These qualifications are designed for people who work with individuals to support and assist them with their physical or emotional care, daily living needs or maintaining their independence. A

Qualification structure

Level 2 NVQ/SVQ in Health and Social Care

The level 2 qualification is aimed at those who support and assist individuals with their physical or emotional care, daily living needs or maintaining their independence. It is extremely relevant for home care assistants, community support assistants, healthcare assistants, and residential or day service assistants.  

To achieve the level 2 qualification learners need to complete four mandatory units and two optional units. The mandatory units are as follows:

• Communicate with and complete records for individuals
• Support the health and safety of yourself and individuals 
• Develop your knowledge and practice
• Ensure your own actions support the care, protection and well-being of individuals.

If the learner is employed in the social care sector anywhere in the UK the four core units are mandatory. If the learner is employed in the health care sector they need to take two core units, two optional units and a further two units from either the core or optional groups.

Level 3 NVQ/SVQ in Health and Social Care (Adults and Children and Young People)

The level 3 qualification is aimed at individuals who often work without direct supervision or on their own, perhaps in a user's own home. To achieve the level 3 qualification learners need to complete four mandatory and four optional units. The mandatory units are as follows:

• Promote effective communication for and about individuals
• Promote, monitor and maintain health, safety and security in the working environment
• Reflect on and develop your practice.

The fourth core unit, depending on your chosen pathway, is either:

• Promote the well being and protection of children and young people (Children and young people)
  or
• Promote choice, well being and the protection of all individuals (Adults).

Level 4 NVQ/SVQ in Health and Social Care (Adults and Children and Young People)

The level 4 qualification is aimed at people in supervisory or management roles. To achieve the level 4 qualification the learner will need to complete eight units, of which four are mandatory.

The mandatory units:

• Use and develop methods and systems to communicate, record and report
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of healthy and safe practices in the working environment
• Take responsibility for the continuing professional development of self and others.

The fourth core unit, depending on your chosen pathway, is one of either: 

• Develop practice which promotes the involvement, well-being and protection of children and young people (Children and young people)
  or
• Develop practices which promote choice, well being and the protection of all individuals (Adults)

More information about the qualification structure and standards and assessment requirements can be found in the related documents section of this page.

How is the qualification delivered and assessed?

These qualifications are work based awards and learners' skills and knowledge are assessed in the workplace whilst they are working directly with individuals and colleagues. They must be working in a real health or social care setting on a full or part time basis and in paid or voluntary work. If learners require any additional training prior to assessment this can be based in or out of the workplace or by distance or e-learning.

Welsh language documentation

To improve the service for our Welsh language learners and centres we have created a web section to house all supporting documentation for Community & Society subjects including 3172 Health and Social Care NVQs.

Find all the Welsh language documents here, including N/SVQ Centre and Candidate Guides and Recording forms. 

Progression

On completion learners may wish to go on to further education. Qualifications that may be of interest include:

• Leadership and Management for Care Services (3078)
• Promoting the Mental Health and Well-being of Older People (3062)
• Youth Work (9248).

We also offer a wide range of Leadership and Management qualifications through our sister organistation ILM.

Back to the top