Explore the Care Certificate standards for health and social care workers.
The Care Certificate standards define the knowledge, skills and behaviours expected of specific job roles in health and social care. They can be used if you are 'new to care' and be used to inform what information is covered during induction.
The standards were updated in March 2025 to align with sector developments and the introduction of the Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate qualification.
There are now 16 standards. A new standard has been added to capture awareness of learning disability and autism.
The standards have been developed jointly by Skills for Care, NHS England and Skills for Health.
PDF - 1.06MB
Download the standards that health and social care workers adhere to in their daily working life.
PDF - 198KB
This document provides information about the updates made in the Care Certificate standards, updated in 2025.
PDF - 233KB
This set of frequently asked questions has been produced by NHS England, Skills for Care and Skills for Health to support the use of the updated Care Certificate standards 2025.
PDF - 123KB
This set of frequently asked questions hasbeen produced by Skills for Care to support the use of the updated Care Certificate standards 2025 by personal assistants.
To support the standards, a self-assessment tool and an assessor and employer guide are available below.
The 2015 Care Certificate standards and resources will be available to support employers in transitioning to the updated 2025 Care Certificate standards until the end of July 2025. See the 2015 standards and resources.
Please use the existing workbooks to support the transition. These will not be refreshed.
It is the owners (e.g. employer, learning provider) responsibility to ensure any resources they have developed and/or use are up to date. The summary of changes outlines the updates for each standard and this can be used as an easy reference tool to support this activity.
The eLearning for Healthcare digital resources have not yet been updated. We'll update this webpage when they are available. For now, please continue using the existing resources.
Assessing the Care Certificate standards
Workers need to be assessed on what they know and what they do to show they understand and can carry out the standards in their role.
To assess if someone is meeting the Care Certificate standards, you must have a thorough understanding of and direct experience in what you’re assessing.
PDF - 1.9MB
Download the assessor document, which introduces the standards and provides an overview of how to deliver and assess them.
PDF - 2.05MB
Download the self-assessment tool and reflective log to use with new workers before they start their induction so you can tailor it to their training needs.
Word - 62KB
Download a template of the certificate to award workers who have completed the standards. This can be edited to add your logo (only valid if the Care Certificate logo remains on the top right and your logo appears on the bottom right).
Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate qualification
This accredited qualification is based on the same 16 Care Certificate standards but builds, deepens and consolidates the knowledge and understanding. It’s designed to provide a baseline standard to care, reduce the need for repeat training and gives recognition to our care workforce for the professional career that it is. Find out more.
How to use the Care Certificate
PDF - 249KB
This document provides information to support the use of the Care Certificate products within the adult social care sector.