What are the CPCAB entry guidelines for Level 2 (CSK-L2)?

• When selecting applicants for the CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills, the following criteria are considered important:
• Ability to cope with course content.
• Capacity to translate personal experience into language.
• Openness to personal growth and self-development.
• Motivation to develop as a helper.
• Emotional stability.
• A clear reason for training beyond personal development alone.
• One personal reference.
• Realistic awareness of the time commitment required.
• Awareness of difference and diversity.

What does CPCAB stand for?

• CPCAB stands for the Counselling & Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body. CPCAB is the only Ofqual-regulated awarding body in the UK specialising exclusively in counselling and psychotherapy qualifications. At the end of your course, CPCAB awards your qualification if you are assessed as proficient.

Do I need to be in counselling while taking this course?

• No. You are not required to be in personal counselling while studying on the Level 2 course.

I’ve completed a Level 2 Counselling Skills course via distance learning. Can I go straight to Level 3?

• No. Distance learning courses do not meet the CPCAB entry requirements for Level 3 Counselling Studies. To progress to Level 3, you must have completed at least 90 hours of live, synchronous counselling skills training (face-to-face or remote classroom-based).
• If you have not completed a qualifying Level 2 course elsewhere, you will need to begin with our CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills. Successful completion of this course will meet the progression criteria for Level 3.

Is there any funding available, including the Advanced Learner Loan?

• South West School of Counselling is an independent training provider and is not part of the Government Advanced Learner Loan scheme. All of our learners are self-funded.
• We work hard to keep our fees accessible whilst maintaining high standards of training please see the 'Fees' in our course page of the website for details.

Can I pay my course fees in instalments?

• Yes please contact us for more information

What counselling qualification do I need to become a counsellor in the UK?

• The CPCAB counselling training pathway provides a structured route towards becoming a professional counsellor. Many learners begin with the CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills, progress to the Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies and then move on to professional practitioner training at Level 4. South West School of Counselling offers CPCAB counselling training to support learners through the different stages of their counselling journey. 

Can I study a CPCAB Level 2 counselling course online?

• Yes. South West School of Counselling offers live online CPCAB Level 2 counselling courses. These are tutor-led, interactive sessions rather than independent distance-learning courses, allowing learners to develop and practise counselling skills with tutors and other members of their group. We also offer selected face-to-face counselling courses in Dorset. 
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Can I study CPCAB Level 3 counselling online? 

• Yes. We offer live online CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies courses. Level 3 builds upon the counselling skills developed at Level 2 and explores counselling theory, ethics, self-awareness and preparation for further professional counselling training. 
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Can I progress from CPCAB Level 2 to Level 3 and Level 4? 

• Yes, subject to meeting the relevant entry requirements. The CPCAB pathway allows learners to progress from Level 2 Counselling Skills to Level 3 Counselling Studies and then towards practitioner training at Level 4. Entry to each stage is considered individually to ensure that learners have completed appropriate previous training and are ready for the next level. 
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Do you offer counselling courses in Dorset?

• Yes. South West School of Counselling offers counselling training in Dorset as well as live online courses. Our face-to-face counselling training is delivered at selected locations in the Christchurch and Ferndown area, depending upon the course and intake. Please check the individual course page for current dates, locations and availability. 
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Do you offer counselling courses near Bournemouth? 

• Yes. South West School of Counselling is based in Dorset and offers face-to-face counselling training within easy reach of Bournemouth, including courses in the Christchurch and Ferndown area. We also offer live online counselling courses for learners who prefer to study remotely. 
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Do I need a counselling placement at Level 4? 

• Supervised client work within an appropriate counselling placement is an important part of CPCAB Level 4 practitioner training. Students will need to secure a suitable placement and complete the required supervised client work as part of their professional development. South West School of Counselling provides guidance and support to learners as they prepare for placement and client work. 
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Do I need to be in personal therapy while completing Level 4? 

• Personal development is an important part of professional counselling training. Requirements relating to personal therapy will depend upon the course and awarding body requirements. Full information about personal development and personal therapy requirements is provided to applicants before beginning Level 4 training. 
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How long does it take to train as a counsellor? 

• The length of time it takes to become a counsellor depends upon your starting point, the courses you choose and how you progress through your training. The CPCAB pathway generally progresses through Level 2 Counselling Skills, Level 3 Counselling Studies and professional practitioner training at Level 4. South West School of Counselling offers different course schedules, including standard and intensive options where available. 
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Are South West School of Counselling courses CPCAB qualifications? 

• Our advertised CPCAB Level 2 and Level 3 courses lead to CPCAB qualifications, subject to successful completion of the required assessment. Please check individual course information for the current status of each programme. Where a new programme is awaiting final awarding body approval, this will be clearly stated on the relevant course page. 
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Can I pay for my counselling course monthly? 

• Payment plans are available for many of our counselling courses, helping learners spread the cost of their training. Deposits, course fees and available payment arrangements vary depending upon the course. Please see the relevant course page or contact South West School of Counselling for current payment options.