iCQ Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate
Course Overview
This qualification meets the full Department of Health and Social Care requirements for the Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate.
It is for people already working in adult social care who need a recognised qualification that proves they can provide safe, values driven, person centred care for adults with a range of needs.
Everything is assessed in the real work environment through a portfolio of evidence. No written exams. You show what you can actually do in practice.
Who Is This For?
New care workers who want to move beyond induction and prove full competence
Support workers and care assistants in residential, nursing, supported living or community settings
Staff who already deliver personal care and support under supervision
Adult social care staff who want a clear route into Level 2 and Level 3 diplomas
Learners must be working in adult social care and involved in direct care and support.
Delivery & Assessment
Competence based qualification completed in the workplace
Skills learning outcomes observed in a real work environment
Knowledge outcomes can be assessed away from the workplace
Assessed through a portfolio of evidence
Assessed and quality assured by the centre, externally quality assured by iCQ
Recognition of prior learning can be used where recent, relevant training or evidence already exists.
Progression Opportunities
After completing this qualification, typical next steps include:
Level 2 Diploma in Care
Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care
Adult Care Worker or Lead Adult Care Worker apprenticeship routes
Taking on more responsibility within the care team under supervision
It gives a solid base for long term progression in the adult social care sector.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry qualifications for this course. However:
Learners must be aged 19 or over
Learners must already be working in an adult social care role
They should have responsibility for delivering person centred, values driven care and support under the direction of a manager or supervisor
Employer induction and mandatory training is expected to be completed before or alongside this qualification
Centres are expected to carry out an initial assessment to check that learners can meet the full requirements and, if needed, advise on any support needed to reach the required standard.
What You Cover
You complete all 15 mandatory units. Together they cover the core knowledge
and skills expected of anyone trusted to care for adults.
Work in a person centred way
Privacy, dignity, choice and active participation
Equality, diversity, inclusion and human rights
Understanding own role, duty of care and duty of candour
Communication, building relationships and using communication aids and digital tools
Adult safeguarding and restrictive practices
Safeguarding children where your work brings you into contact with them
Health, safety and basic life support principles
Infection prevention and control
Handling information, confidentiality and data security
- Nutrition and hydration
- Awareness of mental health and dementia
- Awareness of learning disability and autism
- Personal development and reflective practice
- Supporting own mental health and wellbeing in a demanding role
By the end, learners can show they understand the role, can follow agreed ways of working, keep people safe and uphold dignity, rights and choice.
Qualification Details
Qualification Title: iCQ Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate
Qualification Number (QAN): 610/4832/X
Level: 2
Type: RQF Occupational Qualification
Sector Subject Area: 1.3 Health and social care
Total Credits: 36
Total Qualification Time (TQT): 360 hours
Guided Learning Hours (GLH): 124 hours
Assessment Method: Portfolio of evidence in line with sector assessment principles
Overall Grade: Pass
Structure: 15 mandatory units, all must be achieved
