New Level 3 in Applied Counselling Studies

We are pleased our new Level 3 Certificate in Applied Counselling Studies has entered its second year, with great feedback from the pilot year, marking the beginning of a new era in regulated and funded extended level 3 qualifications.

The funded qualification, aligned with the BACP skills competency framework, offers a unique combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. It surpasses traditional counselling training by preparing candidates for additional non-counselling positions through an understanding of professional frameworks and approaches to helping.

The new qualification is based on academic and occupational expertise and is designed to meet funding criteria while expanding job prospects for graduates. It is a deliberate and urgent response to ensure that training centres like yours can continue to offer a funded Level 3 option in counselling studies.

What changes can you expect?

Compared to the Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies, the new certificate keeps the original unit, which focuses on the fundamental skills of counselling practice. It also adds a new 60-hour unit that emphasises using counselling skills in occupational settings. This unit combines intuitive people skills with professional and ethical frameworks needed in today's diverse workplaces.

The program maintains the current high levels of engagement and rigour that learners value. It now also offers opportunities to apply counselling skills in a variety of roles beyond traditional therapy settings. Additionally, the program offers flexibility through guided learning that can be delivered remotely, accommodating dynamic schedules and teaching styles at your centre.

What about support?

You can be confident that trainers and assessors have access to a wide range of materials, including a tutor information pack filled with suggestions for effectively delivering the qualification. They are encouraged to be creative with assessments, and the project report and presentation provide an alternative to standardised testing.

The commitment to fostering a broad understanding of counselling within organisational settings couldn't be clearer. Opportunities are available to engage learners who seek to harness their counselling prowess in their current roles or pave new career paths.

This initiative isn’t just about adding another layer to the learning ladder; it's about evolution and adaptation. It invites training centres to participate in shaping a generation of counselling professionals equipped for modern challenges.

Take the next step in shaping the future of counselling education by applying to deliver the new CAST-L3.

Centres already approved to offer the existing CST-L3 who would like to offer CAST-L3 can apply by downloading our transition application form

Centres without existing approval to offer CST-L3 may apply on our regulated qualifications page

Full details about the CAST-L3 qualification and supporting documentation can be found on our CAST-L3 qualification page.