In March 2025, the Care Certificate standards were updated to reflect developments in the sector and to align with the introduction of the Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate qualification. A new standard has been added to improve awareness of learning disability and autism, increasing the 15 standards to 16.

Blue Stream Academy’s online Care Certificate courses have been updated to reflect these changes, ensuring that learners are equipped with the most current knowledge required for their role. These care certificate courses will enhance staff members’ confidence, competence, and readiness for their role in health and social care, and ensures service users receive compassionate care.

We have also updated our online Care Certificate online program in line with the updated England Skills for Care, NHS Health Education England and Skills for Health, standards, ensuring that all competences can be signed off in one easy to use system.

What’s in the Care Certificate?

The Care Certificate contains a set of standards that outline the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for specific roles within the health and social care sector to provide high quality care. They are a framework for those who are 'new to care' and help guide the information staff receive during induction.

Who Needs to Complete the Care Certificate in Healthcare

Healthcare support workers/health care assistants/assistant practitioners/any individual giving support to clinical roles in the NHS where there is any direct contact with patients.

Who Needs to Complete the Care Certificate in Adult Social Care

Workers providing direct care to people accessing a variety of social care settings, which may include residential, nursing homes, hospices, domiciliary care, supported living services, shared lives services and extra care housing. Roles may include care assistant, care worker, homecare worker, care support workers.

Courses Included (Listed Against Each of the 15 Care Certificate Standards)

Standard 1 - Understand Your Role
Standard 2 - Your Personal Development
Standard 3 - Duty of Care
Standard 4 - Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Human Rights
Standard 5 - Working in a Person-centred Way
Standard 6 - Communication
Standard 7 - Privacy and Dignity
Standard 8 - Fluids and Nutrition
Standard 9 - Awareness of Mental Health and Dementia
Standard 10 - Safeguarding Adults (Level 1)
Standard 11 - Safeguarding Children (Level 1)
Standard 12 - Adult Basic Life Support (Level 2) and Paediatric Basic Life Support (Level 2)
Standard 13 - Health, Safety and Welfare
Standard 14 - Handling Information
Standard 15 - Infection Prevention and Control – Tier 2
Standard 16 - The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the Care Certificate and why has it been updated?

The Care Certificate is a set of standards that new health and social care workers are expected to complete as part of their induction. It ensures they have the fundamental care and skills needed to deliver safe, compassionate, and high-quality support. The recent updates reflect the evolving expectations of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and align with current best practices in the sector.

Q2: What prompted the introduction of the Care Certificate?

The Care Certificate follows recommendations from several reviews, including the Cavendish Review, which highlighted the need for consistent training and support for those who work in health and social care settings. It aims to strengthen the confidence and competence of care staff across the sector.

Q3: What’s new in the updated standards?

The revised Care Certificate includes an additional standard for The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism.

Q4: Who needs to complete the Care Certificate?

Anyone new to a role in health or social care who provides direct care is expected to complete the Care Certificate, including care assistants, support workers, and healthcare assistants.

Get Started with the Updated Care Certificate for Just £49 + VAT

You can now sign up to complete the updated Care Certificate with Blue Stream Academy for only £49 + VAT per trainee. This price includes full access to our comprehensive Care Certificate online courses, which are aligned with the latest standards. In addition, colleagues and supervisors can log in to our online Platform and mark off competencies assigned to each standard, making the process simple and collaborative. Equip your team with the care and skills needed to meet the expectations of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and deliver high-quality, person-centred care.

Updated Care Certificate Standards – Now Live on Blue Stream Academy