Business

Equality and Diversity: Level 2 Certificate

For learners looking to develop an awareness of the issues surrounding equality and diversity.

Course summary

• Qualification: NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Equality and Diversity
• Level: Level 2
• Awarding body: NCFE
• Qualification number (QAN): 601/3145/7
• Guided learning: 180 hours
• Total time: 180 hours, including study and assessment
• Cost: Free if you are eligible
• Funding:
  • Adult Skills Fund

Who it's for and what you'll learn

This Equality and Diversity NCFE Level 2 qualification has been developed in order to address new legislation in this area, reinforcing the importance of equality and diversity within different contexts and ensuring that all learners gain an understanding of the different issues affecting equality and diversity in today’s society, the community and the workplace.

This qualification aims to:

• introduce the concepts of equality and diversity in a variety of environments including society, the community and the workplace
• highlight how stereotyping and labelling affect individuals
• outline the effects of prejudice and discrimination
• allow the learner to examine rights and responsibilities
• stress the importance of taking individual responsibility and action to help and support others
• provide a basis for further study and/or career development

The objectives of this qualification are to help learners to:

• raise their awareness of the issues surrounding equality and diversity
• apply this awareness through their actions in society, community and the workplace

What the course covers

To be awarded the Equality and Diversity level 2 qualification, learners are required to successfully achieve 3 mandatory units:

Unit 1 - Equality and diversity in society

In this unit the learner will consider what is meant by the terms ‘equality’ and ‘diversity’. They will develop an understanding of the effects of stereotyping, labelling, prejudice and discrimination and will start to understand the different characteristics that make us who we are.

The learner will:

• Understand what equality is
• Understand what diversity is
• Understand the effects of stereotyping and labelling
• Understand the effects of prejudice and discrimination
• Understand the ways in which people might choose to describe themselves

Unit 2 - Equality and diversity in the community

In this unit the learner will consider the extent and the value of diversity within a chosen community. As part of this they will develop an understanding of the potential inequalities which can occur within a community and the support services and groups which exist to ensure equality and diversity is maintained.

The learner will:

• Understand the extent of diversity within a community
• Understand the value to communities in creating and maintaining a diverse environment
• Understand the potential inequality that can occur within a community
• Understand the support services and groups that exist within a community to ensure equality and diversity is maintained

Unit 3 - Equality and diversity in the workplace

In this unit the learner will develop an understanding of the meaning of equality and diversity in the workplace. This will include how equality and diversity is monitored in the workplace and how the rights of individuals are protected.

The learner will:

• Understand the meaning of equality and diversity in the workplace
• Understand how equality and diversity is monitored in the workplace
• Understand how the rights of individuals are protected in the workplace

How these courses usually work

Every provider does things a little differently, so check the details with them before you apply.

Where and how you study

Most of these courses are studied online, from home. You'll usually need internet access and a laptop or desktop computer. A phone or tablet may not be enough. Some providers can send paper workbooks if you ask.

How long it takes

• This qualification is designed to take about 180 hours in total, including study and assessment.
• Many learners finish in around 6 weeks by studying 4 to 5 hours a week. You can go faster if you have more time.
• Providers usually set a deadline, often 10 to 12 weeks after you start.

Support

Providers usually give you a tutor who marks your work and answers your questions by email, phone or message.

Assessment

There are usually no exams. Instead, you answer assessment questions as you work through the course and send them to your tutor to mark. If an answer needs more work, you can usually change it and send it again.

Your certificate

When you pass, your certificate comes from the awarding body, NCFE. It often takes 8 to 12 weeks to arrive after your final assessment.

Things to check before you start

• Many providers only let you study one funded course at a time.
• If you leave the course early, or don't finish by the deadline, some providers charge an admin or withdrawal fee, often around £125. Ask about this before you sign up.

Can I do this course for free?

ASF local flexibility: 19+, England resident, unemployed or earning under £26,800 (devolved areas vary).

Some areas of England (devolved areas such as Greater London and Greater Manchester) set their own rules, so a provider may not be able to fund you if you live there. Withdrawal or admin fees can also apply.

Check whether you're eligible for a free course. The provider makes the final decision.

Where can I study this?

We've found 5 providers offering this course for free to eligible learners.

Answer a few quick questions to check whether you’re likely to get this course for free. We’ll then show you which providers offer it.

What could I do next?

• More business courses

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Sources

• NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Equality and Diversity - List of Qualifications approved for fundingqualifications.education.gov.uk
• NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Equality and Diversityncfe.org.uk
• TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Equality and Diversity (RQF) - List of Qualifications approved for fundingqualifications.education.gov.uk

Last reviewed: 17 October 2026