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Counselling courses online

Take the TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills if you want a regulated qualification: the recognised first step in counselling training, four tutor-marked units covering the core skills, theory, diversity and ethics, and personal development, in 3 to 6 months. Take Introduction to Counselling Skills if you want to try the skills first or use them in the job you already do: about four hours, pay once.

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The Level 2 certificate is an Ofqual-regulated TQUK qualification, number 601/7815/2, with 16 credits and 120 guided learning hours. You study it online with a named UK tutor, assessed by written work and recorded skills practice with a volunteer, with no exams and no placement. Introduction to Counselling Skills is a CPD short course with a Lift College certificate.

Neither course qualifies you to practise as a counsellor, and no Level 2 course does: counselling posts and BACP, NCPS or UKCP registration need a Level 4 or higher practitioner qualification with supervised placement hours. What Level 2 gives you is trained listening and helping skills for care, support, housing, education and voluntary roles, and the first step on the route to Level 3 and Level 4. The National Careers Service puts counsellor pay at £25,000 starting to £48,000 experienced.

Awarding bodies in Counselling

  • Training Qualifications UK1 qualification

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Awarding bodies

Counselling qualifications: frequently asked questions

Is the Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills a regulated qualification?

Yes. The TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (RQF) is on the Ofqual register at Level 2, qualification number 601/7815/2: 16 credits, 120 guided learning hours and 160 hours total qualification time. Training Qualifications UK issues the certificate, and Lift College is a TQUK recognised centre.

Will a Level 2 counselling course let me work as a counsellor?

No. Practising as a counsellor needs a Level 4 or higher practitioner qualification with supervised placement hours, and registration with a professional body such as BACP, NCPS or UKCP usually follows. Level 2 is the recognised first step: it comes before a Level 3 counselling skills or studies certificate and then the Level 4 diploma.

Do I need a placement or clients?

No. The skills units are assessed through practice sessions you record at home with a volunteer helpee, a friend, family member or fellow learner, and your tutor assesses the recording. There is no placement, no classroom and no exam.

How much does the counselling course cost?

The Level 2 certificate is a monthly subscription after a 7-day free trial, with the price shown on the course page, and most learners finish in 3 to 6 months. Introduction to Counselling Skills is a single payment. Both are covered by the 14-day money-back guarantee.

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Lift College offers regulated UK qualifications across a range of subject areas.