Becoming a counsellor

I want to be a counsellor - where do I start?

You may have decided that you wish to become a counsellor but have found it difficult to understand where to start. There is a reason for this. It is because the title of 'counsellor' is not protected by Law in the UK as counselling is not a regulated profession. Therefore, there is no official training route and many people out there are practicing as counsellors without any qualifications (which NCCS does not support). Because of this, there are many training options available from a short online course right up to a Masters Degree or PhD. 

However, there are recognised benchmarks for counselling training set by recognised UK counselling membership bodies . The current absolute minimum qualification requirement is a Level 4 Diploma in Counselling (or equivalent) although some professional bodies require higher level qualifications.

In 2012 the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) introduced a system of ‘Accredited Voluntary Registers’ with the role of these being the provision of 'approved' registers that the public and employers can be confident that the counsellors on the register have met the necessary standards for safe practice. 

The best place to begin is to find a training programme that provides a substantive amount of training eventually resulting in the undertaking of a supervised counselling placement (this is usually at minimum of Level 4 Diploma [or equivalent] or higher). Those who have completed this level of training are deemed to be 'qualified'.

Should I be looking for an accredited course?

Although counselling isn't regulated in the UK, a number of 'membership bodies' exist, such as the British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) and the National Counselling Society (NCS).  Many of the membership bodies require their counsellors to become Registered Members once 'qualified'. These are Registers that are approved by the Professional Standards Authority (see above).

To be added to the Register, a 'qualified' counsellor will sit a short competency test to ensure that their training centre has provided robust and ethical counselling training. 
Sometimes training centres obtain accreditation for their courses from these organisations. If a student completes one of these courses successfully they are able to apply to be added to the Register without sitting the competency test. Undertaking an accredited course therefore isn't necessary - finding a course that suits you is more important. 

What is the progression route to becoming a qualified counsellor at NCCS?

NCCS is an approved provider of CPCAB counselling courses. CPCAB are the UK's leading specialist awarding body for counselling. To become a 'qualified' counsellor (recognised by counselling membership bodies - see above) via the CPCAB course progression route you will be required to undertake the following as a minimum: -

• Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Studies (or equivalent) (CSK-L2) - 90 guided learning hours (GLH) completed in a classroom environment PLUS;
• Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (or equivalent) (CST-L3) - 90 GLH in a classroom environment PLUS;
• Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC-L4) - 420 GLH completed in a classroom.

If you have already gained counselling skills and theory qualifications with another awarding body, NCCS will look at the number of at the number of GLH undertaken in a classroom and what the course comprised of in relation to the learning of theory and practical skills practice. 

To start at Level 3, potential students will have completed an equivalent skills practice course that comprises of a minimum of 75 GLH and to start at Level 4 students will have completed equivalent skills and theory courses comprising of at least 150 GLH. 

If you are unsure whether this relates to you then please contact NCCS and we will arrange a telephone conversation with you.

Online or distance learning courses will not be accepted as recognised prior learning.

Psychology degrees alone DO NOT count as recognised prior learning (see FAQ section)