Qualification-only route
A streamlined way to achieve the Highfield Level 2 Certificate in Adult Social Care while remaining in your current role.
- No off-the-job hours
- No Functional Skills requirement
- No apprenticeship agreements or DAS approval
Adult social care certificate · Level 2
Formalise your care skills with a focused qualification
Gain a nationally recognised adult care qualification through flexible workplace learning—without apprenticeship rules, off-the-job hours or Functional Skills.
20 weeks
Typical completion
10
Approximate tutor sessions
3 hours
Recommended sessions
2+
Workplace observations
Your programme
Learning designed around real care practice
For people already employed in adult social care who want to develop or formally recognise their knowledge, understanding and workplace competence without joining an apprenticeship.
Flexible delivery
The recommended model is one three-hour session every three weeks, combining tutor teaching with supported portfolio completion.
- At least monthly tutor contact
- Workplace, face-to-face, one-to-one or group
- Target date agreed at the start
OneFile e-portfolio
Use OneFile for resources, evidence, feedback, targets, action plans, reviews and progress tracking.
- Flexible evidence formats
- Employer progress access
- Direct tutor communication
Qualification content
15 mandatory units, one complete foundation
Build the knowledge and understanding needed to work safely, confidently and compassionately in adult social care.
- 01Understanding your own role
- 02Personal development in adult social care
- 03Duty of care
- 04Equality, diversity, inclusion and human rights
- 05Person-centred practice
- 06Effective communication
- 07Privacy and dignity
- 08Nutrition and hydration
- 09Mental health and dementia awareness
- 10Adult safeguarding
- 11Safeguarding children
- 12Health, safety and basic life support
- 13Effective handling of information
- 14Infection prevention and control
- 15Learning disability and autism
Your journey
From first conversation to achievement
Talk it through
An informal call or meeting confirms your role, delivery needs, workplace support and any reasonable adjustments.
Simple enrolment
Complete a short application and provide photographic ID. There are no apprenticeship eligibility or initial assessment requirements.
Agree your target date
You, your employer and The Link Training agree delivery arrangements and a final completion date.
Learn and complete your portfolio
Work through all 15 mandatory units with specialist tutor support and submit evidence through OneFile.
Review your progress
Take part in at least two formal reviews with your manager and tutor to assess progress, support and next targets.
Show workplace competence
Complete at least two observations and demonstrate safe, consistent, person-centred practice by your agreed end date.
Assessment and achievement
Show what you know—and what you can do
Achievement is based on completing the qualification requirements and demonstrating workplace competence. This is not an apprenticeship, so there is no End-Point or Apprenticeship Assessment.
- Knowledge work across all 15 mandatory units
- A minimum of two workplace observations
- At least two formal progress reviews
- Typed, handwritten, recorded or discussion-based evidence
- No off-the-job hours and no Functional Skills requirement
Practical workplace support
- Support attendance at agreed training sessions
- Provide opportunities to demonstrate competence
- Join reviews and provide workplace feedback
- Allow workplace observations and monitor progress through OneFile
- Confirm competence at achievement; normal duties, lone work and nights remain subject to employer risk assessment
Fee and support
The current fee is £1,540 per learner: 60% within 30 days of starting and 40% thirty days before planned achievement. Fees remain payable in full. Eligible employers may be able to reclaim costs through the Skills for Care Learning and Development Support Scheme, subject to current criteria and available funding.
Fees, funding and programme requirements can change. We will confirm the latest position before enrolment.
Compare the pathways
Same care foundation. Two different routes.
Choose according to the time, structure and support that best fit you and your employer.
Apprenticeship
Standalone Qualification
Route
ApprenticeshipPaid work-based apprenticeship
Standalone QualificationStandalone qualification
Typical duration
Apprenticeship12 months (minimum 8)
Standalone QualificationAround 20 weeks; no statutory minimum
Tutor pattern
ApprenticeshipAt least monthly, usually 3 hours
Standalone QualificationRecommended 3 hours every 3 weeks
Off-the-job learning
Apprenticeship300 paid hours, roughly 6 hours weekly
Standalone QualificationNot required
Functional Skills
ApprenticeshipRequired for eligible 16–19-year-olds; optional from 19
Standalone QualificationNot required
Talk through your next step
We’ll help you decide whether this route matches your role, goals and workplace.