Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate

Overview

The NQual Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate is an Ofqual‑regulated qualification for training providers to deliver, designed to improve portability and reduce the need for repeat training and assessment when individual move roles. Skills for Care was commissioned by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to develop a specification for the development of the new Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate qualification, based on the existing Care Certificate standards.

The NQual Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate qualification is supported by Skills for Care and the Department of Health and Social Care. This qualification is guided by the Skills for Care & Development Assessment Principles and Additional Assessment Principles Guidance.

This qualification is awarded by NQual, an Ofqual‑regulated Awarding Organisation, and is available to approved centres.

Learner Profile

Learners will work in adult social care and have responsibility for providing person-centred, values-driven care and support for those accessing the services. They will typically work under the direction of their manager or supervisor. We would expect employer-specific induction and mandatory training to be completed prior to the learner starting the Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate.

The Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate qualification does not replace the need for employer-specific induction or mandatory training.

It is expected that NQual Approved Centres will carry out an initial assessment process with individual learners.

Entry Requriements

The entry requirements for The NQual Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate qualification are:

• Minimum age 16

There are no further entry requirements for this qualification.

Progression Opportunities

The progression opportunities for The NQual Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate qualification include:

• Level 2 Diploma in Adult Care

• Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care

• Level 2 Award in Dementia Awareness

• Level 2 Award in Dementia Care

Unit Guidance

Learners must achieve all mandatory units. The total credit value for this qualification is 36.

Guided Learning Hours (GLH)

These hours are made up of contact time, guidance or supervision from course tutors, trainers, or training providers. The Guided Learning Hours for this qualification is 288.

Total Qualification Time (TQT)

This is an estimate of the total length of time it is expected that a learner will typically take to achieve and demonstrate the level of understanding required for the award of this qualification. This includes the Guided Learning Hours and time spent completing independent study.

The Total Qualification Time for this qualification is 360.

Delivery Options for Training Providers

NQual allows qualifications to be delivered both online and face-to-face. Please check the additional requirements with your Centre EQA if delivering qualifications online.

Funding:

The Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate has been included on the list of approved courses eligible for funding under the Learning and Development Support Scheme which launched on September 6th. This means eligible employers can claim funding for eligible care staff of up to £1,500 for the Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate.