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Foundation Degree in Counselling - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I start the foundation degree?
If I already have counselling qualifications do I have to start at level 2?
What qualifications are equivalent to CSK-L2?
Where is my nearest training centre?
How long will it take to complete the Foundation Degree (FD)?
How much does it cost?
Am I eligible to receive funding?
Do I have to do the courses in any specific order?
Can I study the OU’s D171 instead of CPCAB’s Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies as the entry to the Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling?
What would tutors be looking for at the TC-L4 interview?
I already have a degree; can I start at the level 4 diploma?
Why is a psychology degree not an acceptable entry qualification for the Level 4 diploma?
I have a diploma from another awarding organisation so can I do the OU Foundation Degree?
Am I eligible to receive funding?
I already have a degree; can I start at the level 4 diploma?

How do I start the foundation degree?
The first step in training as a counsellor is the CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (CSK-L2) which is a 90 guided learning hour (GLH) course. You will spend between 6-10 months learning counselling skills in a classroom environment i.e. 90 guided learning hours. The next qualification in the progression route to the foundation degree is the CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (CST-L3) which is also a 90 GLH course.

Both the level 2 and 3 qualifications are the preparatory qualifications for the Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC-L4) which is part of the foundation degree. This is a two year course and once completed you can progress on to one of the level 5 qualifications – Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling (PC-L5) or Level 5 Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapeutic Skills and Theory (CBT-L5).
All of these qualifications involve learning in a classroom, in a group with a tutor present. Levels 4 and 5 will require you to work with clients under supervision.

If I already have counselling qualifications do I have to start at level 2?
If you have already gained counselling skills and theory qualifications with a minimum of 150 GLH with another awarding organisation, it may be possible to start at Level 4 but speak to a CPCAB tutor at the training centre as they select students for their courses and will be able to assess your relevant prior learning.

What qualifications are equivalent to CSK-L2?
The CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (CSK-L2) is 90 GLH (Guided Learning Hours). This is the time spent in the classroom and should not be confused with credit points. As a guide, an equivalent counselling skills qualification should be a minimum of 75 GLH, or a combined skills and theory course of 150 GLH.

Where is my nearest training centre?
CPCAB qualifications are delivered in FE Colleges, Adult Education Centres and Private Training Centres. Use our training centre finder to find your nearest CPCAB centre.

How long will it take to complete the Foundation Degree (FD)?
As each centre structures their own training programmes, they will vary slightly but as a guide it will take about 3 years to do the CPCAB Level 4 and 5 components of the FD. You may also need the entry qualifications to the level 4, which may take between 1-2 years. As most of our learners are adults the courses tend to be on a part time basis. The additional OU modules can be completed at any time – before, during or after the CPCAB work based components.

How much does it cost?
You need to contact your nearest training centre to find out how much the CPCAB qualifications will cost. To find your nearest centre, use our training centre finder. Contact the OU to find out the cost of their knowledge based components of the FD.

Am I eligible to receive funding?
Individual financial assistance may be available. To find out more contact your nearest CPCAB training centre or the Open University. To find your nearest CPCAB centre, use our training centre finder.

Do I have to do the courses in any specific order?
Yes. Please follow our step-by-step guide to the Foundation Degree in Counselling for full details of the order courses must be completed in.

Can I study the OU’s D171 instead of CPCAB’s Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies as the entry to the Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling?
Yes, D171 is an acceptable alternative to CST-L3. However, to enter onto TC-L4 you will:

(a) Also need to have gained CPCAB’s Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (CSK-L2) or its equivalent; and...
(b) Regardless of the qualifications held, prospective candidates will have a personal interview prior to being accepted onto TC-L4.

If the training centre is still concerned about any area of your experience you may not be accepted on to the Diploma course.

Take the advice of the tutors at the interview, but the following activities may help you to prepare for your interview and progress to an acceptable level:

It has always been the case that entry onto TC-L4 is not just about previous qualifications. Our candidate entry requirements stress the need to:

What would tutors be looking for at the TC-L4 interview?
In addition to successful completion of the CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills and Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies courses or their equivalents, entry to the Diploma courses involves having an interview with the counselling team at your chosen training provider.

Tutors will consider the following important factors in selecting applicants for a programme leading to The Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC-L4):

You will need to be able to:

Candidate will also need to:

I already have a degree; can I start at the level 4 diploma?
The qualifications required as entry to the Level 4 Diploma are CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills and the CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies, or the equivalent with another awarding organisation. These qualifications are important as they prepare the learner for the two year diploma. As a minimum you need to have completed at least 150 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).

If you have covered the above entry requirements in the degree you have studied, then you can start at level 4 but most degrees do not include the specific practical training in counselling skills, so you will need to start at level 2. If you are still unsure, contact your nearest CPCAB approved training centre and speak to a counselling tutor. Use our website's training centre finder to find your nearest training centre.

Why is a psychology degree not an acceptable entry qualification for the Level 4 diploma?
A psychology degree is a knowledge based qualification which requires a high level of academic ability. Counselling is a relational activity which depends on personal qualities, self-awareness and soft skills such as the ability to build a trusting relationship, work with difference and diversity and to convey empathic understanding. These aspects are not included or assessed in most psychology degree programmes and have to be learned and developed in a very different learning context. Unless psychology degree students have other relevant experience it is advisable to start with Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (CSK-L2).

I have a diploma from another awarding organisation so can I do the OU Foundation Degree?
The OU only accept CPCAB levels 4 and 5 as the qualifications that are suitable for their FD. Diplomas from other awarding organisations are not accepted as components of the OU FD in counselling.

Am I eligible to receive funding?
Individual financial assistance may be available to find out more contact your nearest CPCAB training centre or from the Open University at www.openuniversity.co.uk/counsellingfd. To find your nearest CPCAB training centre, use our training centre finder.

I already have a degree; can I start at the level 4 diploma?
The qualifications required as entry to the Level 4 Diploma are Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills and the Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies, or the equivalent with another awarding body. These qualifications are important as they prepare the learner for the two year diploma. As a minimum you need to have completed at least 150 Guided Learning Hours (GLH). You can opt to do the OU’s D171 instead of the CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies.

If you have covered the above entry requirements in the degree you have studied, then you can start at level 4 but most degrees do not include the specific practical training in counselling skills, so you will need to start at level 2. If you are still unsure, contact your nearest CPCAB approved training centre and speak to a tutor. Use our website's training centre finder to find your nearest training centre.