L3 Certificate in counselling studies (CST-L3)
CPCAB level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (CST-L3)
STARTING:
- Wednesday 21 October 2026 – 18:00 PM – 21:00 PM – Applications Open
- Friday 6 November 2026 – 10:00 AM – 13:00 PM (Applications Closed)
Accreditations
This course is accredited by the CPCAB (Counselling & Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body) & accredited by the Office of the Qualifications & Examinations Regulator (Ofqual) into the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF).
Who is the course for?
The Certificate in Counselling Studies is designed for people who wish to enhance and develop counselling skills acquired to become a counsellor. You will
learn about counselling theory and practice and agency work. This course covers the 3 main approaches to counselling, The Person Centred Approach, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Psychodynamic.
CST-L3 is accredited by the Office of the Qualifications & ExaminationsRegulator (Ofqual) and is on the Regulated Qualification Framework (QCF).
This course does not lead to employment, however, this course could lead to employment in a related field.
Level: The course is a L3
Guided learning hours: 90
Credit value: 20
Minimum age: 19
Mode of delivery: Delivered remotely – Trainer led.
Entry requirements
Students will need to have successfully completed the CPCAB L2 Certificate in Counselling Skills.
Prior Counselling Skills Training (The Core Prerequisite)
- Minimum of 75–90 Guided Learning Hours (GLH): You must have already completed a foundational counselling skills course.
- The Standard Route: CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (CSK-L2).
- Equivalent Qualifications: Equivalent Level 2 certificates from other awarding bodies (like NCFE/CACHE) are accepted, provided they meet the minimum hour requirement.
Prior learning – Must not be Distance Learning: Your Level 2 training must have included face-to-face, tutor-led skills practice (such as triads where you practiced being the helper, helpee, and observer). Purely online, self-paced text courses with no live practice will not be accepted.
learning outcomes
Prepare to work within an ethical framework for counselling
Understand the counselling relationship
Understand difference and diversity issues to develop an empathic approach
Work within a user-centred approach to counselling
Use counselling practice to develop self-awareness in counselling practice
Understand theories of counselling and mental health
Use feedback, reflection and supervision to support counselling studies.
Objectives of the Course
Enhances your theoretical understanding of counselling.
Develops profound personal growth and understanding.
Enhances your ability to understand self and others.
Develops your ability to extend empathy and acceptance
Enhances your ability to work effectively with diversity.
Develop Research and oral presentation skills.
Preparation for work as a professional counsellor
Progression
Candidates with both CPCAB’s Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (CSK L2) and CPCAB’s Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (CST L3), or their RPL (recognised prior learning) equivalent may progress to CPCAB’s Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC-L4)
Assessment
Trainer assessed completed portfolio, which is externally verified by the CPCAB.
Length of course: The course is delivered over 30 weeks at 3 hours per week or 4 hours fortnightly.
Days: Course 1. Wednesday Evenings
Start date: 21 October 2026
Time: 18:00 – 21:00 PM
Days: Course 2.
Friday Morning’s
Start date: 6 November 2026
Cost: £1200 per person
(prices subject to a yearly increase)
International student fee: £1400
Simms does not have access to government funding however, you can check for City and Guilds Foundation for Bursaries here
What do I need to attend and complete the course?:
You will need a suitable laptop with a webcam. You will also need a private space to conduct the sessions. Note: There needs to be 80% attendance to pass the course.
Contact and enquiries: