Training, qualifications and experience

In order to start work as a qualified beauty therapist, at least a level 3 qualification will be required by employers.

CPD continuing professional development

Many beauty product brands offer training in their products and this is often a good and inexpensive way to gain further knowledge and product experience.

Completing courses in specialist areas such as epilation, ear piercing, waxing techniques and UV tanning.

Courses leading to qualifications from awarding bodies such as ITEC, VTCT, City & Guilds and Edexcel are run at colleges and private beauty schools.

Higher level qualifications can lead to management career progression and these include

City & Guilds Higher Professional Certificate/Diploma in Technical Salon Management
BTEC HNDs and foundation degrees in subjects such as Beauty Therapy Management, Salon and Spa Management and Spa and Therapy Management.

Training

Training is through college courses or at private beauty schools (where the training may be shorter and more intensive). Private courses are usual more expensive and as with any training, it is crucial to do your research and assess all your options and the individual course and school benefits before making a final decision. Entry requirements will vary and it is important to understand and check the qualifications that you will receive will be recognised.

Alternatively, you could as a junior beauty therapist or by completing qualifications such as NVQ levels 1 and 2 in Beauty Therapy, before progressing to a higher level.

What are these levels?

The minimum qualification you need for a career in Beauty Therapy is Level 2. This will provide the first step to becoming a competent Beauty Therapist and train you in the basic services offered in the salon. NVQ/SVQs are developed by employers to ensure that staffs are properly skilled in their particular area of expertise.

Employers value NVQ/SVQs because they prove that you can do your job to a high standard - the standard that the beauty industry requires. It also shows an employer that you are committed to your career and training and have invested time in gaining the relevant qualifications. You will need these qualifications to become a member of the Safe Beauty Association.

NVQ/SVQ Level 2 and 3 also qualify you to work in a variety of roles such as a make-up artist or nail technician and as a beauty therapist aboard cruise liners, at a health farm or in a salon.