About this qualification

This qualification is based on the Care Certificate Standards and develops the knowledge and skills needed when working in adult social care settings in England. It is designed for all learners working in adult social care and is being introduced to the sector to:

• raise the level of knowledge and skills in the workforce and improve skills gaps within the sector by supporting more employers to access a recognised qualification
• improve portability and reduce the need for repeat training and assessment when people move roles
• standardise how the Care Certificate Standards are delivered across settings (this is also applicable to learners working in a health setting when supporting adult social care patients)
• ensure members of the care workforce feel recognised, valued and invested in
• ensure the workforce has the support they need to provide safe and effective care
• allow care workers to experience rewarding careers with opportunities to develop and progress, both now and in the future

Bundle options

The following bundles are available for registration, and all include the Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate and another qualification of choice in a specialist subject area. All options align to units within the Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate, building on knowledge gained providing progression and additional continuing professional development (CPD):

• Bundle Option 1 Care Certificate and Dementia – NDF4092:

o     NCFE CACHE Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate (610/4131/2)

o     NCFE CACHE Level 2 Award in Awareness of Dementia (600/3095/1)

• Bundle Option 2 Care Certificate and Learning Disabilities – NDF8675:

o     NCFE CACHE Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate (610/4131/2)

o     NCFE CACHE Level 2 Award in Supporting Individuals with Learning Disabilities (600/4041/5)

• Bundle Option 3 Care Certificate and End of Life Care – NDF9453:

o     NCFE CACHE Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate (610/4131/2)

o     NCFE CACHE Level 2 Award in Awareness of End of Life Care (600/4893/1)

• Bundle Option 4 Care Certificate and Mental Health – NDF3965:

o     NCFE CACHE Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate (610/4131/2)

o     NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Mental Health Awareness (600/6134/0)

• Bundle Option 5 Care Certificate and Nutrition and Health – NDF1146:

o     NCFE CACHE Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate (610/4131/2)

o     NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Nutrition and Health (601/3389/2)

• Bundle Option 6 Care Certificate and Autism – NDF1772:

o     NCFE CACHE Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate (610/4131/2)

o     NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism (601/6330/6)

When registering for one of the above bundles, please use the NDF code on the NCFE Portal.

Who is it suitable for?

This qualification is designed for learners aged 16 and above working in adult social care in England. It is being introduced to the sector to improve portability and reduce the need for repeat training and assessment when people move roles. This also supports the aim of supporting career progression and development.

What are the entry requirements?

It is expected that centres will carry out an initial assessment process with all individual learners. This process should ensure the learner can demonstrate the full requirements or, if needed, act as an advisory process so the potential learner can reach the required standard to achieve the qualification. Learners may also find it helpful if they have already achieved a level 1 qualification.

Registration is at the discretion of the centre in accordance with equality legislation and should be made on the NCFE Portal.

How is this qualification structured?

To be awarded this qualification, learners are required to successfully achieve 15 mandatory units.

How is it assessed?

This qualification is internally assessed and externally quality assured via a portfolio of evidence.

How many credits are required to complete it?

35 credits

How long will it take to complete this qualification?

Learners can usually complete this qualification in 6 to 8 months.

Do you need to be working to take this qualification?

Learners must spend a minimum of 40 hours working, volunteering or on practical placement to be able to show competence in both knowledge and skills.

What related qualifications can you progress to?

Learners who achieve this qualification could progress to the following:

• further education:

o     Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care

• higher education:

o     Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care

Career opportunities

• employment:

o     care worker

o     lead adult care worker

o     care support worker

o     senior care support worker

o     personal assistant

Funding information

Due to the announcement of the General Election on 4 July 2024, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has confirmed that the funding for the new Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate has unfortunately been paused. An update will follow as soon as we have more information from the DHSC.