LEVEL 3, 4 & 5
Beauty Courses
New Zealand Certificate in Skin Care and Cosmetics (Level 3)
CMR 0035 & 0099 | NZQF Level 3 | 60 Credits
Qualification Overview
Qualification Title: New Zealand Certificate in Skin Care and Cosmetics (Level 3)
NZQF Level: 3
Credits: 60
CMR: 0035 & 0099
Duration:
Delivery Mode: Face-to-face (with supervised salon practice and work experience)
Programme Aim
The aim of the New Zealand Certificate in Skin Care and Cosmetics (Level 3) is to provide learners with foundational knowledge and practical skills in skin care and cosmetics to enable them to perform basic services safely and professionally. The programme prepares graduates for entry-level roles in the beauty and cosmetics sector, operating under initial supervision, and supports progression to further study at Level 4 in beauty therapy or related disciplines.
The programme supports the development of professional conduct, effective communication, client consultation, safe workplace practices, and introductory retail and sales skills relevant to skin care and cosmetic services.
Programme Structure
Total Credits: 60 (approximately 600 learning hours)
The programme is typically delivered full-time over one semester or equivalent part-time delivery. Learning is structured around integrated theory and practical components, with assessments aligned to the graduate outcomes of the qualification.
Indicative programme Structure
Graduate Outcomes
Graduates of this programme will be able to:
Apply professional standards of conduct, including health, safety, hygiene, and ethical practices, relevant to skin care and cosmetics workplaces.
Communicate effectively with clients, including greeting, consulting, and confirming service and product requirements.
Apply foundational skills and knowledge to deliver basic skin care and make-up services in accordance with industry expectations and client needs.
Assist with the promotion and sale of skin care and cosmetic products in a retail or service environment.
Assessment Approach (Indicative)
Assessment is competency-based and may include: - Practical demonstrations and observations - Client consultation simulations - Written and/or oral knowledge assessments - Portfolio or workbook evidence
Assessments are conducted in simulated or real workplace environments and are mapped directly to the graduate outcomes.
Pathways
Employment Pathways:
Junior beauty assistant
Cosmetics retail assistant
Skin care or make-up assistant
Education Pathways:
New Zealand Certificate in Beauty Therapy (Level 4)
New Zealand Certificate in Makeup Artistry and Hairstyling (Level 4)
Alignment and Compliance
This programme is designed to align with: - New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) - Relevant Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR 0035 & 0099) - NZQA programme approval and accreditation requirements
New Zealand Certificate in Beauty Therapy (Level 4)
CMR 0035 & 0099 | NZQF Level 4 | 120 Credits
Qualification Type: New Zealand Certificate
Level: 4
Credits: 120
NZQF Classification: 100503 – Beauty Therapy
Delivery Mode: Face-to-face
Programme Length: 40 weeks full-time (or part-time equivalent)
Programme Aim
The aim of this Programme is to equip learners with the knowledge, practical skills, and professional attributes required to perform a broad range of beauty therapy services at an entry-level in the beauty industry.
The Programme prepares graduates to work under limited supervision in commercial salons, spas, or clinics, delivering safe and effective treatments while maintaining professional, hygienic, and ethical standards.
It also provides a pathway to higher-level study in beauty therapy and related fields.
Target Learners
This Programme is designed for:
Domestic and international learners
School leavers seeking a career in beauty therapy
Adult learners seeking entry into the beauty industry
Individuals with little or no prior beauty therapy experience
Programme Structure
Total Credits: 120
The Programme integrates theory, practical training, and clinic experience in a simulated or commercial environment.
Module Structure (Indicative)
Programme Delivery
Delivery will include:
Classroom theory sessions
Tutor demonstrations
Supervised practical training
Simulated salon clinic practice
Work-integrated learning (where applicable)
Self-directed learning
Learners must complete a required number of practical services on paying or simulated clients.
Learning and Teaching Methods
Teaching strategies include:
Lectures and interactive discussions
Practical workshops
Demonstrations
Peer practice
Clinic rotations
Case studies
Product training seminars
Industry guest speakers
Assessment Methods
Assessment is competency-based and may include:
Practical observations
Client service assessments
Written tests and exams
Assignments and case studies
Portfolio of evidence
Product prescription tasks
Clinic performance reviews
All practical assessments occur under commercial clinic conditions.
Graduate Profile Outcomes
Graduates of this qualification will be able to:
Professional Practice
Apply professional standards of behaviour, ethics, and presentation in a beauty therapy environment
Comply with legislative, health, safety, and hygiene requirements
Maintain infection control and sterilisation procedures
Client Consultation
Conduct client consultations and skin/body analyses
Identify contraindications and treatment limitations
Develop appropriate treatment plans and aftercare advice
Beauty Therapy Services
Independently perform a range of beauty therapy treatments, including:
Facial skin care treatments
Makeup application services
Manicure and pedicure services
Waxing and hair removal services
Eye treatments (lash and brow services)
Relaxation massage
Basic body treatments
Product Knowledge & Retail
Recommend professional products
Provide homecare advice
Perform retail sales and rebooking
Workplace Readiness
Work effectively within a team
Manage time, appointments, and client records
Deliver quality customer service in a commercial clinic setting
Education Pathways
Graduates may progress to:
New Zealand Diploma in Beauty Therapy (Level 5)
Advanced Skin Therapy Programmes
Spa Therapy qualifications
Cosmetic Appearance / IPL / Laser (where entry criteria met)
Employment Pathways
Graduates may gain employment as:
Beauty Therapist
Junior Beauty/Skin Therapist
Nail Technician
Makeup Artist
Salon or Spa Assistant
Retail Beauty Consultant
Resource Requirements
Resources include:
Fully equipped beauty therapy clinic
Treatment beds and stools
Facial and skin analysis equipment
Waxing heaters and products
Nail stations and tools
Makeup kits
Sterilisation and hygiene equipment
Retail product displays
Delivery is supported by:
Commercial-standard training salons
Industry-approved tools, equipment, and products
Qualified and industry-experienced tutors
Health and safety systems compliant with legislative requirements
Quality Assurance
The Programme is supported by the organisation’s Quality Management System (QMS), including:
Ongoing self-assessment and evaluation
Learner feedback and engagement processes
Tutor professional development
Industry advisory input
Health, Safety, and Wellbeing
The provider is committed to learner wellbeing and safety and complies with: - Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 - NZQA Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of Domestic and International Students.
Learners are supported through clear policies, safe learning environments, and access to wellbeing and support services.
New Zealand Diploma in Beauty Therapy (Level 5)
CMR 0035 & 0099 | NZQF Level 5 | 120 Credits
NZQF Level: 5
Credits: 120
Qualification Reference: 3445
Qualification Developer: Toitū te Waiora Workforce Development Council
CMR: 0035 & 0099
Programme Duration: 40 weeks (1 year full-time)
Delivery Mode: Face-to-face
Clinical Practice: Required
Programme Rationale
The beauty therapy industry requires advanced practitioners capable of delivering specialised face and body treatments using electrical modalities and advanced skin care technologies.
This Programme:
Responds to industry demand for Level 5 qualified therapists
Builds on Level 4 knowledge and skills
Aligns with spa, clinic, and advanced skin service sectors
Prepares graduates for autonomous clinical practice
Industry consultation may include:
Beauty clinics
Cosmetic companies
Spa employers
Industry associations
Programme Aim
To graduate professional beauty therapists with advanced technical, clinical, and theoretical knowledge who can independently deliver specialised beauty therapy services safely and effectively across a range of treatment environments.
Programme Structure
Indicative Module Structure
Learning & Teaching Approaches
Delivery integrates theory and clinical practice through:
Tutor-led classes
Practical demonstrations
Supervised clinic practice
Industry simulation
Case studies
Product workshops
Guest industry speakers
Blended delivery may include LMS resources and online theory learning.
Assessment Methodology
Assessment is competency-based and may include:
Practical observations
Clinical logbooks
Case studies
Treatment plans
Written assignments
Tests & exams
Portfolio of evidence
Client consultation assessments
All practical services must meet commercial industry standards.
Clinical Practice Requirements
Students must complete supervised clinical practice including:
Advanced facials
Electrical treatments
Body therapies
Electrolysis services
Minimum clinic hours are set by the provider to ensure GPO competence (commonly 200–300 hours).
Graduate Profile Outcomes (GPOs)
On successful completion graduates will be able to:
1. Advanced Skin Care Treatments
Provide advanced facial services using specialised products, electrical equipment, and technologies following in-depth consultation and skin analysis.
2. Integrated Face & Body Therapies
Deliver advanced face and body treatments incorporating electrical modalities and specialised massage therapies.
3. Electrolysis Services
Provide permanent hair reduction treatments using electrolysis techniques in accordance with industry safety standards.
4. Applied Skin Science
Apply knowledge of skin anatomy, physiology, disorders, cosmetic chemistry, and nutrition to treatment planning.
5. Professional Practice
Operate within legal, ethical, cultural, and professional frameworks ensuring client safety and wellbeing.
6. Clinic & Business Operations
Contribute to clinic performance through retailing, client management, and operational practices.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
RPL and Credit Transfer may be granted where learners can demonstrate equivalent knowledge, skills, and clinical competence.
Assessment may include:
Portfolio evidence
Practical demonstration
Challenge assessments
Graduate Pathways
Employment
Beauty Therapist
Skin Therapist
Spa Therapist
Electrologist
Cosmetic Consultant
Resort / Cruise Therapist
Education
Level 6 Dermal Therapy
Cosmetic/Aesthetic study
Beauty business management
Advanced skin therapy Programmes
Staffing Requirements
Tutors must:
Hold Level 5+ Beauty qualification
Have industry experience
Hold adult teaching qualification (or working towards)
Maintain professional development
Clinic supervisors must hold electrolysis and advanced therapy competency where delivered.
Facilities & Resources
Providers must supply:
Commercial clinic rooms
Electrical facial equipment
Electrolysis machines
Body therapy equipment
Professional product ranges
Sterilisation & hygiene facilities
All equipment must meet health & safety regulations.
Moderation & Quality Assurance
Assessment and delivery align with:
CMR 0035 & 0099 requirements
Internal moderation
External moderation via Toitū te Waiora
Industry consultation feedback
Annual Programme review
Programme Regulations
Includes:
Attendance requirements
Clinic uniform standards
Health & safety compliance
Client confidentiality
Professional conduct expectations
Quality Assurance
The Programme is supported by the organisation’s Quality Management System (QMS), including:
Ongoing self-assessment and evaluation
Learner feedback and engagement processes
Tutor professional development
Industry advisory input
Health, Safety, and Wellbeing
The provider is committed to learner wellbeing and safety and complies with: - Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 - NZQA Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of Domestic and International Students.
Learners are supported through clear policies, safe learning environments, and access to wellbeing and support services.