Home - Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body
You are here: Home > Qualifications > Current Qualifications > Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies

Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies

Download a PDF at a glance guide to our Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies

Qualification information
Qualification Number CST-L3 is accredited by the Office of the Qualifications & Examinations Regulator (Ofqual) into the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF). The qualification number for CST-L3 is 600/5104/8.
Qualification structure 1 mandatory unit:
A/503/9737 Developing Understanding of Counselling
Target candidates

This qualification is intended for candidates who want to:

  • take the next step in training to become a counsellor (having already acquired counselling skills);
  • learn more about counselling theory and agency work
Level 3
Guided learning hours 90 (minimum)
Credit value 20
Minimum age 19 years1
Entry requirements

Candidates are required to have undertaken counselling skills training – e.g. CPCAB’s Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (CSK-L2) or equivalent units/qualifications of at least 75 GLH.

See also CPCAB candidate entry requirements in section 5 of the Qualification Document and RPL guidance on the tutor CD.

Progression

Successful candidates may progress onto CPCAB’s Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC-L4) – provided that CPCAB’s Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (CSK-L2), or its RPL equivalent, is first acquired in addition to CST-L3.

The unit credit can also be used towards other relevant qualifications on the QCF.

See section 6 of the Qualification Document for progression route details.
Assessment

Candidate portfolio evidencing minimum assessment requirements.
See section 3 of the Qualification Document.

Additional assessment requirements Externally assessed written paper after watching a CPCAB DVD (under exam conditions).2
Grading system Pass
Personal counselling or therapy (for trainee) None required.
Work-place experience (for trainee) None required.
Staffing and other resources

Only one trainer-assessor is needed for internal assessment.

See section 4 for details of tutor-assessor qualifications and experience.
Internal Moderation and Verification Centres are required to have robust internal moderation and verification processes that are verified by CPCAB.
Candidate Registration Fee £134
Centre application for CPCAB approval to offer the qualification

Centre application fee: £159 (one-off fee).

Centres can design their own training programmes3 qualification or use approved course material written to CPCAB specifications.4

1This age requirement is linked to Ofqual’s system for categorising qualifications.

2 Candidates must pass both the internal and external assessment to receive the qualification.

3 All centre-designed courses must be submitted to CPCAB for approval before candidates can be registered. Although the delivery of courses may differ from centre to centre, all delivery must enable the candidates to achieve the learning outcomes specified in the unit.

4 Please contact CSCT on 0121 321 1396 or visit www.counsellingtraining.com for further details.