Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (CST-L3)
Course Overview​
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Qualification: Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (CST-L3)
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Awarding Body: Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB)
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Level: Level 3 (equivalent to A-level standard of study)
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Learning Hours: 90 hours guided learning, 196 hours total qualification time.
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Minimum Attendance: 80% of guided learning hours
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Minimum age: 18
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Progression: This course is an essential step for those intending to progress to practitioner training at Level 4​​​​
Who is this course for?
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This course is designed for students who:​​
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Have already completed recognised counselling training, such as a Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills, or an equivalent qualification, or units totalling at least 75 guided learning hours.​
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Want to take the next step in training to become a counsellor to learn about counselling theory, ethics and mental health.
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This course involves personal reflection and group participation. It is not suitable for those currently experiencing severe emotional difficulty or mental health issues without appropriate professional support.
Assessment and Commitment
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Assessment is continuous throughout the course and involves a range of written, practical, and reflective components. ​​
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Assessment requirements include:
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weekly reflective journals, submitted at seven key points.
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two written assignments of approximately 2,000 words each.
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one self-review of learning and development (completed in session).
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one practice case presentation.
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tutorial records evidencing engagement with tutor support (completed in session).
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at least one tutor-observed counselling skills practice.
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All assessment evidence is compiled into a portfolio and internally assessed against CPCAB criteria, with internal and external quality assurance.
Qualification Information
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For further details about the qualification and awarding body requirements, please refer to the CPCAB website: Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (CST-L3) - CPCAB
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Placement opportunities
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​Although there are no required practice hours as part of the Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies, some students choose to explore voluntary roles as helpers or listeners after completing the course. At Clear Light Academy, we aim to actively support students in accessing and preparing for placements with local charities and services, rather than expecting students to manage this process alone.
Course Dates
Block 1
Wednesday 18 November 2026
Wednesday 25 November 2026
Saturday 28 November 2026
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Block 2
Wednesday 9 December 2026
Wednesday 16 December 2026
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Block 3
Wednesday 6 January 2026
Saturday 9 January 2026
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Block 4
Wednesday 27 January 2027
Saturday 30 January 2027
Wednesday 3 February 2027
Block 5
Wednesday 3 March 2027
Saturday 6 March 2027*
Wednesday 10 March 2027
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Block 6
Wednesday 14 April 2027
Saturday 17 April 2027
Wednesday 21 April 2027
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Block 7
Wednesday 5 May 2027
Saturday 8 May 2027
Wednesday 19 May 2027
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Saturdays: 9am - 5:30pm Wednesdays: 5:30pm - 9pm
*Saturday 6 March 12 - 6pm
Fees and Payment
Total Course Fee: £1,425*, payable as follows:
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£500 non-refundable deposit payable after a successful application and offer of a place.
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£925 remaining balance payable in full before the course starts.
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*Flexible payment plans available on request.​
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Early Bird Offer: £1,325, save £100 following a successful application and payment of the deposit by 31 July
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Reduced Fee: £1280 (over 10% discount) if you work or volunteer within a charity, school, or emergency, frontline or public service following a successful application and payment of the deposit by 31 July. Please get in touch to find out more.
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Course Content and Learning
The Level 3 Counselling Studies course is made up of seven learning outcomes. To gain this qualification, by the end of the course learners will / will be able to:
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Prepare to work within an ethical framework for counselling.
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Understand the counselling relationship.
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Understand the difference and diversity issues to develop empathic understanding.
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Work within a user-centred approach to counselling.
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Use counselling theory to develop self-awareness in counselling practice.
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Understand theories of counselling and mental health.
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Use feedback, reflection and supervision to support counselling studies.​​
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Location
Bright Beginnings Rue des Monts, St Sampson's, Guernsey, GY2 4HS
​How to Apply
Choosing the right counselling training is an important decision. For this reason, prospective students are encouraged to contact Clear Light Academy for an informal conversation prior to application to discuss whether this course is right for you.
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Those wishing to apply may download the application form here. Submissions are reviewed on an individual basis, and you will normally be contacted within three working days of receipt.
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Where a place is offered, full details on enrolment and next steps will be provided.