--- title: Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills | CPCAB Accredited | Online UK | The Counsellor's Path description: Study the CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills online, anywhere in the UK. Live tutor-led sessions, no distance learning. Starts February 2027. image: https://www.counsellorspath.co.uk/hubfs/Logo%20%20Social%20Page%20(1200%20x%20627%20px).png --- [![The Counsellor's Path Logo 500 x 196 px](https://www.counsellorspath.co.uk/hubfs/Logo%20%20500%20x%20196%20px.png)](https://www.counsellorspath.co.uk/) - [Home](https://www.counsellorspath.co.uk) - [Your Path](https://www.counsellorspath.co.uk/how-to-become-a-counsellor-uk) - Our Courses Show submenu for Our Courses - [Level 2](https://www.counsellorspath.co.uk/level-2-counselling-course) - [Level 3](https://www.counsellorspath.co.uk/level-3-counselling-course) - [Level 4](https://www.counsellorspath.co.uk/level-4-counselling-course) - [About Us](https://www.counsellorspath.co.uk/about-us) - [Apply Now](https://www.counsellorspath.co.uk/enrol-counselling-course) - [Home](https://www.counsellorspath.co.uk) - [Your Path](https://www.counsellorspath.co.uk/how-to-become-a-counsellor-uk) - Our Courses Show submenu for Our Courses - [Level 2](https://www.counsellorspath.co.uk/level-2-counselling-course) - [Level 3](https://www.counsellorspath.co.uk/level-3-counselling-course) - [Level 4](https://www.counsellorspath.co.uk/level-4-counselling-course) - [About Us](https://www.counsellorspath.co.uk/about-us) - [Apply Now](https://www.counsellorspath.co.uk/enrol-counselling-course) [Contact us](mailto:info@counsellorspath.co.uk) # CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills Build foundational counselling skills. Develop self-awareness. Take your first step towards a professional counselling career. **Evenings** Wednesdays 17:30 - 21:45 Fully online ***Starts 3rd February 2027*** **Daytime** Fridays 09:30 - 14:00 Fully online ***Starts 5th February 2027*** --- *“The course content itself is well paced and thoughtfully structured, never overwhelming, which allows you to absorb and integrate what you're learning with confidence.”* ##### Katherine S. *“\[Abi\] has a wealth of knowledge… and delivers each lesson with clarity, structure and depth.”* ##### Rachael Brewer “If you are looking to progress into counselling, I highly recommend Abi as a tutor” ##### Anon ## Course Overview The Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills is a nationally recognised qualification awarded by CPCAB - the UK's only awarding body dedicated solely to counselling. It feeds directly into our Level 3 and Level 4 courses, giving you a consistent, nationally recognised qualification route - with the same awarding body throughout - from first steps to qualified practitioner. Unlike (often free) distance learning courses, this qualification is delivered through live, tutor-led teaching and peer skills practice - which is why it is accepted as the first step on the route to professional registration as a counsellor. It's important to be aware that Level 2 and Level 3 counselling qualifications gained through distance learning are not recognised by professional bodies such as BACP as a route onto a Level 4 Diploma. [**Find out why CPCAB does not offer distance learning qualifications →**](https://www.cpcab.co.uk/faq/detail/56) Delivered by The Counsellor's Path, this course introduces you to the essential skills, knowledge, and ethical foundations required to begin training as a counsellor. Whether you are pursuing a professional pathway or seeking to enhance your helping and communication skills, this course provides a structured, supportive, and professionally-grounded starting point.   --- #### What you'll learn - The role of the helper / counsellor - what it means to offer support ethically and safely - Professional boundaries - what they are, why they matter and how to maintain them - An introduction to ethical frameworks and how they apply in practice - Core counselling skills - active listening, empathic responding and reflective questioning - Self awareness and reflective practice - how your own experiences, values and beliefs shape how you listen and respond - An overview of the main counselling approaches - including person-centred, psychodynamic and cognitive behavioural perspectives You will learn through skills practice, group exercises, reflective writing and tutor-led discussion - all designed to develop both your practical ability and your self-understanding. --- #### What you'll gain - A nationally recognised qualification from CPCAB, the UK's only awarding body dedicated solely to counselling - Live, tutor-led teaching and peer skills practice in every session — not self-directed study - Core counselling skills that are immediately transferable to real-life settings (e.g. empathic responding, maintaining boundaries, managing difficult conversations) - Increased self-awareness - of your emotions, beliefs & values, and how your experiences shape your responses to others - The ability to listen well and respond with empathy - a valuable asset in a number of professional fields e.g. Education, Healthcare, HR and Management, Pastoral roles, Coaching & Mentoring - An opportunity to explore whether Counselling is the right path for you in a supportive and honest environment - Preparation for further training at Levels 3 and 4 - both personally, professionally and academically   [Apply Now](https://www.counsellorspath.co.uk/enrol-counselling-course) Request Info Next Evening course: 3rd February 2027 - 21st July 2027 Next Weekday course : 5th February 2027 - 23rd July 2027 Total Price : £ 1,050 (includes deposit) Deposit : £ 350 payable to secure your place ##### Links [CPCAB](https://www.cpcab.co.uk/qualifications/csk-l2) --- ## Meet your Level 2 tutors ![Kate - Photo - Tutor](https://www.counsellorspath.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Circle.png?width=250&height=250&name=Circle.png) ###### [Kate Selleck](https://www.counsellorspath.co.uk/kate-selleck) Level 2 Tutor ![Photo - Tutor - Claire](https://www.counsellorspath.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Photo%20-%20Tutor%20-%20Claire.png?width=300&height=300&name=Photo%20-%20Tutor%20-%20Claire.png) ###### [Claire Ward](https://www.counsellorspath.co.uk/claire-ward) Level 2 Tutor ![Photo - Tutor - Louise](https://www.counsellorspath.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Photo%20-%20Tutor%20-%20Louise.png?width=300&height=300&name=Photo%20-%20Tutor%20-%20Louise.png) ###### [Louise Gray](https://www.counsellorspath.co.uk/louise-gray) Level 2 Tutor --- ## Frequently Asked Questions ###### How will I be assessed? You will build a portfolio of evidence of your learning over the duration of the course - it will include: - a 1,500 word assignment - weekly learning journals (approx. 500 words each) - skills observations by tutor and peers - a written review of your learning on the course There is no exam. ###### What does this course lead to? Upon completing this course, you now have three clear options: 1\. Apply what you’ve learned in your everyday life, work, and relationships - many students find that the skills and self-awareness gained at Level 2 make a meaningful difference in both personal and professional contexts, without any further training. 2\. Continue your learning on the [Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies](https://www.counsellorspath.co.uk/level-3-counselling-course) to deepen your theoretical knowledge and personal development, and to continue your professional pathway toward registration as a counsellor. This Level 2, combined with the Level 3, satisfies the entry requirements for the [Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling](https://www.counsellorspath.co.uk/level-4-counselling-course). 3\. Continue to [Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies](https://www.counsellorspath.co.uk/level-3-counselling-course) as a standalone qualification — without progressing to Level 4. Level 3 offers significant personal and professional development in its own right, deepening your theoretical understanding and self-awareness. Many students find it a valuable destination regardless of whether they go on to qualify as a counsellor.   ###### What are the entry requirements? We ask that you meet the following: - Minimum age of 18 - Willingness to participate in skills practice - Commitment to personal development No other previous qualifications are necessary. Once you apply to join the course, we'll invite you to a short phone call so we can answer any questions and check the course is likely to meet your needs. ###### Do you offer a payment instalment plan? Yes. You need to pay the £350 deposit upfront to secure your place on the course. Then: \- you can either pay the balance (£700) in full prior to the start of the course. \- or you can spread the balance (£700) + a £15 payment processing fee over: - 4 x £178.75 monthly payments beginning March 2027 ###### Is the course online or in-person? We offer both. For Level 2 and Level 3, you can choose between a fully online route or a hybrid option that combines online learning with regular face-to-face sessions at our centre in Bracknell. Both routes lead to the same CPCAB qualification — the difference is simply in how and where you study. All courses are delivered live by tutors so are not considered to be 'self-directed' or 'distance-learning'. ###### What does the online course involve? All teaching, skills practice, and group work takes place live via video call. You will need a quiet space, a reliable internet connection, and a device with a camera and microphone. Everything else is provided. The fully online route is open to students across the UK. This fully online course is not considered 'distance learning' or 'self-directed' because the teaching is live.  ###### What does the hybrid course involve? The hybrid option combines online sessions with regular in-person classes at our Bracknell centre. This option suits students who are looking for some face-to-face connection and prefer to meet their tutor and fellow trainees in person. The venue, the [Open Learning Centre](https://www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/community-learning/how-find-bracknell-open-learning-centre), is a 15-minute walk from Bracknell train station and easily accessible by car from Reading, Guildford, Camberley, Staines, Farnham and the surrounding areas. ###### Is personal therapy required? Personal therapy is not required at Level 2. However, many students find that beginning or continuing their own therapy during this time deepens their learning and self-awareness considerably. It is a requirement at Level 4, so starting earlier can be a valuable step for those on a professional pathway. ###### What if I'm unsure about progressing to Level 4? You do not need to know where this leads before you start. Level 2 is a genuine starting point — a place to explore whether counselling feels right for you, in a supportive environment and without any obligation to continue. Even without progressing further, you will leave with stronger listening skills, greater self-awareness, and a clearer sense of how you relate to others — all of which are valuable in everyday life and across a wide range of professions. ###### Does this course enable me to work as a counsellor? No. Level 2 introduces the foundational skills and knowledge required to begin training as a counsellor — it is not a practitioner qualification. To work professionally as a counsellor you will need to complete the Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, which requires both Level 2 and Level 3 as prior learning. [![Logo 500 x 196 px](https://www.counsellorspath.co.uk/hubfs/Logo%20%20500%20x%20196%20px.png)](https://www.counsellorspath.co.uk/) The Counsellor's Path Ltd is a company registered in England and Wales (Company no. 16818947)  Registered office: 51 Johnstone Close,  Bracknell, RG12 2GU [facebook icon](https://www.facebook.com/counsellorspath) [instagram icon](https://www.instagram.com/counsellorspath/) [linkedin icon](https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-counsellors-path/) ###### Get In Touch ![Phone-pink](https://www.counsellorspath.co.uk/hubfs/Phone-pink.svg) 07906 270893 ![Email-pink](https://www.counsellorspath.co.uk/hubfs/Email-pink.svg) [info@counsellorspath.co.uk](mailto:info@counsellorspath.co.uk) Copyright © 2026 The Counsellor's Path Ltd. All Rights Reserved. [Privacy Policy |](https://www.counsellorspath.co.uk/privacy-policy) [Terms & Conditions](https://www.counsellorspath.co.uk/hubfs/Attachments%20for%20sharing/Terms%20and%20Conditions.pdf) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "Course", "courseCode" : "CPCAB-CSK-L2", "description" : "A nationally recognised CPCAB qualification introducing core counselling skills, ethical foundations, and self-awareness. Delivered through live tutor-led teaching and peer skills practice — not distance learning. 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