CPCAB Level 3 Course:
Certificate in Counselling Studies
Helping you prepare for a career in counselling
So, you’ve completed your CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills, and you’ve learned the fundamentals of listening, discovering the power of being truly present for another person. But what’s next?
Most people will need Level 2 before moving on to Level 3 as it provides the foundation we build on. However, if you already have relevant training or experience, you may be eligible to start directly at Level 3 via exemption. We’ll assess that as part of your application.
Our CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies course provides the vital bridge between these foundational skills and professional practitioner training. It’s specifically designed to give you the substance, knowledge, and confidence you need to progress successfully to the CPCAB Level 4 Diploma and beyond.
Our mission at this level is to help you build a solid theoretical framework that turns your practical skills into a professional, ethical, and informed practice. You will journey from the ‘how’ of your skills to the ‘why’ of your therapeutic presence. We’ll demystify the core counselling modalities, making complex theories clear, accessible, and relevant to your future work.
This course is where your identity as a future practitioner truly begins to take shape. You’ll engage in stimulating group discussions, build on your practical skills, and continue your own journey of personal growth and self-awareness. Our expert tutors will support you every step of the way, ensuring you feel challenged, capable, and inspired.
If you are serious about becoming a professional counsellor and want to build the robust knowledge base leading into the final stage of your training and your future career, our Level 3 course is your essential next step.
“I’m having a wonderful experience with Astranti Connect! I did a Level 2 course with them last year, and was taught by Lindsey, who was a fantastic tutor. The enquiries team were also very responsive and helpful whenever I emailed them questions about the wider course.
I unhesitatingly enrolled for a Level 3 course with Astranti this year, and so far I’m having a lovely experience. The tutor Marion is very knowledgeable and experienced, and teaches in a warm yet thought-provoking manner. I highly recommend Astranti Connect!“
Focused on you
Experienced counsellors supporting you at every stage
Small group sizes so tutors are always on hand
Added to an active online community for peer support
Flexible study options
Classroom or live online learning to suit your needs
Daytime and evening courses are available
Pay with an instalment option to spread payments
What you’ll learn…
Our level 3 course is focused on developing your counselling skills, teaching everything you need to take your next big step towards becoming qualified.
Here are just a few of the skills that you will pick up along the way…
More about our course content…
Building on the solid foundation you established at Level 2, this course dives deeper into the user-centred approach and provides a comprehensive introduction to the agency settings involved in becoming a counsellor.
You’ll be introduced to three major theoretical approaches in counselling: person-centred counselling, psychodynamic therapy, and cognitive-behavioural therapy. You will have the opportunity to apply each of these theories to yourself, gaining new insights into your personality, relationships, and personal history.
Hone essential techniques such as setting boundaries, contracting with clients, conducting thorough assessments, and making precise referrals. By embracing these concepts, you’ll understand the significance of clinical supervision as you receive the vital support and guidance essential for your professional journey.
Develop a deeper understanding of common mental health problems and the hallmarks of positive mental health. You will unravel the intricacies of working within an ethical framework, learning to navigate ethical dilemmas and align with agency policies and procedures.
By the end of the course, you will be equipped with the skills needed to make a positive impact in various counselling settings, ultimately setting you on the path to Level 4.
Also included with your course:
Seminar subscription
With two live sessions every month, our seminars cover a wide range of fascinating topics and provide numerous opportunities for collaboration, sharing, and discussion. A combination of our in-house tutors and expert guest speakers brings a wide range of experience and expertise to each session. Additionally, you’ll have access to our entire backlog of recorded sessions.
CPCAB digital library
With our course, you’ll get free access to the CPCAB digital library, where you can find the official course books. This enables you to gain additional insights into each of the key course areas, directly enhancing your knowledge through CPCAB’s expert team.
How our course compares
At Astranti Connect our aim is to provide the best and most comprehensive CPCAB-accredited counselling courses in the UK, and we are continually developing our courses and training our tutors to achieve that goal.
When you’re comparing our course to others, it’s important to consider what our course offers compared to other typical courses. Here’s a comparison against typical course offered by a local college:
How you’ll earn your qualification
Your route to BACP accreditation!
The great thing about undertaking a CPCAB course is that it’s recognised nationally and focused on helping you become the best counsellor you can be!
CPCAB courses are formally recognised by BACP (the UK’s leading counselling membership body) and the NCPS (The National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society), so the 90 formal learning hours you pick up on this course will count towards the 450 minimum hours of training required for membership. Membership of an organisation like BACP (or equivalent body) is vital if you wish to become a respected counsellor and work for organisations such as the NHS.
To pass the course, you have to prove your understanding of counselling theory and concepts alongside those skills you learned at level 2. This is primarily assessed practically as you progress through the course – the tutor will gain evidence by observing you demonstrating your skills, awareness and knowledge in practical exercises and sessions. In addition, during the course you will complete a learning review, practice case presentations, give & receive peer feedback and undertake a self-review of your own learning. All of these are also used to provide evidence of your competence and meet the course requirements.
At the end of the course, you will undertake two short assignments which will be assessed by CPCAB.
By completing both the internal assessment within the course and the external assessment with the CPCAB, you will obtain your qualification.
Our team of experienced tutors knows what it takes to make it as a counsellor. After all, they’re all qualified counsellors themselves and continue to be trained regularly in our tutor development programme! Head to our tutor page to meet the level 3 tutors for your course.
What our students say
“My experience with Astranti Connect has been first class. From the initial communication, to the online interview and the follow up course materials, it has been a very pleasurable experience. The level of professionalism and course knowledge has been second to none and gives me a feeling of total confidence in the quality and delivery of online courses. I have already recommended Astranti Connect as a course provider for one of my clients and will continue to do so for anyone look to study online with a CPCAB accredited provider with BACP approval.“
“I am doing my Level 3 course online and although I was worried about how this would work, actually it is really good. The staff and tutors are really supportive.
The course content is available in good timing for your session and there is lots of opportunity to talk to the tutors either before the session or after – couldn’t ask for more! Great company!”
“I completed my Level 2 in Counselling and Psychotherapy with Astranti and will be finishing Level 3 in May. I have truly enjoyed the entire journey. The progression from Level 2 to Level 3 has been incredible – the deeper content and more in-depth discussions have really helped me grow, both personally and professionally. I’ve learned so much, not only from the course itself but also from my peers.
A special mention goes to my tutor, Selina, who has been outstanding—supportive, compassionate, and knowledgeable. She helped each one of us build confidence and develop key counselling skills in a safe, encouraging environment.
If I decide to pursue Level 4, there’s no doubt I will be choosing Astranti again.“
Visit our live student rating to see over 700 reviews, including our latest student feedback.
Find your course
At Astranti Connect, we understand the importance of providing affordable and flexible study options that cater to your needs and lifestyle.
With our instalment plan, you can spread the cost of your course over 9 months, interest-free.
Depending on your preferences and availability, you can choose between our online and classroom courses, as well as evening and daytime options.
We have many course locations across the UK, however, if you can’t make it to one of our regional hubs, we have online courses which can be accessed from anywhere in the country.
£125/month
Course costs:
£1,186 (our course) + £189 (CPCAB fees)
Total payable: £1,375
Payment options:
Instalment plan: £250 deposit + 9x monthly payments of £125
Full payment: £250 deposit + 1x payment of £1,125
Upcoming courses
Explore our upcoming level 3 courses and find one that suits you.
Need help choosing your course?
If you’re thinking about joining one of our level 3 courses, but still have questions you need answers to, why not book a 1-2-1 call with one of our course advisors?
Our course advisors are on hand to help you with any queries that you may have about our courses, and our 1-2-1 calls are completely free.
To book your call, find a time slot that suits you on our 1-2-1 booking calendars below: