Complete Care Training
Mental Capacity Act (MCA) Training
Legal, Data & GovernanceLevel 1

Mental Capacity Act (MCA) Training

You make capacity judgements on every visit, mostly without noticing. Does she understand what you're about to do? Is he agreeing, or just not arguing? This course turns the Mental Capacity Act 2005 into something you can use at the front door: the five principles in the order you use them on shift, capacity one decision at a time, and who has a say when someone cannot decide. You will also meet the two mistakes that hurt people. One is overriding a decision because it looks unwise. The other is walking away because 'she has capacity'. And it covers the part most courses skip: section 5, the law that protects you when you act for someone who cannot consent.

1 hour 16 minutes
Created by Sophie Barber Updated 10/2026 English
Part of Mandatory Training · Course 13 of 15
  • 100% online, any time
  • On any device
  • Accredited certificate on completion
  • Learn by doing
  • Storytelling built around your routine
  • Audio and alt text throughout
£18.00, was £20.00Lifetime access
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What you'll learn

State the five statutory principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
Describe what is meant by decision-specific capacity.
Identify who should be involved in a best interests decision.
Recognise the difference between an unwise decision and a lack of mental capacity.

Course content

5 modules

Covers the five statutory principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, in the order you use them on a visit. You will be able to state each one and what it asks of you.
Capacity is decided one decision at a time, at the time it matters. Covers the two-stage test at awareness level, the four abilities, and how to support a decision first.
What a best interests decision is, who must be involved, and where you fit in. Covers the people the law says to consult, and how section 5 protects you when you act.
The two ways to get capacity wrong: overriding an unwise decision, and walking away because 'he has capacity'. You will be able to recognise both, and spot pressure from others.
The graded assessment. Ten questions drawn from a 30-question bank covering the whole course. You can retake it; the questions change each attempt.

Specialist

Sophie Barber

A qualified teacher, examiner and content creator, Sophie has over 10 years experience developing resources for examination boards to ensure that they are using effective learning tools. An ex-medic, Sophie has a huge passion for the healthcare profession and the importance of delivering quality care.

Training you can trust

How this course works. You will work through self-paced modules, check your understanding with knowledge checks, and finish with a short assessment. On passing, your CPD-certified certificate is available to download immediately, ready for your CQC evidence file or employer records.

Recommended renewal: every year. Your certificate is valid for 12 months. Skills for Care's minimum for most topics is every 3 years. Refresher periods by topic

Accredited by CPD

All of our courses are accredited by the CPD Certification Service as conforming to universally accepted Continuing Professional Development (CPD) guidelines.

Frequently asked questions

There is no deadline: a one-off purchase gives you lifetime access to the course, including updates, so you can complete it at your own pace across shifts.
Yes. Every course is accredited by the CPD Certification Service, and the certificate states the course, the level and the date you passed.
Yes. It works on phone, tablet and computer, and your progress syncs between them.
Your certificate is generated the moment you pass the final assessment, ready to download or print.