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Online counselling course

A short certification for counsellors: guide a learner from first enquiry to an informed admission decision, using verified facts and needs-based counselling instead of a sales script.

No reviews yetTaught by Walnut Academy
Level
Beginner
Language
English
Duration
29 hours
Lessons
111

Last updated 8 Oct 2026

What you'll learn.

  • Explain Online, ODL/Distance and Regular education and the Four-Quadrant model.
  • Verify programme entitlement for an academic session, and tell recognition, accreditation and ranking apart.
  • Describe a programme and its syllabus in terms of the learner's goal.
  • Profile a learner and identify their needs before recommending a programme.
  • Compare universities on identical parameters and demonstrate the LMS.
  • Explain total fees, payment options, admission steps and documents.
  • Conduct a structured counselling call, including parent conversations and follow-up.
  • Apply the compliance rules and identify unsupported claims.
  • Use the Course Finder on the LMS to build a shortlist for a learner.
  • Select lead sources and handle WhatsApp-ad and LinkedIn leads within policy.

How this course is taught.

Every module comes to you in four parts, so you can watch, read, discuss and check what you have learned.

  1. Quadrant I

    e-Tutorial

    Watch a short video lecture for each module, with full text notes beside it so you can review or translate at your own pace.

  2. Quadrant II

    e-Content

    Download or print the reading material for each module, with key terms, case studies and links to further resources.

  3. Opens soon

    Discussion forum

    Ask questions and clear your doubts with other learners. The course team guides the discussion and answers questions.

  4. Quadrant IV

    Assessment

    Check your understanding with quizzes, short and long-answer practice and FAQs, then take the final test.

Curriculum.

23 modules · 111 lessons
1Module 1: Online higher education fundamentals5 lessons · 1 h 11 minPart A — Core course · Unit 1: Foundations. Explain how an online degree programme works, how Online, ODL/Distance and Regular modes differ, and what a learner will use on the platform, in plain words and without ranking the modes.e-Tutorial (video)1e-Content (PDF)1e-Content (notes)1Assessment2
  • Video: Video lecture6 min
  • Note: Reading notes9 min
  • Pdf: Module book (PDF)33 min
  • Quiz: Self-check quiz8 min
  • Assignment: Practice activity: explain three MBA modes in one minute15 min
2Module 2: UGC, DEB, recognition and compliance5 lessons · 1 h 18 minPart A — Core course · Unit 1: Foundations. Verify a programme link by link before you call it recognised. You will be able to check the exact programme, mode and academic session on the right official source, and to verify or escalate instead of guessing.e-Tutorial (video)1e-Content (PDF)1e-Content (notes)1Assessment2
  • Video: Video lecture5 min
  • Note: Reading notes10 min
  • Pdf: Module book (PDF)41 min
  • Quiz: Self-check quiz7 min
  • Assignment: Practice activity: list what must be verified before admission15 min
3Module 3: Understanding university types5 lessons · 1 h 7 minPart A — Core course · Unit 1: Foundations. Name the four university types and replace "government" or "private" shortcuts with facts. State type as a fact, never a ranking, and use NAAC and rankings only as supporting information.e-Tutorial (video)1e-Content (PDF)1e-Content (notes)1Assessment2
  • Video: Video lecture5 min
  • Note: Reading notes9 min
  • Pdf: Module book (PDF)30 min
  • Quiz: Self-check quiz8 min
  • Assignment: Practice activity: rewrite the shortcut as a factual statement15 min
4Module 4: Programme master training5 lessons · 1 h 16 minPart A — Core course · Unit 2: Programme knowledge. Describe any programme with the eleven-point programme knowledge framework, adapt MBA, MCA, BBA and BCA counselling to the learner in front of you, and ask the right questions before suggesting a programme.e-Tutorial (video)1e-Content (PDF)1e-Content (notes)1Assessment2
  • Video: Video lecture5 min
  • Note: Reading notes10 min
  • Pdf: Module book (PDF)38 min
  • Quiz: Self-check quiz8 min
  • Assignment: Practice activity: questions before suggestions15 min
5Module 5: Syllabus-based counselling5 lessons · 1 h 14 minPart A — Core course · Unit 2: Programme knowledge. Use the current syllabus to show a learner what they will actually study. Follow the six-link chain, explain a subject in plain language in about one minute and link it to the learner's stated objective, never to a guaranteed job.e-Tutorial (video)1e-Content (PDF)1e-Content (notes)1Assessment2
  • Video: Video lecture5 min
  • Note: Reading notes10 min
  • Pdf: Module book (PDF)36 min
  • Quiz: Self-check quiz8 min
  • Assignment: Practice activity: explain one subject in one minute15 min
6Module 6: Student profiling and need analysis5 lessons · 1 h 21 minPart A — Core course · Unit 3: Understanding the learner. Profile a learner across eight areas with open and closed questions, apply the need analysis formula in order, and record what the learner said before recommending any programme.e-Tutorial (video)1e-Content (PDF)1e-Content (notes)1Assessment2
  • Video: Video lecture5 min
  • Note: Reading notes10 min
  • Pdf: Module book (PDF)43 min
  • Quiz: Self-check quiz8 min
  • Assignment: Practice activity: what else would you ask the BCA learner15 min
7Module 7: Career and working-professional counselling5 lessons · 1 h 14 minPart A — Core course · Unit 3: Understanding the learner. Link a programme to a learner's career goal honestly using the Career chain, help a working professional plan study alongside a job, and rewrite any unsafe career statement without promising a job, a promotion or a salary increase.e-Tutorial (video)1e-Content (PDF)1e-Content (notes)1Assessment2
  • Video: Video lecture5 min
  • Note: Reading notes9 min
  • Pdf: Module book (PDF)37 min
  • Quiz: Self-check quiz8 min
  • Assignment: Practice activity: rewrite an unsafe salary promise15 min
8Module 8: Competitive university training5 lessons · 1 h 20 minPart A — Core course · Unit 4: Universities and the LMS. Speak about the universities a learner is comparing factually and respectfully, using the University Battle Card, its official source and its last-verified date, and confirming the exact institution first.e-Tutorial (video)1e-Content (PDF)1e-Content (notes)1Assessment2
  • Video: Video lecture5 min
  • Note: Reading notes9 min
  • Pdf: Module book (PDF)43 min
  • Quiz: Self-check quiz8 min
  • Assignment: Practice activity: the five battle-card fields to check first15 min
9Module 9: University comparison training5 lessons · 1 h 19 minPart A — Core course · Unit 4: Universities and the LMS. Compare universities fairly, on the same ten parameters and like with like, around what the learner needs. Use the Comparison method and build a three-column comparison on a learner’s top three priorities, without naming a “best” university.e-Tutorial (video)1e-Content (PDF)1e-Content (notes)1Assessment2
  • Video: Video lecture5 min
  • Note: Reading notes10 min
  • Pdf: Module book (PDF)41 min
  • Quiz: Self-check quiz8 min
  • Assignment: Practice activity: build a three-column comparison15 min
10Module 10: LMS practical training5 lessons · 1 h 19 minPart A — Core course · Unit 4: Universities and the LMS. Demonstrate the learning platform screen by screen in the learner's own language, show where help is available after admission, and never promise a feature that is not active.e-Tutorial (video)1e-Content (PDF)1e-Content (notes)1Assessment2
  • Video: Video lecture5 min
  • Note: Reading notes10 min
  • Pdf: Module book (PDF)41 min
  • Quiz: Self-check quiz8 min
  • Assignment: Practice activity: a two-minute LMS demo15 min
11Module 11: Fees, EMI and financial counselling5 lessons · 1 h 16 minPart A — Core course · Unit 5: Fees and admission. Explain the total programme cost, payment schedule, approved EMI terms, refund policy and scholarship conditions from the current official fee sheet, so a learner understands the full financial commitment before paying anything.e-Tutorial (video)1e-Content (PDF)1e-Content (notes)1Assessment2
  • Video: Video lecture5 min
  • Note: Reading notes10 min
  • Pdf: Module book (PDF)38 min
  • Quiz: Self-check quiz8 min
  • Assignment: Practice activity: explain a programme's total cost and payment schedule15 min
12Module 12: Admission and documentation5 lessons · 1 h 14 minPart A — Core course · Unit 5: Fees and admission. Guide a learner through each of the eleven admission stages and every document, in the right order and without guessing. Handle the five common document error cases and escalate uncertain cases to the admissions team.e-Tutorial (video)1e-Content (PDF)1e-Content (notes)1Assessment2
  • Video: Video lecture5 min
  • Note: Reading notes10 min
  • Pdf: Module book (PDF)36 min
  • Quiz: Self-check quiz8 min
  • Assignment: Practice activity: a name spelt two ways15 min
13Module 13: Counselling call framework5 lessons · 1 h 18 minPart A — Core course · Unit 6: The counselling conversation. Run every counselling call through the nine stages of the call framework, from the recommended opening to an agreed next step, handling concerns with L-A-C-E and never pressuring the learner or inventing a deadline.e-Tutorial (video)1e-Content (PDF)1e-Content (notes)1Assessment2
  • Video: Video lecture6 min
  • Note: Reading notes9 min
  • Pdf: Module book (PDF)40 min
  • Quiz: Self-check quiz8 min
  • Assignment: Practice activity: the opening and two discovery questions15 min
14Module 14: Parent counselling5 lessons · 1 h 15 minPart A — Core course · Unit 6: The counselling conversation. Answer a parent's concerns with verified facts, following the eight-step parent call structure, while the learner stays involved in the decision. Answer the question "Is this online degree recognised?" only after verifying the exact programme, mode and session.e-Tutorial (video)1e-Content (PDF)1e-Content (notes)1Assessment2
  • Video: Video lecture5 min
  • Note: Reading notes10 min
  • Pdf: Module book (PDF)37 min
  • Quiz: Self-check quiz8 min
  • Assignment: Practice activity: "Is this online degree recognised?"15 min
15Module 15: Communication and follow-up5 lessons · 1 h 17 minPart A — Core course · Unit 6: The counselling conversation. Choose the right channel for each message, communicate to four clear standards and send the four common follow-ups without pressure. Record every follow-up in the CRM with a next action and a date.e-Tutorial (video)1e-Content (PDF)1e-Content (notes)1Assessment2
  • Video: Video lecture6 min
  • Note: Reading notes10 min
  • Pdf: Module book (PDF)38 min
  • Quiz: Self-check quiz8 min
  • Assignment: Practice activity: the three-line WhatsApp follow-up15 min
16Module 16: Competitive case studies5 lessons · 1 h 17 minPart A — Core course · Unit 7: Cases and compliance. Answer a learner who mentions another university, a discount, a placement promise or a delay, fairly and factually, using the recommended approach for each of the five core cases. Deliver a safe reply to any one case in about 30 seconds without criticising a competitor.e-Tutorial (video)1e-Content (PDF)1e-Content (notes)1Assessment2
  • Video: Video lecture6 min
  • Note: Reading notes9 min
  • Pdf: Module book (PDF)39 min
  • Quiz: Self-check quiz8 min
  • Assignment: Practice activity: a 30-second reply15 min
17Module 17: Compliance and ethical counselling5 lessons · 1 h 22 minPart A — Core course · Unit 7: Cases and compliance. Recognise what must never be invented, guaranteed or shared, verify or escalate when unsure, and rewrite any unsafe statement in safe, honest language that still helps the learner.e-Tutorial (video)1e-Content (PDF)1e-Content (notes)1Assessment2
  • Video: Video lecture5 min
  • Note: Reading notes10 min
  • Pdf: Module book (PDF)44 min
  • Quiz: Self-check quiz8 min
  • Assignment: Practice activity: pick the unsafe statement and rewrite it safely15 min
18Case study: SPPU online product master5 lessons · 1 h 32 minPart A — Core course · Case study. Apply all seventeen Part A modules to one live product, SPPU Online, and one learner. Read every intake-specific fact from the Knowledge Card, position SPPU honestly with P-U-N-E, compare fairly and agree a specific next step without any guarantee.e-Tutorial (video)1e-Content (PDF)1e-Content (notes)1Assessment2
  • Video: Video lecture5 min
  • Note: Reading notes9 min
  • Pdf: Module book (PDF)41 min
  • Quiz: Self-check quiz7 min
  • Assignment: Case study questions30 min
19Module 18: Using the Course Finder through the LMS5 lessons · 1 h 24 minPart B — Additional compulsory section · Unit 8: Course Finder and lead generation. Use the Course Finder in the LMS to turn a learner's profile into a transparent shortlist of two or three programmes, share it and save it in the CRM, and treat every result as a starting point to verify on the official source.e-Tutorial (video)1e-Content (PDF)1e-Content (notes)1Assessment2
  • Video: Video lecture6 min
  • Note: Reading notes10 min
  • Pdf: Module book (PDF)41 min
  • Quiz: Self-check quiz7 min
  • Assignment: Practical task: a Course Finder shortlist for the Module 6 learner20 min
20Module 19: The 100 lead sources5 lessons · 1 h 34 minPart B — Additional compulsory section · Unit 8: Course Finder and lead generation. Build a steady, honest pipeline from many sources, not one. Choose a personal top 10 from the 100 lead sources, turn contacts into usable leads with consent, and log every lead with its true source in the CRM.e-Tutorial (video)1e-Content (PDF)1e-Content (notes)1Assessment2
  • Video: Video lecture6 min
  • Note: Reading notes9 min
  • Pdf: Module book (PDF)51 min
  • Quiz: Self-check quiz8 min
  • Assignment: Practical task: your 10 lead sources for the month20 min
21Module 20: WhatsApp ads5 lessons · 1 h 25 minPart B — Additional compulsory section · Unit 8: Course Finder and lead generation. Turn a tap on an ad that clicks to WhatsApp into a prompt, honest counselling conversation: reply promptly, greet by name, profile before any fee, log the lead in the CRM and follow up only with opt-in.e-Tutorial (video)1e-Content (PDF)1e-Content (notes)1Assessment2
  • Video: Video lecture6 min
  • Note: Reading notes10 min
  • Pdf: Module book (PDF)41 min
  • Quiz: Self-check quiz8 min
  • Assignment: Practical task: your first three messages20 min
22Module 21: LinkedIn lead sources5 lessons · 1 h 31 minPart B — Additional compulsory section · Unit 8: Course Finder and lead generation. Use LinkedIn to find working professionals and start useful, honest conversations: build a trustworthy profile, find prospects, work the six LinkedIn lead sources and follow the outreach sequence. Move interested people to a counselling call and log them in the CRM with LinkedIn as the source.e-Tutorial (video)1e-Content (PDF)1e-Content (notes)1Assessment2
  • Video: Video lecture6 min
  • Note: Reading notes10 min
  • Pdf: Module book (PDF)47 min
  • Quiz: Self-check quiz8 min
  • Assignment: Practical task: a connection note and a follow-up message20 min
23Final test1 lesson · 10 minThe one test for the course: 20 questions drawn at random, 10 minutes, pass mark 14 out of 20 with all four compliance questions correct. It opens after Part A and Part B are complete.Final test1
  • Final test: Final test10 min

Certificate

Certified Online Programme Counsellor - Foundation

You receive the Certified Online Programme Counsellor - Foundation certificate from Walnut DataTech Private Limited when all three conditions are met:

  1. Part A complete: all 17 modules and the SPPU case study, including each practice activity.
  2. Part B complete: Modules 18 to 21 and their four practical tasks.
  3. Final test passed: 14 or more out of 20, with all four compliance questions correct.

Final test rules.

  • It opens only after Part A and Part B are complete.
  • 20 questions are drawn at random from the question bank, one mark each: multiple choice, scenario-based and true/false.
  • You have 10 minutes. The test is submitted when the time runs out.
  • All four compliance questions must be correct to pass, whatever your total score.
  • If you do not pass, revisit the modules you found difficult and retake the test. You get a fresh set of questions.

The certificate shows your name, the course title, the date of completion, your test score and a certificate number anyone can verify.

Every certificate carries a unique number that anyone can check on the verification page.

Before you start.

  • No prior counselling experience is needed.
  • An LMS login and a demo learner account for the practical modules.
  • Time to study at your own pace, or with a trainer.

About this course.

This short certification course trains a counsellor in the essentials of counselling learners for the online programmes supported by Walnut DataTech Private Limited.

Objective. To prepare a counsellor to guide a learner from first enquiry to an informed admission decision, using verified facts and needs-based counselling instead of a sales script.

Who it is for. New and existing counsellors, admission executives, team leaders and channel partners who counsel for Walnut's online products.

How this course is taught.

Every module is taught in four quadrants:

  • Quadrant I, e-Tutorial: a short video lecture with full text notes you can read, review and translate.
  • Quadrant II, e-Content: the module book as a PDF to download or print, with reading notes, key terms, case examples and where to verify.
  • Quadrant III, Discussion forum: a space to ask questions and clear doubts with the course team. It opens soon.
  • Quadrant IV, Assessment: a self-check quiz, a short or long-answer practice activity and frequently asked questions. The practice is not scored.

Each module follows the same loop: learn the concept, explain it in your own words, practise it, and check the one compliance point to remember.

Course structure.

  • Part A, core course: Modules 1 to 17 in seven units, from online higher education and UGC-DEB recognition to the counselling call and compliance, then the SPPU Online product master case study.
  • Part B, additional compulsory section: Modules 18 to 21 on the Course Finder and lead generation, each with a practical task.
  • Final test (10 minutes): one test at the end, with 20 questions covering Modules 1 to 21.

At a glance.

  • Duration: about 29 hours of study in total, self-paced or trainer-led. The video lectures and the final test take about 2 hours; reading the module books and completing the practice activities takes the rest.
  • Level: Foundation (beginner).
  • Language: English.
  • Contents: 21 modules, 1 case study, 21 practice activities and 1 final test.
  • Prerequisites: no prior counselling experience. An LMS login and a demo learner account are needed for the practical modules.
  • Certificate: Certified Online Programme Counsellor - Foundation, issued by Walnut DataTech Private Limited.

Fees, eligibility and entitlement are always taken from the current official source, never from this course or from memory.

Your instructor.

Walnut AcademyWalnut Data Tech training team

Learner reviews.

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No reviews yet. Learners can review a course after completing half of it.

Questions about enrolling.

How long can I access this course?

You keep access for as long as the course is offered on Walnut LMS.

Is my payment secure?

Yes. Your card, UPI or bank details go straight to Razorpay. Walnut Data Tech never sees or stores them.

When do I get access?

Immediately after the payment is confirmed. You'll also get a receipt by email.

What if the payment fails but money is deducted?

This is usually a delay at the bank. If the payment is confirmed, you're enrolled automatically. If not, the bank reverses the amount, normally within 5–7 working days. Contact support with your receipt number if you need help.

Can I get a refund?

Yes, if you ask within 7 days of purchase and have completed less than 20% of the course. Raise a ticket from the help desk with your receipt number.

Counselling and admissions