Recommended route
RPL Eligibility Review
For: CPD-trained practitioners with certificates and evidence
Delivery: Evidence review + admissions consultation
Check RPL eligibilityTraining pathway guidance
Find the Right Aesthetics Training Route for Your Background and Goals
Not sure whether you need CPD, Level 3, Level 4, Level 5, Level 7 or RPL? Use this guide to compare your options, then request a personalised pathway recommendation from our admissions team.
- VTCT & ITEC qualification routes
- CPD and regulated training options
- Practical training in South East London
- Level 3 to Level 7 pathways
- Model-supported practical training
- Online and onsite options
- Payment options available
Choosing the wrong route can cost time, money and confidence
We help you compare routes first, then recommend the most suitable pathway - with course options, dates and payment choices when you are ready.
Already CPD trained?
Your previous training may support a regulated qualification route
RPL is reviewed case by case - not automatic. If you hold CPD certificates, this is often your highest-value next step.
Which best describes you?
Select the option closest to your situation and we'll show the most relevant route - then send your background for a personalised recommendation.
Compare training routes at a glance
Compare routes below - then send your background for a personalised pathway recommendation.
Online CPD
- Best for
- Theory refreshers, flexible CPD, continuing development
- Practical training
- No hands-on assessment on site
- Assessment
- Course-dependent; often knowledge-based
- Progression
- May support wider learning; not a regulated substitute
Practical CPD
- Best for
- Adding specific treatments with supervised practice
- Practical training
- Yes - hands-on training days
- Assessment
- CPD certificates; not VTCT regulated
- Progression
- Useful add-ons; may feed into RPL review
Level 3 Access / Foundation
- Best for
- Beginners and career changers entering aesthetics
- Practical training
- Structured foundation with practical elements
- Assessment
- Regulated VTCT qualification route
- Progression
- Towards Level 4 and beyond
Level 4 Qualifications
- Best for
- Advanced skin, device-led and aesthetic progression
- Practical training
- Yes - core practical competence
- Assessment
- Regulated VTCT assessment
- Progression
- Level 5, specialist routes, RPL review
Level 5 Qualifications
- Best for
- Higher-level skin rejuvenation and advanced practice
- Practical training
- Advanced practical training
- Assessment
- Regulated VTCT assessment
- Progression
- Level 6/7 where eligible
Level 6 Qualifications
- Best for
- Specialist advanced routes where applicable
- Practical training
- Specialist practical training
- Assessment
- Regulated where applicable
- Progression
- Further specialist or Level 7 routes
Level 7 Qualifications
- Best for
- Advanced injectable training where eligible
- Practical training
- Advanced supervised practice
- Assessment
- Regulated VTCT route
- Progression
- Advanced aesthetic practice planning
RPL / Prior Learning
- Best for
- CPD-trained practitioners seeking regulated credit
- Practical training
- Gap training may still be required
- Assessment
- Case-by-case evidence review
- Progression
- Towards target VTCT qualification
Model Club → Student
- Best for
- Gaining treatment exposure before formal enrolment
- Practical training
- Model session environment
- Assessment
- Not a qualification route alone
- Progression
- May inform pathway choice before booking
Employer / Team Training
- Best for
- Salons and clinics upskilling teams
- Practical training
- Tailored team programmes
- Assessment
- Route-dependent
- Progression
- Structured team progression plans
Personal pathway review
Answer a few questions and we'll recommend your route
No obligation to book - admissions reviews your background and suggests the most suitable pathway.
Pathway recommendation
Get Your Personal Training Pathway Recommendation
Tell us your background, previous training and goals. Our admissions team will recommend the most suitable route before you book.
What happens after you submit?
You are not committing to book - this is a pathway review only.
- 1
We review your background and training goals.
- 2
We identify the most suitable route.
- 3
If RPL may apply, we explain what evidence is needed.
- 4
We send relevant course dates, pricing and payment options.
- 5
You decide whether to proceed - no obligation to book.
CPD → regulated - high priority
I Already Have CPD Training - Can I Move Towards a Regulated Qualification?
Best for
CPD-trained practitioners with evidence of previous training and practice
Main next step
RPL eligibility review
Commercial route
Regulated qualification or gap training
Speak to
Admissions / RPL review
Who it may suit: Practitioners with CPD certificates who want a formal VTCT qualification and may have evidence of prior learning.
This may not be suitable if…
- You have no training evidence or case study documentation to support RPL review.
- You expect automatic qualification credit without assessment or gap training.
- Your goal is a single CPD certificate only - RPL review may not be needed.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) evidence review
- Gap training where required
- Structured progression into VTCT qualifications
RPL is not automatic and is never guaranteed. Outcomes depend on evidence, target qualification and awarding-body rules.
Recommended Cosmetic College routes
Recommended route
Level 4 Skin Rejuvenation
For: Progressing from CPD into regulated skin qualifications
Delivery: Practical VTCT training
View Level 4 skinRecommended next step
Pathway consultation
For: Unsure whether RPL or direct enrolment is better
Delivery: Admissions call / WhatsApp follow-up
Request pathway reviewBeginner route
I am New to Aesthetics - Where Should I Start?
Best for
Complete beginners and career changers entering aesthetics
Main next step
Level 3 Access or pathway consultation
Commercial route
Foundation VTCT or structured entry route
Speak to
Admissions
Who it may suit: Learners with little or no prior beauty or aesthetics experience who need a structured entry route.
This may not be suitable if…
- You want advanced injectables or Level 7 without foundations or suitability review.
- You already hold regulated qualifications - a higher level or RPL route may be more appropriate.
- You need immediate advanced device training without consultation on entry requirements.
- Structured introduction to consultation, anatomy and professional practice
- Clear progression towards Level 4 rather than ad-hoc CPD stacking
- Pathway consultation before advanced bookings
Beginners should not jump into advanced treatments without understanding entry requirements. Regulated routes may be more appropriate long term than isolated CPD alone.
Recommended Cosmetic College routes
Recommended route
Level 3 Access to Aesthetic Therapies
For: Career changers and complete beginners
Delivery: Regulated VTCT - practical foundation
View Level 3Recommended route
Aesthetics course hub
For: Exploring beginner-friendly CPD options
Delivery: CPD and short courses
Browse aesthetics coursesRecommended next step
Pathway consultation
For: Unsure where to start
Delivery: Admissions guidance before booking
Get beginner pathway adviceBeauty therapist progression
I am a Beauty Therapist and Want to Move Into Advanced Skin Treatments
Best for
Qualified beauty therapists moving into advanced skin treatments
Main next step
Level 4 skin route review
Commercial route
Level 4–5 regulated progression
Speak to
Admissions
Who it may suit: Existing beauty therapists progressing into microneedling, peels, dermaplaning, skin rejuvenation and device-led skin treatments.
This may not be suitable if…
- You have no prior treatment experience - a beginner foundation route may be needed first.
- You want injectables / Level 7 without meeting entry and suitability requirements.
- You expect CPD alone to replace regulated qualification where insurers or scope require it.
- Level 4 skin rejuvenation and diploma routes
- Selected CPD add-ons where appropriate
- Level 5 progression for suitable learners
Prior training influences which regulated route may be suitable. Insurance and treatment scope should be checked for each qualification.
Recommended Cosmetic College routes
Recommended route
Level 4 Skin Rejuvenation
For: Beauty therapists moving into advanced skin
Delivery: Regulated VTCT - practical training
View Level 4 skinRecommended route
Level 4 Diploma
For: Broader advanced aesthetic progression
Delivery: Regulated VTCT - multi-treatment route
View Level 4 diplomaRecommended route
Level 5 Skin Rejuvenation
For: Ready to deepen after Level 4 or equivalent
Delivery: Advanced regulated progression
View Level 5Laser / IPL
I Want to Train in Laser, IPL or Device-Based Treatments
Best for
Learners targeting laser, IPL or device-led treatments
Main next step
Core of Knowledge + Level 4 laser route review
Commercial route
VTCT laser/IPL qualifications
Speak to
Admissions
Who it may suit: Learners interested in laser hair removal, IPL rejuvenation, laser tattoo removal, Core of Knowledge and device training.
This may not be suitable if…
- You expect to operate devices without Core of Knowledge or appropriate qualification.
- You have not checked local authority, insurance and safety requirements for your area.
- You need full injectable training - laser/IPL routes alone will not cover that scope.
- Core of Knowledge and laser/IPL qualification routes
- Level 4 laser hair removal & IPL
- Level 5 laser tattoo removal progression
Device-based treatments involve safety, insurance and local authority considerations that must be checked independently.
Recommended Cosmetic College routes
Recommended route
Level 4 Laser Hair Removal & IPL
For: Learners starting laser/IPL qualification routes
Delivery: Practical VTCT training
View laser / IPL courseRecommended route
Core of Knowledge (online)
For: Theory foundation for laser/light devices
Delivery: Online VTCT/iTEC award
View Core of KnowledgeRecommended route
Level 5 Laser Tattoo Removal
For: Progression after Level 4 laser foundation
Delivery: Advanced regulated route
View Level 5 laserInjectables / Level 7
I Want to Progress Towards Injectables or Level 7
Best for
Suitable learners pursuing injectables where entry requirements may be met
Main next step
Suitability and pathway consultation
Commercial route
Level 7 certificate or diploma routes
Speak to
Admissions (Zoe review where needed)
Who it may suit: Suitable learners seeking advanced injectable training who understand entry requirements and suitability review.
This may not be suitable if…
- You have not met entry requirements or suitability has not been reviewed.
- You expect immediate booking without background assessment.
- You are a complete beginner - foundation and intermediate routes usually come first.
- You have not considered prescription-only medicine, insurance and legal requirements for your treatment scope.
- Level 7 certificate and diploma routes where eligible
- Pathway consultation before booking
- Structured progression from suitable prior training
Suitability matters. Prescription-only medicine considerations, insurance, local authority and legal requirements must be considered. Consultation may be required before enrolment.
Recommended Cosmetic College routes
Recommended route
Level 7 Diploma
For: Eligible learners pursuing advanced injectable qualification
Delivery: Regulated VTCT - subject to entry requirements
View Level 7 diplomaRecommended route
Level 7 Certificate
For: Alternative Level 7 route where suitable
Delivery: Regulated VTCT - subject to entry requirements
View Level 7 certificateRecommended route
Injectables hub
For: Reviewing all injectable-related options
Delivery: Course overview + admissions guidance
Browse injectables routesOnline CPD
I Want Online Training
Best for
Learners needing flexible theory, refreshers or CPD add-ons
Main next step
Suitability check for online vs practical goals
Commercial route
Online CPD hub or paired practical route
Speak to
Admissions
Who it may suit: Learners wanting flexible theory, refreshers or CPD alongside other training.
This may not be suitable if…
- You need supervised practical competence for treatments you plan to offer - online alone may not be enough.
- You want a regulated qualification that requires hands-on assessment on site.
- You expect online CPD to automatically satisfy insurer requirements for practical treatments.
- Online CPD and theory pathways
- Continuing development alongside practical routes
- Admissions guidance on whether online alone is sufficient
Online CPD may suit theory and refreshers, but may not replace practical training or regulated routes where hands-on assessment is required.
Recommended Cosmetic College routes
Recommended route
Online course hub
For: Flexible theory and CPD learning
Delivery: Online - check per course
View online coursesRecommended route
Practical VTCT routes
For: When online theory needs pairing with hands-on training
Delivery: On-site practical qualifications
View practical VTCTRecommended next step
Suitability check
For: Unsure if online meets your goal
Delivery: Admissions pathway review
Ask if online is suitableEmployer / team training
I Own or Manage a Salon or Clinic
Best for
Salon and clinic owners upskilling teams
Main next step
Team training planning conversation
Commercial route
Employer programmes and VTCT progression
Speak to
Admissions / business training
Who it may suit: Businesses wanting to upskill staff, add treatments or plan regulated progression for a team.
This may not be suitable if…
- You are an individual learner booking for yourself only - use the personal pathway form.
- You need instant enrolment without planning staff levels and treatment scope.
- Team training planning conversations
- Structured progression for multiple staff
- Employer-funded and business training routes
Team programmes are planned around business goals, staff backgrounds and treatment scope - consultation is the best first step.
Recommended Cosmetic College routes
Recommended route
Business training
For: Salon and clinic owners planning team upskilling
Delivery: Tailored employer programmes
Discuss business trainingRecommended route
VTCT qualification hub
For: Planning regulated progression for staff
Delivery: Level 3–7 structured routes
View VTCT routesRecommended next step
Team pathway consultation
For: Mapping training across multiple staff
Delivery: Admissions + account planning
Request team pathway reviewLevel 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 explained
Plain-English overview - always subject to entry requirements and suitability.
Level 3
Entry and foundation route into aesthetics or beauty-related training, depending on the specific qualification.
May suit: Beginners, career changers and learners who need structured foundations before advanced treatments.
Level 4
Commonly used for advanced aesthetic, skin and device-based qualifications.
May suit: Learners with suitable foundations who want regulated advanced skin or device training.
Level 5
Higher-level aesthetic practice and advanced skin rejuvenation progression.
May suit: Practitioners ready to deepen scope after Level 4 or equivalent suitable training.
Level 6
Advanced or specialist qualification routes where applicable to your treatment goals.
May suit: Learners with appropriate prior regulated training seeking specialist progression.
Level 7
Advanced injectable and aesthetic qualification route, subject to entry requirements.
May suit: Suitable learners with the right background who want advanced injectable training.
FAQs
CPD (Continuing Professional Development) training helps you learn specific treatments and may issue certificates, but it is not the same as a regulated VTCT qualification. Regulated routes involve formal assessment, awarding-body standards and structured progression. Which is more appropriate depends on your goals, background and the treatments you want to offer.
Still unsure which route is right?
Send us your background and we'll recommend the most suitable training pathway before you book.
Pathway recommendation
Get Your Personal Training Pathway Recommendation
Tell us your background, previous training and goals. Our admissions team will recommend the most suitable route before you book.
Prefer to talk now? Speak to admissions