The Level 2 Award in Information, Advice or Guidance from TQual AB is an Ofqual-recognised qualification designed for anyone who supports clients, service users, or the public with day-to-day information, advice, or guidance. It’s built for people already working in advisory, welfare, education, or customer-facing roles, as well as newcomers looking for a credible entry point into the sector.
Where broader IAG Certificates ask for a longer commitment across several units, this Award is a focused, shorter route into the subject — ideal if you want recognised competence in providing information and guidance without an extended study period.
Who Is the Level 2 Award in Information, Advice or Guidance For?
This qualification suits anyone whose role involves helping people understand their options, whether or not “adviser” appears in their job title. It’s commonly taken by:
- Receptionists, help-desk staff, and front-line customer service teams
- Mentors, tutors, and learning support staff in education settings
- Housing officers, welfare assistants, and community support workers
- People moving into careers, employability, or debt advice roles
- Volunteers handling enquiries for charities or community organisations
If your role sits closer to health, care, or wellbeing support, this qualification pairs well with TQual AB’s wider Health & Social Care qualifications. If you’re coming from a teaching or training background, it also complements our Education and Training pathway.
Level 2 Award in Information, Advice or Guidance: Entry Requirements
There are no formal academic qualifications required to enrol. In practice, learners should have:
- Age: At least 16 years old at the time of enrolment
- Literacy and numeracy: Basic reading and writing skills to complete written assessments
- English proficiency: A good working command of spoken and written English, since assessment involves written responses and client-communication scenarios
- Experience: None required — though those already working or volunteering in an advisory or support role will find it easier to relate the content directly to their work
Course Structure: What Does the Level 2 IAG Award Cover?
The qualification is delivered across three mandatory units:
1. Principles of Providing Information and Guidance Covers the role and responsibilities of an IAG provider, ethical standards, confidentiality, data protection, and recognising the type of support a client actually needs.
2. Effective Communication and Client Support Skills Focuses on active listening, questioning techniques, and explaining information clearly — including how to handle sensitive or difficult conversations professionally.
3. Assessment, Planning, and Evaluation of Guidance Services Covers assessing client needs systematically, planning a guidance session, recording outcomes accurately, and reflecting on practice to improve service delivery.
How Is the Level 2 IAG Award Delivered?
TQual AB’s network of Approved Training Centres offers this course in three formats:
- Online / distance learning — self-paced study with tutor support, ideal alongside full-time work
- Blended learning — independent study combined with live or in-person sessions
- Classroom-based — full in-person delivery, subject to your local training centre
Availability varies by centre, so confirm delivery format with your chosen provider before enrolling. See TQual AB’s Approved Training Centres for how the network is structured.
How Long Does the Level 2 Award in Information, Advice or Guidance Take?
Most learners complete the course in 2 to 6 weeks, depending on study pace and prior experience. With 48 guided learning hours and a total qualification time of 60 hours, it’s designed to fit around a job or other commitments rather than requiring full-time study.
Assessment Method
The Level 2 Award in Information, Advice or Guidance is assessed through a multiple-choice format covering all three units, with a required pass mark. This differs from IAG qualifications that use a portfolio-of-evidence model requiring workplace evidence — the multiple-choice format means you don’t need to already be working in an advisory role to complete the assessment, making it more accessible to newcomers to the sector.
What Can You Do After the Level 2 IAG Award?
Completing this qualification opens several progression routes:
- Progressing to a Level 3 qualification in information, advice, or guidance for expanded scope of responsibility
- Moving into formal advisory roles such as Information Advisor, Guidance Assistant, or Client Support Officer
- Specialising further through TQual AB’s Health & Social Care qualifications if your interest lies in welfare or care-based advice
- Taking on supervisory or team-lead positions within advice and guidance services
For an independent overview of how this qualification fits within the UK’s regulated framework, see Ofqual’s register of regulated qualifications.
Anyone in a customer-facing, advisory, welfare, or community support role — or anyone looking to move into one. No prior experience is required.
The Award is a shorter, more focused qualification covering core principles across three units. Certificates typically involve more units and a longer study period, suited to those wanting deeper coverage of the subject.
Graduates commonly move into roles such as Information Advisor, Guidance Assistant, or Client Support Officer, or use it to formalise skills already being used in customer service, education, or community roles.
Typically 2 to 6 weeks, depending on pace of study and prior experience.
