In this article, we’ll address some of the queries we’ve received from learners about how the Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate qualification differs from other options already available, and explain why it might be a valuable addition to your professional development.
Wait, what’s the new Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate?
The Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate is a new qualification developed by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) in collaboration with Skills for Care. Building on the standards of the existing Care Certificate, the new qualification is designed to equip individuals working in an adult social care setting with the fundamental skills and knowledge required to work effectively in the sector. It serves as an official, accredited qualification aimed at standardising training to ensure that care workers possess the necessary skills to provide the highest quality care.
Covering a wide range of topics, including safeguarding and infection prevention, the new Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate reflects the very latest best practices and regulatory requirements in the sector, making it a valuable asset to those seeking to start or advance their careers in adult social care.
What are the alternatives to the Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate?
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s take a look at some of the existing options available:
Level 2 Diploma in Care and Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care
These widely recognised qualifications cover both health and social care, offering a broad understanding of both areas. They serve as a starting point for many entering the sector, allowing them to decide which path to specialise in.
The Care Certificate
The Care Certificate is a set of standards that define the knowledge, skills and behaviours expected of specific job roles in the health and social care sector. It’s not mandatory or regulated, but often forms a part of the onboarding process when you start a new job, and is encouraged by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships up to Level 5 are common routes for career progression within the health and social care sector. These include Adult Care Worker (Level 2), Lead Adult Care Worker (Level 3) and Lead Practitioner in Adult Care (Level 4). Apprenticeships like this combine practical experience with theoretical learning.
What are the key differences and benefits of the new Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate?
Specialised training
The new Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate is the first qualification of its kind, developed exclusively for professionals working in adult social care.
Unlike the broader Level 2 and 3 Diplomas in Health and Social Care, this new qualification will provide targeted training that is directly applicable to the roles and responsibilities within the adult social care sector.
Updated content and focus
Building on the existing Care Certificate standards, this new qualification has been extensively reviewed and updated by DHSC and Skills for Care to ensure it’s relevant and bang up to date. Topics including digital skills, infection prevention and personal wellbeing are covered – areas that have become increasingly important post-Covid-19.
Quality assured and accredited
Unlike the existing Care Certificate, the new certificate is an accredited qualification, making it a recognised credential that can enhance your employability and career progression. As a nationally recognised and fully portable qualification, you won’t need to repeat training when you move jobs, making it a great addition to your CV.
This qualification is also designed to be the first step in a structured career path within social care. Once complete, you may choose to continue your studies, acquiring other qualifications such as:
- Other level 2 vocational and competence-based qualifications in health and social care
- Level 3 qualifications in health and social care
- Academic and technical qualifications like A-Levels and Apprenticeships
- Other specialist qualifications.
Read more: How to grow your career with the Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate →
Recognition of prior learning
Another advantage of the new certificate is that it recognises prior learning and experience. Depending on the training you’ve completed previously and the experience you have, you might be able to have this prior knowledge acknowledged.
I already have a Level 2 qualification - do I need to complete the new qualification too?
If you already hold a Level 2 qualification in Health and Social Care, the new certificate could still be beneficial to you due to its updated content and focus. However, be aware that your eligibility for funding via DHSC will be impacted if you already hold a Level 2 qualification.
Funding is available to support individuals employed in direct adult social care roles with an eligible employer in England to complete the new qualification between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025.
Read more: How to approach your employer about the new Care Certificate (+ free template) →
The new Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate represents a significant advancement in the training and development of social care professionals. By focusing exclusively on adult social care and incorporating modern practices and digital skills, it offers a robust and relevant qualification for today’s workforce.
Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to enhance your existing skills, this new certificate provides valuable opportunities for growth and recognition in the field of adult social care.
Want to find out more about the FuturU’s qualification? Learn more here.
