Certificate in Counselling Skills – Level 2
This qualification is designed to give you the underpinning knowledge, skills and competencies to use counselling skills ethically and safely in a variety of contexts and roles.
Course Summary
Course Information for Students
Who is this course for?
This course is for those who:
- are starting the first level of training as a professional counsellor
- want to learn counselling skills in other professional or helping roles
- want to improve their professional and personal relationships as part of their personal development
Entry Requirements
To access the CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills you need to have completed the CPCAB Level 2 Award in an Introduction to Counselling Skills. This means you should have received a minimum of 30 guided learning hours (delivered by a tutor) of classroom-based training with the application/assessment of counselling skills/personal development and self-awareness or an equivalent.
You must also be:
- able to cope with the course content
- motivated to develop as a helper
- emotionally stable
- aware of difference and diversity
- able to provide a professional reference (unless progressing directly from our Level 2 Award in Counselling Skills)
What will you learn?
You will study and develop knowledge, understanding and skills in:
- using counselling skills ethically and safely
- establishing and sustaining boundaries (including time, confidentiality and role limitations)
- working empathetically as a helper
- focusing on the helpee’s needs and concerns
- using self awareness in helping work (including reflecting on your own personality, your own personal history, and your own patterns of relating to others)
- using a range of counselling skills (including listening and responding skills, questioning techniques and response timings)
- using feedback and reflection to enhance counselling skills
How will you learn?
You will attend face to face lessons
What will you need to bring with you?
Laptop or stationary
How will you be assessed?
You will complete an assignment and your tutor will observe, record and assess your skills in practice scenarios, alongside some peer-assessed and self-reviewed activity
Where next?
Further Study
Completion of the Level 2 Certificate can lead to the Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills, which is the next step on the route to becoming a counsellor.
Careers
This qualification could lead to employment or enhance employability for those whose role is to support others in areas such as health and social care work, teaching and learning, advocacy and mediation, support and project work, and other helping roles.
It also provides additional skills for those already in employment so is likely to lead to increased opportunities for promotion and advancement.
Who do you contact for more information?
For more information contact Derby College on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk
Course Information for Employers
Information for Employers
Career Information
Course Information Last Updated On: November 28, 2025 3:57 pm