The care certificate is not equivalent to NVQ 2. The care certificate is a competence-based qualification that was developed by Skills for Care and the care certificate standards were approved by the UK government in April 2015. The care certificate is designed to replace the common induction standards and is aimed at all new social care workers, regardless of their employment sector. The care certificate has 15 standards that cover the following topics:
• Introduction to the role of the social care worker
• Personal development
• Duty of care
• Equality, diversity and inclusion
• Work in a person-centred way
• Communication
• Privacy and dignity
• Fluids and nutrition
• Elimination
• Activity
• Moving and handling
• Skin care
• Safeguarding and protection
• Health and safety
• Basic life support
The care certificate is not a replacement for NVQs or other qualifications, but it is a good way for new social care workers to prove their competence in the role. There is no time limit to complete the care certificate, but most people should be able to complete it within 12 weeks.