Level 3 Counselling Course
Our Level 3 Counselling Course is for anyone who has already completed a Level 2 course and wants to build a solid grounding before training as a professional counsellor. It's a live, tutor-led course delivered entirely online via Zoom, and qualifies you with the accredited Level 3 Certificate in Counselling - the qualification you'll need before applying for our Level 4 Diploma. Most students complete the course in 48 weeks studying one evening a week, though a 30-week fast-track option is also available for those who prefer one day a week.
This qualification is worth 19 Ofqual credits and consists of the full Level 3 Certificate in Counselling, totalling 150 guided learning hours. Sessions are not pre-recorded, and will only be recorded for your own use once you complete your 30-minute counselling skills session or a presentation - recordings are never shared with other learners.
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This is the full certificate of 150 hours
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Best Counselling & Psychotherapy Training Provider 2026 - West Midlands
Best Counselling Training Provider 2025 – UK in the GHP Mental Health Awards 2025
"Best Counselling Training Courses Provider 2024 "
Most Engaging Counselling Training Provider 2024 - UK
Our Level 3 Counselling Course
A Level 3 counselling course is an intermediate qualification that builds upon your foundational knowledge of counselling skills, such as those covered in our Level 2 course. Our accredited Level 3 Certificate in Counselling at Key Counselling Training is built to help you further your knowledge and understanding of three key counselling theories. It covers person-centred counselling, CBT and psychodynamic theories as comparative theories. Additionally, you will develop your understanding of how theory and skills are utilised within counselling sessions.
This industry-recognised training course has been designed to meet the 150 Guided Learning Hours in line with Ofqual's recommendations.
The Level 3 counselling course is not classed as an award. It is a full certificate, which is what you will require in order to secure a place on our diploma training course. Upon successful completion of this intermediate certificate, you will then be able to apply for the Level 4 diploma.
This level 3 is a full certificate, which is what you will require in order to ensure a place for the diploma training. Upon successful completion of the intermediate certificate course, you will then be able to apply for the Level 4 diploma.
High Quality Training for Level 3 Counselling
We are committed to providing a first-class learning experience for every student, and have won Training Provider of the Year in 2023, 2024 and 2025. To ensure you receive the individual attention and support you need, our class sizes are kept small with a maximum of 20 learners per group. This allows for a highly interactive and engaging learning environment.
Our in-depth Level 3 counselling training is designed to help you develop your skills with confidence. You’ll learn how to conduct a structured 30-minute counselling skills session, including setting up a full contract and bringing the session to a sensitive, safe, and professional close. Your tutor will be with you every step of the way throughout this course.
The course is divided into four comprehensive units, each designed to support both your professional and personal development. Many learners who complete this qualification go on to roles where they help others, such as key workers or support workers. The skills you gain can also be applied to counselling sessions within your current workplace, making it ideal for those who work with or manage people.
To enrol, you must be aged 18 or over. We also offer a two-week cooling-off period for your peace of mind.
Course Fees
Standard Study - Evening Course
£1,300 per person (£200 deposit) with the option of paying the fees weekly or monthly as follows:
£27.50 per week x 40 weeks payable from week 1
10 monthly payments of £110 payable from month 2 (week 3)
Fast Track - day course
£1,300 per person (£200 deposit) with the interest-free option of paying the fees weekly or monthly as follows:
£55 per week x 20 weeks payable from week 2
2 instalments on week 4 and week 18 of £550
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The deposit secures your place on the training course and is non-refundable.
TO RESERVE A PLACE ON THE LEVEL 3 YOU WILL PAY THE £200 DEPOSIT
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What You'll Learn
Develop a repertoire of counselling skills at a consistent level
Underpin these skills with an understanding of 3 major therapeutic approaches and models
Demonstrate the achievement of knowledge and understanding of counselling at level 3
Achieve a nationally recognised and respected level 3 qualification from SEG awards — the Skills & Education Group, that is vocationally focused and assists in progression to higher levels of learning
You will be given an extensive workbook which covers most of the learning on this training & is a great resource
Increase and develop your self-awareness and to be mindful of the impact you have on people
Be able to provide a fully contracted formal 30-minute counselling skills session
Gain a full certificate, not an award (which is often around 90 hours of training), so you have the required hours to continue onto a recognised and accredited diploma training
Enjoy full tutor and centre support for all of your learning
Course Content
Our Level 3 counselling course, which is provided remotely and live-streamed, covers a wide range of essential topics to help you progress in your counselling journey. The course will include:
Understanding the context for the use of counselling skills
Exploring and applying counselling theory
Developing and using counselling skills in practice
As part of your Level 3 certificate in counselling, you will complete written assignments of a guideline of approximately 2,000–3,000 words each, maybe more or less depending on the unit, and typed in English with full sentence structure. Some assignments may require more detail to provide fuller explanations. We also encourage you to keep a personal journal to reflect on your growth and learning throughout the course.
In addition, there will be a small research task and presentation during the course, which will not require an accompanying written assignment.
What You Can Expect
As an award-winning training provider, we have built an excellent reputation for delivering high-quality learning and recognised qualifications. Many students begin their studies with us at Level 2 and progress through their Level 3 counselling and diploma training to reach full practitioner status.
Graduates of our accredited Level 3 counselling course online leave with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to provide professional counselling support in a variety of settings. We take pride in seeing our learners develop exceptional competency and go on to qualify as counsellors who make a real difference.
Reserve your place now
Continue your counselling education with Key Counselling Training. This Level 3 counselling course is the crucial intermediate step towards becoming a qualified counsellor, and we’re here to support your growth every step of the way.
You may also be interested in our CPD training, offering short specialist courses that allow you to expand your expertise, deepen your knowledge, and connect with like-minded individuals working towards a career in this highly valued profession.
This is an accredited, industry-recognised and respected qualification in counselling, ensuring you are investing in a valid and recognised training programme. Upon successful completion, you’ll be ready to progress to our level 4 counselling online course, the final stage before full practitioner status.
Who Is This Level 3 Counselling Course For?
If you have previously completed a Level 2 or equivalent, you can enrol on this Accredited Level 3 Intermediate course.
Standard Study: 48 weeks (one evening per week)
Course time: 6pm-9:30pm
Fast track: 30 weeks (one day per week)
Course time: 9am-2:30pm
Centre: these courses take place at one of our centres in the UK and can be Fast Track or Standard Study
Remote: this is in a virtual classroom such as Zoom or Teams, with peers and a tutor in real-time, on the same day and time weekly.
Course Delivery
The course will always be on the same day and time, via remote learning, which is live streaming, not pre-recorded.
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Remote learning is provided via Zoom or similar platforms, and you will be contacted with the link for the zoom/platform. this will be the same link you use every week.
You will also receive the workbook in PDF format.
We do not provide or accept distance learning courses that you complete in your own time.
You are expected to attend live streaming classes. These are not pre-recorded or recorded unless the tutor informs you of why, e.g. recording of a piece of work you do, and the recording is only sent to the appropriate learner/s.
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All dates & training offered are subject to any changes including platforms/tutors/dates
Course Dates for Level 3 Certificate Counselling
​​​​Tuesday 19th January 2027 F/T Remote
9am - 2.30pm x 30 weeks ( due to end on Tuesday 10th August 2027)
subject to any changes
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​Tuesday 19th January 2027 Evening
6pm -9.30pm 48 weeks , one eve per week. (due to complete 13th December)
subject to any changes
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Wednesday 17th March Evening
6pm - 9.30pm x 48 weeks one eve per week (due to complete on Wednesday 28th February 2028)
subject to any changes
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Thursday 27th May 2027 F/T day course Remote
9am - 2.30pm x 30 weeks ( due to end on Thursday 16th December 2027)
subject to any changes
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Reserve Your Place
Reserve your place now! Don't delay and miss out on securing your place on the Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills. To reserve your place, you can pay your deposit via debit/credit card using the payment options below.
This £200 deposit secures your place on the course and is non-refundable.
Instalments £27.50 = Eve course x 40 weeks
Instalments £55 = Fast Track x 20 weeks
TO RESERVE A PLACE ON THE LEVEL 3, YOU WILL NEED TO PAY THE £200 NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT which is non refundable.
You must have a level 2 foundation in counselling to join this training. Please contact us if you have any other prior learning. We do not accept distance learning courses as prior learning.
For overseas learners, you will need to pay in full for the training as we do not provide instalments for those outside of the UK.
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Supported payment methods:
Start Your Journey With One of Our Courses
Begin your Level 3 Certificate in Counselling, which is the intermediate course, and add to your training with Key Counselling Training today. Our fully trained and experienced tutors will give you their full attention and teach you the knowledge you need to progress. Contact us today for more details and to answer any questions you have.
