Health and social care

Adult Care at Level 2

Build the practical knowledge and confidence to provide safe, compassionate and person-centred care. Choose an apprenticeship or complete the same core Level 2 qualification as a standalone programme.

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Mandatory units

Level 2

Recognised qualification

Workplace

Evidence and observation

Tutor-led

Flexible support

The shared foundation

What Adult Care at Level 2 develops

Both routes include the Highfield Level 2 Certificate in Adult Social Care. Learners complete the same 15 mandatory units and demonstrate that they can put their learning into practice in a real care setting.

Person-centred care

Understand each person’s choices, dignity, rights and individual support needs.

Safe and responsible practice

Build confidence in safeguarding, duty of care, health and safety, infection control and information handling.

Knowledge applied at work

Connect essential care knowledge to everyday practice, supported by tutor guidance and workplace evidence.

Topics covered across the qualification

Learning includes communication, privacy and dignity, equality and inclusion, nutrition and hydration, mental health and dementia, safeguarding adults and children, basic life support, infection prevention, learning disability and autism, personal development and effective handling of information.

Two ways to achieve

Choose the structure that fits the learner and workplace

The qualification content is shared, but the duration, learning commitment, funding rules and employer responsibilities are different.

Earn and learn

Adult Care Worker Level 2 Apprenticeship

A structured development programme for someone employed in a genuine adult care role who needs to build new knowledge, skills and professional behaviours.

Typically 12 months, with a minimum duration of 8 months
300 hours of paid off-the-job learning—around 6 hours each week
Functional Skills for eligible 16–19-year-olds without the required grades
Continuous assessment, workplace observations and portfolio evidence
Level 2 qualification plus an apprenticeship certificate

Who this route suitsBest suited to a new or developing care worker whose employer can provide paid learning time, workplace opportunities and regular progress support.

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Qualification-only

Adult Social Care Certificate Level 2

A focused standalone qualification for someone already working in adult social care who wants to develop or formally recognise their competence.

Typically completed in around 20 weeks
Recommended three-hour tutor session every three weeks
No six-hour weekly off-the-job learning requirement
No Functional Skills requirement and no apprenticeship agreements
The Highfield Level 2 Certificate in Adult Social Care

Who this route suitsBest suited to an established care worker or employer wanting a shorter, qualification-focused route without the formal requirements of an apprenticeship.

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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

Assessment

ApprenticeshipContinuous apprenticeship assessment; no separate EPA

Standalone QualificationQualification and workplace competence; no EPA or AA

Employer involvement

ApprenticeshipFormal training partnership and apprenticeship responsibilities

Standalone QualificationTraining support, reviews, feedback and observations

Award

ApprenticeshipHighfield Level 2 Certificate in Adult Social Care plus the Adult Care Worker Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard

Standalone QualificationHighfield Level 2 Certificate in Adult Social Care

Making the decision

Not sure which route is right?

The apprenticeship offers broader structured development with paid learning time. The standalone certificate is a shorter qualification route without apprenticeship requirements. We can help confirm which option fits the learner’s role, experience and employer support.