IAO Level 2 Certificate in Early Years Practitioner

The qualification is a formal, regulated course on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). It has a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 371 hours, which includes 157 hours of Guided Learning Hours (GLH).

The program is built around seven mandatory units covering core topics like health and safety, child development, and professional practice. To complete the qualification, you will also need to achieve a minimum of three credits from a range of optional units, which allows you to tailor your learning to your interests.

Upon successful completion, this qualification meets the Early Years Practitioner criteria, which will enable you to work in roles such as a nursery practitioner, childminder, or pre-school assistant. There are no formal entry requirements for this course, making it accessible to a wide range of learners.

How long will it take?

The course is designed with a flexible 12-month timeline to allow for a steady, manageable pace. The comprehensive scheme of work is structured so you will cover all the mandatory and optional units within this period. For learners who wish to complete the qualification more quickly, it is possible to finish in as little as 6-8 months through more intensive study.