Course Content and Assessment

Level 6 Certificate in Therapeutic Counselling Supervision (TCSU-L6)

Ofqual-Regulated Qualification | 33 Credits

Informed by the BACP Supervision Competence Framework

Successful completion leads to a nationally regulated qualification awarded by the Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB).

The qualification develops the knowledge, practical skills, ethical awareness and professional competence required to undertake clinical supervision of counselling practitioners.

Course Learning Outcomes

Students develop a portfolio of evidence demonstrating achievement of assessment criteria across seven CPCAB learning outcomes:

• Model and supervise the professional framework.
• Model and supervise the skilled use of the relationship.
• Model and supervise the use of theory and research on diversity.
• Model and supervise a user-centred approach to the work.
• Model and supervise the skilled use of the self.
• Model and supervise the coherent use of theory, research and skills.
• Model and supervise the self-reflective practitioner.

Course Assessment

Assessment is continuous throughout the course, incorporating practical supervision experience, written assignments, reflective learning and tutor assessment.

Learning and assessment activities include:

• Monthly candidate learning reviews and self-reflection.
• A minimum of 15 hours of clinical supervision practice with supervisees, supported by appropriate records.
• A minimum of 5 hours of supervisory supervision, supported by a record of hours and supervisor report.
• Two written assignments.
• Assessed case study presentations.
• Tutor observations and feedback on supervisory skills.
• Group work, workplace simulations and peer feedback.
• Supervisor reports, reflective logs and portfolio evidence.
• Students must demonstrate proficiency against all seven CPCAB learning outcomes and meet the additional qualification requirements.

Teaching and Learning Activities

ACE adopts a relational, student-centred approach, with teaching responsive to the developmental needs of the group.

Learning activities include:

• Practical supervision skills development with individuals and small groups.
• Role-play and simulated individual and group supervision.
• Creative approaches to supervisory practice.
• Experiential learning and reflective exercises.
• Tutor and peer observation, constructive feedback and skills evaluation.
• Training Group Supervision (TGS), including case presentations, professional discussion and reflection on supervisory practice.
• Workshops exploring assessment criteria, assignment planning and relevant research.
• Group tutorials, individual learning activities and peer collaboration.
• Throughout the course, students are encouraged to integrate supervision theory, ethical frameworks and professional experience while developing their own coherent supervisory approach and professional identity.

Course Entry Requirements

Recommended Minimum Age: 25 years

CPCAB's minimum qualification age is 19 years. ACE recommends that applicants are aged 25 or above, reflecting the professional experience and maturity associated with supervisory practice.

Applicants should meet one of the following qualification and experience requirements:

Level 5 Route: A recognised Level 5 counselling qualification, or equivalent, together with at least one year's post-qualifying experience of supervised client work.

Level 4 Route: A Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, or equivalent, together with at least two years' post-qualifying experience of supervised client work.

Professional Practice Experience

Applicants should have substantial counselling experience, with approximately 450 hours of supervised client practice recommended.

Supervision Practice Requirements

During the course, students must:

Continue working as practising counsellors under appropriate clinical supervision.

Have access to supervisees to complete a minimum of 15 hours of supervision practice.

Undertake a minimum of 5 hours of supervisory supervision with a suitably experienced clinical supervisor.

Application and Selection

Acceptance onto the course may be subject to an interview and the provision of a professional reference from the applicant's current clinical supervisor.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Applicants who do not fully meet the stated qualification requirements but have relevant equivalent training and professional experience are encouraged to contact ACE  to discuss their eligibility and possible Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), in accordance with CPCAB requirements.

Mode of Study

Delivery: Nationwide | Live Online Interactive Classes

90 Hours Minimum Guided Learning (GLH)

328 Hours Total Qualification Time (TQT)

Total Qualification Time includes guided learning, independent study, research, assignment preparation, reflective practice and other learning activities required to complete the qualification.

Course Fees and Payment Arrangements

Total Course Fee: £2,595.00

Inclusive of the CPCAB registration fee.

Payment Breakdown

Booking Fee: £275.00

Payable to secure your place on the course (non-refundable, subject to applicable statutory cancellation rights).

Registration Payment: £425.00

Payable at least eight weeks before the course begins (non-refundable, subject to applicable statutory cancellation rights).

Remaining Course Balance: £1,895.00

Payable at least four weeks before the course begins, unless alternative payment arrangements have been agreed with ACE Courses.

Cancellation and Withdrawal

All payments are subject to ACE Courses' published Terms and Conditions, Cancellation Policy and Candidate Withdrawal Policy, together with applicable consumer rights.

Students considering withdrawal after commencing the course should refer to the Candidate Withdrawal Policy for information about their financial obligations.

Course Duration: Approximately 9 months

Next Available Course

Course Dates: September 2027 – June 2028

Course Duration: Approximately 10 months

Attendance: Fridays, approximately fortnightly or monthly, according to the published course timetable.

Teaching Hours: 9.30am–4.00pm (excluding tutorials)

Delivery: Nationwide | Live Online Interactive Classes

Please note: Individual teaching dates are provisional and will be confirmed before the course commences.

1. Completion and submission of ACE Courses Registration Form
2. On receipt, you will receive an acknowledgement within 48 hours and a decision thereafter.  
3. If you fulfil ACE Courses criteria you will be offered a place on the course subject to receiving the advised initial booking fee to secure your place.