CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (CSK-L2)
CPCAB Level 2 (CSK-L2)
About this Course
The CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (CSK-L2) is your gateway into professional counselling training. Developed by the Counselling & Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB), this qualification gives you the underpinning knowledge, skills and competencies to use counselling skills ethically and safely, whether you're beginning a counselling career or deepening your ability to support others in your current role.
Delivered entirely online, this course combines tutor/facilitator guidance, peer group learning and reflective practice in a warm, supportive virtual environment. You'll develop not just professional skills, but genuine insight into yourself and how you connect with others.
Who Is This Course For?
No previous experience or training is required. This course is ideal for:
Anyone taking their first step towards becoming a professional counsellor
Professionals in health, social care or education who want to enhance their listening skills
Those in advocacy, mediation or support roles who work closely with people in difficulty
Anyone looking to improve personal relationships and develop deeper self-awareness
People who want to increase their employability in helping roles
Those who feel called to support others and want to do so safely and effectively
What You’ll Learn →
What You Will Learn
Across your chosen study period you'll develop a rich set of skills, knowledge and personal insight:
🎧 Core Counselling Skills
Active listening, empathy, reflecting, paraphrasing, open questioning and the ethical use of counselling skills in practice.
🧠 Self-Awareness & Reflection
Develop a deeper understanding of yourself, your values and how your personal history influences how you relate to others.
⚖️ Ethics & Safe Practice
Understand professional boundaries, confidentiality, safeguarding principles and how to use counselling skills responsibly.
🤝 Helping Relationships
Learn how to build trust and rapport, manage the helping relationship, and understand the psychological basis of effective support.
📝 Reflective Practice
Keep learning journals, write reflective reviews and develop the habit of thoughtful self-evaluation central to all counselling work.
👥 Group Learning
Participate in group exercises, role plays, and peer feedback are core parts of how counsellors learn in a safe, supportive setting.
Course Details →
Course Details
Mode of Study: 100% Online (virtual classroom)
Provider: Chambers Counselling Institute
Awarding Body: CPCAB (Counselling & Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body)
Qualification Number: 500/7938/4
Guided Learning Hours: 90 hours (minimum)
Total Qualification Time: 170 hours
Credit Value: 17 credits
Entry Requirements: Minimum Age 18 Years.
Students need to have an adequate level of literacy, handwriting skills and basic computer skills.
Start Date: Sept 2026 (TBC)
Assessment: Coursework, reflective assignments, observed skills practice and an external assessment component
Attendance: Students need to maintain a 90% minimum attendance rate throughout the course.
Progression: Successful completion leads naturally onto the Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (CST-L3)
Admission: All applicants are invited to a short, informal interview before enrolment is confirmed
Course Formats →
Course Formats
Current Study Format - 18 Week Intensive
£1,895
Early Bird Fee £1,695 (Save £200!)
A focused, immersive journey. Ideal if you're ready to commit and want to progress quickly.
✓ Starts Sept 2026 (Day TBC) 1 day
✓ Weekly online sessions
✓ Tutor Support
✓ CPCAB registration included
Course Formats
Current Study Format - 30 Week Standard
£1,695
Early Bird Fee £1,495 (Save £200!)
A steady paced journey. Ideal if you're ready to commit and want more time to absorb learning
✓ Starts Sept 2026 (Day TBC) 1 day
✓ Weekly online sessions
✓ Tutor Support
✓ CPCAB registration included
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. The Level 2 is designed as an introductory qualification; no prior counselling training or experience is required. All you need is an open mind, a genuine interest in helping others, and a willingness to reflect on yourself.
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That’s absolutely fine, you’re very welcome here. For Level 2, there is no formal academic entry requirement. What matters most is your motivation, your life experience, and your genuine desire to learn and remain curious. Many excellent counsellors join the profession through non-academic pathways. This is a skills-based course, and your tutor/facilitator will provide guidance and support with written work. Above all, we are interested in who you are, not just what you know on paper.
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Yes, all places are subject to a short, informal online interview. It's a friendly conversation to make sure the course is the right fit for you, and gives you the chance to ask us anything before you commit. We look forward to meeting you.
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We’'ll confirm session times closer to the course start date, based on student preferences. Once enrolled, we'll survey all students in the cohort to find the best day and time for the group. We want the schedule to work for your life as much as possible.
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There is no mandatory requirement for personal therapy at Level 2, but we warmly encourage it. Counsellor training calls for deep self-reflection and personal exploration, and having your own therapeutic support can enrich your learning while safeguarding your wellbeing throughout. Many students find it genuinely valuable, and the profession regards it as increasingly important at higher levels of training.
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You don’t need to be technically confident. If you can join a video call, you already have what you need.
Here’s what will help you get the most from the course:
- A reliable internet connection
- A laptop, desktop, or tablet (a smartphone can work, but a larger screen is more comfortable)
- A webcam and microphone (built-in or external)
- A private, quiet space for sessions
We use familiar, user-friendly video conferencing software (Zoom). If you have any tech worries at all, just let us know we’ll try to help you get everything sorted.
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All sessions are delivered live via video conferencing (Zoom). You'll join group sessions with your tutor/facilitator and fellow students, take part in skills practice and role plays, and complete reflective assignments in your own time. Full guidance is provided on enrolment.
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The Level 2 qualification is a foundational course and does not, on its own, qualify you to practice as a counsellor. However, it is an important, nationally recognised first step, and successful completion leads directly to the Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (CST-L3).
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Yes. The CPCAB CSK-L2 is a regulated qualification with NCPS Recognised Qualification status from the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society. Ofqual register number: 500/7938/4.