Register Here

SEG Awards vs CPCAB: Choosing the Right Counselling Course

Confused by different qualification names? Both SEG Awards and CPCAB offer highly respected, regulated pathways. Discover how they compare, and learn why the training environment you choose matters far more than the logo on your certificate.

Which Qualification Is Right for You?

If you’re beginning your counselling journey, you’ve probably come across both CPCAB and SEG Awards qualifications. It’s natural to wonder which is “better” but the reality is that both are respected awarding organisations that provide regulated counselling qualifications recognised across the profession.

The most important decision isn’t simply choosing the awarding body, it’s choosing the training provider that will support your learning, personal development and future career.

Courses

The Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB) is a specialist awarding organisation that develops counselling qualifications used by hundreds of training providers across the UK. Its qualifications are regulated by Ofqual and provide a structured pathway from introductory counselling skills through to practitioner training.

Many colleges and further education providers deliver CPCAB courses, making it one of the most familiar names in counselling education.

Skills and Education Group (SEG Awards) is an Ofqual-regulated awarding organisation that offers nationally recognised counselling qualifications alongside qualifications in many other professional sectors. Like CPCAB, SEG qualifications sit on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), meaning they are recognised nationally and designed to meet rigorous quality assurance standards.

An SEG qualification provides learners with the knowledge, practical counselling skills and academic foundation needed to progress through counselling training and towards professional membership with organisations such as BACP and NCPS, provided all other training and membership requirements are met.

Yes!

An SEG Level 2 or Level 3 qualification provides an excellent foundation for progressing to higher-level counselling training, while a recognised Level 4 practitioner qualification is the stage at which learners develop the competencies required for professional practice.

Employers, universities and professional bodies look at the overall quality of your training, your supervised practice, your skills, and your professional development not simply the logo on your certificate.

Absolutely.

Our SEG Awards courses are designed to prepare learners for the next stage of their counselling journey. Whether your goal is to continue to Level 3, progress to Level 4 practitioner training, or eventually become a registered counsellor, your qualification provides a recognised stepping stone towards those ambitions.

Throughout your training, we also help you understand professional membership, ethical practice, reflective learning and the realities of working as a counsellor ensuring you are prepared for more than simply passing assessments.

You may find some Level 2 and Level 3 counselling courses offered free or at a reduced cost through further education colleges or local authority funding. Funding eligibility depends on factors such as your age, previous qualifications, where you live and current government funding rules, so availability varies between providers. Both CPCAB and SEG qualifications include courses that may be eligible for public funding through approved providers.

While funded courses can make counselling training more accessible, cost should not be the only factor when choosing where to study.

Why Choose Insight Training?

At Insight Training, we believe that becoming a counsellor is about much more than gaining a qualification.

Our courses are intentionally delivered in smaller, supportive learning groups where every learner is known as an individual. Rather than being one student among dozens in a college classroom, you’ll learn in an environment that encourages participation, confidence and personal growth.

When you train with us, you’ll benefit from:

Small class sizes that encourage meaningful discussion and skills practice.

Individual tutor support throughout your learning journey.

A safe, reflective learning environment where you can develop personally as well as professionally.

Experienced tutors who bring real counselling practice into the classroom.

High-quality skills practice with constructive, personalised feedback.

A learning community that values connection, encouragement and professional development.

Counselling is a relational profession. We believe your training should reflect that from day one.

It’s Not Just The Qualification, It’s The Experience

Whether you study an SEG Awards qualification or a CPCAB qualification, you’ll receive a nationally recognised, regulated award. The real difference lies in how you are taught.

At Insight Training, we focus on developing confident, reflective and ethical future counsellors through high-quality teaching, personal support and practical learning experiences. We don’t believe students should simply complete assignments, we believe they should leave feeling prepared for the realities of professional practice.

If you’re looking for a counselling course where you’ll be supported, challenged and encouraged every step of the way, we’d love to welcome you to Insight Training.

Start Training Now
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. If you continue to use this site, you agree with it.