The Way Forward Centre CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills CSK-L2
Qualification Number: 500/7938/4
CSK-L2 is accredited by the Office of the Qualifications & Examinations Regulator (Ofqual) into the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF). The CPCAB are dedicated to providing the best counselling and life coaching qualifications. By continually reviewing the latest research into effective counselling the CPCAB guarantee that their qualifications are up-to-date and relevant.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SYNCHRONOUS AND ASYNCHRONOUS STUDY?
We appreciate that picking the right course to ensure progression in the therapeutic profession is essential and there are many courses available to choose from. It might be helpful to understand the difference between Synchronous and Asynchronous study and why it matters, as you make your decision about which course to take. Particularly since the COVID pandemic it has been possible to access a lot of different training online and counselling training has also moved towards online delivery. However the profession still favours a face to face approach where possible but accepts this is not always possible. We therefore offer 2 options for studying level 2 and 3. You can choose to apply to learn 100% online or you can opt to attend 100% face to face.
Synchronous study: is where you would be learning online in real time. At the Way Forward Centre we use Zoom as our preferred platform. You would be expected to sign on and join your group every week at session times and to work on joint exercises together. You would engage in receiving real time feedback from your peers and tutor, be involved in debates and lectures for a full day of study. You would be required to attend every week. Classes are 9.30am until 4.30pm one day per week. Synchronous online study of this nature IS ACCEPTED BY THE CPCAB AND THE BACP when training to become a counsellor.
Asynchronous study: is where you are able to access resources and work through a series of tasks in your own time. You would submit your work for marking and can arrange to have contact with your tutor if you wish but it is not required. The CPCAB or the BACP DO NOT ENDORSE Asynchronous study when training to become a counsellor. Asynchronous study as a part of continued professional development following qualification is recognised, but not as a part of initial qualification. Therefore if you choose to study a course of this nature you will be unable to progress to fully qualify as a counsellor and register with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy or similar governing body. We often have applications from students wishing to progress to Level 3 with us that have only studied an asynchronistic Level 2 course. Unfortunately these students have to repeat Level 2 because they do not have the necessary skills practice training, experience and awareness to move on to Level 3. Counselling is a relational profession and therefore requires an understanding of person to person relationship, the nuances of these relational processes cannot be replicated through Asynchronous study.
We offer an Online Course (Synchronous delivery) and a Face to Face (Classroom based) course ~ Make sure you apply for the version which suits you best.
Please note: This online course is taught via synchronous delivery, please see the above description for the difference between synchronous and asynchronous delivery.
If you are learning online you will need to make sure you are in a confidential environment and fully able to focus for the duration of class time. There are regular breaks scheduled to help you manage the training days.
Level 2 and 3 can be studied as online courses whereas level 4 must be taught face to face in a classroom environment.
Available Dates Below: Receiving Applications Now! (Updated 30/12/2024)
FACE TO FACE STUDY (CLASSROOM BASED)
Start date: Tuesday 9th September 2025
9.30am until 4.30pm every Tuesday apart from school holidays, for 19 weeks
Please make sure you apply in good time to avoid disappointment.
ONLINE STUDY (SYNCHRONOUS STUDY):
Start date: Wednesday 10th September 2025
9.30am until 4.30pm every Wednesday apart from school holidays, for 19 weeks
Please make sure you apply in good time to avoid disappointment.
FEES:
These Level 2 fees were correct for September 2024 applicants, to serve as an example only. There is a slight annual increment applied each academic year, the CPCAB registration fee is also subject to change. Fees for academic year starting September 2025 will be released soon (Updated 30/12/2024)
Please note: Fees are the same whether you have chosen an online or face to face option
Course Fee: £906 (inclusive of VAT)
In addition you will be required to pay a CPCAB Registration fee: £182 (Course registration, external assessment and certification)
Total fee: £1088 (Inclusive of CPCAB fee & VAT)
Fees can be paid over a schedule of monthly payments.
Deposit payment £100 to secure your place on the course, following acceptance of your application
If you would like to apply for this course you can access the application form here:
This qualification is designed to give learners the underpinning knowledge, skills and competencies to use counselling skills ethically and safely in a variety of contexts and roles. It is particularly useful for:
Those starting the first level of training as a professional counsellor
Those who want to learn counselling skills in other professional or helping roles
Those who want to improve their professional and personal relationships as part of personal development
This award may lead to employment or increase employability for those whose role is to support others in e.g. health and social care work, teaching and learning, advocacy and mediation, support and project work, other helping roles. For those already in employment, this award may improve opportunities for advancement.It is really important that you attend for the full duration of the course as the cpcab stipulate a total of 90 hours of contact learning time is required in order to achieve this qualification. You will have a number of course requirements to complete during this time and maintaining your attendance will be vital in supporting you to achieve your aims.
Learning Aims of this programme:
1. Use counselling skills ethically and safely
2. Establish and sustain the boundaries of the helping role
3. Work empathically as a helper
4. Focus on the helpee’s needs and concerns
5. Use self-awareness in helping work
6. Use a range of counselling skills to facilitate the helping interaction
7. Use feedback and reflection to enhance counselling skills
The content of this course may be challenging on an emotional and academic level. This is true of all counselling training which is designed to build a high level of personal self awarenes in the counsellor, please read the candidate requirements below to understand how this applies to the Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills.
Candidate Entry Requirements
There is no specific requirement for any previous experience of qualifications to enrol on this course. However, it is not suitable for individuals who are facing significant emotional challenges. The training will require you to think deeply about your own history, experiences and challenges. You will take part in discussions and activities which will involve deep reflection, personal disclosure and associated personal development activities. These are designed to help you to learn about yourself and to develop your self-awareness however, this process can be emotionally challenging. The following criteria is considered important in deciding whether you can meet the demands of the course:
Be over 18 years of age.
Able to cope with the course content.
Ability to reflect on how things impact you, your feelings and experiences, and to put this into words.
To be able to benefit from self-development.
Be motivated towards developing as a helper.
Emotional stability.
Identify reasons for training beyond just personal development.
Awareness of difference and diversity.
Many students who enrol for this training are returning to education after a long break and this can feel particularly challenging. However, you will not be alone with this and you will hopefully find the learning process both fulfilling and enjoyable.
We very much hope you will choose to embark on your counselling training with us.
We look forward to hearing from you soon!
Progression Opportunities:
This level 2 certificate in counselling skills is recognised as the first award on the ladder to becoming a qualified counsellor. As mentioned in the previous section, some learners complete this award to enhance their employment opportunities and do not wish to become a counsellor. However, successful candidates will be able to progress onto the level 3 certificate in counselling studies.
The level 4 diploma in therapeutic counselling takes a further 2 years to complete. As long as candidates successfully complete all course requirements then they will qualify as a counsellor after a total of 3 years of study. Some learners continue by studying a further level 5 diploma in psychotherapeutic counselling.
It is also possible to ‘top up’ your achievement to a foundation degree through the Open University. More information about this process can be obtained from the CPCAB website: http://www.cpcab.co.uk/qualifications/fd-counselling
Information about each level of training and the course requirements can also be found on the CPCAB website: http://www.cpcab.co.uk/
If you have any specific questions about this course please feel free to contact us by completing the following form:
