Occupational Certificate in Early Years Practitioner (3601)

Last Updated: 13 Oct 2026
This is the City and Guilds Level 2 Occupational Certificate in Early Years Practitioner.

Subject to accreditation and regulatory approval.

This qualification has been developed as part of the Post-16 Qualifications Reforms in England and is available for first teaching from September 2027. 
The City and Guilds Level 2 Occupational Certificate in Early Years Practitioner has been developed for learners who want to work with children from birth to 5 years in early years settings. It has been designed to help learners progress into further learning or direct employment, working under supervision of an Early Years Educator, teacher or other suitably qualified professional.
Available to deliver in the following:
  • England

Interested in delivering this qualification?

Find out more about how to become an approved City & Guilds centre or fill out our online customer application form. 

General Information

What Is Involved In Studying This Course?
This qualification aligns to the knowledge, skills and behaviours in the occupational standard for ST0888 Early Years Practitioner. It is aimed at learners aged 16–18 and has been developed with the involvement of employers and industry experts to ensure it meets learner and industry needs.
What Is Involved With Delivering This Course?
Successful learners may progress into level 3 qualifications or enter roles such as: 
  • Early Years Practitioner 
  • Nursery Assistant 
  • Nursery Practitioner (Level 2) 
  • Pre-School Assistant 
  • Playgroup Assistant 
  • Childcare Assistant 
  • Early Years Support Worker 
  • Reception Class Assistant (where appropriate) 
  • Day Nursery Assistant 

Level 2

Level 2 Occupational Certificate in Early Years Practitioner (3601-02)
Last Registration Date: 31 Aug 2030

Level 2 Occupational Certificate in Early Years Practitioner

  • Accreditation No: Data unavailable This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: VRQ This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: Data unavailable Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: Data unavailable This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: Data unavailable The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/08/2033 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: Please speak to your Account Manager for further information Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs. VAT may apply depending on your funding status and VAT registration.

There are no documents available.

Interested in delivering this qualification?

Find out more about how to become an approved City & Guilds centre or fill out our online customer application form. 

Explore our wider maths & English offer

Our maths & English qualifications underpin our apprenticeships and technical qualifications. They build learners’ confidence with the core skills required for employment, including the capacity to problem solve and use technology effectively. They are also key to triggering conditions of funding.

Find out more

For Learners

Related Qualifications

Browse some of our related qualifications:

> (4974) Award in Transition to Playwork