Counselling Skills: Level 2 Certificate
For anyone who would like to develop their use of counselling skills for use in either work or a personal capacity.
Course summary
- Qualification
- NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills
- Level
- Level 2
- Awarding body
- NCFE (CACHE)
- Qualification number (QAN)
- 600/0728/X
- Guided learning
- 120 hours
- Total time
- 160 hours, including study and assessment
- Cost
- Free if you are eligible
Who it's for and what you'll learn
This Counselling Skills NCFE CACHE Level 2 qualification would be useful for anyone who would like to develop their use of counselling skills for use in either work or in a personal capacity.
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
The objectives of this qualification are to help learners to:
- develop counselling skills
- understand the different approaches involved in the use of counselling skills
- appreciate the importance of self-development.
This course is ideal for those who seek new opportunities within a counselling career path.
This is especially useful for job roles such as Counsellor, Youth Worker or Psychotherapist.
What the course covers
To be awarded the Counselling Skills level 2 qualification, learners are required to successfully achieve 4 mandatory units:
Unit 1 - Using counselling skills
In this unit, learners will have an opportunity to identify and practise a range of skills used when participating in a counselling skills interaction.
The learner will:
- Know what core counselling skills are
- Know how to establish a helping relationship
- Be able to use core counselling skills in a helping relationship
- Know how to conclude a helping interaction
Unit 2 - Introduction to counselling skills theories
In this unit, learners will be introduced to the key elements of the main theoretical approaches to counselling.
The learner will:
- Know elements of counselling theories
- Know the significance of counselling theory
Unit 3 - Diversity and ethics in the use of counselling skills
In this unit, learners will be introduced to the concepts of diversity and ethics and their importance in the use of counselling skills.
The learner will:
- Know how an ethical framework relates to the use of counselling skills
- Know what discrimination means
- Understand about anti-discriminatory practice
Unit 4 - Counselling skills and personal development
In this unit, learners will have an opportunity to reflect on their personal and future development and identify potential sources of support.
The learner will:
- Know how to develop self-understanding
- Know personal qualities relevant to the helping roles
- Know how to meet your own support needs
- Know how self-reflection contributes to personal development
How these courses usually work
Every provider does things a little differently, so check the details with them before you apply.
Where and how you study
Most of these courses are studied online, from home. You'll usually need internet access and a laptop or desktop computer. A phone or tablet may not be enough. Some providers can send paper workbooks if you ask.
How long it takes
- This qualification is designed to take about 160 hours in total, including study and assessment.
- Many learners finish in around 6 weeks by studying 4 to 5 hours a week. You can go faster if you have more time.
- Providers usually set a deadline, often 10 to 12 weeks after you start.
Support
Providers usually give you a tutor who marks your work and answers your questions by email, phone or message.
Assessment
There are usually no exams. Instead, you answer assessment questions as you work through the course and send them to your tutor to mark. If an answer needs more work, you can usually change it and send it again.
Your certificate
When you pass, your certificate comes from the awarding body, NCFE. It often takes 8 to 12 weeks to arrive after your final assessment.
Things to check before you start
- Many providers only let you study one funded course at a time.
- If you leave the course early, or don't finish by the deadline, some providers charge an admin or withdrawal fee, often around £125. Ask about this before you sign up.
Can I do this course for free?
ASF local flexibility: 19+, England resident, unemployed or earning under £26,800 (devolved areas vary).
Check whether you're eligible for a free course. The provider makes the final decision.
Where can I study this?
We've found 4 providers offering this course for free to eligible learners.
Answer a few quick questions to check whether you’re likely to get this course for free. We’ll then show you which providers offer it.
What could I do next?
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Sources
- NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills - List of Qualifications approved for fundingqualifications.education.gov.uk
- NCFE qualification specification (600/0728/X)ncfe.org.uk (PDF)
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