Course Overview
Build confidence and understanding with key counselling techniques.
Develop your ability to support and understand others with NEC’s Using Counselling Skills course. Whether you’re working in health, education, social care or simply want to improve how you communicate, this flexible online course introduces key techniques used in counselling practice – including active listening, empathy, and managing boundaries. You’ll explore ethical frameworks, different counselling approaches and how to apply these in real-life settings. No previous experience is needed, making this course ideal for beginners or those considering progression into formal counselling qualifications.
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1:1 tutor support
Using Counselling Skills at a glance
Unit accreditation towards the Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills* accredited by Training Qualifications UK (TQUK)
*Our Using Counselling Skills course covers one of four units that must be attained in order to achieve Level 2 Certification in Counselling Skills.
Online learning with support from a personal tutor
Complete at your own pace
Approx. 30 study hours, plus time for completing assignments
No previous knowledge is required for this course
At least 19 years of age
An ability to read and write in English
4 assignments
You will also be required to complete a recorded helping conversation
No additional set texts required
Internet access
Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec
Audio recording/playing device or a witness to validate your helping conversation
An adult volunteer to work with (if you choose this option)
Unit accreditation towards the Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills* accredited by Training Qualifications UK (TQUK)
*Our Using Counselling Skills course covers one of four units that must be attained in order to achieve Level 2 Certification in Counselling Skills.
No additional set texts required
4 assignments
You will also be required to complete a recorded helping conversation
Complete at your own pace
Approx. 30 study hours, plus time for completing assignments
No previous knowledge is required for this course
At least 19 years of age
An ability to read and write in English
Online learning with support from a personal tutor
Internet access
Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec
Audio recording/playing device or a witness to validate your helping conversation
An adult volunteer to work with (if you choose this option)
Unit accreditation towards the Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills* accredited by Training Qualifications UK (TQUK)
*Our Using Counselling Skills course covers one of four units that must be attained in order to achieve Level 2 Certification in Counselling Skills.
Online learning with support from a personal tutor
Complete at your own pace
Approx. 30 study hours, plus time for completing assignments
No previous knowledge is required for this course
At least 19 years of age
An ability to read and write in English
4 assignments
You will also be required to complete a recorded helping conversation
No additional set texts required
Internet access
Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec
Audio recording/playing device or a witness to validate your helping conversation
An adult volunteer to work with (if you choose this option)
Why study Using Counselling Skills
What makes this course ideal for you
Counselling skills are useful in all walks of life – we often counsel ourselves or a friend/family member who is going through a hard time. Maybe they need you to provide advice or to just be a good listener. Learning how to put these skills into practice could help change someone’s life as well as your own.
Maybe you’ve got first hand experience of mental health conditions and you’d like to help others, perhaps you’re a team leader or manager involved in helping people, or you run a support group which requires listening and helping others, or maybe you’re thinking of a career as a counsellor.
This course can open many doors for you get on track to supporting people in everyday life or as a career.
Using Counselling Skills taster
This free PDF taster provides an example of a topic from the course.
Download your free taster today, have a look around and contact us if you have any questions about the Using Counselling Skills course.
Flexible payments and financial help
- As an education charity dedicated to helping independent learners achieve life-changing qualifications we want to keep fees affordable. All of our course fees are clear and transparent to help you plan for any additional costs.
- NEC’s fees offer some of the best value on the market, with multi-buy options, special offers, personal discounts and affordable finance options.
- Used responsibly, finance is a great way to spread the cost of your course. We’ve teamed up with Omni, one of the UK’s leading finance specialists.
- Depending on your own circumstances, there are a number of possibilities for getting help to fund your course.
Visit our Fee information page or
Study now, pay your way
It’s your choice: you can pay in full at the point of enrolment, or you can spread the cost over monthly instalments with our finance offer. We offer a choice of six or 12 monthly repayment plans, with 0% APR as standard.
To pay in instalments you will need to enrol by telephone.
The National Extension College (NEC) work with finance company OMNI. For more information on our relationship with OMNI and replayment plans see our Fee Information page.
| Course fee | £599 (excl. registration fee) |
| Deposit | £59.90 |
| Amount of credit | £539.10 |
| Monthly payment | £44.93 |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Total repayment | £599 (excl. registration fee) |
| Cost of credit | £0.00 |
| Rate of interest | 0% APR representative |
Enjoy 1-2-1 support from your course tutor
You’ll have access to 1:1 support from your tutor. All NEC tutors are subject experts, with experience in supporting online learners.
MORE ABOUT OUR TUTORS“I love what I teach and hope my students do too. Qualifications include MSocSc and Diploma in Social Science and Social Work, Postgraduate Diploma in Learning Disability Studies, Post-Graduate Certificate in Education, B.Sc. (Hons) in Psychology. A former examiner for AQA and International Baccalaureate. I also write academic textbooks and courses.”
Talk to one of our course advisors
Unsure whether online distance learning is right for you?
Our friendly Course Advice Team are here to help answer your questions and take you through your options.
- Book a call and someone will get back to you at a convenient time.
- Or contact us today by phone or email.
We’re waiting to help you get ahead and achieve your goals, your way.
Frequently asked questions
Your common questions and concerns answered. Read more FAQs.
NEC offers flexible, online GCSEs, A levels, and vocational courses that you can study anytime, anywhere. When you enrol, you’ll receive a welcome email with login details for learn@nec, our virtual learning platform.
You’ll be supported by a qualified subject tutor who provides feedback on your assignments and helps guide your progress. Our expertly designed courses include engaging materials, interactive learning activities, and selected online resources — all created by experienced teachers, examiners, and learning designers.
Our courses are designed to let you study at your own pace — all within a clearly defined enrolment period to help keep you on track. Many courses let you study your way, with flexible assignment deadlines to suit your schedule. Others may include set dates — especially for things like exams or NEAs (Non-Exam Assessment) — to help you stay on track.
Yes! You can connect with other learners in your course’s online forum. Many students find discussing topics with peers helps reinforce their learning — and helps them feel part of a wider learning community.
Yes. Most NEC courses, including all GCSEs and A levels, lead to qualifications awarded by major UK exam boards such as AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Cambridge International. You’ll earn exactly the same qualification as students in school or college.
We’re also approved to offer CMI qualifications for management, as well as TQUK-accredited courses and Functional Skills qualifications in English and Maths. These nationally recognised qualifications are designed to help learners build practical skills and are ideal for both personal development and career progression.
Some short courses, like those in the arts, are for personal development and enjoyment but don’t lead to formal accreditation.
Yes, NEC is a JCQ-approved exam centre, which means we can support your exam entry, provide verified access arrangements, and oversee non-exam assessments (NEAs) — essential for subjects like English, Science and Geography.
Yes. Many students complete a one-year fast track option, especially if working towards university or career deadlines. You’ll need to commit regular study time and plan carefully around assignment deadlines and exams.
If you’re unsure whether fast track is realistic, we’ll advise you.
Yes. You can enrol any time and begin studying when it suits you. However, if your course involves an exam, you’ll need to complete all assignments and assessments (also known as coursework or NEA — Non-Exam Assessment) in time for set exam dates — so don’t leave it too late!
If you’re planning to apply to university, please also be aware of UCAS deadlines. For example, to receive predicted grades through our UCAS Application Service, you’ll need to have completed a certain number of assignments by specific dates.
Check the individual course pages for guidance, or book a call with an advisor to discuss your timeline and study plans.
Yes — NEC is ideal for international students. Many of our courses are available worldwide, but there are a few things to check before enrolling:
Exams: You’ll need to arrange a local exam centre. AQA does not offer international exams, so you’ll need to travel to the UK for those.
Qualification recognition: Ensure your chosen qualification is recognised in your country.
Our team is happy to help you explore your options.
