What is the course about?
Please note: this course is not available to learners in many areas of England with devolved adult skills funding. Please view the Level 2 Distance Learning page for details on eligibility
This qualification has a duration of 12 weeks and is useful for anyone who would like to develop their use of counselling skills for use in either work or a personal capacity. These may be learners who wish to progress towards further qualifications or learners who wish to study this programme in order to complement other programmes e.g. Health and Social Care, Children Care, learning and development, voluntary and community work.
Learners are advised that certain course materials may contain sensitive content that some individuals could find distressing or triggeringIn order to undertake this course, you must have English at Level 1. You will need to know how to use an electrical device such as; a computer, laptop or tablet due to the delivery of the course being all online.
To be awarded the Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills, learners are required to successfully complete 4 mandatory units:
Using counselling skills
Introduction to counselling skills theories
Diversity and ethics in the use of counselling skills
Counselling skills and personal development
You will be provided with online learning materials which covers all aspects of your course. You will be required to complete assessments for each of the units within the course and submit these by the deadline dates provided at induction. You will be allocated an assessor at the start of your course and they will support you to ensure you have a successful outcome. IT skills will be developed throughout your course and basic English skills will be assessed and discussed on an ongoing basis. Part of the assessment criteria of this course involves a role play activity. Alternatively, a reflective account can be used in place of the role play task. If choosing the role play option, you will need to have someone present to simulate a helping interaction. If you are unable to find someone to support you with the role play, please inform you tutor. Whilst Information discussed within assessment activities will remain confidential (except for sharing with your Tutor, it may be necessary to share information with relevant professionals / agencies if the role play participant/s are at risk of significant harm. This will be discussed with participant/s before appropriate disclosure, where possible.
The course is free if you meet the eligibility criteria. You must be a UK resident or have lived in the UK for 3 years or more and be aged 19 or older on 31 August 2025. You will need internet access so that you can respond to email and a digital device that will enable you to type your answers into a web-based platform.
On successful completion of this course you will gain a Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills. This qualification aims to introduce learners to the use of counselling skills in everyday life and work, and some of the approaches that underpin the use of these skills. It gives learners the opportunity to investigate the knowledge and skills needed to use counselling skills and engage in a helping interaction appropriately.
If you are interested in progressing to further study at the next level of vocational learning, the following qualifications are available:
Level 3 Award in Counselling Skills Theory
Level 3 Diploma in Counselling Skills
