Adult care qualifications
iCQ Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate
Develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to deliver high-quality adult social care.
Learning & Development Support Scheme funded LDSS
Funding is subject to employer eligibility, the qualification and current scheme requirements. Eligible adult social care employers in England may be able to claim reimbursement.
Check LDSS eligibility and funding guidance
Qualification details
Build the skills to deliver outstanding adult social care
The iCQ Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate is a nationally recognised qualification designed for individuals working in adult social care who want to develop the knowledge, skills and professional behaviours needed to provide safe, effective and compassionate care.
This qualification supports care workers in developing their understanding of person-centred care, safeguarding, communication, health and safety, equality and diversity, and the importance of promoting independence, dignity and wellbeing.
Whether you are new to adult social care or an existing care worker looking to gain a recognised qualification, the Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate provides an excellent foundation for developing your career.
The qualification is designed to meet the Department of Health and Social Care’s criteria for the Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate and is approved by Skills for Care.
Why choose the iCQ Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate?
Working in adult social care requires more than practical skills. Care workers need to understand the importance of individual choice, dignity, safeguarding, professional boundaries and delivering support that meets each person’s individual needs.
This qualification helps learners develop the confidence and competence to work effectively within a range of adult social care environments.
Throughout the qualification, learners will develop the ability to:
- Understand their role and responsibilities within adult social care.
- Provide person-centred care and support.
- Promote dignity, privacy, independence and individual choice.
- Recognise and respond to safeguarding concerns.
- Understand duty of care and professional accountability.
- Communicate effectively with individuals, families and colleagues.
- Promote equality, diversity, inclusion and human rights.
- Support individuals with nutrition and hydration.
- Understand mental health, dementia, learning disabilities and autism.
- Maintain health, safety and infection prevention standards.
- Work in accordance with legislation, policies and procedures.
The qualification provides a strong foundation for developing a confident, skilled and compassionate care workforce.
Who is this course for?
The iCQ Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate is suitable for individuals working in adult social care who provide direct care and support to adults.
It is particularly suitable for:
New Care Workers
For individuals starting their career in adult social care who want to develop the essential knowledge and skills required for their role.
Existing Care Staff
For care workers who want to formalise their experience, develop their professional practice and achieve a recognised qualification.
Residential Care Workers
For staff working in residential care homes and supported living environments who provide day-to-day care and support.
Domiciliary Care Workers
For home care workers supporting individuals to remain independent and live safely within their own homes.
Health and Social Care Support Workers
For individuals providing care and support in a range of community and adult social care settings.
Learners must be working in an appropriate adult social care role where they can demonstrate their practical skills and competence.
The qualification specification requires learners to be over 19 years of age.
What will you learn?
The qualification consists of 15 mandatory units covering the essential knowledge and practical skills required to work effectively within adult social care.
Qualification units
- Understand Own Role – Understand responsibilities, accountability and the expectations of working in adult social care.
- Personal Development – Understand the importance of learning, reflection, feedback and continuous professional development.
- Duty of Care – Understand duty of care, professional responsibilities and how to respond to concerns and dilemmas.
- Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Human Rights – Understand how to promote equality, respect diversity and protect individual rights.
- Work in a Person-Centred Way – Understand how to provide individualised care that promotes choice, independence and wellbeing.
- Communication – Develop effective communication skills and understand how to meet different communication needs.
- Privacy and Dignity – Understand how to protect privacy, maintain dignity and respect individual preferences.
- Nutrition and Hydration – Understand the importance of nutrition, hydration and supporting individuals with their dietary needs.
- Awareness of Mental Health and Dementia – Develop an understanding of mental health conditions, dementia and how these may affect individuals.
- Adult Safeguarding – Understand abuse, neglect, safeguarding responsibilities and how to recognise and report concerns.
- Safeguarding Children – Understand the importance of safeguarding children and recognising and reporting concerns.
- Handling Information – Understand confidentiality, data protection and the safe handling and recording of information.
- Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) – Understand how to prevent and control the spread of infection within care settings.
- Awareness of Learning Disability and Autism – Develop an understanding of learning disabilities, autism and how to provide appropriate person-centred support.
- Health, Safety and Principles of Basic Life Support – Understand workplace health and safety, risk management and the principles of basic life support.
All 15 units are mandatory to achieve the qualification.
Flexible learning across England
We understand that care workers have busy working lives and that employers need training solutions that fit around service delivery.
Our flexible learning options allow learners to complete their qualification while continuing to work within their existing care role.
Online learning
Access learning materials and resources to develop your knowledge and understanding throughout the qualification.
Workplace assessment
Demonstrate your practical skills and competence within your own workplace, applying your learning to real working situations.
Flexible schedules
Work towards your qualification at a pace that fits around your employment and personal commitments.
Tutor support
Receive guidance, feedback and support from an experienced tutor throughout your learning journey.
Blended learning
Combine online learning, tutor support and workplace assessment to create a flexible and practical learning experience.
Assessment
The iCQ Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate is assessed through a portfolio of evidence and workplace competency assessment.
Learners will be supported by an assessor who will help them identify opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and competence within their job role.
Assessment methods may include:
- Workplace observations.
- Written questions and assignments.
- Professional discussions.
- Reflective accounts.
- Work-based evidence.
- Witness testimonies.
- Other appropriate evidence demonstrating competence.
Practical skills must be demonstrated in a real working environment in accordance with the qualification assessment requirements.
There are no traditional written examinations.
Why train with A1 Education & Training?
At A1 Education & Training, we understand the importance of developing a skilled, confident and compassionate adult social care workforce.
We work with individuals and care organisations to provide practical training and recognised qualifications that support professional development and improve standards of care.
When you train with us, you benefit from:
- Experienced health and social care tutors and assessors.
- Flexible learning options.
- Dedicated tutor and learner support.
- Workplace-focused learning and assessment.
- Training tailored to individual and organisational needs.
- Support throughout your qualification.
- Opportunities to progress to higher-level qualifications.
We are committed to helping learners achieve their potential while supporting employers to develop confident and competent care teams.
Progression opportunities
Successfully completing the iCQ Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate provides a foundation for further learning and career development within adult social care.
Learners may progress to:
- Level 2 Diploma in Care.
- Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care.
- Further specialist health and social care qualifications.
- Adult Care Worker apprenticeship development.
- Senior care worker and team leader development opportunities.
The qualification can also support individuals who wish to develop their knowledge and experience before progressing into more senior responsibilities.
iCQ Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate FAQs
How long does the qualification take to complete?
The qualification has a Total Qualification Time of 360 hours, including 124 guided learning hours. The actual time taken will depend on the learner’s experience, workplace opportunities and pace of study.
Do I need to be working in adult social care?
Yes. Learners need to be working in an appropriate adult social care role so that they can demonstrate the practical skills and competence required by the qualification.
Do I need any previous qualifications?
There are no formal minimum entry qualifications specified by iCQ. An initial assessment will help identify the learner’s starting point and any additional support required.
How is the qualification assessed?
Assessment is through a portfolio of evidence, workplace observations, professional discussions, written work and other appropriate assessment methods.
Are there any exams?
No. The qualification is assessed through workplace-based evidence and portfolio assessment rather than traditional written examinations.
Is the qualification recognised?
Yes. It is a regulated Level 2 occupational qualification awarded by iCQ and approved by Skills for Care.
Can employers enrol a group of staff?
Yes. A1 Education & Training can support employers looking to develop their workforce through individual enrolments or group training arrangements.
Is funding available?
There may be funding opportunities available for eligible learners and employers, subject to the current funding arrangements and eligibility requirements. Contact us to discuss the options available.
Get started today
Take the next step in your adult social care career with the iCQ Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate.
Whether you are an individual looking to develop your skills or an employer wanting to invest in your workforce, A1 Education & Training can support you throughout your learning journey.
Enquire today to find out more about enrolment, delivery options and available funding opportunities.
Enquire now- Suitable for adult social care workers aged 19+
- Flexible learning and workplace assessment
- Dedicated tutor and assessor support
- Nationally recognised iCQ qualification
Enquire about this qualification
Contact A1 Education & Training to discuss enrolment, delivery options and funding eligibility.
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