Course Content and Progression

Progression to Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (CST-L3)

Ofqual-Regulated Qualification | 17 Credits

The Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (CSK-L2) provides an introduction to the ethical and safe use of counselling skills within a range of helping and supportive roles.

The course adopts a relational, humanistic approach, underpinned by the Person-Centred Approach (PCA). Students are encouraged to develop empathy, self-awareness, reflective practice and an understanding of the importance of the helping relationship.

This qualification is suitable for individuals who wish to:

Begin their counselling training journey, with the possibility of progressing towards professional qualification.

Develop counselling skills for use in existing professional or helping roles.

Improve communication, listening skills and interpersonal relationships.

Explore personal development and greater self-awareness.

The qualification may enhance employability in roles involving support for others, including health and social care, education, advocacy and community services. It also provides a foundation for progression to Level 3 counselling studies.

Understanding the Helping Role

CPCAB distinguishes between counselling and the use of counselling skills within a helping role.

At Level 2, the person using counselling skills is referred to as the helper, while the person receiving support is referred to as the helpee.

For example, a care assistant may use counselling skills to listen empathically to someone who is worried about a family member's health. The helper supports the individual in exploring their feelings and concerns while recognising the boundaries of their role and when referral to another professional may be appropriate.

This distinction reinforces the importance of ethical practice, appropriate boundaries and working within the limits of the helping role.

Course Assessment

Assessment is undertaken through coursework, experiential learning, counselling skills practice, group activities and the development of a portfolio demonstrating achievement of the assessment criteria across seven learning outcomes:

• Use counselling skills ethically and safely.
• Establish and sustain the boundaries of the helping role.
• Work empathically as a helper.
• Focus on the helpee's needs and concerns.
• Use self-awareness in helping work.
• Use a range of counselling skills to facilitate the helping interaction.
• Use feedback and reflection to enhance counselling skills.

Learning and assessment activities include:

• Tutor-led teaching and counselling skills demonstrations
• Group discussions, experiential exercises and reflective activities
• Counselling skills practice in helper and helpee roles
• Role-play and simulated helping interactions
• Course handouts and recommended reading
• Self-review, peer feedback and reflective learning
• Completion of portfolio evidence against CPCAB assessment criteria

Course Philosophy

An important aspect of the course is our student-led approach, with tutors providing constructive feedback sensitively and appropriately. Continual support and guidance are offered through regular tutorials, helping to create a positive and supportive learning experience.

Our philosophy encourages transparency and open communication between students and tutors, supported by our interactive online classrooms and tailored Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Entry Requirements

Minimum age: 18 years

No previous counselling training is required.

Applicants should demonstrate the following personal attributes to support their participation in the course:

• Ability to translate intrapersonal experiences into language
• Willingness and ability to benefit from self-development
• Motivation towards developing as a helper
• Emotional stability
• Awareness of difference and diversity

Mode of Study: Nationwide | Live Online Interactive Classes

90 hours minimum Guided Learning (GLH)

196 hours Total Qualification Time (TQT)

Total Qualification Time includes guided learning and additional learning activities, comprising:

• 90 hours – Guided learning
• 25 hours – Learning reviews
• 30 hours – Essay preparation
• 51 hours – Coursework, sessional reading and group work

Total: 196 hours

Course Fees

Total Course Fee: £1,195.00

Delivery: Nationwide | Live Online

Payment Breakdown

Booking Fee: £275.00

Payable to secure your place on the course (non-refundable).

Registration Fee: £325.00

Includes the applicable awarding organisation registration fee and ACE administration costs (non-refundable).

Remaining Course Balance: £595.00

The remaining balance must be paid, or payment arrangements agreed, at least four weeks before the course begins.

Please note: Refer to the ACE Courses policies for further information regarding fees, payments and cancellations.

Course Duration: Approximately 6 months

Progression: Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (CST-L3)

Level 3 courses are normally scheduled to commence approximately one month after completion of Level 2, allowing students to continue their counselling education with ACE.

Next course dates:

(1) January 2027 until June 2027

Saturday / Fortnightly

9.30am - 4.00pm

(2) January 2027 until June 2027

Friday / Fortnightly

9.30am - 4.00pm

Nationwide / Online / Live Interactive Platform (Revert to an ACE Courses location at Level 4)

Accepting Registrations for Online 'Live' Interactive  Classes / Sessional Clases

Course schedule:

(1)January 2027 - June 2027

Saturday (9.30am - 4.00pm):

January 27

09; 23

February 27

06; 20

March 27

06; 20

April 27

10; 24

May 27

08; 22

June 27

05; 12

(2) January 2027 - July 2027

Friday (9.30am - 4.00pm):

January 27

08; 22

February 27

06; 26

March 27

12

April 27

16; 30

May 27

14; 28

June 27

18; 25

July 27

02

Level 2 Courses are Online / LIVE Interactive Classes

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.