The Care Certificate is the national
induction programme for individuals starting their careers in health and social
care in England. Developed by Skills for Care in partnership with NHS England
and Skills for Health, the Care Certificate sets out the fundamental knowledge,
skills and behaviours expected of care workers to deliver safe, effective and
compassionate care.
The Care Certificate provides a strong foundation for people working in a
variety of care roles, including healthcare assistants, support workers and
adult social care staff. It helps ensure that all care workers meet consistent
national standards when supporting individuals in residential care, community
settings, hospitals and people’s homes.
In March 2025, the Care Certificate standards were updated to reflect changes
in the sector and to align with the Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate
qualification. The updated programme now includes 16 standards, including a new
standard focusing on learning disability and autism awareness.
The Care Certificate is typically completed within the first 12 weeks of
employment and forms an important part of the induction process for new care
staff.
What the Care
Certificate Training Covers
The Care Certificate training programme is
structured around 16 key standards, designed to equip care workers with the
knowledge and practical skills required to provide high-quality care.
The standards include:
1. Understand Your Role
2. Your Personal Development
3. Duty of Care
4. Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Human Rights
5. Work in a Person-Centred Way
6. Communication
7. Privacy and Dignity
8. Fluids and Nutrition
9. Awareness of Mental Health and Dementia
10. Adult Safeguarding
11. Safeguarding Children
12. Basic Life Support
13. Health and Safety
14. Handling Information
15. Infection Prevention and Control
16. Awareness of Learning Disability and Autism
These standards ensure that learners
understand how to work safely, communicate effectively and provide
person-centred care that respects the dignity, rights and individual needs of
those they support.
Who Should
Complete the Care Certificate?
Care Certificate training is designed for
individuals who are new to the health and social care sector. It is suitable
for:
• Healthcare assistants
• Adult social care workers
• Support workers
• Domiciliary care staff
• Residential care staff
• New employees entering health and social care roles
Employers across the care sector use the
Care Certificate as a recognised benchmark for induction training, helping
ensure staff have the essential knowledge required to deliver safe and
effective care.
Benefits of Care
Certificate Training
Completing the Care Certificate provides
several benefits for both care workers and employers. Learners gain the
essential skills and knowledge required to work confidently in care
environments, while employers can be assured that their staff meet recognised
national standards.
Key benefits include:
• Developing essential health and social
care skills
• Promoting safe, compassionate and person-centred care
• Understanding professional responsibilities and duty of care
• Supporting career development in the care sector
• Meeting nationally recognised induction standards
Upon successful completion, learners receive
a Care Certificate confirming they have achieved the core competencies required
to work in health and social care.
For more information please contact info@acs-uk.org or call : 020 3659 5251
