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Course overview
The NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Nutrition and Health builds a clear, practical understanding of how food and lifestyle choices affect long term health. You will explore healthy eating principles, how nutritional needs change through life, weight management, eating disorders and food safety in the home.
It suits anyone wanting to understand nutrition more deeply, whether that is for their own wellbeing, to support family and friends, or as a step toward a career in health, care, fitness or wellbeing. It is a knowledge only qualification, so there is no work placement or real work environment required.
Who this course is for
- Anyone wanting a better understanding of nutrition and healthy living
- People working in health, wellbeing or social care settings
- Anyone supporting others to build healthier habits
- Learners interested in a future career in fitness, nutrition or wellbeing
- Anyone who wants practical knowledge to improve their own lifestyle choices
What you will learn
You will explore the principles of healthy eating and balanced diets, and the role different nutrients play in supporting good health. The course covers how nutritional needs shift across different stages of life, and how to read and interpret food labelling and nutritional information. You will also look at weight management, the causes and impact of eating disorders, and the core principles of food safety and hygiene in the home.
Course units
This qualification is made up of 6 mandatory units. You will need to complete all of them to achieve the certificate.
- Explore principles of healthy eating
- Consider nutritional needs of a variety of individuals
- Use food and nutrition information to plan a healthy diet
- The principles of weight management
- Understanding eating disorders
- Principles of food safety for the home environment
Duration and study format
| Awarding organisation | NCFE CACHE, Ofqual regulated |
|---|---|
| Study format | 100% online, self paced, through our secure e-portfolio platform |
| Course access | Up to 6 months from enrolment |
| Guided learning hours | 126 hours |
| Total qualification time | 150 hours |
| Credit value | 15 credits |
| Entry requirements | Minimum age 16, no prior qualifications needed |
How you are assessed
You will build a portfolio of written evidence against each unit's learning outcomes. A qualified assessor reviews your work and gives feedback within 7 days of submission, with internal quality assurance keeping every assessment decision fair and consistent. Work is graded achieved or not yet achieved, so there is no exam, just steady progress against an agreed submission schedule.
Where this course can take you
This certificate pairs well with the Level 2 Certificate in Improving Personal Exercise, Health and Nutrition, and can lead on to further study such as the Level 3 Award in Skills for Workplace Health Champions, the Level 3 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care, or Level 3 diplomas in adult care and healthcare support. It also supports progression into health and wellbeing services, fitness and leisure, social care and community support, and workplace wellbeing roles.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need any nutrition knowledge to start this course?
No. This course is designed for beginners as well as those working in related fields. There are no entry requirements beyond being 16 or over.
Is this course focused on personal diet or professional practice?
Both. You will build knowledge that applies to your own eating habits and equally supports anyone working with or advising others on nutrition and health.
How long do I have to complete the course?
You have up to 6 months of access and study at your own pace, with an agreed submission schedule to keep you progressing steadily.
What support will I get while studying?
You will have remote tutor support throughout the course, feedback from a qualified assessor within 7 days of each submission, and ongoing pastoral support.
Is this qualification nationally recognised?
Yes. It is an NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate regulated by Ofqual, so it carries the same national recognition as other regulated qualifications at this level.
Does this cover eating disorders in a sensitive way?
Yes. One unit looks at understanding eating disorders from a knowledge based, awareness raising perspective, helping you recognise causes and impact rather than covering clinical treatment.
Understand the power of good nutrition — 100% online, self-paced, and nationally recognised.
This NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate gives you a solid foundation in nutrition, healthy eating, weight management, and food safety. Learn how diet impacts long-term health, understand nutritional needs across different life stages, and develop knowledge to support healthier lifestyles for yourself or others. No workplace placement required.
At a glance:
📘 NCFE CACHE Level 2 | Ofqual-regulated
📍 100% online | Self-paced | Up to 6 months access
📍 15 credits | 126 guided learning hours
📍 No prior qualifications needed | Minimum age 16
