Understand the Mental Capacity Act — the five principles, assessing capacity, best interests and DoLS.
Enrol and start straight away · assessment & instant e-certificate included
The Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) protects and empowers people aged 16 and over who may not be able to make some decisions for themselves — because of dementia, a learning disability, a brain injury, mental illness or another condition. It is a cornerstone of law and good practice in health and social care, built on the principle that capacity is decision-specific and that people must be supported to make their own decisions wherever possible. This course explains what the MCA is, who it protects, and the five statutory principles at its heart.
It then works through how the Act applies in practice: assessing capacity using the two-stage test, making decisions in a person's best interests, and lawful restraint. It covers planning ahead — Lasting Powers of Attorney, advance decisions and the role of advocacy and the Court of Protection — and how the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards protect people whose liberty is restricted. It is an awareness-level course that helps workers apply the MCA confidently and lawfully in everyday care and support.
Bundle & save: pay for 2, get 3 · pay for 3, get 5
It costs £9.00 — a one-off payment with no subscription. The price includes the online course, the assessment, and your certificate.
Yes. It is independently accredited by Assured CPD. Your certificate carries a unique ID and QR code that an employer or inspector can verify online at nexiscpd.co.uk/verify.
You study online at your own pace, then take a multiple-choice assessment with an 80% pass mark. As soon as you pass, your Assured CPD certificate is emailed to you and available to download instantly.
This certificate has no legal expiry; in line with UK best practice the certificate shows a recommended renewal date, typically every 3 years for this course.
Yes — the course is 100% online and works on any device. You get 12 months of access to the course materials from the date of purchase.
Enrol and begin straight away. Pass the assessment and your Assured CPD certificate is emailed instantly.