Start your journey with our Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (CSKL2) or Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (CSTL3).
CPCAB Counselling Training
Apply today to start your future in counselling
The Level 2 qualification equips learners with the essential knowledge, skills, and competencies to use counselling skills ethically and safely across various roles and contexts. It is suitable for those beginning professional counsellor training, individuals in helping professions seeking to enhance their practice, and anyone aiming to improve personal and professional relationships.
Learning outcomes
- Use counselling skills ethically and safely within the helping role.
- Work empathically, keeping the helpee’s needs and concerns at the centre.
- Develop self-awareness and apply in your helping work.
- Use a variety of counselling skills to support the helping process.
- Use feedback and reflection to continually improve your counselling skills.
These qualifications have been awarded NCPS Recognised Qualification CPCAB CSK-L2 and CPCAB CST-L3 qualification status by the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society, confirming it meets the standards for introductory-level training in counselling and psychotherapy.
Level 2 and 3 qualifications prepare learners for work in agency settings or supportive roles across sectors such as health and social care, education, advocacy, and project work. While these qualifications form a key part of the counselling training pathway, it does not by itself qualify graduates to practice as counsellors, join an Accredited Register, or refer to themselves as specialists without additional training or qualifications.
The hospice is in the process of applying for the Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC-L4). The Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling – BACP Approved Practitioner Qualification – maps to the requirements for BACP Qualification Approval and fully incorporates BACP’s Online and Phone Therapy Competence Framework. This qualification meets all the requirements of SCoPEd Column A and provides candidates with a route to membership and accreditation with professional associations in counselling approved by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) e.g. BACP, NCPS, ACC. The provision of level 2, 3 and 4 will lead to a professionally recognised qualification in therapeutic counselling.
How long is the course?
Level 2 certificate in counselling skills – 20 weeks – 15 evening sessions & 5 workshop days – 90 guided learning hours.
What are the course dates?
Level 2 certificate in counselling skills – September 2025 commencement (exact date tbc)
What are the course times?
Level 2 certificate in counselling skills
5.00 pm to 9 pm, 16 weeks x 4 hours (day tbc)
9.00 am to 4.30 pm, 4 x day workshops (weekend)
What is the course cost?
Level 2 certificate in counselling skills – £600.00 including the registration fee with CPCAB
Level 3 certificate in counselling studies – £1200.00 including the registration fee with CPCAB
Level 2 & 3 combined – £1600.00 including the registration fee with CPCAB
Funding may be available for the course, please use the links below:
- Link to CPCAB funding guide
- https://www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan
- https://www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan/eligibility
Express your interest in this course by clicking here.
The Level 3 qualification is designed for individuals who have already completed a recognised counselling skills course and wish to progress toward becoming a professional counsellor. It deepens understanding of counselling theory, ethics, and mental health, and prepares learners for work in agency settings. It enhances employability, supports career advancement, and provides a pathway to practitioner-level training (TC-L4). Recognised by the NCPS as it meets the standards for introductory-level counselling and psychotherapy training.
Learning outcomes
- Use an ethical framework to understand and respect your proficiency limits.
- Follow ethical, legal, and procedural guidelines.
- Understand client assessment and referral processes in agencies.
- Know the counsellor’s role and boundaries to build, maintain, and manage the counselling relationship.
- Reflect on personal and social diversity to enhance empathy in your practice.
- Establish the client’s needs from the start and keep their agenda at the centre of the work.
- Use counselling theory to enhance self-awareness and to strengthen empathy.
- Explore key counselling theories and use to understand clients and support mental health.
- Recognise common mental health issues.
- Value the role of research in counselling practice.
- Develop your skills through feedback, reflection, and case discussions.
- Understand and engage in clinical supervision to enhance your practice.
These qualifications have been awarded NCPS Recognised Qualification CPCAB CSK-L2 and CPCAB CST-L3 qualification status by the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society, confirming it meets the standards for introductory-level training in counselling and psychotherapy.
Level 2 and 3 qualifications prepare learners for work in agency settings or supportive roles across sectors such as health and social care, education, advocacy, and project work. While these qualifications form a key part of the counselling training pathway, it does not by itself qualify graduates to practice as counsellors, join an Accredited Register, or refer to themselves as specialists without additional training or qualifications.
The hospice is in the process of applying for the Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC-L4). The Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling – BACP Approved Practitioner Qualification – maps to the requirements for BACP Qualification Approval and fully incorporates BACP’s Online and Phone Therapy Competence Framework. This qualification meets all the requirements of SCoPEd Column A and provides candidates with a route to membership and accreditation with professional associations in counselling approved by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) e.g. BACP, NCPS, ACC. The provision of level 2, 3 and 4 will lead to a professionally recognised qualification in therapeutic counselling.
How long is the course?
Level 3 certificate in counselling studies – 20 weeks – 15 evening sessions & 5 workshop days – 90 guided learning hours.
What are the course dates?
Level 3 certificate in counselling studies – January 2026 commencement (exact date tbc)
What is the cost of the course?
Level 3 certificate in counselling studies – £1200.00 including the registration fee with CPCAB
Level 2 & 3 combined – £1600.00 including the registration fee with CPCAB
Funding may be available for the course, please use the links below:
- Link to CPCAB funding guide
- https://www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan
- https://www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan/eligibility
Express your interest in this course by clicking here.
Get in touch today today to find out more
Have a chat with our friendly tutors and find out how we can support you to take your first step in Counselling.
These courses have been invaluable for both my personal and professional growth. Karen and Clare’s supportive, insightful teaching has made all the difference.
Gemma
Learner
