Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills

This Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills provides a recognised foundation in counselling skills and personal development.

Who is this qualifcation for?

This qualification won't make you a qualified counsellor but the transferrable communications skills you'll learn will be an asset in most job roles, including: Teaching Assistant, Advocate, Support Worker, Wellbeing Support and Befriending.

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 considering training as a professional counsellor

    • those working in helping roles

    • those wanting to develop communication and listening skills

    • those interested in personal development and self-awareness

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.

Is This Course Accredited?

Yes — this is a nationally recognised qualification.

  • ✔ Awarded by CPCAB (Counselling & Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body)

  • ✔ Regulated by Ofqual (RQF framework) CSK-L2 Specification (Master) 2…

  • ✔ Recognised by professional bodies including NCPS CSK-L2 Specification (Master) 2…

  • ✔ Aligned with BACP counselling skills competence framework CSK-L2 Specification (Master) 2…

CPCAB is the UK’s leading awarding body for counselling training and qualifications.

Progression – Where Can This Lead?

This qualification forms part of the CPCAB progression route in counselling training.

After successful completion, you can progress to:

Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies
➡ Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (practitioner training)

This pathway can lead to:

  • becoming a qualified counsellor

  • professional registration with organisations such as BACP or NCPS

This course is designed to help you decide whether you want to continue that journey.

Why Train with Cedars Therapy Institute?

  • At Cedars, we offer:

    • a supportive and professional learning environment

    • experienced tutors with counselling backgrounds

    • a strong focus on ethical and relational practice

    • small group learning

    • a clear progression pathway into further training

What Will I Learn?

You will develop:

  • core counselling skills (listening, reflecting, responding)

  • understanding of the helping relationship

  • awareness of boundaries and ethics

  • increased self-awareness

  • ability to reflect on your own values and experiences

The course is experiential, meaning you will:

  • practise skills in small groups

  • receive feedback

  • reflect on your own development

    How You Will Learn

You will take part in:

  • taught sessions

  • small group work

  • skills practice

  • group discussions

  • personal reflection

  • ongoing learning reviews

Assessment

Assessment is through:

  • a portfolio of work

  • tutor observation of skills practice

  • peer feedback

  • learning reviews

There are no formal exams.

Student Site (Members Area Access)

All enrolled learners receive access to our secure Student Site (Members Area).

This includes:

  • Course information and updates

  • Policies and learner documentation

  • Session handouts and PowerPoints

  • Recordings of live sessions (where applicable)

  • Portfolio and assignment documents

  • Additional learning resources

Access is provided following enrolment and supports you throughout your training.

Entry requirements

No previous training or experience is required to undertake this qualification

Fees

Course costs are £795 inclusive of course registration, assessment and exam fees.

£100 deposit is required to book your place, you then have the option to pay in full of paying in 6 installments of £116 per month over 6 months from the course start date

Tuesday’s 5pm to 9pm

This course runs every Tuesday 5pm to 9pm beginning on Tuesday September 1st 2026 and finishing on 9th February 2027. We will have breaks for Christmas on the 22nd and 29th of December.