NCPS Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills

NCPS Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills is Quality Checked by the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS). Please note, this course alone is not a route to the Accredited Register, nor does it fully equip a graduate to practice as a qualified counsellor.

The NCPS Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills Evening Course aims to introduce learners to the use of counselling skills in everyday life and work, and to some of the theoretical approaches which underpin their use. You may already be in a helping role, looking to explore a new career path or wanting to make sense of how to turn a life event into an opportunity to help others.

Dates for 2025 – 2026 are as follows:

This course is appropriate for those who are comfortable reading and writing independently on a weekly basis and contributing to group work. Counselling skills practice starts on Day 1.
This course:

• aims to equip learners with knowledge and experience of counselling skills that can play a functional role in everyday life and work
• involves taught sessions, small and large group activities, discussion, and independent reflection tasks.
• involves written work that is internally assessed and externally verified
• enhances career and life skills
• is a necessary part of training to become a qualified counsellor (Level 4/5).
• leaves the learner with the same level of preparation for:
  • placement and/or further training in the workplace e.g., mentoring, assisting, advising.
  • further study in the helping professions e.g., Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care.
• provides experience of using counselling skills; understanding of the different approaches used in counselling; understanding of the different contexts in which counselling skills can be used; appreciation of the significance of active listening and self-awareness

Teaching and Learning Methods

The course is delivered by a qualified and experienced counselling practitioner who also holds a teaching qualification. Learning involves taught sessions, large and small group activities, discussion and independent research and reflection tasks.

Modules and Assessment

The Level 3 Certificate is internally assessed and externally verified. Students are required to create a reflective learning journal and complete assignments based on taught sessions and experiences.

Fees and payment

The balance will be due at the time of enrolment. All fees are payable on enrolment. The instalment plan is available and requires a 50% deposit at enrolment followed by two direct debit payments of 25% each in the following two months. Fees are paid annually for courses lasting more than one year. For more course funding information click here.

Next steps: 

Training at this level is an integral part of the route to becoming a qualified counsellor. Completion of the Certificate in Counselling course offers a shortcut to interview for the Advanced Professional Diploma in Counselling at Exeter College.

Other options beyond this course include further training or placement in workplace mentoring or advice and guidance; a Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care; Counselling Courses with a specific focus, e.g. working with young people.

To find out more:
Telephone: 01392 400170 – Email: adultadvice@exe-coll.ac.uk

For our counselling courses, to promote a cohesive learning group and to ensure that all students get the most from the course, we ask all applicants to complete a short, written statement to accompany their application form.

Our expert course tutors carefully review all applications, and in some cases, they may reach out for further discussion.

To succeed in the written elements of this course, applicants must have an English Level 2 qualification (GCSE or equivalent).

Please note this is a very popular course, places are limited! We prioritize applicants who successfully complete the application process and confirm their spot with payment.

Students often benefit from having completed an introductory counselling course or from having comparable learning or work experience. The Introduction to Counselling Skills one day course at Exeter College is an informative lead-in to the counselling training journey as well as a beneficial standalone course in effective listening and self-awareness. It is an unassessed course, with no prior learning or experience required.

Learners will be given a College ID badge and have access to all College facilities, including Learning Resource Centres (LRCs) and computers.

All course textbooks are available in the College Learning Resource Centres (LRCs), though students sometimes wish to buy their own textbooks during the course.