Beauty Therapy (Certificate IV)

Develop in-demand practical skills with our beauty therapy course. Designed and delivered by our highly experienced and professionally qualified beauty therapy teachers, you can start your career in beauty therapy with this job-ready qualification. 

Our dynamic course is aimed at qualifying students with hands-on practice in a range of working environments, including under professional supervision in our commercial salons. 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 treatment
  • And more!

With access to a world-recognised skin care range, you will gain practical real-life experience working in the Commercial Beauty Bar Salon at CIT. You will be supported and lead by expert educators to learn about the latest beauty industry trends and techniques. They will assist you to develop the skills and knowledge required to provide beauty therapy treatments and services.

CIT’s partnership with Dermatological and the Kryolan Global School means you will learn using state-of-the-art resources on CIT’s campus. You will be required to work closely with, and on, your fellow students and clients as part of the CIT Beauty salon, to practice, experience and refine new skills.


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.

Industry Placement

This program is delivered in industry-current and open-to-the-public salons. Students develop skills and confidence to work on other students and clients under professional supervision.

  • Course Details
    Course/s

    Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy | SHB40121
    CRICOS: 112093C

    After achieving the Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy | SHB40121 with CIT, you can progress to the Diploma of Beauty Therapy | SHB50121.
    The Diploma of Beauty Therapy qualification is delivered over one semester, full time after the completion of the Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy | SHB40121 with CIT. Total package duration:  1.5 years.

  • Course Duration
    Duration

    1 year

  • Course Intake
    Intake

    2023 Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (July)

  • Course Campus
    Campus

    CIT Reid

  • Course Fees
    Fees*

    Tuition Fees:

    2023: $7,050 per semester (Total qualification tuition fee $14,100 - 1 year duration)

    Extra Fees:

    Material fees: $1,021
    Uniform/Equipment: $215
    Textbooks: $200 approximately

    It is recommended you have access to:

    Laptop /tablet

    Wi-fi

    Headphones

  • *Please note - Course fees are listed in $AUD and are based on a semester rate. Total course cost will vary depending on semester start date. Small tuition and material fee increases may occur annually in line with CIT's fee pricing review. Fees are subject to change.

  • Entry Requirements

    Academic requirements:

    • ACT Year 12 Certificate or equivalent


    Students over the age of 20 may be eligible for adult entry. Please refer to Entry Requirements for more information.

    English requirements

    Students must meet one of the following English requirements:

  • Course Subjects - Certificate IV

    Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy | SHB40121 — 23 subjects

    Core: complete all 18

    • SHBBBOS007 Apply cosmetic tanning products
    • SHBBBOS008 Provide body massages
    • SHBBFAS004 Provide lash and brow services
    • SHBBFAS005 Provide facial treatments and skin care recommendations
    • SHBBHRS010 Provide waxing services
    • SHBBMUP009 Design and apply make up
    • SHBBRES003 Research and apply beauty industry information
    • 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
    • SHBXCCS007 Conduct salon financial transactions
    • SHBXCCS008 Provide salon services to clients
    • SHBXIND003 Comply with organisational requirements within a personal services environment
    • SHBXWHS003 Apply safe hygiene, health, and work practices
    • SIRXOSM002 Maintain ethical and professional standards when using social media and online platforms
    • SIRXSLS001 Sell to the retail customer
    • SHBBNLS007 Provide manicure and pedicare services
    • SHBBNLS011 Use electric file equipment for nail services

    Electives: complete all 5

    • SHBBFAS006 Provide specialised facial treatments
    • SHBBSKS009 Provide micro-dermabrasion treatments
    • SHBBBOS009 Provide aromatherapy massages
    • SHBBCCS006 Prepare personalised aromatic plant oil blends for beauty treatments
    • HLTINF005 Maintain infection prevention for skin penetration treatments
  • Likely Job Outcome

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

  • Teaching Methods and Assessment

    This program is delivered using a variety of teaching methods including face-to-face lecture style or smaller tutorial groups, learning in simulated beauty salons and on-line learning through e-Learn.

    Predominantly students will be assessed through a formal observation checklist according to the required skills and knowledge of the subject within a salon environment on a client. The times and dates can often be negotiated between yourself and the teacher, however assessments are identified and scheduled within a time range at the beginning of each subject. Assessment outcomes are based on competency. You will generally have a small amount of theory based assessment which will normally be in an online quiz format or on the Client Consultation Sheet.

  • Pathways to Further Study

    Because CIT offers nationally recognised qualifications accredited by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA), students can apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to most universities within Australia and receive credit towards a degree, even where formal credit transfer arrangements are not in place; however, this is not a guarantee.

    Formal credit arrangements are currently under negotiation.