What Units Are Covered in the Level 2 Adult Care Certificate?
What Units Are Covered in the Level 2 Adult Care Certificate?
Created:Updated: 09-November-2025
- Level 2 is knowledge-only (no placement) and focuses on the essentials for entry roles.
- You’ll study communication, safeguarding, H&S, infection prevention and person-centred care.
- Content prepares you for roles like Care Assistant or Support Worker.
- Approx. 180 study hours; most part-time learners complete in 4–8 months at 5–8 hrs/week.
Exact unit titles can vary slightly by awarding organisation, but the themes are consistent across the RQF. Below is a clear guide to the typical mandatory knowledge areas you’ll cover and how they prepare you for work.
Level 2 Adult Care — typical units and what you’ll learn
| Unit / Topic | What you’ll learn | Why it matters in practice |
|---|---|---|
| Care values & person-centred practice | Dignity, choice, privacy, independence, consent, promoting wellbeing and inclusive support. | Builds the mindset for compassionate, respectful care tailored to each person. |
| Communication in care | Verbal/non-verbal skills, active listening, barriers to communication, adapting to needs (e.g., dementia). | Improves relationships, reduces distress and prevents mistakes due to misunderstandings. |
| Safeguarding adults | Types/signs of abuse, responding to disclosures, reporting concerns, whistleblowing and confidentiality. | Keeps people safe and ensures you follow legal/organisational procedures. |
| Duty of care & professional boundaries | Responsibilities to individuals, raising concerns, managing dilemmas and knowing your limits. | Helps you act safely, seek guidance and escalate issues appropriately. |
| Health & safety in care settings | Risk assessment, safe moving & assisting, COSHH basics, fire safety, accidents/incidents. | Reduces risk of harm to individuals and staff during day-to-day tasks. |
| Infection prevention & control | Hand hygiene, PPE, cleaning/disposal, standard precautions, breaking the chain of infection. | Protects vulnerable people and stops outbreaks in care environments. |
| Equality, diversity & inclusion | Anti-discriminatory practice, human rights, reasonable adjustments and inclusive communication. | Ensures fair, respectful support that meets diverse needs and preferences. |
| Handling information & record-keeping | Accurate notes, confidentiality, GDPR basics, storing/sharing information securely. | Good records keep people safe, support continuity and meet legal standards. |
| Nutrition, hydration & wellbeing (provider-dependent) | Dietary needs, fluids, monitoring intake, recognising concerns and signposting. | Supports comfort, health and independence, especially for older adults. |
| Awareness topics (e.g., dementia, mental health) | Introductory knowledge of common conditions and person-centred strategies. | Builds confidence to support people with empathy and appropriate approaches. |
You’ll complete short written tasks and knowledge checks in plain English. There are no exams and no placement required for the Level 2 Certificate — it’s designed to be achievable for beginners and career-returners.
How the assessments work
- Short-answer questions that test understanding of key concepts.
- Scenario responses where you explain what you’d do and why.
- Reflection prompts to link learning with real-world care.
- Tutor feedback with the chance to improve and resubmit if needed.
Study time and pacing
The qualification is around 180 guided learning hours. Your timeline depends on weekly study time:
- 5 hrs/week: ~36 weeks (8–9 months)
- 8 hrs/week: ~22–23 weeks (≈5–6 months)
- 10–12 hrs/week: ~15–18 weeks (≈4 months)
Where to read more (trusted UK sources)
Explore role profiles and standards at National Careers Service, Skills for Care and NHS Health Careers.
Useful Guides & Resources
Bottom line
Level 2 focuses on safe, person-centred foundations for adult care. By the end, you’ll understand core values, communication, safeguarding, infection prevention, health & safety and record-keeping — everything you need to start well in an entry-level role and progress with confidence.