The iCQ Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism is designed for anyone looking to explore autism and learn how to support individuals on the spectrum. The course covers essential areas such as person-centred support, positive communication methods, managing risk, and promoting healthy, fulfilling lives for autistic individuals. Using the term ‘autism’ as an umbrella for all spectrum conditions, this qualification aligns with current strategies in adult autism care.
This fully online course carries 20 credits, with 140 guided learning hours and a total qualification time of 200 hours. You can complete it at your own pace, typically between 6 to 12 months. Whether your interest lies in healthcare, education, or social care, this course provides a comprehensive foundation to understand and support individuals with autism effectively.
This iCQ Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism is officially recognised and Quality Assured by Skills for Care, confirming its alignment with the standards set under the Quality Assured Care Learning Service (QACLS) framework and aligns with current regulatory standards for health and social care practice in England.
Funding and Importance for Employers
This qualification is fully funded under the Adult Social Care Learning and Development Support Scheme, giving employers an affordable way to upskill their teams. Staff who complete the iCQ Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism gain the knowledge to support individuals on the spectrum effectively, apply person-centred approaches, and use positive communication strategies. Employers benefit from a workforce that meets current care standards, delivers higher-quality support, and reduces risks while fostering a more inclusive environment.
The iCQ Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism is a 20-credit qualification, designed to provide focused learning in autism support. It includes 140 guided learning hours, with a total qualification time of 200 hours, giving learners a structured, in-depth understanding of autism at a flexible pace.
Qualification Accreditation Number (QAN): 603/5139/1
Mandatory Units
| Unit Ref. | Title | Level | GLH | Credit |
| A/617/8177 | Understanding sensory processing, perception and cognition in individuals with autism | 2 | 25 | 3 |
| D/617/8172 | Understanding Autism | 2 | 25 | 4 |
| F/617/8178 | Supporting and promoting positive behaviour in individuals with autism | 2 | 20 | 3 |
| H/617/8173 | Understanding theories, support and legislation in relation to autism | 2 | 20 | 3 |
| K/617/8174 | Managing risks when supporting an individual with autism | 2 | 15 | 2 |
| M/617/8175 | Supporting individuals living with autism | 2 | 20 | 3 |
| T/617/8176 | Understanding effective communication and social interaction when supporting individuals with autism | 2 | 15 | 2 |
For the Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism (RQF), learners must fulfil the following requirements:
Note: Learners must ensure that they fulfil the requirements before purchasing the qualification.
For further information, please click here and find out the clear guidelines.
*A learner not from a majority English-speaking country must provide evidence of English language competency. For more information, visit Language Expectations.
This qualification is ideal for learners who want to understand autism and learn practical ways to support individuals with autism. It suits healthcare workers, educators, social care staff, and anyone looking to enhance their professional skills in working with autistic individuals.
Progression Opportunities
After completing the iCQ Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism (RQF), learners can progress to higher-level qualifications, including:
The iCQ Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism is accredited by iCQ Awards, an awarding body regulated by Ofqual (Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation). Ofqual regulation ensures the qualification meets national standards and provides high-quality, recognised learning outcomes. You can verify this qualification on the Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications.
iCQ Awards is an Ofqual-approved awarding body (Reference Number RN5325), and this qualification is officially recognised in England under Qualification Accreditation Number (QAN): 603/5139/1. Inspire Medical offers this qualification through iCQ Awards, giving learners a trusted and nationally recognised certification in autism support.
All units within the iCQ Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism are internally assessed by Inspire Medical and externally verified by iCQ to ensure quality and consistency. Assessment is completed through a portfolio of evidence, allowing learners to demonstrate both their practical skills and knowledge in line with required standards.
This qualification uses a combination of skill-based and knowledge-based assessment methods. Skill-based assessment is demonstrated through practical tasks and reflective accounts, while knowledge-based assessment is completed through written assignments. To achieve a “pass”, learners must meet all learning outcomes and assessment criteria, ensuring they can effectively support individuals with autism in health and social care settings.
After successfully completing the iCQ Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism, learners will receive an Ofqual-regulated certificate (soft copy/scanned version) from iCQ Awards. This is included in the course fee.
Learners can request a hard copy certificate for an additional £25, which covers standard postal delivery. For faster delivery, a courier service (e.g., DHL) is available for £40, mainly for international shipments. Standard postal delivery usually takes 3–4 weeks, while the courier option ensures quicker arrival.
The iCQ Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism is designed for anyone looking to explore autism and learn how to support individuals on the spectrum. The course covers essential areas such as person-centred support, positive communication methods, managing risk, and promoting healthy, fulfilling lives for autistic individuals. Using the term ‘autism’ as an umbrella for all spectrum conditions, this qualification aligns with current strategies in adult autism care.
This fully online course carries 20 credits, with 140 guided learning hours and a total qualification time of 200 hours. You can complete it at your own pace, typically between 6 to 12 months. Whether your interest lies in healthcare, education, or social care, this course provides a comprehensive foundation to understand and support individuals with autism effectively.
This iCQ Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism is officially recognised and Quality Assured by Skills for Care, confirming its alignment with the standards set under the Quality Assured Care Learning Service (QACLS) framework and aligns with current regulatory standards for health and social care practice in England.
Funding and Importance for Employers
This qualification is fully funded under the Adult Social Care Learning and Development Support Scheme, giving employers an affordable way to upskill their teams. Staff who complete the iCQ Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism gain the knowledge to support individuals on the spectrum effectively, apply person-centred approaches, and use positive communication strategies. Employers benefit from a workforce that meets current care standards, delivers higher-quality support, and reduces risks while fostering a more inclusive environment.
The iCQ Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism is a 20-credit qualification, designed to provide focused learning in autism support. It includes 140 guided learning hours, with a total qualification time of 200 hours, giving learners a structured, in-depth understanding of autism at a flexible pace.
Qualification Accreditation Number (QAN): 603/5139/1
Mandatory Units
| Unit Ref. | Title | Level | GLH | Credit |
| A/617/8177 | Understanding sensory processing, perception and cognition in individuals with autism | 2 | 25 | 3 |
| D/617/8172 | Understanding Autism | 2 | 25 | 4 |
| F/617/8178 | Supporting and promoting positive behaviour in individuals with autism | 2 | 20 | 3 |
| H/617/8173 | Understanding theories, support and legislation in relation to autism | 2 | 20 | 3 |
| K/617/8174 | Managing risks when supporting an individual with autism | 2 | 15 | 2 |
| M/617/8175 | Supporting individuals living with autism | 2 | 20 | 3 |
| T/617/8176 | Understanding effective communication and social interaction when supporting individuals with autism | 2 | 15 | 2 |
This qualification is ideal for learners who want to understand autism and learn practical ways to support individuals with autism. It suits healthcare workers, educators, social care staff, and anyone looking to enhance their professional skills in working with autistic individuals.
Progression Opportunities
After completing the iCQ Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism (RQF), learners can progress to higher-level qualifications, including:
The iCQ Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism is accredited by iCQ Awards, an awarding body regulated by Ofqual (Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation). Ofqual regulation ensures the qualification meets national standards and provides high-quality, recognised learning outcomes. You can verify this qualification on the Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications.
iCQ Awards is an Ofqual-approved awarding body (Reference Number RN5325), and this qualification is officially recognised in England under Qualification Accreditation Number (QAN): 603/5139/1. Inspire Medical offers this qualification through iCQ Awards, giving learners a trusted and nationally recognised certification in autism support.
All units within the iCQ Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism are internally assessed by Inspire Medical and externally verified by iCQ to ensure quality and consistency. Assessment is completed through a portfolio of evidence, allowing learners to demonstrate both their practical skills and knowledge in line with required standards.
This qualification uses a combination of skill-based and knowledge-based assessment methods. Skill-based assessment is demonstrated through practical tasks and reflective accounts, while knowledge-based assessment is completed through written assignments. To achieve a “pass”, learners must meet all learning outcomes and assessment criteria, ensuring they can effectively support individuals with autism in health and social care settings.
After successfully completing the iCQ Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism, learners will receive an Ofqual-regulated certificate (soft copy/scanned version) from iCQ Awards. This is included in the course fee.
Learners can request a hard copy certificate for an additional £25, which covers standard postal delivery. For faster delivery, a courier service (e.g., DHL) is available for £40, mainly for international shipments. Standard postal delivery usually takes 3–4 weeks, while the courier option ensures quicker arrival.
Fill out the form to get the full course details in PDF.
