CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (CST-L3) C2

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

Awarding organisation: CPCAB

Regulated by: Ofqual

Delivery: Part-time

Proposed start: Tuesday 23 February 2027

Projected finish: Tuesday 27 July 2027

Course fee: £950

Course Schedule

The course consists of 20 Tuesday evening teaching sessions plus 4 full-day Sunday sessions.

Tuesday evenings

- 6:00pm–9:45pm

- 15-minute break

- 3.5 guided learning hours per session

Sunday sessions

- 9:30am–4:30pm

- 1-hour lunch

- 6 guided learning hours per session

This provides approximately 94 Guided Learning Hours (GLH) across the programme.

The Level 3 Certificate is the next stage for learners who have completed a Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills or an appropriate equivalent and want to deepen their understanding of counselling theory, self-awareness and therapeutic relationships.

It is particularly appropriate for students considering progression towards professional counsellor training.

For CCS, the February intake also creates a natural progression route for the current Level 2 cohort finishing on 2 February 2027, giving students approximately three weeks before Level 3 begins.

Course Content

Students will build on the skills developed at Level 2 and explore areas including:

- Counselling theory and its application

- Developing and maintaining the therapeutic relationship

- Counselling skills practice

- Ethical and professional practice

- Self-awareness and personal development

- Diversity and difference

- Understanding the counselling process

- Working within appropriate boundaries

- Reflective practice

- Giving and receiving feedback

- Understanding how personal experiences can influence counselling relationships

- Preparing for progression to practitioner-level counselling training

Teaching will include a combination of theory, experiential learning, skills practice, group discussion, reflective work and independent study.

Assessment

Assessment is continuous throughout the programme and may include:

- Written assignments

- Learning reviews and reflective work

- Skills practice and observation

- Tutor feedback and assessment

- Portfolio evidence

- Evidence mapped against CPCAB learning outcomes and assessment criteria

Students will be expected to engage consistently with both the academic and experiential elements of the programme.

Attendance

Regular attendance is essential because counselling training involves experiential and skills-based learning that cannot always be replicated through written work.

CCS currently works to a minimum 80% attendance requirement, alongside any applicable CPCAB requirements.

Entry Requirements

Applicants would normally be expected to:

- Be 18 years or over

- Have successfully completed a CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (CSK-L2) or suitable equivalent

- Demonstrate readiness for Level 3 study

- Be willing to participate in personal development and reflective learning

- Complete the CCS application/selection process

Entry Requirements

Applicants would normally be expected to:

- Be 18 years or over

- Have successfully completed a CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (CSK-L2) or suitable equivalent

- Demonstrate readiness for Level 3 study

- Be willing to participate in personal development and reflective learning

- Complete the CCS application/selection process

Lectures and structured teaching

group discussions and peer learning

role plays and observed practice

Written assignments.

Assessment is through written weekly learning reviews, assignments, observed skills practice and tutor review across the 20 teaching weeks.

Successful completion of Level 3 provides a progression pathway towards Level 4 practitioner training, subject to the entry and selection requirements of the Level 4 programme. Students may optionally apply for Student Membership with the Association of Christians in Counselling and Linked Professions (ACC), annual fee £22 (optional). Successful learners may progress to the Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling