• Access Duration: 12 Months
• Awarded by: NCFE CACHE
• Qualification Level: Level 2
• Qualification Number: 601/4128/1
• Guided Learning Hours (GLH): 120
• Total Qualification Time (TQT): 160
• Total Credit Value: 16

• Know how the health sector is organised and the roles of workers within it.
• Know how to communicate effectively in the health sector and work with others.
• Understand the importance of personal development and how to maintain skills and knowledge relevant to the health sector.
• Understand how health, safety, and security requirements impact the health sector.
• Understand quality standards in the health sector and how these affect service delivery.
• Understand the principles of equality and diversity, and how these apply in the health sector.

The NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Working in the Health Sector gives you practical knowledge of healthcare settings, roles and responsibilities, effective communication, and safe working practices.

Potential career opportunities include:

• Healthcare Support Workers
• Care Assistants in Hospitals or Community Settings
• Community Support Assistants
• Residential or Day Care Support Workers
• Trainee Health and Social Care Workers
• Volunteer or Peer Support Roles in Health Services
• Rehabilitation or Recovery Support Roles
• Assistant Practitioners in Health or Social Care

• Minimum entry age is Pre 16 and above
• No formal entry requirements are set by the awarding body.

To complete the Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Working in the Health Sector, you will compile a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates your knowledge and understanding of how the health sector operates and the roles within it. Your portfolio may include written reports, essays, reflective accounts, case studies, infographics, presentations, and professional discussions. As this is a knowledge‑only qualification, you do not need to complete a work placement. Evidence may come from simulated activities or real‑life health‑sector examples where applicable.

Internal Assessment and Quality Assurance

All assessments are conducted internally by qualified assessors at South London College.

Assessment evidence can include practical tasks, project work, reports, observations, professional discussions, and other suitable methods, all designed to show that you have achieved the required learning outcomes and assessment criteria.

Assessor Guidance and Support

Our experienced assessors will guide and support you throughout the assessment process. You can reach them via email, WhatsApp, web chat, or online discussions, so expert advice is always at hand.

For any questions about assessment methods, processes, or specific qualification requirements, please click ‘Enquire Now’ to connect with our team.

The NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Working in the Health Sector gives you a practical introduction to how healthcare and social care services operate. You’ll explore key principles of the healthcare sector, understand the roles and responsibilities of staff, and develop the knowledge to communicate effectively and contribute to safe, person‑centred care. The course equips you with essential skills to support individuals, promote wellbeing, and understand the standards, policies, and practices that underpin quality care.

Next Steps for a Possible Academic Progression Pathway:

• Step 1: Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care
• Step 2: Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care
• Step 3: Foundation Degree (FdSc) in Health & Social Care

Alternative Pathways

• Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care
• Level 4 Diploma in Health and Social Care

Want to start a career in health and social care? The NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Working in the Health Sector gives you a practical introduction to how healthcare and social care services operate. You’ll learn about staff roles and responsibilities, safe working practices, person-centred care, and effective communication, helping you build confidence and awareness for a variety of roles in health, social care, or community settings.

Here are some careers you can pursue as you gain experience and qualifications, along with their average salaries (Source: UK Glassdoor):

• Healthcare Support Workers – £18,000
• Residential or Day Care Support Workers – £18,000
• Care Assistants in Hospitals or Community Settings – £19,000
• Community Support Assistants – £19,000

With further training & advanced qualifications, you can also progress to higher-level Functional Skills or vocational qualifications, paving the way to more senior roles and increased earning potential over time.

The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) is a non-ministerial government department responsible for regulating qualifications, exams, and assessments in England. Ofqual ensures that all qualifications offered by recognised awarding organisations meet rigorous national standards, giving you confidence that any Ofqual-regulated certificate is high-quality and widely accepted by employers and universities.

RQF

The Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) is the system used in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland to standardise qualifications by level and size. Overseen by regulatory bodies such as Ofqual, the RQF ensures qualifications are consistent, transparent, and easily understood by learners, employers, and higher education institutions. All qualifications listed on the RQF are approved and awarded by recognised awarding organisations.