What Is Pearson BTEC International Level 2 Health and Social Care?
| Size | GLH | Unit structure | Mandatory units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Award | 120 | 3–4 units | 1 |
| Certificate | 240 | 5–6 units | 2 |
| Extended Certificate | 360 | 6–7 units | 3 |
| Diploma | 480 | At least 8 units | 3 |
The Pearson BTEC International Level 2 qualifications in Health and Social Care form a four-size suite. Pearson’s current specification is Issue 1, August 2025. This guide is for teachers planning that International suite; its unit names and assessment structure should not be replaced with details from a UK BTEC qualification.
What is common across the four sizes?
All four sizes include Unit 1: Human Lifespan Development. The Certificate adds Unit 2: Ensuring Healthy Living. The Extended Certificate and Diploma also require Unit 3: Skills, Attributes and Values Required to Give Care. The remaining guided learning hours are filled with optional units from Pearson’s permitted list. Units are worth 30 or 60 GLH, so the required optional total determines the possible unit combinations.
How is the qualification assessed?
Assessment is internal across this suite. Pearson sets assignments for Units 1, 2 and 3; teachers assess them. The three units are mandatory in the larger sizes, while Units 2 and 3 may be selected as options in smaller sizes. The other units use internally set assignments, with the centre choosing a suitable assessment style within Pearson’s requirements. Read the assessment guide and the Pearson Set Assignment explainer.
For unit selection, check the structure for the exact size rather than combining units by GLH alone. Start with the Award, Certificate, Extended Certificate or Diploma guide. The grade guide explains how unit GLH and results contribute to the overall outcome.
Use Pearson’s Issue 1 specification for the current structures, unit details and assessment rules. Pearson’s qualification page identifies this as an International-only offer.