Level 2 NCFE Certificate in Counselling Skills

Applicants should have basic written and spoken English skills and an interest in personal development. More importantly, learners must be emotionally ready to take part in a course that involves self-reflection and personal sharing. You will be expected to talk about your own experiences and how they have shaped you.

Because of the personal nature of the course, you cannot attend with someone you know, including friends, family, or colleagues. This helps to maintain confidentiality and create a safe space where all learners can fully engage in the process.

Is this the right course for me at this time?

This evening option is the same curriculum as the fastrack option and leads to the same qualification, but is delivered at a more manageable pace. It is ideal for learners who prefer additional time for reading, reflection and completing assignments, or who are balancing study alongside work, family or other commitments. The pace allows learners to fully engage with the learning while progressing steadily through the course. This course is a learning environment, not a therapy group. While you will be encouraged to reflect on your own life experiences and how these have shaped your values, beliefs, and behaviours, the primary focus is on developing counselling skills—not on receiving emotional support. You will be expected to talk about yourself, work closely with others, and give and receive constructive feedback.

If you are currently receiving support for your mental health—such as counselling, therapy, or medication—this does not exclude you from joining. However, it is important to think carefully about whether this is the right time for you to take part in a course that requires emotional openness and self-exploration. It may be necessary to consult with your service provider, GP, counsellor or therapist on whether the course is right for you.

If the course team feels that additional emotional support may be needed during the course, you may be encouraged to seek help from a qualified counsellor outside of the course. We recommend speaking to your tutor or support team if you are unsure about your readiness. It’s important that you feel in a stable enough place emotionally to participate fully, while also maintaining your own wellbeing.