Do you need a care certificate if you have an NVQ 3?

As of the 1st of October 2019, the Health and Social Care regulator, Care Quality Commission (CQC), now recognises NVQs as an equivalent to the care certificate. This means that, as long as you have an NVQ 3 in health and social care that meets the standards set by the CQC, you will not need to complete the care certificate.

NVQs are qualifications that are specifically designed to support people who work in care roles. There are a number of different NVQs available at different levels, from NVQ2s which are designed for people who are new to the sector, through to NVQ5s which are aimed at experienced care workers.

The care certificate is a shorter, more basic qualification than an NVQ. It was introduced in 2015 as part of a drive to improve standards in the social care sector. The care certificate is made up of 15 standards that cover a range of topics such as communication, handling information, and health and safety.

While the care certificate is no longer a requirement for social care workers who have an NVQ3, it is still something that you may wish to consider completing. This is because the care certificate covers a number of topics that are not included in NVQs, such as safeguarding, equality and diversity, and person-centred care.

If you are still undecided about whether or not to complete the care certificate, you could speak to your employer or a professional development adviser. They will be able to give you more information about the benefits of the care certificate and help you to make a decision that is right for you.