Progression to Level 3 is scheduled a month after completion of Level 2 

Ofqual - Recognised National Qualification (RNQ) - Certificate 

17 Credits

Adopts a Humanistic Approach to inform counselling skills practice 

This qualification is designed to give candidates the underpinning knowledge, skills and competencies to use counselling skills ethically and safely in various contexts and roles. Progression will lead to access to the Level 3 (CST-L3) Counselling Qualification

This qualification is for: 

Those starting the first level of training as a professional counsellor.

Those who want to learn counselling skills in other professional or helping roles.

Those who want to improve their professional and personal relationships as part of personal development.

Those who wish to improve communication and listening skills.

This qualification leads to employment and increases employability for those who support others in sectors such as health and social care, teaching and learning, advocacy and mediation, support and project work, and other helping roles. It provides additional skills for those already in employment and is likely to lead to increased opportunities for promotion and advancement.

 To make the distinction between counselling and counselling skills clear, CPCAB refers to the person using counselling skills as a ‘helper’ and the person being helped as a ‘helpee’.[ An example of helping work would be a care assistant (the helper) listening to someone they are looking after (the helpee) who is very worried about the health of a family member. The helper will help them to express their feelings and concerns. They may also guide them to a specific professional who may be able to provide them with the more specialised or in-depth help they may need—the core theoretical model underpinning the course is the Person-Centred Approach.   The terms ‘counsellor’ and ‘client’ are not used until the Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (CST-L3).

Blended /Hybrid learning/Group work and Assessments

The internal course work/assessments include creating a Portfolio consisting of achieving Learning Criteria over seven Learning Outcomes:

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

To achieve successful completion of the internal course assessment/work expectations include: 

• Tutor-led and skills demonstration
• Group work activities, discussion, question/answer
• Course handouts
• Recommended reading
• Helpee Skills practice 
• Roles play simulation 
• Demonstrations
• Self-review of helper skills

Course philosophy:

An important aspect of the course is that Tutors pride themselves on maintaining a student-led approach, including a sensitivity in providing constructive feedback.  Continual support and guidance are offered with regular Tutorials ensuring a positive learning experience. This is complemented by external speakers from time to time. Our philosophy of ensuring transparency and ease of communication between students and Tutors is aided by our tailored interactive classrooms/virtual learning environment (VLE).

Minimum age 18

No previous training is required.  The following attributes will be important to be able to cope with course content.

Ability to translate intra-personal experience into language.

Able to benefit from self-development.

Be motivated towards developing as a helper.

Emotional stability.

Awareness of difference and diversity.

Levels 2/3 are delivered Nnationwide / Online / Live Interactive / Face to Face

90 Hours (Minimum) Guided Learning (GLH)

196  Hours Total Qualification Time (TQT):  

•   90 Guided Learning Hours
•   25  Learning Reviews 
•   30  Essay preparation
•   51 Coursework, module sessional reading and group work 

Total cost of the course:

Online / Nationwide Courses

£1195.00

Breakdown of initial cost:

£275 applies to book your place on the course (non-refundable)

£325  Registration Fee and ACE  (including the Approved Fee of the Ofqual Regulated Training Provision/Qualification) is payable  (non-refundable).

The remaining course fee is to be received/arranged at least 4 weeks before the course starts.  

Please refer to ACE Policies for further information

Approx 6 months

Progressing to Level 3 (CST-L3) - Courses will be scheduled to start on the same day a month after completion of Level 2 

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.