CPCAB - Level 3 certificate in counselling skills
This course is approved and regulated by Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB).
A 15-week and a 30-week course are available to help you gain qualifications in counselling skills.
Our courses are designed to give learners the underpinning knowledge, skills and competencies to use counselling skills ethically and safely in a variety of contexts and roles. CPCAB training courses are highly recognised across the world.
Level 3 fees:
- Level 3 - Deposit of £299
- £112.50 per month for 8 months
- Total Fees: £1199
Course overview
This qualification is intended for candidates who have already acquired a recognised qualification in counselling skills and want to:
- take the next step in training to become a counsellor
- learn more about counselling theory, ethics and mental health
- be prepared for work as a professional counsellor in an agency setting
This qualification leads to employment and increases employability for those whose role is to support others in sectors such as health and social care work, 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 towards practitioner-level qualifications (TC-L4).
This qualification will enable successful candidates to work as skilled supporters within a range of job and career opportunities.
About CPCAB:
They are the UK's leading counselling awarding organisation, with over 200 training centres and 400 locations throughout the UK and overseas. 16,000 candidates are registered for their technical and vocational qualifications each year. They've been in business since 1993 and are regulated by Ofqual, CCEA and Qualifications Wales.
This qualification is for:
- Individuals interested in building foundational skills for a career in counselling or mental health support who have undertaken Level 2.
- People looking to enhance their communication and listening skills to support others in a professional capacity, such as in health, education, or social services.
- Those aiming to progress onto higher-level qualifications, such as Level 4 or Level 5, to eventually qualify as a therapist or counsellor.
Entry requirements
You must have undertaken counselling skills training, e.g. Level 2 Counselling Skills or equivalent units/qualifications of at least 75 Guided Learning Hours.
Qualification number: 600/5104/8
Guided learning hours: 90 hours (minimum)
Total qualification time: 196 hours
Credit value: 20
Minimum age: 19 years
Venue /location: 100% online
Level 3 dates for academic year 2025-2026:
Cohort C (30 Weeks):
- Start: Thursday 11th September 2025
- End: Thursday 14th May 2026
- Timing: 6 pm to 9.30 pm
Cohort D (15 Weeks):
- Start: Friday 17th April 2026
- End: Friday 31st July 2026
- Timing: 9.30 am to 5 pm