Applications open February 2026 for September 2026 intake.

CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies

Deepen your theoretical understanding and build confidence before progressing to professional counselling training

Our tutor was fantastic. I really enjoyed it.

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Format

Part-time, in person or online

Duration

30 weeks

Location

St Ives, PE27 3WS or online

Schedule

Wed online / Thu eve in person 6pm to 9 pm

Course overview

The CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies builds on the skills developed at Level 2 and introduces you to the theoretical, ethical and reflective foundations of counselling practice.

This course is designed to deepen your understanding of counselling theory, mental health, diversity and professional ethics, while supporting your personal development and readiness for further training.

Level 3 does not qualify you to practise as a counsellor. Instead, it prepares you academically, emotionally and ethically for progression to the professional Diploma at Level 4.

This course is suitable for those who:

Have completed CPCAB Level 2 (or equivalent)
Want deeper theoretical understanding before Diploma training
Are exploring counselling as a profession
Value reflective and experiential learning
Wish to grow in self-awareness and ethical understanding

Course tutors

This course is delivered by CPCAB-recognised tutors who are all qualified, practising counsellors. Teaching is grounded in real clinical experience, not theory alone.

Tutors bring warmth, structure and clarity to complex material, supporting students to engage with theory while developing reflective capacity and confidence.

Learning takes place within a respectful, relational environment where curiosity, discussion and personal insight are encouraged.

Progression after Level 3

After completing Level 3, you will be well prepared to move toward professional counselling training. Successful completion allows you to:

Apply for CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
Strengthen applications for Diploma-level interviews
Deepen readiness for supervised client work at the next stage
Continue developing ethical awareness and reflective practice

Level 3 holds NCPS Recognised Qualification status as a training-level award.

Course timings and content

Course format, dates and schedule

This Level 3 course is delivered on a part-time basis and is designed to fit around your work and other commitments.

Applications are open for a September 2026
The course runs over approximately 30 weeks
Teaching takes place one evening per week
You can study either in person or online via live tutor-led sessions
In-person classes run every Thursday evening from 6.00–9.00pm at our St Ives centre
Online classes take place every Wednesday evening from 6.00–9.00pm

Both delivery options follow the same curriculum, learning outcomes and level of tutor support.

What you will learn

This course introduces key areas of counselling theory and professional understanding, including:

Ethical frameworks and professional boundaries
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
Identity, difference and diversity
Core counselling theories and models
The impact of personal history and attachment
Reflective practice and self-awareness
The role of supervision and professional development

Learning outcomes

The course is structured around CPCAB learning outcomes that require you to demonstrate:

Ethical awareness and safe practice
Understanding of counselling theory
Ability to reflect on self and learning
Awareness of diversity and social context
Capacity to engage with feedback and supervision

How you will learn

Learning is interactive and reflective, combining theory with discussion and personal exploration. You will:

Attend tutor-led teaching sessions
Take part in group discussion and learning activities
Complete reflective writing and learning journals
Explore theory through real-life examples
Engage with peer learning and feedback

Course fees and what else you may need

The course fee is £1,350.00.

Additional costs may include:

CPCAB candidate registration fee (currently £189, subject to change)
Personal therapy (minimum 10 hours during the course)
Textbooks and printing

Entry, study and assessment requirements

Entry requirements

To join Level 3, applicants must have completed CPCAB Level 2 (or an equivalent qualification of at least 75 guided learning hours).

You will also attend a short informal interview to explore:

Motivation for training
Emotional readiness and self-awareness
Capacity for reflective learning
Readiness for experiential group work

Study and attendance expectations

The course includes 90 guided learning hours delivered over approximately 30 weeks.

To meet course requirements, you are expected to:

Attend at least 90% of taught sessions
Complete 5–6 hours of independent study per week (in addition to guided learning hours)
Engage actively in group learning
Undertake a minimum of 10 hours of personal therapy

Assessment

Assessment is internal and portfolio-based. There is no external exam.

You will evidence learning through:

Reflective journals
Written assignments
Tutor and peer feedback
Learning reviews and self-reflection

Successful completion demonstrates readiness for Diploma-level training.

What our students say

Our tutor was open, honest and supportive. The teaching style made learning interactive and enjoyable, while still holding the seriousness and depth the subject deserves. The balance felt just right and kept the course engaging throughout.

The tutor shared a wealth of knowledge and real examples, which really helped bring the theory to life. Questions were always welcomed, and the feedback we received both in class and on written work was clear, thoughtful and encouraging.

I was nervous about starting this course. However, the supportive atmosphere and the tutor’s approach completely changed that experience for me. I grew in confidence, self-awareness and clarity about my future direction.