FAQs

Your questions answered

Our helpful course advisors are on hand to answer any questions. Please call them on:

Freephone 0800 062 2900 or 01409 220 788, or contact us.

For ease, here we answer some of your questions.

I want to become a fully qualified professional counsellor, can these courses help me?

Yes!

If you have no counselling experience or knowledge we recommend you start with the Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (NCFE CACHE) course. This course introduces learners to the use of counselling skills in everyday life and at work, and some of the approaches that underpin the use of these skills.

The Level 3 Diploma in Counselling Skills (NCFE CACHE) course is the first step on your route to becoming a qualified counsellor and enables you to develop an in-depth knowledge of counselling skills.

If you already have some knowledge or experience in counselling or related skills, or hold a Level 2 qualification, you can enrol straight onto the Level 3 Diploma in Counselling Skills (NCFE CACHE) course. For helpful course advice, please call Freephone 0800 062 2900 or 01409 220 788, or click here to request a call back.

After successfully completing the Level 3 Diploma, you can progress to the Advanced Diploma in Counselling (Level 4 equivalent) qualification in order to become a fully qualified professional counsellor.

Do I need any previous experience to enrol on a course?

You do not need any prior experience/qualifications to enrol on our Level 2, 3 or CPD courses. You should be aged over 16 (we recommend 18+ for the Level 2 Certificate and Level 3 Diploma in Counselling Skills).

For some courses, you might find it helpful if you have already achieved a mental health qualification, or qualifications in healthcare or social care contexts.

The Level 3 Diploma in Counselling Skills (NCFE CACHE) course is ideal for gaining more in-depth counselling skills and is the first step on the route to become a fully qualified professional counsellor. You can enrol onto this course with no prior experience, although you may find it beneficial to have completed a Level 2 counselling qualification or have the equivalent level of experience.

For Heartwood’s Advanced Diploma in Counselling (Level 4 equivalent) course, you will need to have completed a Level 3 Counselling Certificate or equivalent course and take part in a pre-course interview – certificates from CCPT and other colleges can be accepted.

Heartwood’s Advanced Specialist Diploma courses have their own entry requirements. Click here or Heartwood’s website for further information.

We also offer a range of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses, which are suitable for the qualified counsellor looking to build on their existing skills or those looking to further their knowledge. They can help the practising counsellor gain additional skills in important areas of counselling work. Click here to view our list of CPD Courses.

How do the courses work?

CCPT courses offer a variety of study methods – see individual course pages for details.

Distance Learning

Through distance learning, we offer interactive online courses and paper-based courses.

  • As soon as you enrol on a distance learning course, you will be posted, or receive access to, your course materials. You can then start as soon as you want – there are no term start dates to fit around.
  • Our flexible courses are ideally suited to busy adults. You can enjoy your course anywhere and at any time, fitting your studies around your lifestyle and circumstances.
  • Your CCPT tutor will be on-hand to support you throughout your course.
  • And you can progress at your own pace. Also, if you’re having a busy time at work or with family commitments and need a break, that’s fine with us. You have two years to complete your course.
  • You can also contact the CCPT student support team who are here to help you Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
  • On successful completion, you will be awarded your certificate.

Attendance-based Study

CCPT has linked up with Heartwood, which delivers Advanced attendance-based courses, that can be studied on weekdays, evenings or weekends. See individual course pages or Heartwood’s website for further information. Heartwood’s Advanced Diploma in Counselling (Level 4 equivalent) course can be studied in Devon or central London (training will also be available in venues in the Midlands and in the north of England in the near future).

Will CCPT give me help to complete distance learning courses?

Yes. We believe expert, inspired teaching and friendly encouragement are just as important as great study materials and you will be assigned a tutor to work closely with you throughout your course.

As well as marking and giving you written feedback on your work, you can call or email your tutor – they will be happy to help. To give you peace of mind, CCPT tutors have advanced level qualifications, considerable clinic experience and a real passion for their subject.

What qualifications can I achieve?

CCPT courses can lead to qualifications or certification from respected accrediting bodies including:

• NCFE CACHE
or
• Quality Licence Scheme

See individual course pages for details of level, certification and professional body memberships.

How do the assessments work?

Depending on your chosen course and method of study, you will be assessed on the skills and understanding you have gained through questions and answers, reflective activities, and audios/videos.

Your tutor will mark your work and give you feedback so you can get the most out of your studies.

How long does it take to complete a course?

Distance learning courses offered by CCPT are designed to give you maximum flexibility. Once you have enrolled, you can enjoy your course when you want and progress at your own pace, fitting your learning around other commitments.

The time taken depends on how quickly you would like to progress and how much time you wish to commit to study and the course you choose.

The NCFE CACHE qualifications offered by CCPT have a ‘Total Qualification Time’ (TQT) – a term used by Ofqual to indicate the minimum length of time it would take the average student to complete their qualification. You can find details of this where relevant on individual course pages.

You have 2 years from your enrolment date to complete your distance learning course. This should be plenty of time, allowing you, if necessary, to take a temporary break from your course for other commitments, while providing a motivating deadline.

CCPT has teamed up with Heartwood, which offers Advanced attendance-based courses, that have their own set start dates and course lengths. Visit individual course pages or Heartwood’s website for further details.

What could I do when I successfully complete my courses?

The Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications are the initial steps in your journey to becoming a fully qualified professional counsellor. They can also be of use within work or family situations and are especially helpful for workers in health or social care, child care, teaching and voluntary work.

Counselling is rewarding and can make a real difference to our lives. After completing the Level 2 and Level 3 courses, you will need to progress to a Level 4 or equivalent counselling course to become a fully qualified professional counsellor. CCPT has linked up with Heartwood, which offers the Advanced Diploma in Counselling and higher level training. Heartwood’s Advanced Diploma in Counselling course can be studied in Devon and central London (training will also be available in venues in the Midlands and in the north of England in the near future).

We also offer a range of CPD courses, which can help equip the already practising counsellor with additional skills and knowledge.

Can I register for professional membership with your courses?

Registration with professional membership bodies (such as NCS, BACP and CPCAB) is appropriate for level 4 and equivalent qualifications at the membership bodies’ discretion, and CCPT has linked up with Heartwood Counselling and Psychotherapy, one of the leading providers of accredited Counselling Training, which offers the Advanced Diploma in Counselling course (NCS accredited) in London and Devon locations (training will also be available in venues in the Midlands and in the north of England in the near future).

Why is counselling so valuable?

“Nearly 3 million people in Britain are in ‘distressed’ relationships where they regularly argue or consider divorce.”1

602,000 workers suffer from work-related stress, depression or anxiety annually2.

The number of children having therapy for anxiety has risen by 60% in two years3.

17.9 million working days are lost annually due to work-related stress, depression or anxiety4

92% of young people will experience what they see as a significant bereavement before the age of 165.

1Source: http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/love-sex/one-in-five-couples-in-distressed-relationships-report-finds-a7047521.html
2Source: http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/causdis/stress.pdf (Figures relate to 2018/2019.)
3Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/12/08/number-children-having-anxiety-counselling-rises-60-per-cent2/
4Source: https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/dayslost.htm
5Source: https://www.jrf.org.uk/report/impact-bereavement-and-loss-young-people

 What payment options are available?

You can choose from the following payment options for our distance learning courses:

  • The total course fee in one sum
  • A deposit followed by up to 12 monthly instalments*

For select distance learning courses, you can also choose from the following payment option:

  • A lower deposit with smaller monthly instalments* spread over 2 years

Payment options for attendance-based courses include:

  • The total course fee in one sum
  • A deposit followed by remainder of payment before course start date
  • Monthly payment plan

See Heartwood’s website for further details of fees for attendance-based courses.

* Your certificate will be issued when you have successfully completed your course and finished your course payments.

How do I apply for a course?

There are two ways you can enrol on our distance learning courses:

  1. Online – please click here. Enrolling is 100% secure and can be completed in just 3 minutes.
  2. By phone – please call Freephone 0800 062 2900 or 0207 307 5922 and speak with one of our helpful course advisors.

To enrol on an attendance-based course, please apply directly through Heartwood.

Why choose CCPT?

Learn with the
experts

Flexible study options to fit around you1

Dedicated personal tutor support

Gain
valuable certifications

1Some courses are available via more than one study method - see individual courses for available options.

Help & Advice

Call our course advisors on Freephone 0800 062 2900 or 0207 307 5922