An Exciting Collaboration: Level 5 Award in Online and Phone Counselling Practice

In today's digital age, the pertinence of online and phone counselling within the profession has become increasingly evident. At CPCAB, we understand the importance of staying ahead of the curve and embracing these transformative changes.

Our unique project, in partnership with the Open University, places CPCAB's vision at its core – to prepare every candidate to become a compassionate, safe, and effective practitioner. With our Level 5 Award, candidates will gain the expertise necessary to excel in the world of counselling.

What is the Level 5 Award in Online and Phone Counselling Practice?

This Level 5 award isn't just about personal development; it lays the path for practitioners to be confident that distance is no barrier to quality support. Delivered fully online and designed to equip candidates with essential skills and knowledge in online and phone counselling, this award empowers practitioners to deliver exceptional client experiences, irrespective of geography.

This training package provides up-to-date knowledge to support candidates in their counselling journey. Candidates will understand the latest strategies and best practices in online and phone counselling, allowing them to adapt to the evolving needs of their clients.

What is the involvement of the Open University?

Candidates will take two high-quality short CPD Open University courses, to prepare them for their practical CPCAB Level 5 Award in Online and Phone Counselling Practice to confirm their safe and effective practice. This provides training and assessment in the application of online and phone counselling and on successful completion awards the candidate with the CPCAB qualification.

Find out more about the prerequisite Open University CPD courses here:

• DGXS002 - Online counselling: getting started
• DGXS001 - Online counselling: advancing your knowledge

Those intending to complete the Level 5 Award can claim a 40% discount on the 2 prerequisite courses

What else should I know?

This is not part of CPCAB’s regulated qualification offer, it is a bespoke qualification designed to complement the two Open University CPD courses to create a holistic learning experience which will enhance online and phone practice.

This qualification is for professional counsellors who have completed CPCAB’s Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC-L4) or equivalent and wish to work effectively within an online and phone medium.

This course has been designed to align with the BACP Online and Phone Therapy (OPT) competency framework and relevant SCoPEd OPT competencies.

Centres will provide internal assessment which follows the usual Level 5 CPCAB structure – i.e. candidate portfolio of evidence to meet criteria and the minimum assessment requirements.