Revisions to the Adult Care Worker standard
The apprenticeship reforms have brought big changes, and there are still more to come. This is a pivotal time for apprenticeships, with the sector receiving a £725 million package to improve youth employability and increase economic growth.
The Adult Care Worker standard is one of those being updated. A revised assessment plan has been published and will apply to all new starts from 27 May, alongside a new funding band of £4,500.
This standard has undergone a full revision, with its new look including updated knowledge, skills, and behaviours, as well as a change to the qualification. These changes mean that apprentices will not be eligible to transfer.
The mandatory qualification
The revised Adult Care Worker standard will be solely assessed through its mandatory qualification: the Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate.
This differs from the current version of the standard and its assessment plan, which includes completing the Level 2 Diploma in Care and the end-point assessment components (Situational Judgement Test and Professional Discussion).
Apprentices starting before 27 May 2026 will remain registered under the current version of the standard and its assessment plan.
Apprentices starting on or after 27 May 2026 will be registered against the revised version of the standard and will be required to complete the Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate with no formal end-point assessment.
Streamlining your journey
We’re here for you every step of the way, so if you’re a TQUK-recognised centre, you can simply add the TQUK Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate, approved by Skills for Care, to your existing delivery by completing this qualification approval form.
And, to make the transition even easier, we’re waiving the £40 qualification approval fee until 31 July 2026.
If you’re planning to continue delivering the Adult Care Worker standard but aren’t yet a TQUK-recognised centre, you’ll need to complete our centre recognition process to get started.
We’re serious about streamlining the process for you, so if you’re interested in joining us as an approved TQUK centre, we’re waiving the fee for centre approval, saving you £1,500*.
If you would like to begin the simple (and free!) recognition process, please fill in this form.
To further support your delivery, we offer a range of free templates and FAQs to existing customers. A full suite of digital learning resources from the Learning Curve Group is also available. To discuss LCG resources, please contact our Business Development Team.
The apprenticeship landscape is evolving, and we’re here to ensure you don’t get left behind. To stay updated on the reforms, check out our Apprenticeship Hive, where you can find the latest news, webinars, and insights from our experts.
*New customers must provide evidence of a current EQA report for the qualification or from the same SSA/approval group to qualify for free approval. Offer valid until July 31.