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Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy SHB40121
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Overview

Develop in-demand practical skills with our beauty therapy course designed and delivered by our highly experienced and professionally qualified beauty therapy teachers.

This relevant and comprehensive qualification involves training in a broad range of beauty therapy treatments which include:

  • Skin and Facial Care
  • Waxing
  • Body Massage
  • Make-up
  • Cosmetic tanning services
  • Nail treatments
This unique course is aimed at qualifying students with hands on practice in a range of environments including under professional supervision in our commercial salons.

Whilst learning in this course, you will be required to work closely with, and on, your fellow students to practice, experience and refine new skills.

The nature of this work will include treatments such as waxing, body massage, facials and skin care, manicure and pedicure.

Qualification:

 Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy SHB40121

Next Intake:

 Semester 1 2025

Course No:

 C4-BD67

Campus:

 CIT Reid*


*From Semester 2 2025, the location of this course will transition from CIT Reid to the new CIT Woden campus. CIT will provide support for students who will be making the move to Woden. Learn more.

Duration:

 Full time approximately 20 hours per week, Monday to Friday for 12 months or part-time equivalent.
Apprentices will attend one (1) full day per week over six (6) semesters in addition to their on the job requirements.

Cost Info:

Enrolment fees for this course are based on the costs per subject as indicated below. The total course cost may vary depending on the choice of elective subjects or if subjects are attempted more than once. Subject costs identified as Standard are partially subsidised by the ACT Government. Concessions may be available to eligible students.

Indicative Cost:

 Standard fee $4,806
Apprentice/Trainee
  • Subsidised fee $3,700

Likely Job Outcome:

 Skilled beauty therapist in the beauty, massage and make-up services stream of the beauty industry.

Application Type:

 Standard
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Timetable Information

To help with the enrolment process print your timetable, or keep the window open, so that you can refer back to it for your course code, course name, and the Course Reference Numbers (CRNs) or Block Code.

Additional Information

Students will gain practical real-life experience in the Commercial Beauty Bar Salon at CIT, Students will be supported and lead by Industry-experienced educators to assist and develop the skills and knowledge required to provide beauty therapy treatments and services. Services provided may include facials, facial massage, body massage, hair removal, body treatments, lash and brow treatments, nail services, make-up, and aromatherapy treatment. In addition, Beauty salon workplace experience is encouraged for students completing full-time course.
Students are required to purchase a kit. Information about kit requirements will be provided on enrolment. Students are also required to purchase a uniform and textbook in addition to a uniform, students are required to wear professional attire to all classes, including closed toe shoes.

  • Materials and Equipment Fees*
  • Beauty therapy Kit: approximately $150
  • Uniform: approximately $130
  • Textbook: $135.00
On completion of this course, you are able to continue your studies at CIT in the Diploma of Beauty Therapy and complete this further qualification within six months.

Entry Requirements

If you are enrolling as an Australian Apprentice, you are required to be employed in the industry, registered with an Apprentice Network Provider (ANP), and must undertake an LLN assessment.

Skills Recognition

To study any course at CIT (excluding non-accredited training) you must have a Unique Student Identifier (USI).

Literacy Skills Information

We suggest that you will need Australian Core Skills Framework literacy levels of at least 4 across reading, writing, learning, oral communication and, depending on your course of study, numeracy skills to successfully complete this course. If you do not have this level, you can still enrol and seek support to improve your skills or you may prefer to begin with the lower level course. Please visit Foundation Skills.

Transition Information

Qualifications at CIT are regularly updated or replaced to meet current industry needs and maximise your employment opportunities. If this occurs while you are part way through a qualification, you may need to vary your learning to meet the new national requirements. CIT will aim to make this as smooth as possible for you.

Subject Cancellations/Changes

To ensure positive outcomes for all students, CIT may need to cancel or change classes at short notice. CIT will make every effort to inform students as soon as changes are made and will also make every effort to offer alternative arrangements for students to meet the requirements of the subject and complete their qualification. In an unfortunate instance when this cannot be met, you will receive a full refund. Please ensure you maintain current contact details via CIT Self Service or by contacting CIT Student Services at infoline@cit.edu.au.


Subject Information

Complete 23 subjects

Core: Complete all 18

  • SHBBBOS007   Apply cosmetic tanning products
    • CIT Code: BEAU253
      Cost: Standard $60.00
      Apprentice $50.00
      Description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to select and apply cosmetic tanning products.It requires the ability to consult with clients about tanning products and colour choice, select products and equipment to prepare the skin and apply tanning products using a spray tanning gun. The application of cosmetic tanning products can be an individual service, or form part of a series of services.It applies to beauticians and beauty therapists who work in beauty salons and spas. In this environment they make routine service decisions within known procedures, but work under limited supervision and guidance from others.The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • SHBBBOS008   Provide body massages
    • CIT Code: BEAU265
      Cost: Standard $420.00
      Apprentice $350.00
      Description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to provide full body relaxation massages.It requires the ability to establish priorities with clients, design body massage routines, and provide advice on body products and protection from environmental damage. Body massage can be a single treatment or form part of a series of treatments. This unit applies to beauty therapists who work in beauty salons, massage clinics and spas. In this environment they work as part of a team but make independent treatment decisions. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: SHBBSSC001 Incorporate knowledge of skin structure and functions into beauty therapy
      SHBBSSC002 Incorporate knowledge of body structures and functions into beauty therapy
      SHBXCCS006 Promote healthy nutritional options in a beauty therapy context
  • SHBBFAS004   Provide lash and brow services
    • CIT Code: BEAU254
      Cost: Standard $120.00
      Apprentice $100.00
      Description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to provide lash and brow services that include shaping and colouring. It requires the ability to consult with clients, and select suitable products and equipment required to perform lash and brow services. Lash and brow services can be an individual treatment or form part of a series of treatments.This unit applies to beauticians and beauty therapists who work in beauty salons and spas. In this environment they make routine decisions within a defined range guided by manufacturer information and organisational policies and procedures.The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • SHBBFAS005   Provide facial treatments and skin care recommendations
    • CIT Code: BEAU272
      Cost: Standard $420.00
      Apprentice $350.00
      Description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to provide facial treatments to meet client needs.It requires the ability to establish priorities with clients, synthesise knowledge of cosmetic chemistry and nutrition, and to design and provide facial routines and advice on products and protection of facial skin. Facials can be a single treatment or form part of a series of treatments.The unit applies to beauty therapists who work in beauty salons and spas. In this environment they are part of a team but make independent treatment decisions. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: SHBBSSC001 Incorporate knowledge of skin structure and functions into beauty therapy
      SHBBSSC002 Incorporate knowledge of body structures and functions into beauty therapy
  • SHBBHRS010   Provide waxing services
    • CIT Code: BEAU274
      Cost: Standard $300.00
      Apprentice $250.00
      Description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to provide waxing services to remove unwanted facial and body hair.It requires the ability to consult with clients to select suitable wax products to provide waxing services. The waxing service can be a single service or form part of a series of services. This unit applies to beauticians and beauty therapists who work in beauty or hair removal salons. In this environment they work as part of a team and make independent decisions within a defined range.The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • SHBBMUP009   Design and apply make up
    • CIT Code: BEAU255
      Cost: Standard $300.00
      Apprentice $250.00
      Description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to apply facial make-up products for day, evening or special occasions. It requires the ability to consult with clients, analyse face and skin, and to demonstrate and apply make-up products to suit client needs or make-up brief.This unit applies to beauticians and beauty therapists, retail assistants, and make-up freelancers who work in beauty salons, retail cosmetic outlets, and settings that provide make-up services. In this environment they make routine service decisions within a defined range and have knowledge and skills of a variety of make-up products and application techniques.The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • SHBBRES003   Research and apply beauty industry information
    • CIT Code: BEAU260
      Cost: Standard $60.00
      Apprentice $50.00
      Description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to access information and update knowledge of the beauty industry and relevant industry legislation.It requires the ability to research beauty industry trends, and its relationship to other industries, and how beauticians and beauty therapists can use this information to enhance own work performance.This unit applies to beauticians, beauty therapist, nail technicians, make-up artists and retail cosmetic assistants who work in beauty and nail salons, and in beauty retail outlets. In this environment they make routine decisions within a defined range but are expected to be up-to-date with industry trends.The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • SHBBSSC001   Incorporate knowledge of skin structure and functions into beauty therapy
    • CIT Code: BEAU294
      Cost: Standard $90.00
      Apprentice $75.00
      Description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to use a knowledge and understanding of skin structure, functions, systems and their interrelationships in order to identify and analyse client needs, design and perform beauty therapy treatments and provide post-treatment service. It requires the ability to use an understanding of skin and hair anatomy and physiology to select the best treatment routine and products and promote skin health and appearance to clients. This unit applies to beauty therapists who work in beauty salons and spas. In this environment they work as part of a team but make independent treatment decisions.The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • SHBBSSC002   Incorporate knowledge of body structures and functions into beauty therapy
    • CIT Code: BEAU295
      Cost: Standard $90.00
      Apprentice $75.00
      Description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to use a knowledge and understanding of body structures, functions, systems and their interrelationships in order to identify and analyse client needs, design and perform beauty therapy treatments and provide post-treatment service. It requires the ability to use anatomy and physiology knowledge to select the best treatment routines and products and promote health to clients. This unit applies to beauty therapists who work in beauty salons and spas. In this environment they work as part of a team but make independent treatment decisions.The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • SHBXCCS006   Promote healthy nutritional options in a beauty therapy context
    • CIT Code: BEAU297
      Cost: Standard $90.00
      Apprentice $75.00
      Description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to apply the principles of nutrition, as based on healthy food and nutrition guidelines, when providing information to clients that will enhance the outcomes of beauty therapy treatments and clients' general wellbeing. It requires the ability to integrate this at the therapists discretion, based on the outcomes of client consultation and as part of beauty therapy consultations.This unit applies to beauty therapists promoting nutritional options as part of beauty therapy treatments offered in beauty salon and spa environments, and exercising judgement in planning and selecting appropriate products, services, equipment and techniques. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • SHBXCCS007   Conduct salon financial transactions
    • CIT Code: BEAU261
      Cost: Standard $90.00
      Apprentice $75.00
      Description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to conduct financial transactions for the sale of products and services within a personal services environment.It requires the ability to operate point-of-sale equipment, handle cash, complete sales and reconcile takings. This unit applies to workers in personal service environments including beauty and hairdressing salons, nail salons and spas. In this environment they work within known routines and guidelines and use a limited range of equipment.The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • SHBXCCS008   Provide salon services to clients
    • CIT Code: BEAU262
      Cost: Standard $120.00
      Apprentice $100.00
      Description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to provide a complete customer salon service experience. It requires the ability to communicate with clients face-to-face or by telephone, schedule appointments, complete salon treatments, attend and respond to client complaints, and assist clients with special needs.This unit applies to workers in personal service environments including beauty and hairdressing salons, nail salons and spas. In these environments, they make routine service decisions within a defined range. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • SHBXIND003   Comply with organisational requirements within a personal services environment
    • CIT Code: BEAU263
      Cost: Standard $120.00
      Apprentice $100.00
      Description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to work in a personal services environment by integrating knowledge of workplace rights and responsibilities and organisational policies and procedures, and by using effective team and individual work practices to plan and organise daily work activities.This unit applies to workers in personal service environments including beauty and hairdressing salons, nail salons and spas. In these environments they make routine service decisions within a defined range in the context of organisational goals, customer service values and standards.The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • SHBXWHS003   Apply safe hygiene, health, and work practices
    • CIT Code: BEAU264
      Cost: Standard $120.00
      Apprentice $100.00
      Description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to access information and update knowledge of the beauty industry and relevant industry legislation.It requires the ability to research beauty industry trends, and its relationship to other industries, and how beauticians and beauty therapists can use this information to enhance own work performance.This unit applies to beauticians, beauty therapist, nail technicians, make-up artists and retail cosmetic assistants who work in beauty and nail salons, and in beauty retail outlets. In this environment they make routine decisions within a defined range but are expected to be up-to-date with industry trends.The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • SIRXOSM002   Maintain ethical and professional standards when using social media and online platforms
    • CIT Code: RETL300
      Cost: Standard $180.00
      Apprentice $150.00
      Description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to source information on, and work according to, a range of ethical and professional standards when using social media and online platforms for business purposes. This key skill underpins effective performance when utilising social media and online platforms for diverse purposes. It applies to individuals working at all levels from operational personnel through to managers. This unit applies to self-employed individuals, and owners and employees of any type of micro, small, medium or large organisation that utilises social media and online tools for customer engagement including commercial, not-for-profit and government organisations. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • SIRXSLS001   Sell to the retail customer
    • CIT Code: RETL301
      Cost: Standard $60.00
      Apprentice $50.00
      Description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to deliver quality customer service and sell to retail customers. It requires the ability to determine customer needs, match products and services to their needs, and facilitate a sale. This unit applies to all retail sectors and business sizes from large format stores to small independents. It applies to retail personnel at all levels who play a role in engaging with customers with the purpose of selling. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • SHBBNLS007   Provide manicure and pedicare services
    • CIT Code: BEAU281
      Cost: Standard $180.00
      Apprentice $150.00
      Description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to provide services and advice to clients requiring hand, foot and nail care.It requires the ability to recognise relevant contraindications and conditions, to understand the structure and function of hands, feet and nails and the effects of treatments and products, and to select and provide services and advice to meet the objectives of the client. The services and advice can be on an individual basis or form part of a series of services.This unit applies to workers in beauty and nail salons, and spas. In this environment they make routine service decisions within a defined range but are responsible for the selection and provision of services to clients.The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: SHBBNLS011 Use electric file equipment for nail services
  • SHBBNLS011   Use electric file equipment for nail services
    • CIT Code: BEAU285
      Cost: Standard $210.00
      Apprentice $175.00
      Description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to use electric file equipment in conjunction with artificial nail applications.It requires the ability to consult with clients, select from a range of bits and use electric file equipment to prepare for or modify an artificial nail application. The electric file nail service can be an individual service or form part of a series of services.This unit applies to nail technicians, beauticians and beauty therapist in beauty and nail salons. In this environment they interpret observations and information following known routines in order to safely use electric nail files.The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil

Electives: Complete 4

  • SHBBFAS006   Provide specialised facial treatments
    • CIT Code: BEAU273
      Cost: Standard $1,020.00
      Apprentice $850.00
      Description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to provide specialised facial treatments incorporating the use of ultrasonic, galvanic and direct current devices.It requires the ability to establish priorities with clients and apply knowledge of electrical machines and cosmetic products, and to design and provide treatments to address specific skin types and conditions. Not all equipment is used in each specialised facial treatment. Specialised facials can be a single treatment or form part of a series of treatments.This unit applies to beauty therapists who work in beauty therapy salons. In this environment they work in a team but make independent treatment decisions.The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: SHBBSSC001 Incorporate knowledge of skin structure and functions into beauty therapy
  • SHBBSKS009   Provide micro-dermabrasion treatments
    • CIT Code: BEAU289
      Cost: Standard $426.00
      Apprentice $50.00
      Description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to provide micro-dermabrasion treatments using preset systems to exfoliate the skin of the body or face.It requires the ability to establish priorities with the client, use knowledge of the effects of treatment on skin structure, and design and provide a safe and effective treatment. Micro-dermabrasion treatments can be provided as an individual service or form part of a series of services. This unit applies to beauty therapists who work in beauty salons. In this environment they work in a team but exercise judgment in selecting and providing an appropriate treatment. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication
      Prerequisites: SHBBINF002 Maintain infection control standards
      SHBBSSC001 Incorporate knowledge of skin structure and functions into beauty therapy
      SHBBSSC002 Incorporate knowledge of body structures and functions into beauty therapy
  • SHBBBOS009   Provide aromatherapy massages
    • CIT Code: BEAU266
      Cost: Standard $120.00
      Apprentice $100.00
      Description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to provide aromatherapy massages using blended aromatic plant oils.It requires the ability to establish priorities with clients, and synthesise knowledge of skin science and lifestyle factors to select aromatic oils and massage techniques to meet client needs. Aromatherapy massage can be a single treatment, or form part of a series of treatments.This unit applies to beauty and spa therapists who work in beauty salons, massage clinics and spas. In this environment they work as part of a team but make independent treatment decisions. They have knowledge of aromatherapy massage techniques and blended oils.The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: SHBBSSC001 Incorporate knowledge of skin structure and functions into beauty therapy
      SHBBSSC002 Incorporate knowledge of body structures and functions into beauty therapy
      SHBXCCS006 Promote healthy nutritional options in a beauty therapy context
  • SHBBCCS006   Prepare personalised aromatic plant oil blends for beauty treatments
    • CIT Code: BEAU270
      Cost: Standard $120.00
      Apprentice $100.00
      Description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to select and blend aromatic plant oils for use in face and body treatments to meet specific client needs. It requires the ability to establish priorities with the client, synthesise knowledge of aromatic plant oil chemistry and the therapeutic profiles of aromatic oils, and to select and blend aromatic plant oils.The unit applies to beauty and spa therapists who work in beauty salons, massage clinics and spas. In this environment they work as part of a team but make independent treatment decisions.The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • SIRXOSM003   Use social media and online tools
    • CIT Code: RETL302
      Cost: Standard $36.00
      Apprentice $25.00
      Description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to implement the use of social media and online platforms for organisational purposes. It requires the ability to identify the objectives for online communications, create and post relevant content to promote engagement with the organisation, and to engage professionally with customers.It applies to individuals who work at an operational level. They use discretion and judgement to take responsibility for work outcomes but actions are guided by plans, policies and procedures, supervisors and managers. Although an operational function, it can apply to small business owner operators who are responsible for a range of functions.This unit applies to self-employed individuals, and owners and employees of any type of micro, small, medium or large organisation that utilises social media and online tools for customer engagement including commercial, not-for-profit and government organisations.No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: SIRXOSM002 Maintain ethical and professional standards when using social media and online platforms

Electives: Must complete 1

  • SHBBINF002   Maintain infection control standards
    • CIT Code: BEAU278
      Cost: Standard $90.00
      Apprentice $75.00
      Description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to maintain infection control during skin penetration treatments and to review clinic compliance with the applicable state or territory and local council requirements.It requires the ability to identify, manage and control infection risks to clients, self and work colleagues.This unit applies to beauticians and beauty therapists who work in beauty therapy salons, clinics or in cosmetic medical clinics. In this environment they work autonomously and make independent treatment decisions.The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil

Related Courses

Diploma Beauty Therapy SHB50121
Certificate III Make-Up SHB30221

More Information

For more information about this course please contact CIT Student Services on (02) 6207 3188 or email infoline@cit.edu.au