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NCFE CACHE Level 3 Counselling Diploma - Fast-Track Online Course

OFQUAL Recognised Qualification - No Exams - Tutor Support - Enrol Today - Flexible Payment Options

Provided by Oxbridge

Summary

Price
£595 inc VAT
Or £66.11/mo. for 9 months...
Study method
Distance learning
Duration
270 hours · Self-paced
Qualification
NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Counselling Skills
Regulated qualification What's this?
Certificates
  • Counselling Skills Level 3 Diploma - Free
Additional info
  • Exam(s) / assessment(s) is included in price
  • Tutor is available to students
  • TOTUM card available but not included in price What's this?
21 students purchased this course

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Overview

Kickstart your career in the growing mental health sector with our NCFE CACHE-accredited Level 3 Counselling Diploma. This flexible, online course offers no exams, 24/7 tutor support, and a fast-track route to qualification in just 6-9 months. Perfect for UK learners seeking careers in counselling, mental health support, or pastoral care, with salaries up to £40,000/year for qualified professionals.

Qualification

NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Counselling Skills

Awarded by NCFE CACHE
Regulated by Ofqual
NCFE CACHE logo

Certificates

Counselling Skills Level 3 Diploma

Hard copy certificate - Included

Description

Key Benefits:

  • OFQUAL Recognised Qualification - Respected by employers across the UK

  • 100% Online Learning - Study at your own pace with coursework-based assessments

  • No Exams Required - Complete assignments without exam pressure

  • Dedicated Tutor Support - Get expert feedback via phone, email or online chat

  • 12-Month Access - Complete in as little as 6 months with fast-track option

Course Content:

  1. Developing Counselling Skills - Core techniques and ethical frameworks

  2. Diversity and Ethics in Counselling - Working with diverse clients

  3. Counselling Theory - Key approaches including CBT and psychodynamics

  4. Self-Awareness in Counselling Practice - Personal development for practitioners

  5. Mental Health Awareness - Understanding common conditions

Why Choose Oxbridge?

  • 95% Pass Rate - Industry-leading success rates

  • Flexible Payment Plans - Spread the cost from £49/month

  • Career-Focused Learning - Practical skills for real-world counselling scenarios

  • Progress to Level 4 - Build on this qualification for advanced roles

Who is this course for?

This course is ideal for:

  • Career changers wanting to enter the counselling profession

  • Healthcare workers looking to add counselling skills

  • Education staff supporting student wellbeing

  • Volunteers seeking formal qualifications

  • Anyone passionate about mental health support

Requirements

  • No prior qualifications needed - suitable for beginners

  • Intermediate English skills (IELTS 4.5 or equivalent recommended)

  • Computer and internet access for online learning

  • Minimum age: 16 years

Career path

Graduates typically pursue roles including:

  • Counsellor (£25,000-£40,000)

  • Mental Health Support Worker (£22,000-£30,000)

  • School/College Counsellor (£24,000-£35,000)
    (Source: Reed Salary Calculator)

Progression Opportunities:
Many students advance to Level 4 Therapeutic Counselling or specialise in areas like addiction or child counselling.

Questions and answers

No questions or answers found containing ''.

Peta asked:

Does passing this course mean I can practice as a counsellor professionally and obtain insurance.

Answer:

You certainly would be able to once you'd achieved Level 4. Level 3 is a good starting point. The steps to this would be as follows: Step 1- Counselling Skills Level 3 NCFE CACHE Diploma Step 2 - Gain some real-life counselling face to face experience Step 3 - Advanced Counselling Level 4 Diploma Step 4 - Become a member of a counselling association Step 5 - Get insured We wish you the very best.

This was helpful. Thank you for your feedback.
Ginny asked:

is this a BACP recognised qualification?

Answer:

Hi Ginny, Our course is accredited by the ACCPH & not BACP? Are you looking to work as a private practitioner or have a career within the NHS as a counseller?

This was helpful. Thank you for your feedback.
Zahid asked:

Is this a regulated qualification? Also, if I'm seeking employment as a first time counsellor, is this an accepted qualification?

Answer:

Our Level 3 Counselling Skills Diploma is an NCFE Qualification, that is endorsed by the ACCPH. Once completed the Level 3 the next course would be the Advanced Counselling Level 4. Once both have been completed you can then register with the counselling association ACCPH (Accredited Counsellors, Coaches, Psychotherapists and Hypnotherapists) from this you will need to get your insurance and from here you can start practising privately.

This was helpful. Thank you for your feedback.
Claire asked:

What is the average time someone can complete this course?

Answer:

Hi Claire, Thank you for your question. We recommend about 5 hours a week to complete this course over a 12 month period. If you are able to commit more time, then it is possible to complete after around 6 months but whilst there are only 5 units, each unit is quite large. Depending on your work/life schedule I would say around 8-9 months is probably a reasonable time to complete.

This was helpful. Thank you for your feedback.
Karen asked:

If I complete the course before the 9 month period, am I free to go forward onto a Level 4 course?

Answer:

Yes. As soon as you complete the level 3 course you can move onto the level 4.

This was helpful. Thank you for your feedback.
Kirsty asked:

Is there an age requirement for this course? My teenager is interested in exploring counselling as a possible career option.

Answer:

Hi Kirsty, there are no formal entry requirements for this course, however, it is recommended that you have an intermediate ability to read and write English. There is a minimum study age of 16. There is a minimum age of 21 to register with the ACCPH (Accredited Counsellors, Coaches, Psychotherapists and Hypnotherapists).

This was helpful. Thank you for your feedback.
Unknown asked:

If you complete the course early, do you qualify early, or do you have to wait for the full duration of the course to gain the qualification?

Answer:

Good afternoon! Thank you for your question. I have great news.... the timeframe advertised for the course is the maximum timeframe available to you to complete the course. In reality the vast majority of learners finish the course and gain the qualification earlier than the 12 months available. Hope that gives you the confidence to start your studies. Many thanks.

This was helpful. Thank you for your feedback.
Shay asked:

This is an online course, will this involve having practical sessions or is this course purely theoretical? Are there virtual classrooms?

Answer:

Hi Shay, Level 3 does not require a placement however you would need to film and send videos of you carrying out counseling-like sessions (however this can be on a family or friend).

This was helpful. Thank you for your feedback.
Phil asked:

1) I've completed level 2 CPCAB course and would like to know if I could do level 3 with you? Is course delivered online &what times?

Answer:

Hi Phil, Yes you could complete level 3 with us. What are you hoping to achieve? what is your end goal? Online learning is most suited to self-motivated, driven students who are looking to qualify in a subject whilst having other life commitments, as our way of study is completely flexible around you.

This was helpful. Thank you for your feedback.
nasreen asked:

Hi, Does the awarding body issue a certificate once the course is completed?

Answer:

Hi, yes you will but this is taking up to 10 weeks owing to the pandemic. But you will receive one. Hope this helps.

This was helpful. Thank you for your feedback.
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Provider

Oxbridge


Oxbridge is an award-winning online college that empowers people of all ages to continue their personal and academic development. We help our students build their confidence and improve their lifestyles through ultra-personalised learning experiences. With the support, encouragement, and materials needed to succeed, we strip away the limits of learning to enable you to get qualified anytime, anywhere, anyhow.   

We offer 250+ courses, from A-levels and GCSEs to a wide range of career-based qualifications in areas such as bookkeeping, teaching and counselling. Our extensive course selection and unlimited tutor support provide you with the freedom to shape your own growth, skillset and personal development. 

Our main goal is to empower you to gain real-world qualifications so you can accomplish your career goals and attain your dream lifestyle. With Oxbridge, it’s as much about the outcome for you as it is about your learning journey. We create confident and competent graduates with the world at their feet. 

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Legal information

This course is advertised on Reed.co.uk by the Course Provider, whose terms and conditions apply. Purchases are made directly from the Course Provider, and as such, content and materials are supplied by the Course Provider directly. Reed is acting as agent and not reseller in relation to this course. Reed's only responsibility is to facilitate your payment for the course. It is your responsibility to review and agree to the Course Provider's terms and conditions and satisfy yourself as to the suitability of the course you intend to purchase. Reed will not have any responsibility for the content of the course and/or associated materials.

FAQs

Study method describes the format in which the course will be delivered. At Reed Courses, courses are delivered in a number of ways, including online courses, where the course content can be accessed online remotely, and classroom courses, where courses are delivered in person at a classroom venue.

CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development. If you work in certain professions or for certain companies, your employer may require you to complete a number of CPD hours or points, per year. You can find a range of CPD courses on Reed Courses, many of which can be completed online.

A regulated qualification is delivered by a learning institution which is regulated by a government body. In England, the government body which regulates courses is Ofqual. Ofqual regulated qualifications sit on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), which can help students understand how different qualifications in different fields compare to each other. The framework also helps students to understand what qualifications they need to progress towards a higher learning goal, such as a university degree or equivalent higher education award.

An endorsed course is a skills based course which has been checked over and approved by an independent awarding body. Endorsed courses are not regulated so do not result in a qualification - however, the student can usually purchase a certificate showing the awarding body's logo if they wish. Certain awarding bodies - such as Quality Licence Scheme and TQUK - have developed endorsement schemes as a way to help students select the best skills based courses for them.
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