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- Diploma in Counselling Skills
Diploma in Counselling Skills
Level
3
15–25 weeks
Want to develop advanced counselling skills to support others with empathy and professionalism?
Our NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Counselling Skills expands on the foundations of counselling practice, covering core theories, reflective practice, and the skills needed to work ethically and effectively. You’ll explore the counselling relationship, communication strategies, and professional responsibilities.
This course is perfect for those already using counselling skills in their work or personal life and wanting to progress further. It’s also a stepping stone for those looking to pursue higher-level counselling qualifications or careers in support services.
Eligibility criteria
You must be either unemployed or in employment but earning below the low wage threshold of £25,750 or are aged 19–23 with a prior attainment below level 3 to be eligible to undertake this free online course. You will need to have achieved the Level 2 Counselling Skills course prior to enrolling onto the Level 3 Counselling Skills course.
*Other eligibility criteria may apply
Course title: NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Counselling Skills
Course ref: 600/0727/8
This qualification helps you:
- Demonstrate counselling skills for use in everyday life and across a range of work settings
- Explain the different approaches that underpin the use of counselling skills
- Apply counselling skills as part of a functional role in sectors such as health, social care, education, or community work
- Reflect on and develop your own self-awareness and self-development in relation to using counselling skills
- Recognise how this qualification can support progression towards accredited counsellor training or other further qualifications
- Unit 1: Developing Counselling Skills
- Unit 2: Theoretical Approaches in the Use of Counselling Skills
- Unit 3: Working Ethically with Counselling Skills
- Unit 4: Counselling Skills and Diversity
- Unit 5: Counselling Skills and Personal Development
No exams required — you'll complete assessment activities that demonstrate your knowledge and skills.
Successful learners often progress to:
- Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
- Level 4 NVQ Diploma in Advice and Guidance
- Foundation Degrees in Counselling
This course also carries UCAS points, which can support university applications.
This course is also a great step toward careers in:
- Mental Health Support Worker
- Support Worker (supported living)
- Healthcare Support Service Worker
- Information, Advice and Guidance Worker
- Health Education/Health Promotion Worker
- Volunteer roles
This course may be fully funded through the Adult Skills Fund if not we have self-funding options available.
Why learn with CT Skills?
Maximise learning & development budgets
Employers can improve retention, morale, and CPD outcomes.
80% achievement rate
Achieve a nationally recognised NCFE qualification.
Dedicated tutor support
Expert guidance every step of the way.
Achieve in as little as 15-25 weeks
By committing 5–10 hours per week.
It has given me a wider appreciation of counselling and given me the knowledge needed in counselling which will help me in my future goal of joining the police.
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Helpful to have a better understanding of learning difficulties to increase my knowledge and inform my work.
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Safeguarding knowledge has increased. The staff members are more aware now!
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Refreshed and updated my knowledge on understanding behaviour that challenges; it’s had a positive impact at work.
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I am caring for an elderly family member that has the start of dementia and it's helped me understand the changes in him and the reasoning why.
Adult Skills Fund
This course may be fully funded through the Adult Skills Fund if not we have self-funding options available.
Use this search tool to check funding in your area.
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Eligibility Criteria:
- Aged 19 or over as of 31/8/25
- Living in England
- Not currently enrolled on any other government funded course or started another application for one
Please note: Not all areas of England are funded. You can use our postcode checker above to see if you are.
The most likely reason is that you live in a postcode area that we do not currently deliver funded courses in, but we do have a self-funded route. Please contact our customer service team to discuss via 0115 959 9544 or complete the contact form below.
Of course! We have options available to self-fund courses. Details can be found on each course page.
Level 2 courses typically take up to 10 weeks and Level 3 courses 15–25 weeks.
You will need to commit 5–10 hours study time each week to meet the course unit deadlines.
Yes – your qualification will be nationally recognised accreditation by NCFE CACHE and you will receive a certificate.
Once you've signed up, we'll check your details. As soon as everything is approved, your course will be unlocked. You'll get an automatic email to let you know it's ready. After that your tutor will send you a welcome email. They'll also invite you to a masterclass where you can meet them and get started.
Absolutely. Our courses can be offered via the adult skills fund if eligible, if not we have lots of options available to self-fund courses. Details can be found on each course page.