• Individuals providing person-centred, values-driven care and support
• Adult social care workers seeking to demonstrate Level 2 competence
• Staff working in residential or nursing homes
• Domiciliary (home) care workers
• Staff employed in day centres or healthcare settings
• Individuals with Level 2 literacy and numeracy (or equivalent), where possible
• Workers operating under the direction of a manager or supervisor with an appropriate level of autonomy
• Employees whose role requires this qualification alongside employer-specific induction and mandatory training

Learners develop competence in person-centred care, safeguarding, communication, equality and inclusion, health and safety, infection control, mental capacity, nutrition, basic life support, and supporting people with learning disabilities and autism.

Learners should have:

• Minimum age 19
• No formal prerequisites, though a minimum of Level 2 literacy and numeracy (or equivalent) is recommended
• Employer-specific induction and mandatory training should be completed before starting — this qualification does not replace that requirement
• Learners must be working (or have access to a genuine work environment) in an adult social care role, as most assessment criteria require direct observation of real practice

Additional requirements:

• Photographic ID — one of: a valid passport (any nationality), a signed UK photocard driving licence, a warrant card issued by HM Forces or the police, or another photographic ID card such as an employee, student or travel card
• Where no photographic ID is available — another form of ID containing a signature (e.g. a credit card), or identification by a third-party representative such as a line manager, HR manager or invigilator

This qualification is graded on a pass/fail basis and is assessed entirely through a portfolio of evidence. Assessment is conducted by an occupationally knowledgeable and competent assessor who holds, or is working towards, a recognised assessing qualification. Skills-based learning outcomes are primarily assessed through direct observation of the learner performing their normal work activities over the 10–14 week cohort period, while knowledge evidence may be generated during in-person training but must ultimately demonstrate its application in the real work environment. All observation notes and supporting evidence are quality assured before being finalised. Portfolio evidence is submitted online via the Highfield Qualifications website, with External Quality Support (EQS) from Highfield helping centres achieve and maintain Direct Claim Status (DCS).

This qualification is suitable for delivery in England only and is delivered through a blended approach that combines in-person training sessions with workplace-based assessment through direct observation. Multiple cohorts run concurrently, each lasting approximately 10–14 weeks. The qualification has a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 355 hours, including 289 guided learning hours, with the remaining time dedicated to unsupervised evidence gathering and reflective practice completed throughout the cohort period.

• Fully funded — no cost for training, assessment or certification
• Ofqual-regulated qualification on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF)
• Recognised Level 2 competence qualification for adult social care workers
• Blended delivery with in-person training and workplace-based portfolio evidence
• Portfolio-based assessment through direct workplace observation
• Multiple rolling cohorts with flexible start dates
• Progression route to the Highfield Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care