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Certificate III in Hairdressing SHB30416
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Overview

Get started in the creative and dynamic field of hairdressing and be inspired by inspirational educators.

When you have completed this nationally recognised and dynamic course, the Certificate III in Hairdressing, you will have the confidence and ability to provide a variety of hairdressing services to your clients. Your journey will include practical skills such as design, colouring, foiling, men's and ladies cutting, long hair design and much more.

CIT is a fully accredited Pivot Point school allowing us to use state of the art resources both on campus, off campus and online. Our salons replicate a commercial salon environment - working on clients - which makes the learning journey more enjoyable simulating salon life. This nationally recognised qualification can be completed as an apprenticeship course enabling you to earn while studying or a full time student over one and half years, 3 or 4 days per week.

In this course you will gain the skills and knowledge to be employed as a hairdresser working as part of a team in a hairdressing environment, competent in communicating in the workplace, consulting with clients, recommending products and services, and designing and applying a broad range of technical hairdressing services on clients. You will possess a range of well-developed skills where discretion and judgement is required and you are responsible for your own outputs.

Qualification:

 Certificate III in Hairdressing SHB30416

Next Intake:

 Semester 1 2025

Course No:

 C3-BD24

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:

 This course can be undertaken in the following ways:

Traditional Apprenticeship: Apprentices study 1 day a week at CIT and the other days in their salon for 4-5 semesters (2-2.5 years), although it may be possible to complete in a shorter time if the appropriate level of required skills and knowledge are demonstrated in the workplace. The last semester of off-the-job training involves workplace-based projects and therefore attendance at CIT is reduced.

Full time study: The Certificate III in Hairdressing enables you to gain a full qualification in 18 months. Non Apprentice delivery Three to Four days per week for two semesters in the classroom and salon with additional online and workplace components. This is followed by one semester (6 months) of industry salon work combined with CIT subject enrolment.

Australian School-based Apprenticeship (ASbA): Is for school students who wish to undertake a part-time apprenticeship while still at school. Students who wish to enrol into this mode of deliver need to liaise with their school coordinator and employer.

Cost Info:

Enrolment fees for this course are based on the costs per subject as indicated below. Subject costs identified as Full Fee receive no government subsidy. Concessions are not available. The fees below apply unless training as an apprentice or trainee.

Fee information for completing this course under an Australian Apprenticeship arrangement is available on the Apprenticeships and Traineeships page. The total course cost may vary if subjects are attempted more than once.

Indicative Cost:

 Commercial Full Fee - $10,560
Apprentice/Trainee
- Subsidised - $1,815
- Full Fee - $11,429

Likely Job Outcome:

 Hairdresser

Application Type:

 Full Fee; Apprentice/Trainee
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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

This course is also available for non-apprentices paying full fee (total $9600). In addition to workplace experience gained in CIT Hairdressing Salons, other salon workplace experience is encouraged for the full-time commercial course.

You must purchase your own hairdressing tools and equipment prior to commencement of your off-the-job training at CIT. Details will be provided to you at your first enquiry with us. In addition to a uniform, students are required to wear professional attire to all classes, including closed toe shoes.

Materials and Equipment Fees*
Uniform: $85.00
Hairdressing Equipment /tool kit: $600-$1,910
Pivot Point LAB includes 24 months access online: $400-incorporated into your enrolment fees

*Prices are current at the time of publication but may change without notice. Please contact CITSA Bookshop Reid for current pricing.

Entry Requirements

You must have a Year 10 Certificate or equivalent literacy and numeracy skills.

If you are entering this course as a Trainee or Apprentice under the Australian Apprenticeships arrangements, you must be employed in the industry and you must register with an Apprentice Network Provider (ANP) prior to enrolment.

Skills Recognition

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

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 28 subjects

Core: Complete all 21 subjects

  • BSBSUS201   Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
    • CIT Code: ADMN199
      Cost: Full fee $330.00
      Apprentice $22.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to effectively measure current resource use and carry out improvements, including reducing the negative environmental impact of work practices. It applies to individuals, working under supervision or guidance, who are required to follow workplace procedures and instructions, and work in an environmentally sustainable manner within scope of competency, authority and own level of responsibility. No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • SHBHBAS001   Provide shampoo and basin services
    • CIT Code: HAIR239
      Cost: Full fee $355.00
      Apprentice $33.00
      Description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to complete a range of hair services provided at the basin area including pre-service shampoos and treatments, and post treatment removal of residual colour and lightening products. This unit applies to salon assistants who work in hairdressing or barber salons under close supervision and with guidance from more experienced or senior hairdressers or barbers. They use little judgement and follow instructions specified by the hairdresser or barber who has completed the client consultation and manages the client service. However, in a small salon, more senior hairdressers or barbers also undertake this function.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • SHBHCLS002   Colour and lighten hair
    • CIT Code: HAIR306
      Cost: Full fee $355.00
      Apprentice $59.00
      Description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge to consult with clients, analyse existing hair colour and condition and provide a range of hair colour and lightening treatments. This unit applies to hairdressers and barbers with well-developed skills who work in hairdressing salons or barber shops. They use discretion and judgement to manage the client service and take responsibility for the outcomes of their work.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • SHBHCLS003   Provide full and partial head highlighting treatments
    • CIT Code: HAIR307
      Cost: Full fee $354.00
      Apprentice $59.00
      Description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to consult with clients, analyse existing hair colour and condition and provide full and partial head highlighting treatments using foil techniques. It requires the ability to use single or combined colour, high lift tint or bleach products to create highlights, lightened sections of the head or multiple colours in the hair. This unit applies to hairdressers and barbers with well-developed skills who work in hairdressing salons or barber shops. They use discretion and judgement to manage the client service and take responsibility for the outcomes of their work.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • SHBHCLS004   Neutralise unwanted colours and tones
    • CIT Code: HAIR308
      Cost: Full fee $355.00
      Apprentice $132.00
      Description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge to consult with clients, analyse unwanted natural or artificial hair colour and tone, and to select and apply colour correction products to neutralise or change existing base colour and tone. This unit applies to hairdressers and barbers with well-developed skills who work in hairdressing salons or barber shops. They use discretion and judgement to manage the client service and take responsibility for the outcomes of their work.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • SHBHCLS005   Provide on scalp full head and retouch bleach treatments
    • CIT Code: HAIR309
      Cost: Full fee $355.00
      Apprentice $132.00
      Description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge to consult with clients, analyse existing hair colour and condition and provide on-scalp full head and retouch bleach treatments. It covers bleach treatments to untreated hair and retouch services to maintain already bleached hair. This unit applies to hairdressers and barbers with well-developed skills who work in hairdressing salons or barber shops. They use discretion and judgement to manage the client service and take responsibility for the outcomes of their work.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • SHBHCUT001   Design haircut structures
    • CIT Code: HAIR310
      Cost: Full fee $355.00
      Apprentice $39.00
      Description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to develop 2-D visual representations and plans for solid form, graduated and increased and uniform layered haircut structures. This enables hairdressers to visualise the components of finished haircut structures as aids to planning and completing haircuts. This unit applies to hairdressers and barbers with well-developed skills who work in hairdressing salons or barber shops. They use discretion and judgement to manage the client service and take responsibility for the outcomes of their own work.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • SHBHCUT002   Create one length or solid haircut structures
    • CIT Code: HAIR311
      Cost: Full fee $355.00
      Apprentice $44.00
      Description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to consult with clients and analyse hair and facial characteristics to design and recommend complementary one length or solid haircuts. It requires the ability to cut hair into one length or solid hair cut structures and to finish hair to shape. This unit applies to hairdressers and barbers with well-developed skills who work in hairdressing salons or barber shops. They use discretion and judgement to manage the client service and take responsibility for the outcomes of their own work.
      Prerequisites: SHBHCUT001 Design haircut structures
  • SHBHCUT003   Create graduated haircut structures
    • CIT Code: HAIR312
      Cost: Full fee $354.00
      Apprentice $44.00
      Description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to consult with clients and analyse hair and facial characteristics to design and recommend complementary graduated haircuts. It requires the ability to cut hair into graduated hair cut structures and to finish hair to shape. This unit applies to hairdressers and barbers with well-developed skills who work in hairdressing salons or barber shops. They use discretion and judgement to manage the client service and take responsibility for the outcomes of their own work.
      Prerequisites: SHBHCUT001 Design haircut structures
  • SHBHCUT004   Create layered haircut structures
    • CIT Code: HAIR313
      Cost: Full fee $354.00
      Apprentice $44.00
      Description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to consult with clients and analyse hair and facial characteristics to design and recommend complementary layered haircuts. It requires the ability to cut hair into both uniform and increased layered hair cut structures and to finish hair to shape. This unit applies to hairdressers and barbers with well-developed skills who work in hairdressing salons or barber shops. They use discretion and judgement to manage the client service and take responsibility for the outcomes of their own work.
      Prerequisites: SHBHCUT001 Design haircut structures
  • SHBHCUT005   Cut hair using over-comb techniques
    • CIT Code: HAIR314
      Cost: Full fee $354.00
      Apprentice $44.00
      Description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to consult with clients and analyse hair and facial characteristics to design, recommend and complete complementary tapered haircuts. It requires the ability to cut hair using scissor-over-comb and clipper-over-comb techniques, to remove bulk, to blend different structures within haircuts and to outline or blend perimeters of haircuts. This unit applies to hairdressers and barbers with well-developed skills who work in hairdressing salons or barber shops. They use discretion and judgement to manage the client service and take responsibility for the outcomes of their work.
      Prerequisites: SHBHCUT001 Design haircut structures
  • SHBHDES003   Create finished hair designs
    • CIT Code: HAIR197
      Cost: Full fee $355.00
      Apprentice $59.00
      Description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to consult with clients and analyse hair and facial characteristics to design, recommend and complete a range of complementary classic and current hair designs. This unit applies to hairdressers and barbers with well-developed skills who work in hairdressing salons or barber shops. They use discretion and judgement to manage the client service and take responsibility for the outcomes of their work.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • SHBHIND001   Maintain and organise tools, equipment and work areas
    • CIT Code: HAIR241
      Cost: Full fee $355.00
      Apprentice $33.00
      Description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to maintain, organise and clean tools, equipment and work areas to ensure a clean and tidy client environment and the hygienic and safe provision of hair services. Complex and scheduled maintenance would be referred to specialist service technicians. This unit applies to all hairdressing and barber businesses and to hairdressers and barbers working at all levels. Health regulations apply in some Australian states and territories for hairdressing and barber businesses to clean and disinfect tools, equipment and work surfaces at designated times.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • SHBHIND003   Develop and expand a client base
    • CIT Code: HAIR243
      Cost: Full fee $355.00
      Apprentice $22.00
      Description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required by hairdressers and barbers to develop, sustain and expand a personal clientele in order to remain a viable industry employee. Building relationships with clients occurs while hairdressers and barbers are delivering a range of services in the salon in which they are employed or operate. These hairdressers and barbers have well-developed skills, use discretion and judgement to manage client services and take responsibility for the outcomes of their own work.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • SHBHREF002   Straighten and relax hair with chemical treatments
    • CIT Code: HAIR315
      Cost: Full fee $354.00
      Apprentice $124.00
      Description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to consult with clients, analyse hair characteristics and condition and to complete chemical treatments to reduce curl or wave in the hair. Treatments can be for untreated naturally curly or wavy hair or for chemically treated hair. This unit applies to hairdressers and barbers with well-developed skills who work in hairdressing salons or barber shops. They use discretion and judgement to manage the client service and take responsibility for the outcomes of their own work.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • SHBHTRI001   Identify and treat hair and scalp conditions
    • CIT Code: HAIR316
      Cost: Full fee $354.00
      Apprentice $33.00
      Description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to recognise a range of hair and scalp conditions as part of a pre-hair service analysis, to advise on and provide remedial treatments for minor conditions and to advise clients to seek further advice for abnormal or contagious conditions. This unit applies to hairdressers and barbers with well-developed skills who work in hairdressing salons or barber shops. They use discretion and judgement to manage the client service and take responsibility for the outcomes of their own work.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • SHBXCCS001   Conduct salon financial transactions
    • CIT Code: BEAU127
      Cost: Full fee $429.00
      Apprentice $55.00
      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.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • SHBXCCS002   Provide salon services to clients
    • CIT Code: BEAU128
      Cost: Full fee $429.00
      Apprentice $55.00
      Description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to provide a complete customer service experience. It requires the ability to communicate with clients face-to-face or by telephone, schedule appointments, 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.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • SHBXIND001   Comply with organisational requirements within a personal services environment
    • CIT Code: BEAU247
      Cost: Full fee $429.00
      Apprentice $28.00
      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.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • SHBXWHS001   Apply safe hygiene, health and work practices
    • CIT Code: BEAU248
      Cost: Full fee $429.00
      Apprentice $28.00
      Description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to follow safe practices to minimise risks to self, client and colleagues in a salon environment. It requires the ability to follow hygiene and skin penetration guidelines, clean the work area, use electricity safely, identify and report faults, use personal protection and work safely. This unit applies to workers in environments providing beauty treatments and hairdressing services. In these environments they work with limited supervision, and have responsibility for providing safe treatments for their clients.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • SHBXIND002   Communicate as part of a salon team
    • CIT Code: HAIR317
      Cost: Full fee $354.00
      Apprentice $28.00
      Description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to work as part of a team in a salon or retail cosmetics environment. It requires the ability to communicate with colleagues and senior staff and actively participate in a team work environment. This unit applies to individuals working in service environments including retail cosmetic outlets, spas, hairdressing, barber, beauty and nail salons. It applies to personnel working in teams at all levels including frontline, supervising and senior team members.
      Prerequisites: Nil

Electives: Complete 3 subjects

  • SHBHCUT006   Create combined haircut structures
    • CIT Code: HAIR318
      Cost: Full fee $354.00
      Apprentice $83.00
      Description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to consult with clients and analyse hair and facial characteristics to design, recommend and complete a range of complementary haircuts which combine different structures. The combination may involve two or more different structures which can include solid, graduated and layered structures and those tapered haircuts created using over-comb techniques. This unit applies to hairdressers and barbers with well-developed skills who work in hairdressing salons or barber shops. They use discretion and judgement to manage the client service and take responsibility for the outcomes of their work.
      Prerequisites: SHBHCUT002 Create one length or solid haircut structures
      SHBHCUT003 Create graduated haircut structures
      SHBHCUT004 Create layered haircut structures
  • SHBHCUT007   Create combined traditional and classic men's haircut structures
    • CIT Code: HAIR319
      Cost: Full fee $354.00
      Apprentice $77.00
      Description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to consult with clients and analyse hair and facial characteristics to design, recommend and complete a range of complementary traditional and classic men’s haircuts which combine different structures. The combination may involve two or more different structures which can include solid, graduated and layered structures and those tapered haircuts created using over-comb techniques. This unit applies to hairdressers and barbers with well-developed skills who work in hairdressing salons or barber shops. They use discretion and judgement to manage the client service and take responsibility for the outcomes of their own work.
      Prerequisites: SHBHCUT002 Create one length or solid haircut structures
      SHBHCUT003 Create graduated haircut structures
      SHBHCUT004 Create layered haircut structures
      SHBHCUT005 Cut hair using over-comb techniques
  • SHBHDES004   Create classic long hair up-styles
    • CIT Code: HAIR198
      Cost: Full fee $355.00
      Apprentice $124.00
      Description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to consult with clients and analyse hair and facial characteristics to design, recommend and complete a range of complementary up-styles for long hair. This includes braids, twists, classic rolls and chignons. This unit applies to hairdressers with well-developed skills who work in hairdressing salons or as session stylists. They use discretion and judgement to manage the client service and take responsibility for the outcomes of their own work.
      Prerequisites: Nil

Electives: Complete 4 subjects

  • SIRRINV001   Receive and handle retail stock
    • CIT Code: RETL299
      Cost: Full fee $220.00
      Apprentice $61.00
      Description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to receive and store retail stock. It requires the ability to check stock quality and quantity against order requirements; store or present stock correctly; and maintain cleanliness of stock-handling areas. This unit applies to all retail sectors and business sizes from large format stores to small independents. It applies to frontline personnel who have limited autonomy and work under close supervision and guidance of others in frontline operational roles. However; in smaller retail businesses, senior personnel also undertake this function.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • SHBHDES002   Braid hair
    • CIT Code: HAIR196
      Cost: Full fee $355.00
      Apprentice $59.00
      Description: This unit describes the performance outcomes skills and knowledge required to complete full or partial braiding finishes to hair as quick service designs. This unit applies to salon assistants who work in hairdressing salons under close supervision and with guidance from more experienced or senior hairdressers. They use little judgement and follow the instructions specified by the hairdresser who has completed the client consultation and manages the client service. It can also apply to more senior hairdressers completing braiding services.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • SHBXCCS004   Recommend products and services
    • CIT Code: HAIR322
      Cost: Full fee $354.00
      Apprentice $55.00
      Description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to develop and update knowledge of the organisation’s product and service range and to recommend products and services suited to customer needs. Products and services will vary according to the particular business type but can include any from a hair, barbering, beauty or cosmetics range. This unit applies to all businesses that sell hair, barbering, beauty or cosmetic products and services and to sales and service personnel working at all levels.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • SHBHIND004   Participate in session styling teams
    • CIT Code: HAIR244
      Cost: Full fee $355.00
      Apprentice $50.00
      Description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to participate in session styling teams creating finished hair designs. Sessions are diverse and can include fashion parades, hair shows, technical seminars, platform demonstrations, training sessions and fashion shoots as well as film, television and theatre productions. This unit applies to hairdressers and barbers with well-developed skills who work in teams, in and outside the salon preparing hair for the event. They use discretion and judgement but ultimately work under the direction of the team leader of the session.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • SHBHREF001   Curl and volumise hair with chemical treatments
    • CIT Code: HAIR321
      Cost: Full fee $354.00
      Apprentice $0.00
      Description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to consult with clients, analyse hair characteristics and condition and to complete chemical treatments to add curl or body to short or medium length hair. This unit applies to hairdressers and barbers with well-developed skills who work in hairdressing salons or barber shops. They use discretion and judgement to manage the client service and take responsibility for the outcomes of their own work.
      Prerequisites: Nil

Related Courses

Certificate III Barbering SHB30516
Statement Attainment Advanced Barbering

More Information

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