About this qualification

This qualification is designed for learners who wish to develop the knowledge and skills required to work in a range of health and social care settings within Northern Ireland.

The qualification is formed of 11 mandatory units. The first 7 mandatory units are shared with the NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Safe and Effective Practice (Northern Ireland) qualification, which will be made available to learners at a later stage.

The mandatory units cover core competencies that have been categorised around the following key themes:

• communication and information sharing
• health, safety and wellbeing
• principles, standards and values
• continuing professional development (CPD) in the context of health and social care

To be awarded this qualification, learners are required to successfully achieve 37 credits from the mandatory units.

Who is it suitable for?

This qualification is suitable for a range of learners working in a variety of different settings within health and social care in Northern Ireland.

What are the entry requirements?

There are no specific prior skills/knowledge a learner must have for this qualification. However, learners may find it helpful if they have already achieved a level 2 qualification. It may also be useful to learners studying qualifications in health and social care or a related subject area. The units within this qualification can also be a basis for continuing professional development in the learner’s chosen field.

The learner must be working in an appropriate setting to be able to meet the assessment requirements of this qualification.

Learners should be at least 17 years old. We do not set any other entry requirements but centres may have their own guidelines.

How is this qualification structured?

To be awarded this qualification, learners are required to successfully achieve 37 credits from the mandatory units. 

How is it assessed?

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

How long will it take to complete this qualification?

Learners can usually complete this qualification within 12 months.

Do you need to be working to take this qualification?

The learner must be working in an appropriate setting to be able to meet the assessment requirements of this qualification.

What related qualifications can you progress to?

Upon completion, learners can progress to the NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care Practice (Northern Ireland), which will be made available to learners at a later stage.

Career opportunities

The qualification content is applicable to a variety of roles within health and social care.

This qualification will also support learners to consolidate their practice and engage in ongoing CPD.

Funding for our qualifications

Find out more about funding for this and other qualifications on our funding page.