What Is CPCAB Level 2?

CPCAB Level 2 is the Certificate in Counselling Skills. It is the entry-level qualification for anyone considering a career in counselling in the UK and the starting point for the full CPCAB qualification pathway.

The course introduces the core skills used in counselling, explores the values and ethics that underpin the work, and gives students the opportunity to begin practising those skills in a structured, supported environment.

What CPCAB Stands For

CPCAB stands for the Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body. It is the main Ofqual-regulated awarding organisation for counselling qualifications in the UK. Ofqual regulation means the qualification sits within the national qualifications framework and meets government-set quality standards.

CPCAB designs the qualifications and sets the assessment criteria. Training providers, such as The School of Counselling, are approved by CPCAB to deliver them.

What the CPCAB Level 2 Course Covers

The CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills covers seven core learning outcomes:

Establishing a helping relationship. Students learn how to set up a helping conversation, including contracting around confidentiality, boundaries, and what the session will involve.

Using core counselling skills. This includes listening, reflecting, paraphrasing, asking open questions, sitting with silence, and communicating empathy.

Working within ethical boundaries. Students explore the ethical framework that governs counselling practice, including confidentiality, limits of competence, and when to refer someone on.

Understanding the helping relationship. Students examine the difference between helping, counselling, and other forms of support, and what makes the counselling relationship distinct.

Developing self-awareness. Students are supported to recognise how their own experiences, values, and assumptions affect their work as helpers.

Working within limits of proficiency. Students learn to identify when a concern exceeds their training and how to enable the helpee to find appropriate additional support.

Developing feedback methods. Students learn to unlearn harsh feedback methods and discover how to offer feedback that embraces learning and development.

Who the CPCAB Level 2 Is For

CPCAB Level 2 is designed for people who are new to counselling. No prior qualifications in counselling are required.

People who typically take the course include:

• Those considering a career as a counsellor who want to explore whether the work suits them before committing to a diploma

• People working in roles where they support others, such as healthcare, education, social work, or HR, who want to develop their listening and helping skills

• Individuals who want to understand themselves and their relationships better

• Those who have completed some personal development work and want to move it into a professional context

The CPCAB specification states that applicants should be at least 19 years old, though some providers may accept younger applicants in specific circumstances.

How the CPCAB Level 2 Is Assessed

Assessment at Level 2 is continuous rather than exam-based. Students are assessed through:

A portfolio of evidence. This includes written reflections, self-assessments, and records of helping practice.

Observed practice. Students are assessed on their use of counselling skills in practice sessions, either with peers or in simulated helping conversations.

Written assignments. These address the theoretical content of the course and the application of learning to practice.

There is no final written examination. Assessment runs throughout the course and reflects ongoing development rather than performance on a single day.

What Comes After CPCAB Level 2

CPCAB Level 2 is the first step in a three-stage qualification pathway:

Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies. This is the theoretical stage. Students study the major models of counselling, human development, diversity and difference, and the professional ethics framework in depth. Level 3 is the academic preparation for professional training.

Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling. This is the qualification to practise as a counsellor. Students complete a supervised placement with real clients and are assessed across all areas of counselling competence. Graduates of Level 4 are eligible to apply for BACP membership and to practise as counsellors.

How Long Does CPCAB Level 2 Take?

The standard CPCAB Level 2 runs over approximately 30 weeks. Some providers offer an intensive version over a shorter period.

At The School of Counselling, CPCAB Level 2 is available in 2 formats: a standard 30-lesson online course and an 18-lesson intensive option. All are delivered live via Zoom.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is CPCAB Level 2?

CPCAB Level 2 is the Certificate in Counselling Skills. It is an Ofqual-regulated qualification that introduces the core skills, values, and ethical framework of counselling. It is the entry point for the CPCAB qualification pathway and the starting point for most people pursuing a career as a counsellor in the UK.

Do you need any qualifications to do CPCAB Level 2?

No prior counselling qualifications are required. CPCAB Level 2 is designed as an entry-level course. Most training providers require applicants to be at least 19 years old and to demonstrate the ability to study at the appropriate level, but no specific academic qualifications are needed.

Is CPCAB Level 2 recognised by BACP?

CPCAB is an Ofqual-regulated awarding body and its qualifications are recognised within the national qualifications framework. CPCAB Level 2 is the first step toward CPCAB Level 4, which is recognised by BACP for membership purposes. Level 2 on its own does not qualify someone to practise as a counsellor or to apply for BACP membership.

Can you work as a counsellor with a CPCAB Level 2?

No. CPCAB Level 2 is a skills foundation course. It qualifies you to use counselling skills in a helping context, not to practise as a qualified counsellor. To practise as a counsellor, you need to complete the full pathway through to Level 4.

What is the difference between CPCAB Level 2 and Level 3?

Level 2 focuses on the practical skills of helping: listening, reflecting, empathy, working within boundaries. Level 3 is the theoretical stage: studying counselling models, human development, diversity, and the professional framework. Both are required before progressing to Level 4.

How is CPCAB Level 2 assessed?

Assessment is continuous and portfolio-based. There is no written examination. Students are assessed through reflective writing, observed practice sessions, and written assignments. Assessment reflects ongoing development across the course rather than performance on a single occasion.

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The School of Counselling is a CPCAB-approved online training provider. CPCAB Level 2 is available in standard and intensive formats, delivered live via Zoom.