iCQ Level 2 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care (RQF)
Course Overview
This qualification gives you the essential knowledge to understand what working in adult social care really involves, before you take on a full care role or a competence based qualification.
It focuses on the principles behind good care practice – safeguarding, rights, communication, health and safety, and person centred support – so you start your career with a solid foundation rather than just learning on the job.
Assessment is through a portfolio of evidence. It is a knowledge based qualification, so it does not require you to already be competent in a specific job role.
Who Is This For?
This course is aimed at people who:
Want to start a career in adult social care
Are very new to the sector and need a structured introduction
Are exploring whether care work is right for them
Are volunteering or on placement and want to understand expectations and standards
It is suitable for learners aged 16 and over in England.
What You Will Learn
You complete 9 mandatory units, giving you 20 credits. These units build your understanding of how to work safely,
legally and in a way that respects people’s rights and choices.
Types, signs and risk factors for abuse
How to respond to concerns, disclosures and allegations
National and local safeguarding systems and the role of different agencies
Unsafe practice, whistleblowing and what to do if nothing changes after you report
(Principles of safeguarding and protection in health and social care)
Person centred values and why they matter
Using care plans and personal histories to shape support
Consent, choice, risk and active participation
Diversity, equality, inclusion and discrimination in adult social care
How inclusive practice reduces the risk of discrimination
(Understand person centred approaches; Principles of diversity, equality and inclusion)
The role of the social care worker and different working relationships
Working within your job role and agreed ways of working
What duty of care means in practice
Balancing duty of care with individual rights
Responding to complaints and knowing the procedures to follow
(Understand the role of the social care worker; Introduction to duty of care)
Why communication is central to safe and effective care
Different methods of communication and adapting to people’s needs
Reducing barriers and checking understanding
What confidentiality means in adult social care
Recording, storing and sharing information safely and lawfully
Where to get guidance if you are unsure about information handling
(Principles of communication; Understand how to handle information in social care settings)
Standards that guide adult social care roles
Reflective practice and how feedback helps you improve
Using a personal development plan and sources of support for learning
Health and safety law in social care and who is responsible for what
Risk assessments, accidents and sudden illness
Infection control, moving and handling, hazardous substances, environmental safety and food safety
Managing your own stress and knowing when to seek support
(Principles of personal development; Understand health and safety in social care settings)
Knowledge based qualification at Level 2
Completed through a portfolio of evidence
Guided learning: 179 hours
No written exams – evidence is gathered through tasks, activities and assessments set by the centre
Assessed and internally quality assured by the centre, with external quality assurance by iCQ
Once you have achieved this qualification you can:
Move into entry level roles in adult social care with a stronger understanding of expectations
Progress to:
Level 2 Diploma in Care
Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care
Adult care related apprenticeships
Use it as a stepping stone into specialist care pathways and further training
There are no formal prior qualifications required
Suitable for learners aged 16 and above who want to develop knowledge about adult social care
Ideal for people considering or just starting work in the sector
Centres should carry out an initial assessment to make sure the course is suitable and that you can meet the demands of a Level 2 qualification.
Qualification Details
Qualification Title: iCQ Level 2 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care (RQF)
Qualification Number (QAN): 600/6783/4
Level: 2
Framework: RQF
Sector Subject Area: 1.3 Health and Social Care
Total Credits: 20
Guided Learning Hours: 179
Total Qualification Time: 179 hours
Assessment Method: Portfolio of evidence
Overall Grade: Pass
Structure: 9 mandatory units, all must be achieved
Availability: England only
