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Information, Advice or Guidance: Level 2 Certificate

For learners working in, or looking to work in, an information, advice or guidance role.

Course summary

Qualification
NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Information, Advice or Guidance
Level
Level 2
Awarding body
NCFE (CACHE)
Qualification number (QAN)
601/4321/6
Guided learning
114 hours
Total time
150 hours, including study and assessment
Cost
Free if you are eligible
Funding

Who it's for and what you'll learn

This Information, Advice or Guidance NCFE CACHE Level 2 qualification is designed for people who work in, or are looking to work in, an information, advice or guidance role, such as: careers advisor, counsellor, customer service advisor, debt advisor, employment advisor, help-desk advisor, housing support worker, learning support worker, legal services support worker or peer mentor - with a range of employers, such as local authorities, careers advice services, voluntary sector organisations, student services, citizen advice services and housing associations.

This qualification aims to:

  • focus on the study of information, advice or guidance and their application
  • offer breadth and depth of study, incorporating a key core of knowledge
  • provide opportunities to acquire a range of practical and technical skills

The objective of this qualification is to:

  • prepare learners for further training and to support a role where learners may give initial information, advice or guidance to others

What the course covers

To be awarded the Information, Advice or Guidance level 2 qualification, learners must achieve a minimum of 15 credits: 6 credits from the 2 mandatory units listed below, plus a minimum of 9 credits from the optional units (which will be confirmed by your learning provider when you start):

Unit 1 - Information, advice or guidance in practice

The aim of this unit is to provide an understanding of the differences between information, advice and guidance; including the requirements of different clients and how these could be met. It will also help learners to gain knowledge of their boundaries and responsibilities in offering information, advice and guidance; including signposting, referrals and record-keeping.

The learner will:

  • Understand the distinction between information, advice and guidance
  • Understand ways of meeting information, advice or guidance requirements of clients
  • Understand the boundaries of own role in meeting information, advice or guidance requirements of clients
  • Understand the purpose of accurate record-keeping to fulfil good practice guidelines

Unit 2 - Developing interaction skills for information, advice or guidance

The aim of this unit is to provide an understanding of how to interact with clients, including appropriate and effective question styles, listening skills and non-verbal communication skills. It will also help learners to gain knowledge of the impact of values, beliefs and attitudes on these interactions, as well as the importance of confidentiality and impartiality. Additionally, this unit will support learners to identify personal strengths and development needs.

The learner will:

  • Understand how to interact with clients
  • Understand the importance of effective communication skills in the delivery of information, advice or guidance
  • Understand how own values, beliefs and attitudes may affect interactions with clients
  • Understand the importance of confidentiality and impartiality in interactions with clients
  • Know own skills and development needs

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 150 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.

Where do you live?
How old are you?
Are you working?
Do you earn less than £26,800 a year?
Your pay before tax. If you’re not working, choose “Yes”.

Your details

Funding rules can depend on where you live.
Using your details
Emails from us (optional)

What could I do next?

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