health and Social Care, Science, or Biology is desirable.
- Learners without formal qualifications may still be admitted if they can demonstrate sufficient knowledge, motivation, or prior experience in healthcare or community health.
- Basic understanding of biology, human health, or public health systems is beneficial but not mandatory.
Experience
- No formal healthcare experience is required to enrol.
- Previous volunteering, study, or employment in healthcare, community health, or public health awareness programmes will be considered advantageous.
- Learners seeking progression into clinical roles may need to meet additional requirements set by employers or regulatory bodies.
Language Proficiency
- The course is delivered in English; therefore, learners must demonstrate adequate language, literacy, and numeracy skills.
- For non-native English speakers, a minimum of CEFR Level B2 (equivalent to IELTS 5.5 or higher) is recommended.
- Learners must be able to read and interpret healthcare information, write structured reports, and communicate effectively in academic and professional contexts.
Learning Outcomes for the QualCert Level 3 Certificate in Infectious Disease Medicine (Cert IDM):
Principles of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology
- Understand the basic structure and classification of pathogens including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites
- Explain host–pathogen interactions and factors influencing disease development
- Recognise common infectious diseases and their global health impact
- Describe the role of the immune system in preventing and fighting infections
Transmission, Prevention, and Control of Infectious Diseases
- Identify different modes of infectious disease transmission
- Apply principles of hygiene, sanitation, and vaccination in disease prevention
- Demonstrate knowledge of infection control measures in healthcare and community settings
- Evaluate public health strategies for reducing the spread of infectious diseases
Outbreak Management and Epidemiology
- Explain the principles of epidemiology and their application in disease control
- Recognise steps involved in outbreak detection, investigation, and reporting
- Analyse methods of disease surveillance and monitoring at local and global levels
- Apply outbreak response strategies in line with international health guidelines
Diagnostic Methods and Laboratory Safety
- Describe common diagnostic tools and techniques used in infectious disease detection
- Understand laboratory procedures for handling infectious samples safely
- Apply biosafety and biosecurity principles in laboratory practice
- Evaluate the importance of accurate diagnostics in treatment and disease control
Ethics, Professionalism, and Public Health in Infectious Diseases
- Recognise ethical issues in infectious disease management, including patient confidentiality and informed consent
- Demonstrate awareness of professional responsibilities when dealing with infectious patients
- Explain the role of public health systems in managing infectious diseases globally
- Analyse the balance between individual rights and community health in infectious disease prevention
The QualCert Level 3 Certificate in Infectious Disease Medicine is designed for individuals who wish to gain a solid foundation in the study, prevention, and management of infectious diseases. It is particularly suitable for:
- Healthcare assistants and support workers who want to strengthen their knowledge of infection prevention and control
- Individuals aspiring to build a career in healthcare, community health, or public health services
- Students with a background in science or health studies who wish to specialise in infectious disease medicine
- Professionals already working in healthcare seeking continuing professional development (CPD) in infection control and epidemiology
- International learners interested in gaining a qualification that reflects UK and global healthcare standards
- Those aiming to progress to higher-level qualifications in public health, epidemiology, microbiology, or healthcare sciences
Centres delivering the QualCert Level 3 Certificate in Infectious Disease Medicine must meet the following requirements to ensure high-quality delivery, assessment, and learner support:
Staffing Requirements
- Tutors and trainers must hold a relevant qualification at Level 4 or above in healthcare, microbiology, public health, or a related field.
- Teaching staff should have at least two years of professional or teaching experience in healthcare, infectious diseases, or infection control.
- Assessors must hold or be working towards a recognised assessor qualification (such as TAQA or equivalent).
- Internal quality assurers (IQAs) must be appropriately qualified and experienced in both assessment and quality assurance.
Resources and Learning Materials
- Access to teaching and learning resources including up-to-date textbooks, journals, and digital platforms covering infectious disease medicine and public health.
- Simulation materials or case studies for practising outbreak management, diagnostic decision-making, and infection control scenarios.
- Access to resources that reflect current UK and international standards for infection control and public health practice.
- Opportunities for learners to engage with research materials, laboratory safety guidance, and public health case reports.
Facilities
- A classroom or training environment that supports interactive and discussion-based learning.
- Access to simulation labs or healthcare training facilities for practical demonstrations of infection control procedures, diagnostic tools, and biosafety practices.
- Adequate facilities for safe storage and demonstration of healthcare equipment and materials.
Assessment Requirements
- Assessments must be valid, reliable, and aligned with the qualification’s learning outcomes.
- Assessment methods may include written assignments, case studies, scenario-based tasks, reflective journals, and oral questioning.
- Practical demonstrations, where required, must be assessed in a controlled and supervised environment to ensure safety and accuracy.
- Centres must have robust internal quality assurance systems to ensure consistency and fairness in assessment decisions.
Additional Requirements
- Compliance with health, safety, and ethical standards in all teaching and assessment activities.
- Provision of academic, technical, and pastoral support for learners throughout their study.
- Accurate record-keeping of learner progress, assessment decisions, and quality assurance activities in line with awarding body requirements.