Quick answer: There is no single legally mandated certificate for a care home manager in England. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) requires a registered manager to have "the necessary qualifications, competence, skills and experience" (Regulation 7, Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014). The qualification the sector and Skills for Care treat as the standard is the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care (RQF), registered with Ofqual under the official title Level 5 Diploma in Leading and Managing an Adult Care Service (TQUK qualification number 610/7004/X). Most managers reach it by first holding the Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care and working as a senior care worker or deputy. Both are available 100% online from Lift College: Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care (RQF) and Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care (RQF).
Which qualifications does the CQC accept for a care home manager?
The CQC does not publish an approved list. In fit person interviews, inspectors look for a Level 5 management qualification in adult care or a recognised predecessor, plus relevant experience. The table below shows what is accepted in practice.
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| Qualification | Status | Accepted for registered manager? |
|---|---|---|
| Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care (RQF) | Current | Yes, the recommended qualification |
| Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People's Services (QCF, 2010 to 2018) | Withdrawn, still valid | Yes |
| Level 4 NVQ in Leadership and Management for Care Services | Withdrawn, still valid | Usually, with experience |
| Registered Manager's Award (NVQ Level 4) | Withdrawn, still valid | Usually, with experience |
| Nursing registration (NMC) plus management experience | Current | Yes, common in nursing homes |
| Degree in health, social care or management plus experience | Current | Case by case; CQC may ask for a plan to complete Level 5 |
If you hold an older qualification it does not expire. See the NVQ to RQF equivalence table for how each generation maps.
The qualification ladder from care worker to care home manager
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| Step | Role | Qualification employers expect | Typical time in role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Care worker | Care Certificate (16 standards), Level 2 optional | 1 to 2 years |
| 2 | Senior care worker or team leader | Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care | 2 to 3 years |
| 3 | Deputy manager | Level 3, working towards Level 5 | 1 to 3 years |
| 4 | Registered manager | Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care (RQF) | Ongoing |
Our guide to becoming a senior care worker then care home manager walks through each step. Pay at each level is in the care worker pay guide and the registered manager salary guide.
Do you need Level 3 before Level 5?
Not formally. The Level 5 Diploma has no prerequisite qualification, but you need to be 19 or over. It is assessed in the workplace and requires you to be in, or acting up into, a leadership role. In practice almost every Level 5 learner holds a Level 3 because the Level 3 is what got them the senior or deputy post. If you are already a deputy manager without a Level 3, you can go straight to Level 5. Our article on Level 4 Health and Social Care explains why Level 4 is rarely the right intermediate step.
How long does it take and what does it cost?
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| Qualification | Credits | Guided learning | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care (RQF) | 59 | 496 hours | 12 to 18 months |
| Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care (RQF) | 95 | 710 hours | 18 to 24 months |
Monthly and yearly prices, with all fees included, are shown on each course page.
Both start with a 7-day free trial; nothing is charged until day 8. CQC-regulated employers in England can claim back towards the cost through Skills for Care's Adult Social Care Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS); current rates and eligibility are in our adult care qualification funding guide.
What else does a care home manager need besides a qualification?
- Enhanced DBS check with adult barred list
- Fit person interview with the CQC before registration, covering the fundamental standards, safeguarding, the Mental Capacity Act and your service's risks. Our CQC registered manager requirements guide covers Regulation 7 in detail
- Evidence of continuing development, usually mandatory training records plus leadership CPD
- For nursing homes, a registered nurse must be on duty at all times; the manager does not have to be a nurse but often is
Your next step
Start the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care (RQF) course free for 7 days
Training Qualifications UK, Ofqual regulated · From £79.99/month · £0 today. Nothing is charged until day 8.
Frequently asked questions
Can you be a care home manager without a qualification?
Is a degree required to be a care home manager?
What is the difference between a care home manager and a registered manager?
Which awarding body offers the Level 5 Diploma?
Does the Level 5 Diploma qualify you to manage a domiciliary care agency?
Sources checked
- Care Quality Commission, Regulation 7: Requirements relating to registered managers
- Skills for Care, Qualifications for registered managers and the Adult Social Care Learning and Development Support Scheme
- Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications, TQUK 610/7004/X; TQUK Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care 610/6988/7
- Department of Health and Social Care, Care Workforce Pathway for adult social care