Free Online Care Training Courses
These free care training courses online cover some of the most common learning needs in health and social care. Each course is delivered online and each one is free, but you need to apply for a place. Every application is reviewed manually by a person, so access is not instant and we cannot promise a start date.
Every course ends with an online assessment and, if you pass, a certificate of completion issued by CareCertified. Our courses are CPD accredited.
All free online care courses
- 01
Care Certificate Knowledge Course
Learning for all 16 Care Certificate standards, for people starting in health and social care support roles in England. It covers the knowledge side only. Workplace observation, competence assessment and sign-off are done by your employer. Study time is around 20 hours.
- 02
Safeguarding Adults Level 2
An online course for people who work regularly with adults who may be at risk. It covers the principles of safeguarding, mental capacity, the enquiry process, recording and referral. Study time is around 2 hours.
- 03
Safeguarding Adults Level 3
More in-depth learning for people with greater responsibility, such as contributing to enquiries or supervising others. Around 3 hours.
- 04
Safeguarding Children Level 2
For people who work regularly with children, young people and families. It covers thresholds, early help, disclosures, referral and multi-agency working. Around 2 hours.
- 05
Safeguarding Children Level 3
Advanced child protection learning for professionals who assess needs or contribute to safeguarding decisions. Around 3 hours.
- 06
Paediatric First Aid (Online Theory)
The theory of first aid for infants and children. There is no practical training or assessment, and it is not a practical first aid certificate or a way to meet EYFS first aid requirements.
- 07
Moving and Handling (Objects)
The principles of safe lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling of objects and loads. It does not cover moving people. Around 1 hour.
Free online courses for health and social care learners
Whether you are new to health and social care or have worked in the sector for years, our free care training can help you refresh your knowledge. Each course is self-paced and described in plain English, and every course page explains the study time, the content and the limits of the learning before you apply. Where a topic normally needs practical, in-person training, such as first aid or moving people, we say so clearly.
How to choose the right course
If you are not sure where to start, these pointers may help. Your employer always has the final say on the training your role needs.
| If you.. | Consider |
|---|---|
| are new to care and in induction | Care Certificate knowledge course, alongside your employer's induction |
| work regularly with adults who may be at risk | Safeguarding Adults Level 2 |
| lead or contribute to adult safeguarding enquiries | Safeguarding Adults Level 3, after checking your employer's requirements |
| work regularly with children and families | Safeguarding Children Level 2 |
| assess children's needs or take part in child protection decisions | Safeguarding Children Level 3, after checking your employer's requirements |
| lift and carry loads at work | Moving and Handling |
| want first aid theory for children | Paediatric First Aid (online theory only), plus a practical course if you need a certificate |
What "level" means on our courses
Where our course names include Level 2 or Level 3, the level describes how deep the training goes. It is not a regulated qualification level. A regulated qualification is awarded by a body regulated by Ofqual and has set assessment requirements. Our courses are knowledge courses, and the certificate is a certificate of completion.
How our free courses work
- Pick a course and read its page.
- Apply for a place. It is free, but you need to sign up.
- We review each application manually. This is a check by a person, not an automatic approval.
- If you are approved, we email you with details of how to start.
- Study online at your own pace, take the assessment and, if you pass, receive your certificate of completion.
What to know before you start
- Our Care Certificate course covers the knowledge part only. Your employer observes and assesses your work and signs off the full Care Certificate.
- The paediatric first aid course is theory only. For early years settings, the EYFS framework expects the emergency paediatric first aid course to be taken face to face.
- Our safeguarding and moving and handling courses are knowledge courses. They do not replace your employer's policies, practical training or local procedures.
Frequently asked questions
Are all of the courses free?
Yes. There is no charge for the course, the assessment or the certificate of completion. You need to apply for a place.
Why do I have to apply for a free course?
We review every application manually before enrolling anyone. This helps us check that courses are going to the right people. It also means access is not instant.
Do the courses give me a qualification?
No. They give you a certificate of completion, issued by CareCertified. It is not a regulated qualification.
Which course should I choose first?
It depends on your role. If you are new to care, the Care Certificate knowledge course is a good starting point alongside your employer's induction. Our table above has other suggestions, and you can contact us if you are unsure.
Can I do more than one course?
Yes. You can apply for each course you need.
Ready to start learning, for free?
Send a short application. We manually review all applications and reply by email.
Apply for a free place