Level 2 – Certificate in counselling skills (31 weeks, 90 hours of guided learning)

This qualification is designed to give learners the underpinning knowledge, skills and competencies to use counselling skills ethically and safely in a variety of contexts and roles.

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

This qualification could lead to employment or increase employability for those whose role is to support others in e.g. health and social care work, teaching and learning, advocacy and mediation, support and project work, other helping roles.

It provides additional skills for those already in employment likely to lead to increased opportunities for promotion and advancement.

Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (31 weeks, 90 hours of guided learning)

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.

Level 4 – Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling