Course detail
Preparing for a CQC Assessment
This CPD awareness course provides adult social care staff, managers and provider leaders in England with a practical understanding of how to prepare for a Care Quality Commission (CQC) assessment. It explains the current assessment approach, the five key questions, quality statements, evidence categories, annual Provider Information Return (PIR), planned and responsive assessments, on-site activity, staff and leadership interviews, people’s experience, record review, ratings, factual accuracy and continuous improvement.
Topics
30
Duration
1.8h
Quiz pass mark
100%
Course structure
Learning path
Topics are completed in order before the final assessment unlocks.
Course Description
1. Understanding CQC Assessment
2. The Five Key Questions
3. Quality Statements and Regulations
4. The Six Evidence Categories
5. People's Experience and Outcomes
6. Provider Information Return (PIR)
7. Registration Details and Statutory Notifications
8. Governance and the Well-led Question
9. Safe Care, Risk, Safeguarding and Learning
10. Staffing, Recruitment, Training and Supervision
11. Medicines Management
12. Consent, Mental Capacity and Restrictive Practice
13. Person-centred Care, Dignity, Equality and Human Rights
14. Care Plans, Records and Demonstrating Outcomes
15. Complaints, Feedback and Duty of Candour
16. Infection Prevention, Environment, Equipment and Continuity
17. Preparing Staff for CQC Conversations
18. Preparing People, Families and Advocates
19. Evidence Readiness and Internal Audit
20. The On-site Assessment Visit
21. Interviews, Observation and Corroboration
22. Planned, Responsive and Focused Assessment
23. Returning to Good - 2026 Adult Social Care Approach
24. Ratings and Scoring
25. Draft Reports and Factual Accuracy
26. After the Assessment: Improvement and Enforcement
27. Preparing for Future CQC Changes
28. Practical CQC Readiness Checklist
References and Further Reading
Final quiz
Final step20 questions and 100% required to pass and receive the certificate.
