Level 5 Certificate in Cleaning
Level 5 Certificate in Cleaning develops advanced knowledge of professional cleaning standards, hygiene management, safety procedures, and facility maintenance, helping learners improve workplace cleanliness, efficiency, and leadership in modern cleaning operations.
Level 5 Certificate in Cleaning
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1 Year Access -
Level 5
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100 Students
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6 hours, 41 minutes
1 Year Access 
100 Students 
6 hours, 41 minutes Get access to 5000+ courses including this for only £49. Learn More.
Course Overview
Professional cleaning spans far more than most people assume, domestic homes, commercial kitchens, offices, and external spaces all demand different techniques, products, and standards. This cleaning certificate course reflects that breadth, giving learners a genuinely thorough grounding in both the practical and business sides of the industry.
The course begins with an introduction to the cleaning job and the diversity of roles available, before covering the equipment, products, and clothing used across the industry. Learners then move through specific cleaning environments, including house cleaning, food and commercial kitchen cleaning, bathrooms and toilets, office cleaning, and external surfaces and areas.
The course also covers dealing with non-routine waste and chemical safety, alongside keyholding and alarm code responsibilities, reflecting the trust often placed in cleaning professionals working within client premises. A substantial portion of the course is then dedicated to running a cleaning business, covering planning, quality service delivery, customer satisfaction, staff management, marketing, expansion, and business insurance and tax.
Totalling 6 hours of content, this cleaning certificate gives learners a well-rounded foundation, whether the goal is working within the cleaning industry or building an independent cleaning business.
The course was audited and updated on: 25th August, 2026
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the diversity of roles within the cleaning industry.
- Select appropriate cleaning equipment, products, and protective clothing.
- Apply correct cleaning techniques across domestic and commercial settings.
- Manage non-routine waste and chemical safety responsibly.
- Understand keyholding and alarm code responsibilities as a cleaner.
- Plan, start, and manage a cleaning business effectively.
- Apply marketing, staff management, and customer satisfaction principles.
Key Features of This Course
- Accredited by CPD QS, adding recognised value to your CV.
- Covers both practical cleaning technique and cleaning business management.
- Self-paced online learning, accessible anytime from any device.
- No prior experience or qualifications required to enrol.
- Structured progression from hands-on cleaning skills through to running a business.
- Instant access upon enrolment with no fixed start dates.
- Assessed through straightforward mock and final MCQ-based exams.
Assessment & Certification
Training Format
This cleaning certificate course is delivered through structured, self-paced modules that learners can work through in their own time. The flexible format means there are no live sessions or fixed timetables, making it accessible to those balancing study with work or other commitments.
Assessment
A mock exam is completed before the final assessment.
The final multiple-choice exam must be passed.
Exam duration: 20 minutes
Pass mark: 60%
Certification Options
CPD QS Certificate
PDF certificate available for £9.
Printed hard copy available for £15.
Issued by CPD Quality Standards (CPD QS), a widely recognised UK accreditation body.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this cleaning certificate course. It's open to anyone with a basic understanding of English, numeracy, and IT, regardless of prior cleaning or business experience.
Who Is This Course For?
This course is ideal for:
- Individuals starting a career in professional cleaning.
- Existing cleaning staff wanting formal accreditation.
- Those planning to start or grow their own cleaning business.
- Supervisors overseeing domestic or commercial cleaning teams.
- Anyone wanting practical, business-focused cleaning industry knowledge.
Career Opportunities
- Domestic Cleaner: £17k to £22k/year
- Commercial Cleaner: £18k to £24k/year
- Cleaning Supervisor: £20k to £27k/year
- Cleaning Business Owner: £22k to £40k+/year
- Facilities Cleaning Manager: £25k to £34k/year
Note: Salary figures are indicative only. Actual earnings may vary depending on experience, location, employer, and professional qualifications. Completion of this course does not guarantee employment or a specific salary level.
Why People Choose One Education for Their Career
Thousands of learners trust One Education to support their professional development, and their feedback speaks for itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a regulated Level 5 qualification?
No, this course is accredited by CPD QS rather than being a regulated RQF or OFQUAL Level 5 qualification; “Level 5” reflects the course title rather than a formally regulated qualification level.
Do you need a cleaning certificate to work as a cleaner in the UK?
There’s no legal requirement to hold a formal cleaning certificate, though many employers and clients favour candidates with recognised training, particularly for commercial or specialist cleaning roles.
Can this course help me start my own cleaning business?
Yes, the course includes dedicated modules on planning, marketing, staff management, and running a cleaning business, alongside practical cleaning technique.
Do I need to pass an exam to get certified?
Yes, learners must complete a mock exam followed by a final multiple-choice exam to achieve the CPD QS certificate.
Is this course suitable for complete beginners?
Yes, the course is designed to be accessible to beginners, with no prior cleaning or business experience required.
Course Curriculum
| Level 5 Certificate in Cleaning | |||
| Module 01: An Introduction to the Cleaning Job | 00:19:00 | ||
| Module 02: The Diversity of Cleaning Jobs | 00:26:00 | ||
| Module 03: Cleaning Equipment, Products and Clothing | 00:24:00 | ||
| Module 04: House Cleaning | 00:22:00 | ||
| Module 05: Food Kitchen and Commercial Kitchen Cleaning | 00:23:00 | ||
| Module 06: Bathrooms and Toilets | 00:22:00 | ||
| Module 07: Office Cleaning | 00:19:00 | ||
| Module 08: Cleaning External Surfaces and Areas | 00:18:00 | ||
| Module 09: Dealing with Non-Routine Waste | 00:21:00 | ||
| Module 10: Chemical Safety, Keyholding and Alarm Codes for Cleaners | 00:21:00 | ||
| Module 11: Starting a Cleaning Business and Planning for it | 00:14:00 | ||
| Module 12: Running the Business with Quality Service | 00:22:00 | ||
| Module 13: Customer Satisfaction | 00:23:00 | ||
| Module 14: Management of Staff | 00:22:00 | ||
| Module 15 Marketing, Advertising and Sales | 00:24:00 | ||
| Module 16: Expansion Management | 00:17:00 | ||
| Module 17: Business Insurance, Tax and Additional Equipment | 00:24:00 | ||
| Mock Exam | |||
| Mock Exam – Level 5 Certificate in Cleaning | 00:20:00 | ||
| Final Exam | |||
| Final Exam – Level 5 Certificate in Cleaning | 00:20:00 | ||
Level 5 Certificate in Cleaning