Level 2
ICQ Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate
Build essential knowledge for adult care work, covering safety, safeguarding, communication, dignity, and person-centred support.
Level 2 Overview
A regulated Adult Social Care qualification built around mandatory units, designed to develop safe practice, confidence, and core workplace knowledge.
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Awarding Organisation: iCQ (Industry Qualifications)
36 Credits
Full qualification size
15 Units
All units mandatory
124 GLH
Guided learning hours
Portfolio Assessment
Evidence-based completion
Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate
Who It’s For
This qualification is ideal for learners who are new to adult social care or starting their first care role. It helps you build essential knowledge, confidence, and safe working practices needed in day-to-day care settings.Â
It’s also suitable for support workers who want recognised training to strengthen core skills such as safeguarding, communication, person-centred care, and health and safety. If you’re returning to care or progressing from informal experience, Level 2 is a strong starting point.
What You’ll Learn in Level 2
Build the essential knowledge and confidence needed to work safely and professionally in adult social care.
Safeguarding & Duty of Care
Learn how to protect adults and children, follow duty of care, and respond to concerns in line with safe care practice.
Person-Centred Support
Understand how to support individuals with respect, dignity, privacy, and choice while promoting independence.
Communication & Inclusion
Develop strong communication skills and learn how equality, diversity, inclusion, and human rights shape quality care.
Safety, IPC & Wellbeing
Learn health and safety essentials, infection prevention and control, and key principles that support wellbeing and safe environments.
Course modules (units)
You’ll complete the following mandatory units
Support individuals to eat and drink safely. Learn risks of dehydration/malnutrition and how to promote healthy choices.
Clarify your responsibilities, boundaries, and accountability in a care setting. Work effectively within agreed ways of working.
Build skills through feedback and reflection. Learn how to set goals, improve practice, and maintain professional standards.
Learn what duty of care means in practice. Manage dilemmas, follow policies, and reduce risk while supporting individuals.
Promote fair treatment and respect. Learn how to challenge discrimination and support inclusive, rights-based care.
Support individual needs, preferences, and choices. Learn how to plan and deliver care that respects independence.
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Develop effective communication skills for care settings. Learn verbal/non-verbal methods, listening, and record/report practice.
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Understand workplace health and safety, risk awareness, and safe moving practices—plus basic life support principles.
Understand common mental health conditions and dementia. Recognise signs, communicate appropriately, and support wellbeing.
Learn how to identify abuse, reduce risk, and report concerns correctly. Understand safeguarding principles and procedures.
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Understand why child safeguarding matters in care environments. Recognise indicators and follow correct reporting pathways.
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Understand confidentiality, GDPR-style good practice, and secure record-keeping. Share information appropriately and safely.
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Learn how infections spread and how to prevent them. Use PPE correctly and follow hygiene and IPC procedures.
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Understand learning disability and autism. Provide respectful support, reduce barriers, and communicate appropriately.
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Learn how to protect dignity in daily care. Maintain privacy, respect personal boundaries, and promote choice and control.
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Assessment
The Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate is assessed through evidence you build over time. You’ll be guided on what to submit for each unit and supported until completion.
Portfolio of Evidence
Assessment is portfolio-based and completed in line with iCQ (Industry Qualifications) standards for this qualification.
Overall Tutor Feedback
Receive clear guidance and feedback throughout the course so you always know what to improve and what’s next.
Unit-by-Unit Completion
Progress through all mandatory units step-by-step, submitting evidence for each one until the full qualification is achieved.