Got a question?

If you’re new to the beauty or aesthetics industry, you might come across the terms CPD and Ofqual. They serve different purposes in training and qualifications, so here’s a clear explanation:

CPD (Continuing Professional Development) is all about keeping your skills and knowledge up-to-date throughout your career. It can include attending workshops, taking short courses, or reading industry materials. CPD is flexible and often tailored to what you need to learn, but it’s not regulated by a specific body. Instead, it’s a way to show employers you’re committed to improving and staying current in your field.

Ofqual (The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) is a government body in England that ensures formal qualifications meet strict quality standards. If you take an Ofqual-regulated course, like a diploma or NVQ, it means the qualification is officially recognized across the UK. These qualifications are often required for career progression or to work in certain roles.

In simple terms, CPD helps you grow professionally and stay up-to-date, while Ofqual makes sure formal qualifications are trustworthy and meet high standards. Both are important for building a successful career in the aesthetics industry.

Key Differences:

Nature: CPD is an ongoing learning process; Ofqual qualifications are formal certifications.

Regulation: CPD is generally not regulated; Ofqual ensures qualifications meet government standards.

Recognition: CPD certificates show dedication to learning but are not formal; Ofqual qualifications are officially recognized and part of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

Congratulations on your new exciting career path! Your journey is unique to you - but we also know how overwhelming it can feel when you don’t know where to start! For newbies who want to start building a skincare empire, we usually recommend The Ultimate Skincare Course. This in-depth course will teach you everything you need to know to grow a profitable skincare business. Another popular pathway for beginners is The Intensive Facial Course - this course will teach you 4 popular facial treatments.

Still unsure? Our tutors can help guide you to select a course that best fits your business goals - get in touch here.

Yes! Our training courses have been designed with beginners in mind.

For injectables, we work closely with our insurance company who will insure students if they have the following qualifications to attend the course.

NMC Registered

GMC Registered

GDC Registered

Pharmacist

NVQ Level 3 in Beauty or Anatomy & Physiology

Don’t worry if you don’t have any of the above - you can still book on a course with no previous experience!

You can now secure your place on a course with just a booking fee! This initial payment will be taken through our website. We will then contact you 21 days before your course start date to process the remaining balance. Once paid 21 days before no refund is possible. We also offer payment via Klarna - please contact us for more details.

Ofqual qualifications -Yes! you will be fully qualified with an official qualification

CPD - certified and able to gain insurance on paying clients

Yes! Upon course completion, you will be able to apply for insurance and start building your client base straight away. It’s totally up to you how you’d like to run your new business - you can start with working on friends and family to build up confidence or jump right in!

Yes, all of the courses provided by The Skin School Academy are industry recognised and fully accredited. Your certification will allow you to get public liability insurance to work on beauty and aesthetics business insurancepaying clients. Insurance is so vital when working in this industry! Find out more about beauty and aesthetics business insurance here.

Important note for aesthetics students; We politely remind you to check with your insurance provider that they will indemnify you to practice this course. Please ensure this is done prior to booking as we operate a “no refund “policy.

All of the equipment and products required for you to complete your practical training are provided. Just bring yourself and be ready to learn! A cute notebook always helps, too.

Students are required to work on each other during the practical sessions, so there is no need to bring a model (unless stated otherwise).

Yes! If you’d feel more comfortable training 1-2-1 with our tutor, or just want a more intensive learning experience, we can arrange this for you. Just drop us an email using the contact form below and state the course name and 1-2-1 in the subject line. We’ll then be in touch to discuss your exclusive course date options. When booking a 1-2-1 no refund or course cancellation is possible- especially within less then 14 days notice.

If you are unable to attend a course date you have booked, you must let us know within 30 days of your course commencing.

We regret that booking fees paid and courses paid for before 21 days are non-refundable and non-transferable as per our terms and conditions. If you have any questions about this, please contact us.

The academy is based in Manchester- when booking a course all training will be from here unless stated otherwise

All training must be completed within 12 months of the enrolment date unless otherwise agreed in writing. Courses not completed within this timeframe will be subject to rebooking fees or forfeited

Course Fees

All course fees are non-refundable once enrolment has been confirmed and the course has commenced.

A course is considered to have commenced once any of the following has occurred:

• Access to online materials or learning resources has been provided

• Awarding body registration has been completed

• Coursework has been submitted

• Tutor support, marking, or feedback has been provided

• Practical training dates have been allocated

Once the course has commenced, learners remain liable for the full programme fee regardless of withdrawal, non-attendance, or non-completion.