CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies
Deepen your self-awareness, strengthen your counselling skills, and take the next step toward professional practice.
Course Overview
The CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies at The Counsellor’s Path is designed for learners who have completed the Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills and are ready to deepen their theoretical understanding and personal development.
This course bridges the gap between introductory skills (Level 2) and professional practitioner training (Level 4). You will explore counselling theory in greater depth, develop reflective practice, and strengthen your ability to work ethically and safely with clients.
For some learners, Level 3 confirms their desire to continue on the path toward becoming a qualified counsellor. For others, it becomes an enrichening destination of personal and professional growth - regardless of future career direction.
Both outcomes are valued here.
Awarded by CPCAB (Counselling & Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body), this qualification prepares you for progression to Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling.
What you'll learn
-
Key counselling theories and models in greater depth
-
Structured reflective practice - learning how your personal history, values, and relational patterns influence your work
-
Ethical frameworks and professional standards, including confidentiality, boundaries, contracting, and safeguarding
-
Diversity and difference in counselling practice, including culture, identity, power, and anti-discriminatory practice
- How counselling agencies operate, including referral processes, record-keeping, supervision structures, organisational policies, and the realities of working within agency settings
You’ll learn through practical exercises, skills practice, group discussions and written reflections - all designed to support your academic progress and your personal growth.
What you'll gain
-
A nationally recognised qualification from CPCAB, the UK's leading counselling awarding body
-
Deeper self-awareness - a clearer understanding of your own relational patterns, emotional responses, and internal processes - strengthening your emotional resilience and self-trust
-
A stronger theoretical foundation - confidence in understanding and comparing core counselling approaches, enabling you to begin identifying your own preferences
-
Advanced communication skills, such as:
-
holding therapeutic space
-
managing difficult conversations constructively
-
responding thoughtfully rather than reactively
-
listening beyond content, with greater depth and presence
-
-
Readiness for practitioner training at Level 4:
-
Greater clarity about whether counselling is the right path for you
-
A stronger internal preparedness for working with real clients in the future
-
Further 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:
- two 1,500-2,000 word assignments
- weekly learning journals (approx. 500 words each)
- one presentation of your casework, conducted with a peer
- a written review of your overall learning on the course
- skills observations by tutor and peers
There is no exam.
What does this course lead to?
On successful completion, you may:
- Apply for CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
- Strengthen your effectiveness in helping or leadership roles
- Continue personal development with greater clarity and confidence
Level 3 is often described as a turning point - where interest becomes intention, and self-awareness deepens into professional possibility.
What are the entry requirements?
- Minimum age of 19
- Have completed CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (or equivalent*)
- Readiness to study at Level 3
- Emotional stability
- Willingness to engage in self-reflection
- Commitment to personal development and ethical practice
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.
* An equivalent to CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills is:
-
a course covering similar content
-
of at least 75 Guided Learning Hours
-
which was conducted 'live' - i.e. either in-person or online. We are unable to accept qualifications delivered via distance learning.
Do you offer a payment instalment plan?
Yes. You need to pay the £399 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) over:
- 4 x £175 monthly payments for the 18 week course
- 7 x £100 monthly payments for the 30 week course
What if I'm unsure about progressing to Level 4?
You do not need to be certain about becoming a counsellor before starting this Level 3 course. This course is a space to explore that possibility - safely and honestly.
Even without progressing to Level 4, you will leave with:
- Greater emotional intelligence
- Stronger personal boundaries
- Increased confidence in complex relational situations
- Enhanced reflective thinking
- Improved leadership and people skills
... all of which are highly valuable in personal relationships and a broad range of people-focused professions.
Is personal therapy required?
Personal therapy is not required at Level 3, but can be really helpful in preparation for Level 4 training.
Does this course enable me to work as a counsellor with clients?
No. Level 3 prepares you for progression to Level 4, which is the minimum qualification you need to become a professional counsellor.
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.
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 is a 15-minute walk from Bracknell train station and easily accessible by car from Reading, Guildford, Camberley, Staines, Farnham and the surrounding areas.
What does the online course involve?
All teaching, skills practice, and group work takes place 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.