Counselling – Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
From learners:
1) My tutor is on holiday or unavailable and I don’t want to wait, please can you answer this question…. All queries relating to your course/qualification can be answered by your centre. If your course tutor is not available, the exams team at your centre should be contacted to discuss your queries.
2) I failed my exam; how do I appeal? If you are unhappy about your results or have failed an element of your Counselling course, your centre needs to submit an enquiry about results on your behalf within 25 working days of the results being issued, this needs to provide full details of the enquiry, accompanied by all supporting documentation and written permission from you.
If you are not happy with the outcome of the enquiry, an appeal can be made if there are valid grounds. This must follow the AIM appeals process and be submitted with 10 working days from the date of the initial outcome or decision of the enquiry of results.
3) My grade is not what I was expecting, how is the grade calculated? Each specific component required for successful completion of the qualification is worth a % of the overall qualification. Each component can be graded as Pass, Merit or Distinction.
The grades awarded for each component is worth a particular number of points, these points are totalled up and a ‘Points Range’ is used to award a particular grade. All training providers have access to this information on our system, please talk to your provider if you would like more information.
4) I failed my SSP, can the resubmission be of the existing client/work? Due to the SSP being an externally set and externally marked assessment, it follows the external assessment rules. This means that a learner is not submitting but retaking the assessment. This is like retaking an examination. If you have failed your initial SSP Coursework, your retake should be of the existing client/work. The retake does not have to be about an entirely new client/submission.
5) When will I receive my exam results? Once the exam has been completed and submitted to AIM for the Level 2, 3 and 4 Counselling qualifications, they will be marked and results issued to your training provider on the published date on our website: Externally Assessed Exams - AIM
6) The exam results have been issued, why I have not received a certificate? Qualification certificates are issued upon successful completion of the full qualification once all mandatory and optional components have been successfully completed and awarded. We do not issue certificates for examinations because these are linked to single components in the full qualification.
7) The tutor has left the college, and the course is no longer running. Can I transfer to a different provider? We would advise that you contact your local training providers to confirm if they are currently delivering the qualification, check enrolment requirements, and what information is required when transferring between providers.
8) What entry requirements are required for the Level * qualification? Each qualification specification specifies recommended entry requirements to study each of the Counselling qualifications. For further information, please contact your training provider to discuss entry requirements with them.
9) My centre applied for a reasonable adjustment, could you please confirm if it was acknowledged and applied? Your centre must apply for reasonable adjustments no later than 25 working days prior to an exam date (for paper-based exams). Once this has been received, your centre will receive confirmation of what has been approved. Please speak to your centre directly, who will be able to provide further information.
10) How many UCAS points is my qualification worth? The Level 3 Certificate in Counselling is the only Counselling qualification that has UCAS points attached to it. You can calculate the UCAS points here: https://www.ucas.com/applying/you-apply/what-and-where-study/entryrequirements/calculate-your-ucas-tariff-points
11) I am about to sit my exam, please can you send me guidance on sitting the exam and past papers to practice? Your tutor will be able to provide all the resources and guidance you need in preparation for your exam. Your tutors have access to video guidance that covers both the examination and the SSP questions and will be able to support you to prepare for the examination. Please talk to your centre to gain access.