Progression to Level 3

Ofqual - Recognised National Qualification (RNQ) - Certificate 

17 Credits

Adopts a Humanistic Approach to inform Counselling Skills Practice 

This qualification is designed to give candidates the underpinning knowledge, skills and competencies to use counselling skills ethically and safely in various contexts and roles. Progression will lead to access to the Level 3 (CST-L3) Counselling Qualification

This qualification is for: 

Those starting the first level of training as a professional counsellor.

Those who want to learn counselling skills in other professional or helping roles.

Those who want to improve their professional and personal relationships as part of personal development.

Those who wish to improve communication and listening skills.

This qualification leads to employment and increases employability for those who support others in sectors such as health and social care, teaching and learning, advocacy and mediation, support and project work, and other helping roles. It provides additional skills for those already in employment and is likely to lead to increased opportunities for promotion and advancement.

 To make the distinction between counselling and counselling skills clear, CPCAB refers to the person using counselling skills as a ‘helper’ and the person being helped as a ‘helpee’.[ An example of helping work would be a care assistant (the helper) listening to someone they are looking after (the helpee) who is very worried about the health of a family member. The helper will help them to express their feelings and concerns. They may also guide them to a specific professional who may be able to provide them with the more specialised or in-depth help they may need—the core theoretical model underpinning the course is the Person-Centred Approach.   The terms ‘counsellor’ and ‘client’ are not used until the Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (CST-L3).

Blended /Hybrid learning/Group work and Assessments

The Completed Assessments include:

(1) External Case Review: Reflective review paper completed by candidates over 1 week.

(2) Internal Course Assessments (Includes External Verification):  

The internal course work/assessments include creating a Portfolio consisting of achieving Learning Criteria over seven Learning Outcomes:

1. Use counselling skills ethically and safely
2. Establish and sustain the boundaries of the helping role
3. Work empathically as a helper
4. Focus on the helpee's needs and concerns
5. Use self-awareness in helping work
6. Use a range of counselling skills to facilitate the helping interaction
7. Use feedback and reflection to enhance counselling skills

To achieve successful completion of the internal course assessment/work expectations include: 

• Tutor-led and skills demonstration
• Group work activities, discussion, question/answer
• Course handouts
• Recommended reading
• Helpee Skills practice 
• Roles play simulation 
• Demonstrations
• Self-review of helper skills

Course Philosophy:

An important aspect of the course is that Tutors pride themselves on maintaining a student-led approach, including a sensitivity in providing constructive feedback.  Continual support and guidance are offered with regular Tutorials ensuring a positive learning experience. This is complemented by external speakers from time to time. Our philosophy of ensuring transparency and ease of communication between students and Tutors is aided by our tailored interactive classrooms/virtual learning environment (VLE).

Minimum age 18

• No previous training is required.  The following attributes will be important to be able to cope with course content.
• Ability to translate intra-personal experience into language.
• Able to benefit from self-development.
• Be motivated towards developing as a helper.
• Emotional stability.
• Awareness of difference and diversity.

2 Options:

• Nationwide / Online
• In-Person / Blended (Refer to Training Centre Locations)

90 Hours (Minimum) Guided Learning (GLH)

196  Hours Total Qualification Time (TQT):  

•   90 Guided Learning Hours
•   25  Learning Reviews 
•   30  Essay Preparation
•   51 Coursework, module sessional reading and group work 

Approx 6 months

Progressing to Level 3 (CST-L3)

Next Course Dates:

September 2024 - March 2025  

2 Options: 

(1) Nationwide / Online / Live Interactive Platform (Revert to an ACE Courses location at Level 4)

Accepting Registrations for Online 'Live' Interactive  Classes / Lectures

Next Course start date:

14/9/2024 until 29/3/2025

Course Schedule:  

September 24

14/9/2024; 28/09/2024

October 24

12/10/2024; 26/10/2024

November 24

09/11/2024; 23/11/2024

January 25

11/01/2025; 25/01/2025

February 25

08/02/2025; 22/02/2025

March 25

08/03/2025; 22/03/2025; 29/03/2025

(2) In-Person at an ACE Courses Location (Blended Approach - some session will be Online)

September 24 until March 25

Training Centre Locations (Refer to each ACE Courses Centres for further details)

2 Options:

• Nationwide / Online / LIVE Interactive Classes
• Refer to ACE Centre Locations  

(1) Online / Nationwide Courses:

9.00am to 4.30pm 

(2) ACE Training Centre Locations:

9.30am to 5.00pm

Total cost of the course:

Online / Nationwide Courses

£1095.00

ACE Courses Training Locations

Refer to specific locations as the cost of the ocurse may vary 

Breakdown of initial cost:

£175 applies to book your place on the course (non-refundable)

£325  Registration Fee and ACE  (including the Approved Fee of the Ofqual Regulated Training Provision/Qualification) is payable  (non-refundable).

The remaining course fee is to be received/arranged at least 4 weeks before the course starts.  

If at any point after starting the course, you are unable to continue refer to our Refund Policy

1. Completion and submission of ACE Courses Registration Form
2. On receipt, you will receive an acknowledgement within 48 hours and a decision thereafter.  
3. If you fulfil ACE Courses criteria you will be offered a place on the course subject to receiving the advised initial booking fee to secure your place.