Intro
Our level 3 course is designed for anyone who has already acquired a recognised qualification in counselling skills and wants to take this to the stage towards being a qualified counsellor.
You may also be someone who wants to learn more about counselling theory. Ethics and mental health or someone wanting to work within agency as a counsellor.
This qualification does not lead to employment and is designed as a pre-practitioner course. It also benefits several different employment opportunities / paths because of the skills that you gain.
Entry Requirements
Minimum age 19 years
You must have undertaken counselling skills training, e.g. our Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills or equivalent units/qualifications of at least 75 Guided Learning Hours.
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Able to cope with course content
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Ability to translate intra-personal experience into language
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Able to benefit from self development
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Be motivated towards developing as a helper
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Emotional stability
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Identify reasons for training beyond just personal development
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References
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Awareness of difference and diversity
This qualification is not suitable for those who are currently in a state of severe emotional difficulty or severe psychological confusion as the course involves some personal disclosure and associated personal development activities.
Details
CST-L3 is regulated by the Office of the Qualifications & Examinations Regulator (Ofqual)
Qualification/learning aim number: 600/5104/8
Guided Learning Hours: 90 hours (minimum)
Total Qualification Time: 196 hours
Credit value: 20
What qualifications will I achieve?
1 mandatory unit: A/503/9737 Developing Understanding of Counselling
Assessment
Your qualification is split into two sections. You will build a portfolio of evidence throughout the course covering the required criteria and pass an internal student sign off.
Portfolio evidence will be collated from written work, assignments, skills observations by tutors and peers.
The internal sign off is conducted based on evidence produced across the course and skills demonstrated to pass the required units as competent.
Course activities
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Workshops
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Seminars
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Personal development workshops
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Training group work
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Projects and Presentations
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Review of skills and understanding
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Review of learning
All classes are predominantly taught face to face at our centre in Hockley Heath (Near Solihull / Shirley) with an occasional zoom classroom session to experience the differences working online.
What will I learn?
This qualification is made up of seven learning outcomes and associated assessment criteria. This structure is based on the seven processes of the CPCAB model.
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The professional framework of the counsellor
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The counselling relationship
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Client diversity
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The service user-centred approach
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Personal awareness in counselling
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Counselling concepts and skills
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Supervision and self-reflection.
This course’s core model is Person Centered counselling although you will learn about other modalities.
Opportunities
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Prepare to use a professional framework within a counselling setting
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Develop an understanding of the counselling relationship
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Prepare to use diversity understandings and skills in a counselling relationship
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Prepare to manage the counselling process within a user-centred contract
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Develop personal awareness and understanding in preparation for counselling work
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Develop an understanding of the counselling process
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Prepare to use supervision as a self-reflective counsellor.
Length
20 weeks (Adhering to Solihull term dates)
The CST-L3 qualification is a step in a series of CPCAB qualifications. Once you have completed this qualification you may wish to progress on to CPCAB’s Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling.
Dates
Oct 2025
Monday 7th October 2024 - 10am - 3pm
Feb 2025
Monday 24th Feb 2025 – 10am – 3pm (REMOTE)
Wednesday 26th Feb 2025 – 10am-3pm
Wednesday 26th Feb 2025 – 4.30pm – 9.30pm.
Sept 2025
Monday 1st Sept 2025 – 10am – 3pm
Wednesday 3rd Sept 2025 – 10am-3pm
Wednesday 3rd Sept 2025 – 4.30pm – 9.30pm.
Cost 2024 / 2025
2024 / 2025 Academic Year Fees (All fees are payable in full and non-refundable)
Registration fee: £195 – This will be required as a deposit upon acceptance of your place.
Course fee: £795 – This can be paid in 5 instalments of £159.
All course fees must be paid before certification and results are released.
Cost 2025 /2026
2025 / 2026 Academic Year Fees (All fees are payable in full and non-refundable)
Registration fee: £195 – This will be required as a deposit upon acceptance of your place. (This is subject to change as CPCAB have not yet released their fees).
Course fee: £795 – This can be paid in 5 instalments of £159.
All course fees must be paid before certification and results are released.