What Is a VTCT Qualification?

Who VTCT Skills is

VTCT Skills is the trading name of the Vocational Training Charitable Trust. It is an awarding organisation recognised by Ofqual since 1 April 2010 (recognition number RN5198) and by CCEA Regulation since 4 May 2016. The VTCT Skills brand launched on 11 November 2024, bringing VTCT, Skillsfirst and Skills for Logistics under one name. VTCT acquired iTEC, which is why course names often read "VTCT Skills (ITEC)" or "VTCT iTEC". VTCT describes itself as an awarding organisation and end-point assessment organisation (EPAO).

What Ofqual regulation means

Ofqual regulates qualifications and awarding organisations, not training providers. In its own words, it does not regulate schools, colleges or training providers, and it does not regulate training courses that only certify that someone attended a course but do not make judgements about an attendee's level of attainment. To check a qualification, search the Ofqual register.

What the levels mean

England, Wales and Northern Ireland use nine qualification levels, from entry level to Level 8. The examples below come from GOV.UK qualification levels. Write "the same level as", never "equivalent to a master's degree".

How a VTCT course is taught and assessed at Cosmetic College

Cosmetic College is a VTCT approved centre. You study theory online, take theory exams remotely, attend practical days on site, and complete the end point assessment on the final onsite day. Work is assessed by tutors and assessors, with internal quality assurance so decisions meet VTCT Skills requirements. Meet our trainers.

VTCT qualification or CPD course?

A CPD certificate shows you attended training; it is not an Ofqual-regulated qualification. Ofqual does not regulate attendance- only certificates that do not judge attainment. A VTCT qualification is regulated, levelled and formally assessed. Many practitioners use both. Compare them in VTCT vs CPD aesthetics courses compared.

Is a VTCT qualification a licence to practise?

No. The national licensing scheme is not in force, and the government has said a further consultation will cover training standards and qualifications. For council rules near the college, see aesthetics licensing in London and Kent.

• VTCT Skills awards the qualification; the college teaches and assesses it.
• Ofqual regulates the qualification and awarding body, not the college.
• Theory exams are remote online exams, never class days.