Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills

funded by uk government
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Provide support to improve personal well-being…

Free Online Counselling Skills Course with Certificate

This award-winning free online course 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.

funded by uk government

Fully funded through the UK Government’s Adult Skills Fund (ASF). No cost for eligible learners.

Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills

funded by uk government

Duration

Develop counselling skills to support others in just 6–12 weeks.

Fully Accredited

Gain a nationally recognised, accredited Level 2 qualification.

Save £399

Fully funded for eligible adults through the Adult Skills Fund (ASF).

Free online counselling skills course with Level 2 certificate

Fast-track

Enrol online in under 10 minutes…

Adviser support

Free one-to-one advice and guidance…

Funding

100% online

About this free online course

The objectives of the award-winning counselling course are to help you develop counselling skills, understand the different approaches involved in the use of counselling skills, and appreciate the importance of self-development.

The course is 100% online, flexible, and does not require exams. It is an accredited level 2 qualification and includes expert tutor support. 

People in any situation could benefit from counselling; those with the correct understanding, knowledge, and skills can provide them with support to improve their well-being.

Tutor Support

Learn in confidence with support from a qualified tutor throughout the course.

Development

Join thousands of learners in growing both professionally and personally.

Talking therapy is for anyone who's going through a bad time or has emotional problems they need help with. For many adults, it may be the same or more effective than medicine.​

Source: NHS

Course content

Your free course is split into manageable units.

There are no exams. You will complete assessment questions based on the skills and knowledge you have gained from the course units below…

Using counselling skills

In this unit you will have an opportunity to identify and practise a range of skills used when participating in a counselling skills interaction.

Counselling skills theories

In this unit you will be introduced to the key elements of the main theoretical approaches to counselling.

Diversity and ethics in the use of counselling skills

In this unit, you will be introduced to the concepts of diversity and ethics and their importance in the use of counselling skills.

Counselling skills and personal development

In this unit you will have an opportunity to reflect on their personal and future development and identify potential sources of support.

How it works

3 simple steps to qualification…

fast track online enrolment

Fast-track online enrolment

You can begin your stress-free journey to qualification by completing the short form on this page.

Once submitted, we’ll instantly match you with a relevant training provider based on your location to complete your enrolment.

Free Online Counselling Course with Certificate,Counselling Course

Award-winning online learning

Enjoy a flexible and engaging learning experience through an award-winning online platform with support from a qualified tutor.

You can access first-class resources, interactive case studies, and support tools. All available on any device, anytime.

Free Online Counselling Course with Certificate,Counselling Course

Gain an accredited qualification

Your nationally recognised level 2 certificate proves you’ve developed essential new skills and in-depth knowledge. The qualification is accredited by either NCFE or TQUK, depending on your location.

It’s a powerful personal achievement that boosts confidence, enhances employability, supports CPD and opens the door to further study or career progression.

free course learners with certificates

Learner testimonials

Watch recent video testimonials from our learners…

Funded by UK Government

The level 2 certificate is available online through one of our approved training provider partners, with the specific provider depending on your location.

The course is fully funded for eligible learners in England through the Adult Skills Fund (ASF), formerly known as the Adult Education Budget (AEB), which supports adult learning and skill development across the country.

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Updated eligibility criteria

More people than ever now qualify for free courses…

Get free course advice

Our friendly course advisers are here to help you every step of the way.

Whether you have questions about eligibility, course details, enrolment, or need guidance, we’ve got you covered.

Talk to real people

Read our advisers’ Trustpilot reviews…

Great experience, Kelly explained the course to me over the phone in great detail. Thank you 😊

Free Online Counselling Course with Certificate,Counselling Course

Charlotte Redden

Kelly Addis was really helpful, engaging and knowledgable. She made the application process really easy.

Free Online Counselling Course with Certificate,Counselling Course

Luke

I’m so happy that I applied for a free course. Kelly Addis has been extremely helpful.

Free Online Counselling Course with Certificate,Counselling Course

Yvonne Hinckesman

Excellent customer service from Kelly Addis. Thank you for the easy steps.

Free Online Counselling Course with Certificate,Counselling Course

Azalea O'Rourke

Mark was very professional, helpful, approachable, and very quick to respond to any queries I had.

Free Online Counselling Course with Certificate,Counselling Course

Nicole Powell

I would like to thank Mark Bromwich for helping me on to a level 2 course. He made the process very easy.

Free Online Counselling Course with Certificate,Counselling Course

Ben Hudston

Thank you to Mark Bromwich for being a friendly and helpful guide to start me on the road to achieving my next learning goals.

Free Online Counselling Course with Certificate,Counselling Course

Shani Storrie

My advisor, Mark Bromwich, has been brilliant. Very responsive to questions and full of helpful information too.

Free Online Counselling Course with Certificate,Counselling Course

Gill Clulow

Thank you Helen for the excellent support. I cannot recommend these courses highly enough.

Free Online Counselling Course with Certificate,Counselling Course

Ali Gowe

Helen made me feel comfortable and helped me fully understand how to navigate through the course from the very start.

Free Online Counselling Course with Certificate,Counselling Course

Heywood Similon

Excellent service with easy to follow instructions. Dealt with Helen Whitthread who was very professional and helpful.

Free Online Counselling Course with Certificate,Counselling Course

Paul Griffiths

Helen Whitthread, as student advisor, was fabulous and helped with a very quick and efficient enrolment.

Free Online Counselling Course with Certificate,Counselling Course

Carla Johnson

Quick, easy and very friendly enrolment. Thank you Helen Whitthread

Free Online Counselling Course with Certificate,Counselling Course

Stewart Flatters

How to get advice

You can go ahead and enrol online right away, but if you’d like a bit of extra support, choose the call or WhatsApp option when signing up below.

contact advisors

One of our friendly advisors will be in touch to check in and offer free one-to-one support with your enrolment.

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Ask Sam About This Course

Chat with Sam to check eligibility, understand funding, and see if this course is right for you — all in one place.

Fast-track Enrolment

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step 1

Check Your Eligibility

*View visa restrictions

Funding isn’t available for Skilled Worker visas, Student visas, Graduate visas, Sponsorship (skilled/seasonal) visas, or any visa with a study restriction.

If this applies, you won’t be eligible for funding.

Start Your Enrolment

FAQs

What is a level 2 counselling course?

A level 2 counselling course is an introductory program that provides foundational knowledge and skills. It is designed for individuals who are interested in exploring counselling as a career or those who wish to enhance their personal and professional development.

The course covers fundamental concepts and theories of counselling, communication skills, and basic counselling techniques. Participants learn about active listening, empathy, and building rapport with clients.

A level 2 counselling course typically provides a solid understanding of the counselling profession and serves as a stepping stone for further training and qualifications.

What is a counselling level 2 qualification?

A counselling level 2 qualification is a recognised certification that indicates an individual has completed a foundational course in counselling. It signifies that the individual has gained a basic understanding of counselling theories, techniques, and communication skills.

The qualification serves as a starting point for individuals interested in pursuing a career in counselling or furthering their education in the field.

Can you do a counselling course online?

Yes, this Counselling Skills Level 2 Qualification is 100% online.

Online distance learning means you can learn when and where you want.

Expert tutor support is also available to assist you with your online learning.

Are counselling courses online free?

If you meet the eligibility criteria then YES, counselling courses online are free for adults in England.

We connect you with learning providers that use government funding, in the form of the Education & Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) and the Adult Educational Budget (AEB).

How long does a counselling course take?

The online counselling course typically takes 6-12 weeks to complete, depending on your pace of study. This duration allows for a thorough understanding of the material and ample reflection and practical application time.

With a recommended commitment of 5-10 hours per week, you can fully engage with the content and apply your learning to real-life situations.

Is Level 2 counselling hard?

While it may require effort and dedication, many individuals find Level 2 counselling courses manageable and accessible. It is important to approach the course with a willingness to learn, engage actively in the material, and seek support when needed.

With proper commitment and support, individuals can complete a Level 2 counselling course.

Do I need to sit an exam?

No, there are no exams during the counselling course. You are required to complete assessment questions based on the knowledge you have just gained from the units.

Is the qualification recognised by employers?

All of our courses are accredited by UK government-recognised awarding bodies. These include NCFE CACHE and TQUK, with whom we work closely to ensure our existing courses, and all new ones, meet approved standards of excellence and are certified as such. NCFE CACHE and TQUK are national awarding organisations that design, develops and certifies nationally recognised qualifications and awards.

All qualifications are regulated by Ofqual and are the perfect way to boost any CV.

What can I do after the Level 2 counselling course?

After completing a Level 2 counselling qualification, you have several options to consider. You can continue your education by enrolling in higher-level counselling courses, volunteering at counselling organisations to gain practical experience, engaging in continued professional development, applying your skills in personal and professional settings, or exploring entry-level positions in the counselling field.

These opportunities allow you to further develop your knowledge and skills, gain experience, and determine your career path in counselling.

How many free online courses can I take?

You can only take one course at a time but you can take up to 7 in one academic year.

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