This combined pathway is designed to give learners the knowledge, practical skills, self-awareness and professional understanding developed across two separate CPCAB qualifications.

During the Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills, learners develop the core skills and competencies needed to use counselling skills ethically and safely in a variety of helping roles and contexts.

The Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies builds upon these foundations by introducing counselling theory, mental health, the counselling relationship, diversity, ethical practice and a deeper level of personal development.
This pathway is for:

• Those beginning the recognised training route towards becoming a professional counsellor
• Those who are committed to completing Levels 2 and 3 without a long break between qualifications
• Those who want to develop counselling skills for use in professional or helping roles
• Those who want to improve their communication, self-awareness and personal or professional relationships
• Those who are able to commit to the pace, attendance, coursework and personal development involved in intensive training

These qualifications may increase employability for people working in health and social care, education, advocacy, support work, mediation and other people-facing roles.

Successful completion of both qualifications provides a progression route towards applying for a Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, subject to meeting the training provider’s entry and readiness requirements. Levels 2 and 3 do not, by themselves, qualify someone to practise as a professional counsellor.

No previous counselling training or experience is required to begin the Fast-Track pathway. Applicants must be aged 18 or over and complete Aspire Counselling Academy’s application and suitability process before being offered a place.
Because this is an intensive programme covering two qualifications over 28 teaching weeks, applicants must be able to:

• Attend and participate fully in the scheduled live, tutor-led classes
• Commit sufficient time outside lessons to complete written coursework and reflective journals
• Take part in observed counselling skills practice, role-play, group work and feedback activities
• Engage openly and safely in personal reflection, self-awareness and personal development
• Work respectfully with difference, diversity and the experiences of other group members
• Respond constructively to tutor feedback and meet agreed coursework deadlines
• Have access to a suitable device, reliable internet connection and a private learning space for live online lessons

Students begin with the 13-week CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills. Progression to the 15-week Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies is subject to successfully completing Level 2, meeting attendance and coursework requirements, and demonstrating the personal, academic and skills-based readiness needed to progress.

Students are also required to complete a minimum of 10 hours of personal therapy during Level 3. The cost of personal therapy is not included in the course fee.

 The CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (CSK-L2) and CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (CST-L3) have both been awarded NCPS Recognised Qualification status by the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS).

Both qualifications have been assessed and deemed to meet the standards expected for introductory-level counselling and psychotherapy training.

They form important stages of the recognised progression route towards professional counsellor training:

• Level 2 introduces the safe and ethical use of counselling skills
• Level 3 develops counselling theory, professional awareness, self-awareness and preparation for practitioner-level training
• Successful completion of both qualifications provides a progression route towards applying for a Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling

Completing Levels 2 and 3 does not qualify a learner to practise as a professional counsellor, gain entry to an Accredited Register or describe themselves as a qualified counsellor or specialist. Further practitioner-level training, including supervised client work, is required.

This Fast-Track pathway includes two separate nationally recognised CPCAB qualifications. Students must complete the requirements and assessments for each qualification.

CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (CSK-L2)
Qualification number: 500/7938/4
Course duration: 13 teaching weeks
Guided Learning Hours: 90 hours minimum
Total Qualification Time: 170 hours
Credit value: 17

CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (CST-L3)
Qualification number: 600/5104/8
Course duration: 15 teaching weeks
Guided Learning Hours: 90 hours minimum
Total Qualification Time: 196 hours
Credit value: 20

Combined pathway
Total duration: 28 teaching weeks
Combined Guided Learning Hours: 180 hours minimum
Combined Total Qualification Time: 366 hours
Combined credit value: 37
Minimum age: 18 years

Assessment takes place separately at each level and includes an internally assessed portfolio of coursework, observed counselling skills practice, reflective work and the relevant CPCAB external assessment.
Students must successfully complete Level 2 and demonstrate readiness to progress before beginning Level 3. Students who successfully complete both stages will receive separate CPCAB Level 2 and Level 3 certificates.

All course can be paid in full or by monthly payments 

The Level 2 and Level 3 course fees are managed separately. Students initially enrol and pay only for the Fast-Track Level 2 course.

FAST-TRACK LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE IN COUNSELLING SKILLS
Course fee: £750
The Level 2 course fee includes:
• Live, tutor-led teaching for the 13-week Level 2 course
• Course resources and learner support
• Assessment of coursework and counselling skills practice
• CPCAB Level 2 registration and certification fees
Level 2 payment options
Payment in full: £750
Or:
• Initial deposit: £210
• Three monthly payments: £180
• Total Level 2 course fee: £750
The deposit secures a provisional place on the Level 2 course, subject to successful completion of Aspire Counselling Academy’s application and suitability process.

PROGRESSION TO LEVEL 3
Enrolment on the Fast-Track pathway does not guarantee progression to Level 3.
Students must successfully complete the Level 2 qualification, meet the required attendance and coursework standards, and demonstrate the personal, academic and skills-based readiness needed to progress.
Students who meet these requirements will be invited to enrol separately on the Fast-Track Level 3 course. No Level 3 deposit or course payments will be requested before a student has been accepted for progression.

FAST-TRACK LEVEL 3 CERTIFICATE IN COUNSELLING STUDIES
Course fee: £850
The Level 3 course fee includes:
• Live, tutor-led teaching for the 15-week Level 3 course
• Course resources and learner support
• Assessment of coursework and counselling skills practice
• CPCAB Level 3 registration and certification fees
Level 3 payment options
Payment in full: £850
Or:
• Initial deposit: £250
• Four monthly payments: £150
• Total Level 3 course fee: £850

Payments are made by monthly invoice or bank transfer and must be paid according to the agreed payment schedule.

ADDITIONAL COSTS
Students progressing to Level 3 must complete a minimum of 10 hours of personal therapy. Personal therapy must be arranged and paid for separately by the student and is not included in either course fee.

MINIMUM STUDENT NUMBERS
Both stages of the Fast-Track pathway are subject to the required minimum number of students enrolling.
If the minimum number is not reached, the relevant course may be postponed or cancelled. Students will be informed as early as possible. If Aspire Counselling Academy cancels a course because minimum numbers have not been reached, any payments already made for that course will be refunded in full.