Foundation Degree in Counselling - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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):

Ability to

• Demonstrate development of self-awareness, insight, honesty and the ability to make links.
• Use imagination, intuition, openness and ability to benefit from self-development.
• Understand the need for emotional stability and the absence of personality disturbance.
• Provide evidence of having engaged with a counselling or helping agency or
• Find out about how helping and counselling agencies work.
• Identify reasons for training beyond just personal development.
• Be aware of and manage the time and other resources required to meet demands of the course.
• Be academically and emotionally able to cope with this level of training.
• Ability to work with difference and diversity.
• Skilfully form a helping relationship.
• Respond sensitively and empathically to others.
• Challenge and be challenged.
• Provide references.

How long will it take to complete the foundation degree?
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 qualifications. 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.

How much does it cost?
As CPCAB is an awarding body, our qualifications are delivered through FE Colleges, Adult Education Centres and Private Training Centres. You need to contact your nearest centre to find out when they are running the courses and the costs involved. To find your nearest centre, use our centre finder.

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 centre, use our 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 centre and speak to a tutor. Use our website's centre finder to find your nearest centre.

Do I have to do the courses in any specific order?
The CPCAB qualifications have to be done in order of level commencing at Level 2 and working through each level. The OU courses can be done in any order to suit the individual although we do recommend that you study the CPCAB Level 2 qualification before the OU’s D171.

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 at least equal to 90 GLH.

Where is my nearest centre?
Use our centre finder.