Do I need qualifications to become a care assistant?

Not always. Many employers train new starters and support you to complete the Care Certificate. If you already have it, or a Health and Social Care qualification, put it on your CV.

Should I mention a DBS check?

Care employers usually arrange an enhanced DBS check themselves. If you have a current one on the Update Service, you can say so; otherwise there is no need to mention it.

Can I count caring for a family member?

Yes. Describe what you did honestly, such as helping with personal care, medication reminders or appointments. It shows real experience of care.

CV guide

Care assistant CV example

Care employers want to see that you are kind, dependable and safe to work with vulnerable people. Here is what to put on a care assistant CV, the words care adverts use and a full example.

What employers look for

Personal care: washing, dressing, eating and moving around
Treating people with dignity and respect
Moving and handling, safely and as trained
Safeguarding awareness
Recording care accurately
Reliability across shifts, weekends and sometimes nights

Words to use from the advert

These come up again and again in adverts for this kind of job. Use the advert's own words on your CV, but only where they are true for you.

Personal care
Dignity and respect
Person-centred care
Moving and handling
Safeguarding
Care plans
Care Certificate
Health and Social Care (Level 2 or 3)

Make each line show what you did

The examples below are invented. Yours should describe what you really did.

Weaker

Looked after elderly people.

Stronger

Supported up to eight residents a shift with washing, dressing and meals, following each person's care plan.

Weaker

Caring and compassionate.

Stronger

Built trusting relationships with residents living with dementia, giving them time and choice in their daily routines.

Example care assistant CV

A made-up example. The person, employers and dates are invented, and every line is something that could be backed up.

Alex Morgan

Birmingham · 07700 900123 · alex.morgan@example.com

Profile

Caring and dependable care assistant with two years' experience in residential care, including supporting people living with dementia. Holds the Care Certificate and is working towards a Level 2 Diploma in Care.

Experience

Care Assistant, Willow Lodge Care Home, Kings Heath, 2024 to present
Support residents with personal care, meals and moving around, following their care plans.
Use hoists and other equipment safely, as trained in moving and handling.
Record care given and report any changes or concerns to the senior on shift.
Volunteer, Kings Heath Community Lunch Club, 2023 to 2024
Served lunches and spent time talking with older people who live alone.

Training

Care Certificate, 2024
Moving and handling, safeguarding adults, and infection prevention, 2024
Working towards a Level 2 Diploma in Care

Education

Hillcrest Academy, Birmingham: 6 GCSEs including English and Maths

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Questions about care assistant CVs

Do I need qualifications to become a care assistant?: Not always. Many employers train new starters and support you to complete the Care Certificate. If you already have it, or a Health and Social Care qualification, put it on your CV.
Should I mention a DBS check?: Care employers usually arrange an enhanced DBS check themselves. If you have a current one on the Update Service, you can say so; otherwise there is no need to mention it.
Can I count caring for a family member?: Yes. Describe what you did honestly, such as helping with personal care, medication reminders or appointments. It shows real experience of care.