TOP 10 CACHE COURSES IN UAE

CACHE stands for the Council for Awards in Care, Health, and Education. It provides vocational qualifications for the care and education sectors, particularly in early years education, health, and social care. These courses help learners develop the skills needed to work in nurseries, schools, and healthcare settings.

Key Benefits:
✔ Recognized worldwide, including in the UAE
✔ Focuses on practical training for real-world jobs
✔ Covers various levels, from beginner to advanced

CACHE was established in 1945 by the UK Ministry of Health to improve early years education and nursery nursing. It was initially called the National Nursery Examination Board (NNEB) before merging with other organizations to form CACHE. Today, CACHE is part of NCFE (Northern Council for Further Education), continuing to offer high-quality training.

CACHE qualifications are recognized in multiple countries, including:

• United Kingdom – Officially recognized across all childcare and education sectors.
• United Arab Emirates (UAE) – Highly respected, especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
• Australia – Accepted in the early childhood education sector.
• Singapore – Recognized for childcare and early education roles.
• South Africa – Valued for its focus on practical training.
• India – Increasingly accepted, particularly in international schools and nurseries.
• Canada – Some provinces accept CACHE for childcare-related jobs.

Yes, CACHE qualifications are officially recognized in Dubai and the UAE, making them highly desirable for careers in early childhood education, special needs support, and health & social care.

Studying CACHE in Dubai offers several career and professional advantages:

• Globally Recognized: CACHE is accepted in the UK, UAE, and other major regions.
• In-Demand Qualification: Many Dubai nurseries and schools require CACHE-certified teachers.
• Career Progression: Leads to promotions in childcare, teaching assistance, and social care.
• Hands-On Training: Courses include practical placements in real childcare settings.
• Work Visa Opportunities: Helps professionals meet UAE teaching and childcare work permit requirements.

CACHE offers over 500 qualifications across different education and care fields. Some of the most popular in the UAE include:

Early Years Education & Childcare

Health & Social Care

Fact: CACHE qualifications range from Entry Level to Level 5, covering everything from basic care training to management roles.

CACHE Level 2 (Introduction to Early Years Education and Care) refers to introductory vocational qualifications in the care and education sectors. This course provides foundational knowledge and skills needed to work effectively with young children in roles such as Teaching Assistant, Early Years Practitioner, and Health and Social Care Assistant. Recognized internationally, CACHE Level 2 qualifications offer practical training and theoretical understanding, essential for entry-level positions in childcare, education, and health settings.

CACHE Level 3 refers to Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator) which prepares learners to become qualified early years educators. It is an advanced vocational qualification in the care and education sectors that prepare learners for roles such as Early Years Educator, Health and Social Care Worker, and Specialist Support in Teaching and Learning. CACHE Level 3 qualifications are recognized internationally and provide practical training and theoretical knowledge essential for career advancement in childcare, education, and health.

The duration depends on the level of the course:

✔ Level 1 – 6 months

✔ Level 2 – 6 to 12 months

✔ Level 3 – 1 to 2 years

✔ Level 4 – 6 to 12 months

✔ Level 5 – 2 to 3 years

Most online CACHE courses offer flexible study schedules for working professionals.

Yes! Many Dubai institutes offer CACHE courses online, allowing learners to study at their own pace. Online CACHE training is ideal for working professionals, parents, and part-time students.

Entry requirements vary depending on the level:

✔ Level 2: Basic literacy & numeracy skills
✔ Level 3: High school diploma (or equivalent)
✔ Level 5: Level 3 qualification + work experience in a related field

For leadership roles, CACHE Level 5 often requires additional experience in education or social care.

Follow these steps to get a CACHE qualification:

1. Choose a Course – Select a CACHE course that fits your career goals.
2. Enroll in an Accredited Provider – Join a NCFE-approved institute in Dubai listed on Coursetakers.
3. Complete Training – Study coursework and complete practical training.
4. Pass Assessments – Finish assignments, exams, and practical evaluations.
5. Receive Your CACHE Certificate – Upon successful completion, your authorized CACHE training provider will facilitate your certificate issuance directly from NCFE.

Here is a sample of CACHE Certificate that you can expect to get from NCFE.

CACHE qualifications open doors to many jobs in the UAE, including:

✔ Nursery Practitioner – Working with young children in nurseries
✔ Early Years Educator – Teaching in preschool & daycare centers
✔ Childminder – Home-based childcare services
✔ Teaching Assistant – Supporting classroom teachers
✔ Special Needs Assistant (SEN Coordinator) – Working with children with learning difficulties
✔ Nursery Manager – Running a childcare center

Typically, in-person CACHE Level 1 course prices in the UAE start from AED 2,000 and can go up to AED 5,000 for comprehensive programs that include practical training. These prices are based on the actual tuition fees submitted by CACHE training providers in the UAE to the Coursetakers platform.

Typically, in-person CACHE Level 2 course prices in the UAE start from AED 2000  and can go up to AED 7,500 for comprehensive diploma programs that include practical training. Duration is typically 3 months. These prices are based on the actual tuition fees submitted by CACHE training providers in the UAE to the Coursetakers platform.

Here is the breakdown:

• Shorter certificate courses (basic knowledge) cost around AED 2,000 - AED 4,500.
• Full CACHE Level 2 Diplomas with practical training cost AED 5,000 - AED 7,500.
• Online CACHE Level 2 courses start from AED 2,500, making them a cost-effective option for working professionals.

Tip: Always check if exam and certification fees are included in the total price.

The CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator) costs between AED 4,000 for a 4 month course upto AED 14,000 for a 12-month online CACHE course with placement:

The varying prices are based on:

✔ Training provider reputation
✔ In-person vs. online study mode
✔ Duration (intensive vs. standard pace)

Fact: Some CACHE Level 3 programs include work placements, which may slightly increase fees.

CACHE Level 5, which focuses on leadership in early years education and social care, ranges from AED 9,000 (12 months)– AED 12,500 (12 months) in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

✔ Longer course duration (1.5 – 2 years)
✔ Advanced management training included
✔ Higher earning potential upon completion

Fact: CACHE Level 5 graduates in Dubai often secure Nursery Manager and Supervisor roles with salaries starting at AED 12,000/month.

Yes, prices vary slightly based on the city and training provider:

• Dubai: Higher costs due to premium training institutes (AED 6,000 – AED 18,000)
• Abu Dhabi: Slightly lower, typically AED 5,000 – AED 15,000
• Sharjah: More affordable, with courses starting from AED 3,500

Fact: Dubai has the highest number of CACHE-certified training centers in the UAE.

Yes! Online CACHE courses in Dubai typically cost 30-40% less than in-person courses.

✔ Online Level 2: AED 2,500 – AED 5,000
✔ Online Level 3: AED 4,500 – AED 10,000
✔ Online Level 5: AED 8,000 – AED 14,000

Tip: Ensure the provider is NCFE-accredited for a valid CACHE certification.

Apart from tuition, there may be additional costs:

• Registration & Exam Fees: AED 500 – AED 1,500
• Certification Issuance Fee: AED 300 – AED 700
• Study Materials & Books: AED 200 – AED 1,000
• Placement/Practical Training Fee: AED 1,000 – AED 3,000 (if applicable)

Tip: Always check if these fees are included in your course package.

Yes, many institutes offer:

✔ Installment Plans: Pay in 3-6 monthly payments
✔ Employer Sponsorships: Some nurseries cover costs for employees
✔ Scholarships: Limited options available for UAE residents

Tip: Ask your training provider about flexible payment options.

Levels 1 and 2 are Certifications while Levels 3,4 and 5 are Diplomas. CACHE (Council for Awards in Care, Health, and Education) offers both diplomas and certificates, depending on the level of qualification.

For example:

• CACHE Level 2 Certificate – Introduction to Early Years Education and Care
• CACHE Level 3 Diploma – Early Years Educator (EYE) qualification
• CACHE Level 5 Diploma – Leadership for Health and Social Care

CACHE Level 3 Diploma is required to become a qualified Early Years Educator (EYE) in Dubai.

The duration of CACHE courses varies depending on the level, mode of study (full-time or part-time), and training provider. Below is a general guide for each level:

Fast-Track Options:

Many training providers in Dubai and the UAE offer fast-track CACHE courses, which can reduce the duration by 20-40%. However, fast-track programs may require more intensive study hours.

 Example:

• A CACHE Level 3 Diploma (EYE) can be completed in 12 months instead of 24 months if taken full-time.
• CACHE Level 2 can be fast-tracked to 6 months in some institutes.

Fact: According to training providers listed on Coursetakers, the average student in the UAE completes their CACHE course within 9-18 months, depending on the level.

To work as a nursery teacher in the UAE, you need an approved early childhood education qualification and KHDA/MOE/ADEK approval.

The requirements typically include:

• Minimum Qualification:

  • A Bachelor’s Degree in Education (B.Ed), a Postgraduate Certificate/Diploma in Education, or a Master’s Degree in Education (M.Ed) is required to be a lead nursery teacher.
  • Alternatively, a CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education is widely accepted for early childhood educators, especially in nurseries.

• Teaching License:

  • Teachers may need to obtain a Teaching License from authorities such as KHDA (Dubai), ADEK (Abu Dhabi), or the UAE Ministry of Education.

• Experience Requirement:

  • Most nurseries prefer candidates with at least one year of experience in early childhood education.

• English Proficiency:

  • Fluency in English is required, and Arabic proficiency is preferred but not mandatory in most nurseries.

• First Aid and Childcare Training:

  • Some nurseries may require teachers to complete Pediatric First Aid and Child Safety Training.

CACHE qualifications, particularly CACHE Level 3 and above, are highly regarded and can enhance employment prospects in the UAE's early childhood education sector.

As per the the official guidelines from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), it's clear that the primary qualification required for a class teacher in Dubai is a recognized Bachelor's Degree in Education (B.Ed), a postgraduate certificate/diploma in education, or a Master's Degree in Education (M.Ed). While CACHE Diplomas are valuable and widely recognized, especially in early years education, they are typically considered supplementary qualifications. For those aiming to become lead teachers in nurseries or early childhood settings, a CACHE Level 3 Diploma can enhance one's credentials but does not replace the necessity for a formal degree in education as stipulated by KHDA.