How to Become a Care Assistant

Qualifications improve your chances; they do not gate the job. Level 2 is the most recognised.

Typical pay: £20,000 to £25,000Level 2 most recognisedOpen entry

Pay range: National Careers Service.

Live listings typically advertise £13.75 to £14.25 an hour. See the full Care Assistant salary guide.

Your route in

You can start without qualifications - direct entry/volunteering; a qualification improves your chances

Qualifications employers recognise (Level 2)

Any of these strengthens your application.

Health and Social Care Extended Diploma (Level 2) L2127 courses
Level 2 Certificate in Health and Social Care L242 courses
BTEC Level 2 First Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care L232 courses
Level 2 Certificate: Working with Individuals with Learning Disabilities L231 courses
Level 2 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care L225 courses
Level 2 Certificate in Dignity and Safeguarding in Adult Health and Social Care L218 courses

Add-on certificates

Complements to the main route. Where no level is shown, the awarding body does not specify one.

Understanding Behaviour that Challenges 13 courses
Food Safety in Care and Early Years Settings 7 courses
Understanding Technology Enabled Care 7 courses
Introduction to Health, Social Care and Children's Settings 3 courses
Introduction to Health, Social Care and Children's and Young People's Settings 3 courses
BTEC Tech Award in Health and Social Care 2 courses

Where this can take you

While employed as a care worker you can develop your skills by training in specific areas, such as: autism awareness, supporting people with dementia and communication skills, like Makaton or Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). With experience, you can become a senior care worker, or palliative care assistant. You can also move into care team supervision or care services management, if you get further qualifications.