ICQ QUALIFICATION INFORMATION
Adult care qualifications
The Level 2 knowledge route and the workplace certificate are distinct. Choose the route that matches your role and access to assessment evidence.
QUALIFICATION 600/6783/4
iCQ Level 2 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care (RQF)
People preparing for work in adult social care or very new to the sector. This is a knowledge qualification.
9 mandatory units · 20 credits · 179 guided learning hours (GLH). No optional units.
Portfolio of evidence; overall grade Pass. It does not itself certify workplace competence.
Mandatory units
| Unit reference | Mandatory unit | Credits | GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
| A/601/8574 | Principles of safeguarding and protection in health and social care | 3 | 26 |
| A/602/3113 | Understand the role of the social care worker | 1 | 9 |
| H/601/5474 | Introduction to duty of care in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings | 1 | 9 |
| H/602/3039 | Principles of diversity, equality and inclusion in adult social care settings | 2 | 18 |
| J/602/3180 | Understand person-centred approaches in adult social care settings | 4 | 34 |
| L/602/2905 | Principles of communication in adult social care settings | 2 | 17 |
| L/602/3035 | Principles of personal development in adult social care settings | 2 | 17 |
| R/602/3179 | Understand health and safety in social care settings | 4 | 40 |
| Y/602/3118 | Understand how to handle information in social care settings | 1 | 9 |
Unit references, credits and GLH below are taken from the iCQ qualification specification. MCA will confirm that this qualification remains available for the chosen intake.
View MCA course outlinesQUALIFICATION 610/4832/X
iCQ Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate
Care staff employed in a suitable adult social care role with access to direct care practice.
Workplace occupational qualification; use the current iCQ specification for the exact unit requirements.
Workplace-based assessment of knowledge, skills and behaviours; learners must demonstrate competence in their role.
Areas covered
- Person-centred care and professional values
- Duty of care, safeguarding and inclusion
- Communication and wellbeing
- Infection prevention, mental health, nutrition and hydration
This is separate from the Level 2 Preparing to Work knowledge certificate. Employment in a suitable role is needed for workplace assessment.
View MCA course outlinesQUALIFICATION 610/7279/5
iCQ Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care (England)
Adult care workers taking greater responsibility for care and support.
Level 3 occupational Diploma; the current iCQ specification sets the mandatory and optional unit choices.
Workplace evidence of practice alongside knowledge evidence, assessed against the units selected.
Areas covered
- Person-centred care and support
- Safeguarding, communication and health and safety
- Supporting individual needs and complex care
- Role-relevant optional units
The topics above are a learner-friendly summary. The exact units, rules of combination and criteria are in the iCQ specification; MCA confirms the assessment plan before enrolment.
View MCA course outlinesQUALIFICATION 603/3181/1
iCQ Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care
Experienced adult care workers in advanced or senior practice roles.
The published iCQ specification states 70 credits and 410 minimum GLH; MCA must confirm current registration availability.
Portfolio and workplace evidence, subject to current assessment guidance.
Areas covered
- Advanced person-centred care
- Specialist practice and coordination
- Safeguarding, leadership and professional development
The qualification document available for this Level 4 route is older. Confirm current iCQ registration and unit rules before advertising a start date.
View MCA course outlinesQUALIFICATION 610/7280/1
iCQ Level 5 Diploma in Leading and Managing an Adult Care Service (England)
Adult care service managers with access to service leadership responsibilities.
Level 5 occupational Diploma; refer to the current iCQ specification for rules of combination.
Evidence of management competence from a suitable role, with knowledge assessment.
Areas covered
- Leadership and management of an adult care service
- Safeguarding, quality and governance
- Team development and person-centred culture
- Service improvement and evidence of management decisions
The topics above are a learner-friendly summary. The exact units, rules of combination and criteria are in the iCQ specification; MCA confirms the assessment plan before enrolment.
View MCA course outlines