The European Care Certificate (ECC) was developed as a basic entry certificate in the care sector with the help of EU funding.  It is awarded after passing an exam (for more on this click on the 'ECC Exam' link on the left).  Over time it expanded to include more member states and in 2020 is now available in 20 states across the EU.   With the continued help of EU funding we  produced an ECC training programme for workers (Best Practice in Social Care) and a course to 'train the trainers' to deliver this new training based on the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities (Doing Things Right in Social Care).

The ECC now provides employers with evidence that the holder of the Certificate has demonstrated that s/he understands the basic knowledge required to work safely in the care sector. It covers the essential knowledge for workers starting out in the care sector as agreed in the Basic Social Care Learning Outcomes (BESCLO).  These learning outcomes can be delivered through work-based training, or through a single short course or as part of a larger and/or longer course. There are no requirements about how you gain the knowledge of the BESCLO - to get the Certificate you just have to show that you have the required knowledge and can apply it to situations you are likely to meet in care work.

The Certificate is awarded by the Lead Partner organisation in your country (or in the country where you are now working) and records your personal details and the date you passed the ECC exam. You can show the Certificate to any employer and they can see what it is that you know.  Your name is recorded on a central database of people holding the ECC based in Brussels as a protection against fraud and the employer can check this if they wish.