COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills: what it is and how it compares

COSCA, Counselling & Psychotherapy in Scotland, calls it the COSCA Counselling Skills Certificate: a 120-hour programme of four 30-hour modules at SCQF level 8, with 40 SCQF credits. It is run by COSCA validated training providers. COSCA says it is designed for people in helping or caring professions, to apply counselling skills in non-counselling settings, and is a starting point for those who want to train to practise as a counsellor or psychotherapist.

The Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills is the TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (RQF). Training Qualifications UK (TQUK) is an Ofqual-recognised awarding organisation. The qualification is on the Ofqual register at Level 2, number 601/7815/2, with 16 credits and 120 guided learning hours.

Lift College is a TQUK recognised centre. Your tutor marks your work, Lift College quality assures it internally, and a TQUK external quality assurer samples assessed work. TQUK issues the certificate with a unique number that can be checked on TQUK's certificate verification service. It is the same regulated qualification whether you study it in a college classroom or online.

BACP describes course accreditation as "the quality status for professional counselling practitioner training", giving external verification that a course meets its training, practice and quality assurance criteria. BACP says graduates of accredited courses can apply to join the BACP Register directly, without sitting its Certificate of Proficiency.

Individual accreditation is separate. BACP says eligible registered members can apply for it, and every BACP accreditation scheme needs current BACP membership.

• BACP describes course accreditation as being for practitioner training. Introductory courses and counselling skills certificates are earlier stages on BACP's own training route.
• A course that is not BACP accredited can still lead to registration: BACP says you take its Certificate of Proficiency first.
• BACP says core practitioner training delivered solely online or by distance learning does not qualify for membership.

• Look for a qualification number and search it on the Ofqual register.
• Check who issues the certificate: an awarding organisation, a professional body or the training provider.
• For Level 4 practitioner training, check whether BACP, or the body you want to join, accepts the course for registration, and whether the placement hours are arranged.

Introduction to Counselling Skills is an accredited CPD short course with a certificate issued by Lift College. Lift College Limited is an accredited provider with the CPD Standards Office (provider number 51289). It is not a regulated qualification.