Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (CST-L3)

This is a CPCAB validated course intended for candidates who have already acquired the Level 2 qualification in counselling skills and want to:

  • 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

The CST-L3 qualification is the second step in a series of CPCAB qualifications. It does not qualify you to practice as a professional counsellor.

Once you have successfully completed this qualification you may wish to proceed to the Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC-L4).

  • This qualification comprises of 7 units where you will work towards developing and demonstrating the following skills and knowledge:

    • Unit 1 - Prepare to work within an ethical framework for counselling.

    • Unit 2 - Understand the counselling relationship.

    • Unit 3 - Understand difference and diversity issues to develop empathic understanding.

    • Unit 4 - Work within a user-centred approach to counselling.

    • Unit 5 - Use counselling theory to develop self-awareness in counselling practice.

    • Unit 6 - Understand theories of counselling and mental health.

    • Unit 7 - Use feedback, reflection, and supervision to support counselling studies.

  • This course is delivered 100% in-person by two tutors every session.

  • You must have undertaken counselling skills training, e.g. The Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills or equivalent units/qualifications of at least 75 Guided Learning Hours.

  • We understand that training is an investment, which is why we offer flexible payment options to suit different financial situations.

  • We hold interviews for all applicants, designed for us to understand your motivations behind wanting to do this course but also for you to ask us any questions about the training.

  • Your learning will be assessed formatively by your tutors, your peers, and reflective weekly learning reviews.

    You will also be required to build a portfolio of evidence of your learning which forms as the final internal assessment.

  • A minimum of 80% attendance is required each term to successfully complete the qualification which involves 90 guided learning hours, delivered weekly as 3-hour sessions between September and June.

Key info:

Course Fees: £840 (plus CPCAB registration fee)

Course Start Date: 22nd September 2026

Course End Date: 15th June 2027

Course time: Tuesdays 18:00 - 21:00

Venue: Coleshill Hotel, B46 3BG

Download the 2026 course schedule.

For enrolment, enquiries, or further information email: contact@traineecounsellor.co.uk or phone: 07490016495

Apply now

All courses are taught by two tutors.

It means you receive unparalleled attention, and different learning styles accommodated through complementary teaching approaches.

We do this to ensure a supportive learning experience where every student thrives.

Apply now