CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (CST-L3)
Training for CPCAB Level 3: Stepping Into Deeper Counselling Practice
CPCAB
If you're considering a career in counselling or looking to deepen your understanding of the human experience, the CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies is a pivotal step in your journey.
This nationally recognised qualification bridges the gap between introductory counselling skills and practitioner-level training, offering an immersive, reflective, and empowering experience.
What Is CPCAB Level 3?
The CPCAB (Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body) Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies is designed to build on the foundational skills acquired in Level 2. It introduces students to counselling theories, ethical frameworks, and the professional context of counselling practice.This course is ideal if you:
This nationally recognised qualification bridges the gap between introductory counselling skills and practitioner-level training, offering an immersive, reflective, and empowering experience.
What Is CPCAB Level 3?
The CPCAB (Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body) Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies is designed to build on the foundational skills acquired in Level 2. It introduces students to counselling theories, ethical frameworks, and the professional context of counselling practice.This course is ideal if you:
- Have completed CPCAB Level 2 or an equivalent introduction to counselling
- Want to explore how counselling theory connects with practice
- Are preparing for progression to the Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
- Seek personal development and emotional insight
Why train with Aspire
At Aspire Counselling Academy, our CPCAB Level 3 training offers more than just a qualification—it’s a journey of personal and professional development rooted in the core values of counselling: trust, diversity, growth, and compassion.
When you train at Level 3 with Aspire, you’ll experience:
Expert tutors who are active, experienced counselling professionals
A supportive and reflective group environment that encourages connection and growth
Interactive, hands-on learning that bridges theory with real-life counselling skills
Flexible study options designed to fit around work, family, and personal commitments
A deep emphasis on equality, diversity, inclusion, and self-awareness
Our Level 3 learners come from diverse backgrounds—teachers, nurses, support workers, HR professionals, and those exploring a career change or personal insight.
You don’t need prior counselling experience—just a foundation like Level 2, and a willingness to grow, explore, and engage. If you're ready to take the next step toward becoming a counsellor or deepening your understanding of yourself and others, Aspire is here to support you every s
When you train at Level 3 with Aspire, you’ll experience:
Expert tutors who are active, experienced counselling professionals
A supportive and reflective group environment that encourages connection and growth
Interactive, hands-on learning that bridges theory with real-life counselling skills
Flexible study options designed to fit around work, family, and personal commitments
A deep emphasis on equality, diversity, inclusion, and self-awareness
Our Level 3 learners come from diverse backgrounds—teachers, nurses, support workers, HR professionals, and those exploring a career change or personal insight.
You don’t need prior counselling experience—just a foundation like Level 2, and a willingness to grow, explore, and engage. If you're ready to take the next step toward becoming a counsellor or deepening your understanding of yourself and others, Aspire is here to support you every s
What You'll Learn
The Level 3 course offers more than just academic knowledge—it invites you to explore the emotional, relational, and ethical dimensions of counselling. Key areas include:
Core theoretical approaches (e.g., person-centred, psychodynamic, CBT)
The counselling process and developing the therapeutic relationship
Working ethically and understanding professional boundaries
Diversity and inclusion in the counselling space
Reflective practice and increased self-awareness
What Training Looks Like
Training typically includes a mix of:
Tutor-led teaching and group discussions
Skills practice in pairs or small groups
Reflective journals and written assignments
Role-play scenarios and case studies
Self-assessment and peer feedback
You’ll be encouraged to look inward and reflect on your own values, beliefs, and personal experiences—vital work for any aspiring counsellor.
Core theoretical approaches (e.g., person-centred, psychodynamic, CBT)
The counselling process and developing the therapeutic relationship
Working ethically and understanding professional boundaries
Diversity and inclusion in the counselling space
Reflective practice and increased self-awareness
What Training Looks Like
Training typically includes a mix of:
Tutor-led teaching and group discussions
Skills practice in pairs or small groups
Reflective journals and written assignments
Role-play scenarios and case studies
Self-assessment and peer feedback
You’ll be encouraged to look inward and reflect on your own values, beliefs, and personal experiences—vital work for any aspiring counsellor.
What Makes Level 3 Unique?
Level 3 is often described as the “heart” of counselling training.
It’s where the theory starts to make sense and personal insight begins to deepen.
While Level 2 teaches you how to listen, Level 3 teaches you why people feel and act the way they do.
You start to understand how trauma, attachment, and identity shape human behaviour, and how counselling can offer healing and growth.
Is It Challenging?
Yes—but in the best way.
This isn’t just academic training; it’s personal work.
Many students find the self-development aspect to be both confronting and rewarding.
You’re invited to explore your own emotional landscape in a safe, supported environment, which helps you grow both as a person and a future practitioner.
It’s where the theory starts to make sense and personal insight begins to deepen.
While Level 2 teaches you how to listen, Level 3 teaches you why people feel and act the way they do.
You start to understand how trauma, attachment, and identity shape human behaviour, and how counselling can offer healing and growth.
Is It Challenging?
Yes—but in the best way.
This isn’t just academic training; it’s personal work.
Many students find the self-development aspect to be both confronting and rewarding.
You’re invited to explore your own emotional landscape in a safe, supported environment, which helps you grow both as a person and a future practitioner.
Next Steps After Level 3
Once you complete the CPCAB Level 3, you’ll be ready to apply for the Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, which qualifies you to practice as a professional counsellor.
Some students also go on to study related fields like coaching, social work, or mental health support roles.
Final Thoughts
Training for CPCAB Level 3 is a powerful journey—emotionally rich, intellectually engaging, and professionally valuable.
Whether you're committed to becoming a counsellor or exploring your own personal development, this course offers the depth, support, and structure to take the next meaningful step.
Some students also go on to study related fields like coaching, social work, or mental health support roles.
Final Thoughts
Training for CPCAB Level 3 is a powerful journey—emotionally rich, intellectually engaging, and professionally valuable.
Whether you're committed to becoming a counsellor or exploring your own personal development, this course offers the depth, support, and structure to take the next meaningful step.
Key information for Level 3
Purpose of Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies
This qualification is intended for candidates who have already acquired a recognised qualification in counselling skills and want to:
This qualification will enable successful candidates to work as skilled supporters within a range of job and career opportunities.
- take the next step in training to become a counsellor
- learn more about counselling theory, ethics and mental health
- be prepared for work as a professional counsellor in an agency setting
This qualification will enable successful candidates to work as skilled supporters within a range of job and career opportunities.
Entry requirements
You must have undertaken counselling skills training, e.g. our Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills or equivalent units/qualifications of at least 75 Guided Learning Hours.
Industry recognised qualification
This qualification has been given NCPS Recognised Qualification CPCAB CST-L3 status by the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS).This qualification has been assessed and deemed to have met the standards expected for introduction level training for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
This qualification forms an important part of a progression route in counselling training, but on its own, it does not allow a graduate to practice as a qualified counsellor, gain entry to an Accredited Register or refer to themselves as ‘a specialist’ in the subject matter unless they have other qualifications/training to support this.
Qualification Information
Qualification Number:
600/5104/8
Guided Learning Hours:
90 hours (minimum)
Total Qualification Time:
196 hours
Credit value:
20
Minimum age:
19 years
600/5104/8
Guided Learning Hours:
90 hours (minimum)
Total Qualification Time:
196 hours
Credit value:
20
Minimum age:
19 years
Course Payments
All course can be paid in full or by monthly payments
ONLINE & CLASSROOM BASED (EVENINGS)
Level 3 course fee is £950
This includes all CPCAB registration fees
Initial deposit of £230
followed by monthly payments of £120 (x 6 payments)
FAST TRACK COURSE (DAYS)
Level 3 course fee is £950
This includes all CPCAB registration fees
Initial deposit of £230
followed by monthly payments of £240 (x 3 payments)
Payable by monthly invoice or bank transfer
ONLINE & CLASSROOM BASED (EVENINGS)
Level 3 course fee is £950
This includes all CPCAB registration fees
Initial deposit of £230
followed by monthly payments of £120 (x 6 payments)
FAST TRACK COURSE (DAYS)
Level 3 course fee is £950
This includes all CPCAB registration fees
Initial deposit of £230
followed by monthly payments of £240 (x 3 payments)
Payable by monthly invoice or bank transfer
Courses
Level 3 - CLASSROOM EVENINGS
Date: 10/09/2025 06:00 PM Location Bentalls, Basildon, Essex SS14 3BX, Price:£950
Level 3 - ONLINE EVENINGS
Date: tbc Location online Price:£950
Level 3 - FAST TRACK
Date: TBC Location Bentalls, Basildon, Essex SS14 3BX, Price:£950
application forms
Application Form for ONLINE courses
Please download our application form to register your interest in enrolling onto one of our online courses. Please email completed application form to: Courses@Aspirecounsellingacademy.co.uk
Application form for CLASSROOM course
Please download this form if you are applying to learn one of our courses through being in the classroom (in person learning) based at Arnhem House, Bentalls, Basildon, SS14 3BX Please email completed application form to: Courses@Aspirecounsellingacademy.co.uk
