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First things first: enrolling
To check course content, eligibility, and to enrol, head to our main Counselling Skills course page. That’s where you’ll find the full syllabus, funding details, and the learning platform you’ll be studying on.
Once enrolled, you’ll receive access to your learning platform and everything you need to get started. Most learners begin within 1-2 weeks, with clear guidance on what to expect.
The course is online and flexible, so you can fit learning around work, family, or other commitments. You’ll work through the content at your own pace within set deadlines, with time to reflect and apply what you’re learning.
You’re supported throughout the course with tutor guidance and feedback, so if you’re unsure, have questions, or need help staying on track, there’s someone there to support you.
Many learners take this course to support existing people-facing roles such as support work, care, education, or community roles. Others use it to explore whether counselling or mental health work feels like the right direction.
A lot of learners go on to progress to Level 3 courses in counselling or related subjects once they’ve completed this one.
Is the course right for you?
Not sure if the Counselling Skills course is the right fit for you?
Why don’t you take our quick quiz to help you work it out? It’s short, easy, and a fun way to see if this course matches your skills, interests and goals…
On the course, you’ll have tutor support throughout, with guidance on your coursework, feedback on your progress, and someone there to answer questions if you get stuck.
To help you stay organised from the start, you can also download our free Study Planner, designed to help you plan your time, stay on track, and fit studying around work, family, and everyday life.
The Counselling Skills course takes around 6-12 weeks to complete, with an average of 5-10 hours of study per week.
You can log in and study at times that work for you.
Yes – the course is 100% online, so you can study from home, around work or other commitments.
You’ll need access to a computer or tablet to access (the learning platform is not compatible on a phone).
That’s completely fine. Many learners haven’t studied in years before starting. The course is designed to be accessible and supportive, with clear guidance and tutor support throughout.
Yes. You’ll have tutor support throughout the course, including feedback on your work and help if you’re unsure about an assignment or topic.
No exams. The course is assessed through assessments only, broken down into manageable sections.
On successful completion, you’ll receive an accredited Level 2 Counselling Skills qualification, awarded by recognised bodies such as NCFE, CACHE or TQUK (depending on provider).
No – this course teaches counselling skills and theory, not counselling or therapy. It’s a learning course, not a form of emotional support or treatment.
Life happens. Deadlines are there to help keep you on track, but extensions and resubmissions are available, and tutors are there to support you if you’re struggling.
For many learners, this course is a really valuable starting point. It’s often used to build confidence, or support people already working in people-facing roles such as support work, care, education, or community roles.
A lot of learners go on to progress to Level 3 courses in counselling, while others use it to strengthen job applications, develop reflective skills, or simply gain a better understanding of mental health and communication.
It doesn’t qualify you as a counsellor on its own, but it can help you feel clearer about your next step, whatever that looks like.
Alongside learning about Counselling Skills, we know some people exploring this course may also be thinking about their own wellbeing, or supporting others through difficult moments.
While the Counselling Skills course teaches listening, communication, and understanding, it is not a counselling or therapy service.
If you’re looking for personal support, the organisations below are there to help.
Mental health information, advice, and local support services across England
0300 123 3393
www.mind.org.uk
24/7 support if you’re struggling or feeling overwhelmed.
Available 24/7 on 116 123
Free, confidential text support for anyone in crisis, available 24/7.
Text “SHOUT” to 85258
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TQUK qualifications are delivered by The Skills Network.
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