Level 2 Certificate in Information, Advice or Guidance Online Qualification
Level 2 Certificate in Information, Advice or Guidance Online Qualification
The NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Information, Advice or Guidance is a nationally recognised qualification designed for individuals who work in, or are looking to work in, information, advice or guidance (IAG) roles.
This qualification develops knowledge and practical understanding of delivering information, advice or guidance appropriately and ethically. It supports learners to understand professional boundaries, communication skills, confidentiality, signposting and referral processes, and the wider context of IAG services.
The qualification prepares learners for further training and supports roles where individuals may provide initial information, advice or guidance to others.
This qualification is suitable for both career progression and Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
At a Glance
| Qualification Title | NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Information, Advice or Guidance |
| Qualification Number (QN) | 601/4321/6 |
| Level | 2 |
| Credit Value | 15 |
| Guided Learning Hours (GLH) | 114 |
| Total Qualification Time (TQT) | 150 |
| Course Duration | Up to 6 months access (self-paced study) |
| Minimum Age | 16 years |
| Awarding Organisation | NCFE CACHE |
| Regulation | Ofqual-regulated qualification |
Who Is This Course For?
This qualification is suitable for individuals who:
- ✓Work in, or aspire to work in, information, advice or guidance roles
- ✓Provide frontline support or signposting services
- ✓Support clients in education, employment, housing, debt, or community services
- ✓Work within local authorities, voluntary organisations, student services or advice centres
Typical roles include:
- Careers advisor
- Customer service advisor
- Employment advisor
- Housing support worker
- Peer mentor
- Help-desk advisor
- Legal services support worker
What Will You Learn?
This qualification provides both knowledge and skills development in:
- ✓The differences between information, advice and guidance
- ✓Professional boundaries and responsibilities
- ✓Communication and interaction skills
- ✓Confidentiality and impartiality
- ✓Signposting and referral procedures
- ✓Equality, diversity and non-discriminatory practice
- ✓Managing information and record-keeping
- ✓Supporting clients within different contexts (e.g. housing, debt, employment, schools)
Learners will develop a clear understanding of ethical practice, client-centred support, and professional standards within IAG environments.
Course Units
To achieve the qualification, learners must achieve 6 credits from mandatory units and 9 credits from optional units.
Mandatory Units
| 1 | Information, Advice or Guidance in Practice (3 credits) |
| 2 | Developing Interaction Skills for Information, Advice or Guidance (3 credits) |
Optional units include areas such as:
- Signposting and Referral (3 credits)
- Information, Advice or Guidance – Context (3 credits)
- Skills for Advice Providers (3 credits)
- Benefits Advice Work – Practice (3 credits)
- Managing Information (3 credits)
- Specialist Advice Work in Practice (Housing, Debt, Employment, or Refugee/Immigration) (1 credit)
- Information, Advice or Guidance in Schools and Colleges (3 credits)
Unit selection will be agreed at enrolment to suit the learner's role or career goals.
How You'll Study
Delivered via independent, self-paced online study through our secure e-portfolio platform:
- ✓All study materials are provided
- ✓Structured learning content aligned to unit outcomes
- ✓Written assignments submitted to evidence competency
- ✓Remote tutor support available throughout the programme
- ✓Flexible study to fit around work and personal commitments
- ✓Agreed submission schedule to support steady progression
Learners are supported to contextualise their learning to their current or intended work setting.
Where required, competence-based elements may be demonstrated in a realistic work environment.
Assessment
Assessment method:
- ✓Learners produce a portfolio of evidence
- ✓Evidence must demonstrate achievement of all learning outcomes
- ✓Work is graded Achieved / Not Yet Achieved
- ✓Feedback is provided by a qualified assessor within 7 days of submission
- ✓All assessment evidence must be submitted in English
Internal quality assurance processes ensure assessment decisions are fair, consistent and compliant with awarding organisation requirements.
Entry Requirements
- ✓Learners must be aged 16 or above
- ✓No formal prior qualifications are required
- ✓A good level of written English is recommended
- ✓Access to a computer, internet connection and basic IT skills is required
Training & Career Progression
Learners may progress to:
| Level 2 Certificate in Equality and Diversity |
| Level 2 Certificate in Awareness of Mental Health Problems |
| Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health First Aid and Mental Health Advocacy in the Workplace |
| Level 3 qualifications in Advice and Guidance |
| Level 3 Counselling qualifications |
| Level 2 or 3 Customer Service qualifications |
| Level 2 or 3 Health and Social Care qualifications |
This qualification supports progression into roles such as:
- Careers advisor
- Employment advisor
- Housing support worker
- Debt advisor
- Learning support worker
- Advice centre advisor
It also supports CPD for professionals in public services, education, social care and voluntary sector organisations.