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Course overview
The NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Information, Advice or Guidance is built for anyone working in, or moving into, a role where they support people to find the right information, advice or guidance. You will learn how to work within professional boundaries, communicate effectively, maintain confidentiality, and signpost or refer clients appropriately.
The optional units let you shape the course around your own setting, whether that is housing, employment, debt, schools or general advice work, so the qualification stays genuinely relevant to the role you do or want to do.
Who this course is for
This qualification suits anyone working in, or hoping to work in, information, advice or guidance roles, frontline support or signposting services, or supporting clients across education, employment, housing, debt or community services. It is a strong fit for people working within local authorities, voluntary organisations, student services or advice centres.
What you will learn
You will learn the difference between information, advice and guidance, and how to work within clear professional boundaries and responsibilities. The course develops your communication and interaction skills, and builds your understanding of confidentiality, impartiality, and equality and non discriminatory practice. You will also cover signposting and referral procedures, managing information and record keeping, and how to support clients across different contexts such as housing, debt, employment or schools.
Course structure
To achieve this qualification, you need 15 credits in total. This comes from 6 credits across 2 mandatory units, plus 9 credits from optional units agreed with you at enrolment to suit your role or career goals.
Mandatory units
- Information, advice or guidance in practice (3 credits)
- Developing interaction skills for IAG (3 credits)
Optional units (examples)
- Signposting and referral
- Information, advice or guidance in context
- Skills for advice providers
- Benefits advice work in practice
- Managing information
- Specialist advice work (housing, debt, employment or refugee and immigration)
- Information, advice or guidance in schools and colleges
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 | 114 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 demonstrating achievement across all learning outcomes, contextualised to your own or intended work setting. A qualified assessor reviews your work and gives feedback within 7 days of submission, with internal quality assurance keeping every decision fair and consistent. Work is graded achieved or not yet achieved, so there is no exam, just steady progress through an agreed submission schedule. Where required, some competence based elements may need to be demonstrated in a realistic work environment.
Where this course can take you
This certificate leads well into further study such as the Level 2 Certificate in Equality and Diversity or the Level 2 Certificate in Awareness of Mental Health Problems, with Level 3 advice and guidance or counselling qualifications as a natural next step. It also supports roles such as careers advisor, employment advisor, housing support worker, debt advisor, learning support worker and advice centre advisor.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to already be working in an advice role to start this course?
No. It suits people already working in IAG settings as well as those hoping to move into this kind of role. There are no entry requirements beyond being 16 or over.
How do I choose my optional units?
Your optional units are agreed with you at enrolment, so you can tailor the course to your current role, sector, or career goals rather than following a fixed path.
Will I need to demonstrate anything in a real work setting?
Most of the qualification is knowledge based and assessed through your portfolio, though some competence based elements may need to be demonstrated in a realistic work environment depending on the optional units you choose.
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 help keep you on track.
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.
Empower others with the right information, advice, or guidance — 100% online, self-paced, and nationally recognised.
This NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate gives you the essential knowledge and practical understanding to deliver information, advice, or guidance ethically and professionally. Learn about communication skills, confidentiality, signposting, referral processes, and professional boundaries. Perfect for those working in or aspiring to roles in careers advice, housing support, employment services, education, or community support. No workplace placement required.
📘 NCFE CACHE Level 2 | Ofqual-regulated
📍 100% online | Self-paced | Up to 6 months access
📍 15 credits | 114 guided learning hours
📍 No prior qualifications needed | Minimum age 16
