CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills
Build foundational counselling skills. Develop self-awareness. Take your first step towards a professional counselling career.
“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 →
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
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The role of the helper / counsellor - what it means to offer support ethically and safely
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Professional boundaries - what they are, why they matter and how to maintain them
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An introduction to ethical frameworks and how they apply in practice
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Core counselling skills - active listening, empathic responding and reflective questioning
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Self awareness and reflective practice - how your own experiences, values and beliefs shape how you listen and respond
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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
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A nationally recognised qualification from CPCAB, the UK's only awarding body dedicated solely to counselling
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Live, tutor-led teaching and peer skills practice in every session — not self-directed study
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Core counselling skills that are immediately transferable to real-life settings (e.g. empathic responding, maintaining boundaries, managing difficult conversations)
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Increased self-awareness - of your emotions, beliefs & values, and how your experiences shape your responses to others
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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
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An opportunity to explore whether Counselling is the right path for you in a supportive and honest environment
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Preparation for further training at Levels 3 and 4 - both personally, professionally and academically
Links
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:
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a 1,500 word assignment
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weekly learning journals (approx. 500 words each)
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skills observations by tutor and peers
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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 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.
3. Continue to Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies 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?
- 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 £299 deposit upfront to secure your place on the course. Then:
- you can either pay the balance in full prior to the start of the course.
- or you can spread the balance (£700) over:
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4 x £175 monthly payments for the 18 week course
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7 x £100 monthly payments for the 30 week course
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, 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.