ONLINE QUALIFICATION

Level 2 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care

Awarding organisationFocus Awards

Qualification number601/7443/2

Study modeOnline

DurationFlexible, self-paced

Credits20

AssessmentPortfolio of Evidence

£185.00

Start your qualification for £14.99 and pay as you progress.

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About the Level 2 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care

The Focus Awards Level 2 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care (RQF) is designed for people who are new to adult social care or intend to work in the sector.

This Level 2 adult social care course develops essential knowledge for working in care. Topics include communication, duty of care, equality, diversity and inclusion, handling information, health and safety, personal development, person-centred approaches and safeguarding.

The qualification is awarded by Focus Awards and is regulated within the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). It carries 20 credits, includes 179 Guided Learning Hours and has a Total Qualification Time of 200 hours. Regulated qualification details can be checked through the Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications.

Unlike the Level 2 Diploma in Care, this is a knowledge-based preparation qualification. It does not require you to demonstrate practical occupational competence in a care workplace, making it particularly suitable for learners who want to understand adult social care before entering employment or progressing to workplace-based study.

Who Is This Level 2 Adult Social Care Course For?

The Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care Level 2 qualification is suitable for learners who want a recognised introduction to the adult care sector.

People considering their first role in adult social care
Career changers who want to understand care-sector responsibilities before applying for work
New care staff seeking structured underpinning knowledge
Learners preparing for further health and social care study
Individuals looking for an online adult social care qualification without a workplace placement requirement
Employers supporting introductory care-sector knowledge and development

What You Will Learn on This Adult Social Care Course Online

Across nine mandatory units, you will build the knowledge expected when preparing to work safely, respectfully and professionally in adult social care.

Person-Centred Approaches

Understand person-centred values, consent, active participation, informed choice, risk and wellbeing.

Communication in Adult Social Care

Explore communication needs and preferences, barriers to communication, confidentiality and sources of support.

Safeguarding Adults

Recognise types and indicators of abuse, understand appropriate responses and learn how unsafe practice should be reported.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Understand inclusive practice, discrimination and how equality and diversity principles support individuals.

Duty of Care & Professional Responsibilities

Understand duty of care, agreed ways of working, professional relationships, partnership working and complaints.

Health, Safety & Secure Information

Develop knowledge of risk, infection control, moving and handling, hazardous substances, medication, food safety and secure information handling.

Qualification Structure and Units

To achieve the Focus Awards Level 2 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care (RQF), learners must complete all 9 mandatory units. There are no optional units.

Qualification total: 20 credits • 179 GLH • 200 TQT.

9 Mandatory Units

Unit Title	Unit Reference	Level	GLH	Credits
Principles of Diversity, Equality and Inclusion in Adult Social Care Settings	H/602/3039	2	18	2
Understand Person-Centred Approaches in Adult Social Care Settings	J/602/3180	2	34	4
Principles of Communication in Adult Social Care Settings	L/602/2905	2	17	2
Principles of Personal Development in Adult Social Care Settings	L/602/3035	2	17	2
Understand the Role of the Social Care Worker	A/602/3113	2	9	1
Introduction to Duty of Care in Health, Social Care or Children’s and Young People’s Settings	H/601/5474	2	9	1
Understand Health and Safety in Social Care Settings	R/602/3179	2	40	4
Understand How to Handle Information in Social Care Settings	Y/602/3118	2	9	1
Principles of Safeguarding and Protection in Health and Social Care	A/601/8574	2	26	3

Entry Requirements

There are no specific academic entry requirements for this qualification. Because the course involves discussing, presenting, reading and writing, learners should have suitable communication skills for Level 2 study.

SJA Global Academia will provide course guidance before enrolment where required.

Do You Need a Work Placement?

No. A workplace placement or current care job is not required for this online adult social care qualification.

The course develops knowledge and understanding rather than confirming occupational competence. If your goal is to demonstrate practical competence as a care worker, a workplace-based qualification such as the Level 2 Diploma in Care may be more appropriate.

How You Will Be Assessed

The qualification is internally assessed through a portfolio of evidence demonstrating achievement of the learning outcomes and assessment criteria for all nine mandatory units.

Evidence may include assignments, projects or reports, worksheets, written or oral questioning, learner products, learner or peer reports and other appropriate portfolio evidence. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be considered where suitable.

Because this is a knowledge-based qualification, you are not required to prove occupational competence through workplace observation.

Flexible Online Adult Social Care Qualification

Study the Level 2 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care online through SJA Global Academia's learning platform. Access structured learning materials, unit guidance and assessment activities while organising your studies around work, family and other commitments.

The qualification contains nine manageable mandatory units, giving you a clear pathway through the essential knowledge needed when preparing for work in adult social care.

Tutor & Assessor Support

SJA Global Academia supports learners throughout the qualification from enrolment through assessment and quality assurance.

Tutor Guidance

Receive support with course content, key concepts and progression through the nine mandatory units.

Assessment Support

Get clear guidance on portfolio requirements and the evidence needed to meet assessment criteria.

Detailed Feedback

Receive constructive assessor feedback on submitted work and any improvements required.

Flexible Communication

Access support through SJA's available learner-support channels while studying online.

Certification & Recognition

Successful learners receive the Focus Awards Level 2 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care (RQF), qualification number 601/7443/2.

Your assessor's confirmation of completion is followed by Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) and, where applicable, External Quality Assurance and awarding organisation approval. If additional evidence or clarification is requested during quality assurance, this must be completed before certification can be finalised.

The certification process normally takes approximately 3–5 weeks following formal completion and assessor confirmation. This is an estimate rather than a guaranteed certificate issue date.

An electronic certificate is provided as standard. A printed certificate can be requested for an additional £7 administration fee, plus applicable UK or international postage or courier charges.

This qualification confirms achievement of Level 2 knowledge and understanding. It does not by itself confirm workplace occupational competence as a care worker.

Preparing for a Career in Adult Social Care

Build foundational knowledge before applying for entry-level adult social care opportunities
Understand the values, responsibilities and expectations associated with care and support work
Prepare for further adult social care learning and workplace development
Strengthen your knowledge before progressing to competence-based care qualifications

Progression Routes

Focus Awards Level 3 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care (RQF)
Further adult social care and health and social care courses
Workplace-based care qualifications when practical assessment requirements can be met

Why Choose SJA for the Level 2 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care?

A flexible route to a regulated adult social care qualification with clear guidance and learner support.

Regulated Focus Awards Qualification

Work towards a recognised Level 2 qualification regulated within the RQF.

100% Online Knowledge-Based Study

Study remotely without needing a care workplace or competence assessment.

Competitive £185 Course Fee

Access a professionally supported regulated qualification at a competitive course price.

Flexible Learning

Work through all nine mandatory units around your existing commitments.

Dedicated Tutor & Assessor Support

Receive guidance and constructive feedback throughout your qualification.

Clear Progression Route

Prepare for Level 3 study or future competence-based adult care qualifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Level 2 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care?

Can I study the Level 2 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care online?

Do I need a care work placement?

Does this qualification make me occupationally competent as a care worker?

How many units are included?

How is this Level 2 adult social care course assessed?

Who awards the qualification?

What can I progress to after this adult social care qualification?