NCFE Level 2 Award in the Prevention and Control of Infection

About this Qualification

The NCFE Level 2 Award in the Prevention and Control of Infection has been accredited by the qualifications regulators for England, Wales and Northern Ireland,1 and is part of the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF).

This qualification is eligible for funding under the Learning and Skills Act 2000 under Sections 96 and 97. For further guidance on funding, please contact your local Learning and Skills Council (LSC).

Geographical Coverage

This qualification has been accredited for use in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We're able to provide Qualification Specifications and assessment materials in the Welsh and/or Irish language where requested and appropriate

Things you need to know

• Qualification accreditation number: 500/4296/8
• LSC learning aim code: 50042968
• Guided learning hours (GLH): 70
• QCF level: 2
• Qualification credit value: 7
• Assessment requirement: internally assessed and externally moderated portfolio

This qualification consists of 3 mandatory units:

• Unit 01 The principles of infection prevention and control
• Unit 02 Causes and spread of infection
• Unit 03 Cleaning, decontamination and waste management

Unit Summaries

Unit 01: The principles of infection prevention and control (regulators' accredited Unit No. L/501/6737)
To introduce the learner to national and local policies in relation to infection control, to explain employer and employee responsibilities in this area, to understand how procedures and risk assessment can help minimise the risk of an outbreak of infection. Learners will also gain an understanding of how to use PPE correctly and gain an understanding of the importance of good personal hygiene.

Guided learning hours: 30

Credit value: 3

Level: 2 This unit is mandatory

Unit 02:Causes and spread of infection (regulators' accredited Unit No. H/501/7103)

This unit is to enable the learner to understand the causes of infection and common illnesses that may result as a consequence. To understand the difference between both infection and colonisation and pathogenic and non-pathogenic organisms, the areas of infection and the types caused by different organisms. In addition the learner will understand the methods of transmission, the conditions needed for organisms to grow, the ways infection enter the body and key factors that may lead to infection occurring.

Guided learning hours: 20

Credit value: 2

Level: 2 This unit is mandatory

Unit 03: Cleaning, decontamination and waste management (regulators' accredited Unit No. R/501/6738)

To explain to the learner the correct way of maintaining a clean environment in accordance with national policies, to understand the procedures to follow to decontaminate an area from infection, and to explain good practice when dealing with waste materials.

Guided learning hours: 20

Credit value: 2

Level: 2 This unit is mandatory

Progression Opportunities

Learners who achieve this qualification could progress to:

• Level 2 and 3 qualifications in Healthcare and/or Health and Social Care
• Level 2 NVQ in Health
• Level 2 NVQ in Health and Social Care
• Level 2 NVQ in Cleaning and Support Services
• Level 2 NVQ in Food Preparation.

How is the qualification assessed?

Internal Assessment

Assessment is the process of measuring a candidate's skill, knowledge and understanding against the standards set in the qualification.
The NCFE Level 2 Award in the Prevention and Control of Infection is internally assessed. The candidate must produce a portfolio of work that covers all learning outcomes of this qualification.
All learning outcomes within each candidate's portfolio must be assessed by Assessors in the centre. A reasonable sample of portfolios must then be assessed by an Internal Moderator to ensure consistency with national standards.
Each candidate must create a portfolio of evidence which demonstrates achievement of all learning outcomes associated with each unit.

The main pieces of evidence for the portfolio could include:

• Assessor observation - completed observational checklists and related action plans
• witness testimony
• candidate product
• worksheets
• assignments/projects/reports
• professional discussion
• record of oral and written questioning
• candidate and peer reports
• Accreditation of Prior Achievement (APA)
• Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)