CPCAB Counselling Skills Training
Explore our approved CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (CSK-L2) and Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (CST-L3), with a clear progression pathway for learners developing counselling skills, self-awareness and reflective practice.
About Our CPCAB Courses
Nova Whisper Cosmos Training Centre is approved to deliver the CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (CSK‑L2) and Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (CST‑L3).
CSK‑L2 provides an introduction to counselling skills, self-awareness, reflective learning, ethical understanding and professional boundaries. CST‑L3 builds on this foundation through more advanced skills practice, counselling theory and deeper personal reflection.
Our application to deliver the CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC‑L4) is currently under CPCAB review. TC‑L4 is not yet open for applications or enrolment.
What You Will Learn in CSK-L2
Develop foundational listening and responding skills used within helping conversations.
Core Counselling Skills
Explore how counselling skills can support clearer, more respectful and human-centred communication.
Helping Conversations
Self-Awareness and Reflection
Build reflective awareness of your own feelings, responses, values and communication patterns.
Ethical Awareness and Boundaries
Understand the importance of confidentiality, professional boundaries and responsible helping practice.
Take part in guided learning activities, skills practice, feedback and reflective study within a training environment.
Structured Skills Practice
Who Is CSK-L2 For?
This course is designed for learners who want to develop foundational counselling skills, deepen self-awareness and explore reflective ways of communicating and supporting others.
Beginners Exploring Counselling Skills
For learners who are new to counselling skills and would like a structured introduction to listening, reflection and helping conversations.
Learners Interested in Self-Awareness
For people who want to better understand their own responses, communication patterns and ways of relating to others.
People in Helping or Support Roles
Suitable for those working or volunteering in education, community, wellbeing, care, coaching, pastoral or other support-related settings.
Future Counselling Pathway Explorers
For learners who may be considering further counselling training and want to begin with a foundational CPCAB qualification.
CSK-L2 Learning & Assessment
The course combines tutor-led teaching, skills practice, group discussion and reflective study. Assessment is portfolio-based and aligned with CPCAB learning outcomes and assessment criteria.
Learning Activities
Tutor-led teaching
Group discussion
Skills practice and observation
Reflective journals
Written assignments
Tutor feedback
Assessment Evidence
Observed skills practice
Reflective written work
Assignments mapped to learning outcomes
Learner portfolio
Tutor assessment records
CSK-L2 Entry Requirements
No previous counselling training or professional experience is required. Applicants should be ready to participate in reflective learning, skills practice and group-based training activities.
Aged 18 or Over
Applicants are expected to be aged 18 or above at the start of the course.
No Previous Counselling Training Required
This is an introductory qualification and is suitable for learners beginning their counselling skills training journey.
Sufficient Spoken and Written English
Learners need enough English to participate in class activities, group discussion, skills practice and written reflective work.
Willingness to Reflect and Participate
Learners should be willing to engage in self-reflection, feedback, skills practice and respectful group learning.
Respect for Confidentiality and Boundaries
Learners are expected to respect confidentiality, group agreements, professional boundaries and the educational nature of the course.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, it is a CPCAB qualification in counselling skills. However, it does not qualify learners to practise as counsellors or psychotherapists.
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No previous counselling training or professional experience is required.
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No. All skills practice takes place within the learning environment for educational purposes only.
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You should have enough spoken and written English to take part in class discussions, skills practice and reflective written work.
Next Cohort Information
Course Dates
CSK-L2: Spring 2027 (exact dates to be confirmed). Applications are now open.
CST-L3: Planned for Autumn 2027, subject to numbers. If you hold CPCAB Level 2 or an equivalent qualification and would like to be considered, please register your interest using the form below.
Course Schedule
CSK-L2 comprises 90 guided learning hours, delivered through live online sessions on Saturdays (UK time). Full timetables will be published once dates are confirmed.
Delivery Format
Live online small-group teaching with a CPCAB-approved tutor.
Course Fee
CSK-L2: £1,195. Early-bird fee £995 for applications submitted by 31 January 2027. A CPCAB candidate registration fee of £185 is payable in addition.
CST-L3: Fee to be confirmed.
How to Apply
Apply
Submit the online application form and short written task.
Interview
Book a 15-minute online suitability interview via Microsoft Teams.
Decision
Receive a decision within five working days of your interview.
Offer
Accept your offer and pay a £300 deposit to secure your place.
Enrolment
Submit the required documents and pay the remaining tuition balance.
External Volunteering Opportunities
Online Telephone Befriending with Omega
Nova offers suitable learners a structured volunteering pathway to apply for Chatterbox telephone befriending opportunities with Omega, a Community Volunteering Partner.
Learners apply independently and complete Omega’s usual application, references, DBS, safeguarding training and induction requirements. Volunteers are expected to call their matched client once a week for 26 weeks. Participation depends on successful completion of the recruitment process and suitable matching.
These are befriending volunteer roles, separate from counselling placements and supervised client work.
London Befriending with Age UK East London
Nova may introduce suitable London-based learners to community befriending volunteer opportunities with Age UK East London, a Community Volunteering Partner.
Learners apply independently and complete Age UK East London’s standard interview, reference, DBS, training and matching processes. Volunteers are expected to commit for a minimum of six months.
These opportunities provide companionship and community-support experience and are separate from counselling placements or supervised client work.
London Befriending with Share Community
Nova may signpost suitable learners to befriending volunteer opportunities with Share Community in London.
Interested learners must apply independently through Share’s usual recruitment process and meet its requirements, including references, DBS and, where applicable, overseas police checks, in-person training, safeguarding and a minimum six-month commitment.
Opportunities depend on successful matching and availability. These are befriending volunteer roles, separate from counselling placements and supervised client work.
Register Your Interest
If you are interested in a future CPCAB Level 2 or Level 3 cohort, or in joining one of our free online taster sessions, leave your details below.
We will contact you when the next course dates and schedules are confirmed.
This is an expression of interest, not a formal application, and does not guarantee a course place.
By submitting this form, you are asking us to contact you about our free taster sessions and future CPCAB Level 2 and Level 3 intakes only. We will not add you to a general mailing list.