• Access Duration:  365 Days
• Awarded by: NCFE  CACHE
• Qualification Level:  Level 2
• Qualification Number: 601/3818/X
• Guided Learning Hours (GLH): 135
• Total Qualification Time (TQT): 160

• Understand how to work in end‑of‑life care, including the aims, principles, and policies of care, dignity, comfort, and the end‑of‑life pathway.
• Understand person‑centred care planning at the end of life, including a holistic approach, assessing needs, managing risk, and advance care planning (consent, preferences, lasting power of attorney).
• Understand how to provide support for pain and discomfort with holistic approaches, symptom identification, interventions, self‑help methods, safe monitoring, and reporting.
• Understand how dementia can affect the end‑of‑life experience as a life‑limiting condition, how it impacts care, supporting individuals and their significant others.
• Understand the role of the care worker at the time of death by supporting individuals as they approach death, caring for the deceased individual (last offices, religious/cultural considerations), supporting family/friends, legislation/policies at the time of death.
• Understand loss and grief in end‑of‑life care, definitions of loss, bereavement, grief, factors affecting grief, how to support individuals experiencing loss, and how to support the self (care worker) with their own feelings of grief.

Want to understand end-of-life care and gain the confidence to support people compassionately and safely? The NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of End of Life Care gives you practical knowledge about caring for individuals in the final stages of life. You’ll learn how to provide comfort, support emotional and physical well-being, communicate with empathy, and respond respectfully to the needs of both individuals and their families.

This course is suitable for individuals in the following roles and for those looking to progress into these roles:

• Support Workers in Health or Social Care Settings
• Care Assistants in Hospice or Palliative Care
• Community Support Assistants
• Residential or Day Care Support Workers
• Trainee Health and Social Care Workers
• Volunteer or Peer Support Workers in End-of-Life Services
• Rehabilitation or Recovery Support Roles
• Assistant Practitioners in Palliative or End-of-Life Care

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

To complete the Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of End of Life Care, you will compile a portfolio of evidence demonstrating your knowledge and understanding of end‑of‑life care. Your portfolio may include written reports, essays, reflective accounts, case studies, infographics or presentations, and professional discussions. As this is a knowledge‑only qualification, you do not need to complete a work placement. Evidence can come from simulated activities or real‑life examples where applicable. 

Internal Assessment and Quality Assurance 

All assessments are conducted internally by qualified assessors at South London College. To ensure fairness, consistency, and high standards, Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) checks are carried out throughout the assessment process. 

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 the Principles of End of Life Care gives you a practical introduction to understanding end-of-life care and how to support individuals and their families compassionately and safely. You’ll explore key principles of care, learn how to respond to physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, and develop the skills to provide comfort, dignity, and respect during the final stages of life. The course equips you with the knowledge to communicate effectively, promote wellbeing, and create supportive, person-centred care environments. 

Next Steps for a Possible Academic Progression Pathway

• Step 1: Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of End of Life Care
• Step 2: Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care
• Step 3: Level 5 Diploma in Palliative & End of Life Care Management 

Alternative Pathways 

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

Want to support people compassionately during the final stages of life? The NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of End of Life Care gives you a practical introduction to end-of-life care, helping you understand key principles, provide comfort, and support the well-being of individuals and their families. This course is ideal if you want to build confidence and awareness for 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):

• Support Workers in Health or Social Care – £18,000
• Residential or Day Care Support Workers – £18,000
• Care Assistants in Hospice or Palliative Care – £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.