Business

Principles of Warehousing and Storage: Level 2 Certificate

For learners looking to enter and/or progress from entry roles in the warehousing and storage industries.

Course summary

• Qualification: NCFE Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Warehousing and Storage
• Level: Level 2
• Awarding body: NCFE
• Qualification number (QAN): 603/0634/8
• Guided learning: 101 hours
• Total time: 135 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 Principles of Warehousing and Storage NCFE Level 2 qualification is designed for learners who want to enter and/or progress from entry roles in the Warehousing and Storage industries. Learners will develop the underpinning knowledge necessary to support them in their role in this sector. Completion of this qualification will support progression into employment or into higher level roles in the industry.

This qualification will:

• focus on the study of the warehousing and storage industry
• offer breadth and depth of study, incorporating a key core of knowledge

The objectives of this qualification are to:

• allow learners to progress to employment within the warehousing and storage industry
• provide informed and prepared potential employees

What the course covers

To be awarded the Principles of Warehousing and Storage level 2 qualification, learners are required to successfully complete all 5 mandatory units:

Unit 1 - Introduction to warehousing and storage

The aim of this unit is for learners to gain an overview of warehousing and storage.

The learner will:

• Understand the warehousing and storage industry
• Understand the functions and benefits of warehousing

Unit 2 - Understand how to receive and store goods

The aim of this unit is to help the learner understand how to receive and store goods. The learner will also understand the health and safety risks involved in these processes.

The learner will:

• Understand how to receive goods
• Understand how to store goods
• Understand health and safety requirements when receiving and storing goods

Unit 3 - Understand how to process orders and prepare them for dispatch

The aim of this unit is to help the learner understand how to process orders and package goods for dispatch. The learner will also understand the health and safety risks involved in these processes.

The learner will:

• Understand how to process orders for dispatch
• Understand how to package goods for dispatch
• Understand health and safety requirements when processing orders and dispatching goods

Unit 4 - Understand how to check stock and update records

The aim of this unit is to provide learners with an understanding of what a stock check is and why and how it is carried out. Learners will also understand how records are updated following a stock check.

The learner will:

• Understand the purpose of a stock check
• Understand how stock levels are checked and records updated
• Understand health and safety requirements when checking stock

Unit 5 - Customer service in warehousing and storage

The aim of this unit is for learners to learn about the importance of customer service in warehousing and storage and how it can have positive and negative impacts.

The learner will:

• Understand the importance of meeting customer 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 135 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 if you're eligible for this course using the "Am I eligible?" form below. It also shows which providers offer it. The provider makes the final decision.

You can also read who can get a free course.

Where can I study this?

We've found 4 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 the Principles of Warehousing and Storage - List of Qualifications approved for fundingqualifications.education.gov.uk
• NCFE Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Warehousing and Storagencfe.org.uk

Last reviewed: 17 October 2026