Qualifications
A regulated qualification is an award on a national framework, such as the Regulated Qualifications Framework in England, issued by a recognised awarding organisation.
It has a level from entry level to level 8, a set size, formal assessment and external quality assurance. It typically takes months, and it proves you reached a defined standard at a point in time.
In care, the common ones are the Level 2 and 3 Diplomas in Adult Care, the Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare, and the Level 5 Diplomas for managers.
CPD
CPD is ongoing learning that keeps you competent and current.
It's usually shorter, more frequent, and tied to your role right now: a safeguarding refresher, a course on epilepsy, a workshop on positive behaviour support.
It's evidenced by certificates and records rather than a regulated award. Accredited CPD means the training was checked against a standard. It doesn't make it a qualification.
| Qualification | CPD | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | A defined standard at a point in time | Ongoing learning tied to your role |
| Evidence | A regulated award | Certificates and records |
| Time | Usually months | Usually shorter and more frequent |
Which one do you need?
- New to care: the Care Certificate during induction, plus the mandatory essentials
- Residential childcare: the Level 3 Diploma within two years of starting
- Registered managers: a relevant Level 5 leadership qualification
- Everyone, every year: CPD refreshers and specialist topics for the people you support
The trap to avoid
A CPD certificate is not a qualification, however official it looks.
Be wary of any provider that uses “accredited” to imply otherwise, or puts “Level 3” branding on a two-hour course.
CareCPD accreditation means a course met our standard for care-sector CPD. We say that plainly, and we expect approved providers to say the same.
How they work together
Qualifications open doors; CPD keeps you fit to walk through them.
A Level 3 from five years ago plus nothing since is a warning sign to an inspector. A Level 3 plus a steady, checkable CPD record is exactly what they want to see.
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