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Nationally Recognised RPL Pathway

Advanced Diploma of Intense Pulsed Light and Laser for Hair Reduction

SHB60125

You have mastered the precision of light-based hair reduction and clinical skin analysis. Your specialised expertise in non-ionising radiation treatments deserves formal recognition at the Advanced Diploma level. We will guide you through a free skills review to help you demonstrate that your clinical experience meets national standards.

Free Skills Review
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About This Qualification

This qualification reflects the role of individuals who apply substantial specialised knowledge and skills to design and safely apply non-ionising radiation treatments using intense pulsed light and laser technologies to reduce unwanted hair on the face and body.In this role they make complex, independent judgements in consulting with clients and analysing their skin and hair characteristics, designing and evaluating intense pulsed light and laser hair reduction treatment programs, selecting and using appropriate technology, and applying it within the context of safe client and operator practices and in compliance with regulatory requirements.Ongoing technological developments in this area of practice require the use of broad knowledge and the identification, analysis and evaluation of information from a variety of sources to build personal capability.Practice may be undertaken in a salon or clinic in the beauty industry or in other settings where cosmetic laser hair reduction services are offered. 

Qualification Code

SHB60125

Training Package

SHB — Hairdressing and Beauty Services Training Package

AQF Level

Advanced Diploma

Total Units

7 (7 core + 0 elective)

Entry Requirements

Entry to this qualification is open to individuals who: have achieved a Diploma of Beauty Therapy; ANDhave 12 months post-qualification experience as a beauty therapist with a primary focus on providing facial services, skin services and hair reduction services; OR are an Enrolled Nurse or Registered Nurse; ANDhave 12 months post-qualification experience in the application of knowledge in human biology, anatomy and physiology.

RPL It Status: Available

Important: RPL It Australia is a student support service. All assessment and qualification issuance is conducted by our partner Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). RPL It does not deliver training, conduct assessments, or issue qualifications.

Career Outcomes

According to training.gov.au, this qualification supports the following roles:

RoleResponsibilities
IPL and Laser TherapistDesigning and delivering advanced hair reduction programs in clinical or salon environments.
Senior Dermal TechnicianManaging complex skin and hair treatment protocols using high-end light technologies.
Clinic ManagerOverseeing the safe application of laser treatments and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Licensing

STATE SPECIFIC

⚠️ Important

The use of laser and intense pulsed light for hair reduction is subject to specific state-based regulations. While this qualification is a core requirement for professional recognition, it does not automatically grant a licence to operate in all jurisdictions.

NSWEnvironment Protection Authority (EPA)
VICDepartment of Health
QLDQueensland Radiation Health
WARadiological Council
SAEnvironment Protection Authority (EPA)
TASRadiation Protection Unit
ACTHealth Protection Service
NTDepartment of Health

Delivering Registered Training Organisations

All assessment and qualification issuance for this qualification is carried out by one of the following partner RTOs, each of which holds SHB60125 on their scope of registration with ASQA:

Which RTO will deliver my qualification? The delivering RTO will be confirmed during your skills review and prior to enrolment. Your qualification will be issued directly by the delivering RTO and is nationally recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework.

Fees

Final pricing will be confirmed before enrolment.

You will receive a detailed, personalised quote — including the total fee, payment terms, interest-free payment plan options, and the name of the delivering RTO — before you are asked to enrol or make any payment.

Refund policy:If RPL It is unable to process your application, you will receive a full refund of any fees paid to RPL It. Once your portfolio has been submitted to the RTO for assessment, the RTO's refund policy applies. Details will be provided before enrolment.

Indicative Timeframes

✓ What we control

  • • Guiding you through evidence gathering
  • • Submitting a complete portfolio to the RTO
  • • Following up on your behalf

⏳ What we don't control

  • • The RTO's assessment workload
  • • The assessor's evaluation timeline
  • • The qualification issuance process

Based on our experience, the majority of RPL candidates receive their qualification within 4–6 weeks of their complete evidence portfolio being submitted to the RTO. Individual timeframes vary based on qualification complexity, evidence completeness, and RTO capacity.

Roles & Responsibilities

RPL It AustraliaDelivering RTO
RoleStudent support serviceRegistered Training Organisation
Initial skills review
Evidence gathering guidance
Formal assessment✅ Qualified assessors
Assessment judgement✅ Made by the RTO
Gap trainingAvailable if required (delivered by RTO)
Qualification issuance✅ Issued by the RTO
Complaints & appealsOwn complaints process✅ RTO process applies to assessments

RPL It Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 55 689 826 917) is not an RTO and does not deliver training, conduct assessments, or issue qualifications.

Ready to get recognised?

Start with a free skills review to see if your experience aligns with this qualification.

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Nationally recognised qualification issued by our partner RTO

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Could RPL Be Right for You?

Experience can be evidence.

RPL is the process that helps you demonstrate it.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a formal assessment process that evaluates the skills, knowledge, and experience you've gained through your career to determine whether you meet the requirements of a nationally recognised qualification. It isn't a shortcut — it applies the same assessment standards as any other pathway.

RPL typically involves:

📋

A review of your work experience against the qualification requirements

💼

Compilation of an evidence portfolio demonstrating your competency

👤

Assessment by a qualified assessor from a Registered Training Organisation

🎯

If gaps are identified, targeted training to build on your existing expertise

ℹ️ Important Pathway Advice

RPL isn't the right pathway for everyone. If you don't have substantial, relevant, and current industry experience, a traditional study pathway may serve you better.

Our approach:

“We'd rather guide you to the right pathway than enrol you in the wrong one.”

What Kind of Experience Counts?

If RPL becomes available for this qualification, the types of experience and evidence that would typically be relevant include:

📋

Work History & Roles

  • Comprehensive resume detailing clinical experience
  • Position descriptions from medi-spas or clinics
  • Performance reviews regarding laser safety
🔦

Clinical Practice

  • De-identified client consultation forms
  • Skin and hair analysis records
  • Treatment programs for laser and IPL
🛡️

Safety & Compliance

  • Laser Safety Officer (LSO) certificates
  • Infection control audit logs
  • Equipment calibration and maintenance records
🎓

Professional Development

  • Evidence of research into light-based technologies
  • Manufacturer training for specific laser devices
  • In-service training records for new protocols

Not sure if you qualify?

Speak with our team for a free eligibility discussion.

Talk to us

This is general guidance based on training.gov.au. Specific requirements will be confirmed by the delivering RTO's assessor when RPL becomes available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this qualification and RPL.

How do I get started with RPL for this qualification?
The process begins with a free skills review where we evaluate your clinical experience against the SHB60125 requirements. Once suitability is confirmed, you will work with a consultant to gather an evidence portfolio, which is then formally evaluated by a qualified assessor from our partner RTO to determine your competency.
Is an RPL qualification the same as one from full-time study?
Yes. A qualification achieved through Recognition of Prior Learning is identical to one earned through classroom study. It is nationally recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) and carries the same weight with employers, insurers, and licensing bodies.
How long does the process typically take?
Most candidates complete their recognition within 4 to 6 weeks once their evidence portfolio has been submitted to the RTO. The total timeframe depends on how quickly you can gather your documentation, such as clinical logs and safety records.
Are there specific entry requirements for this Advanced Diploma?
Yes, to be eligible for RPL for SHB60125, you must already hold a Diploma of Beauty Therapy and be able to demonstrate at least 12 months of post-qualification experience working in the industry. This ensures you have the foundational knowledge required for advanced laser and IPL applications.
Will this qualification help me obtain a laser license?
In several Australian states, such as Queensland, Western Australia, and Tasmania, specific licenses are required to operate IPL and laser equipment. This nationally recognised Advanced Diploma is a key component in meeting the educational requirements for these license applications.
What kind of evidence will I need to provide?
You will need to provide documentation of your clinical work, which may include laser safety officer certificates, client consultation records, skin analysis reports, treatment logs, and evidence of your adherence to radiation safety protocols and infection control standards.
Is an RPL qualification the same as one obtained through full-time study?
Yes. RPL is a legitimate form of assessment within the Australian VET system. The qualification issued is identical to one obtained through any other mode of delivery and is nationally recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework.
Who assesses my evidence?
Your evidence is assessed by a qualified assessor employed or contracted by the delivering Registered Training Organisation (RTO) — not by RPL It. The assessor holds the credentials required under the 2025 Standards for RTOs and has current industry experience.
What if gaps are identified in my skills?
If the assessor identifies areas where your evidence does not fully demonstrate competency, the RTO can provide gap training. The RTO will discuss any associated requirements or costs with you if this becomes necessary. Gap training is targeted to the specific areas identified and is designed to help you meet the full requirements of the qualification.
What if I don’t have enough experience for RPL?
If the initial skills review indicates that RPL is not suitable for you at this time, we’ll let you know honestly and discuss alternative options. We would rather direct you to the right pathway than enrol you in a process that won’t lead to a successful outcome.
How long does the RPL process take?
Based on our experience, the majority of RPL candidates receive their qualification within 4–6 weeks of their complete evidence portfolio being submitted to the RTO. However, this is an average based on past outcomes — not a guarantee. Factors include qualification complexity, evidence completeness, whether gap training is required, and the RTO’s current assessment capacity.
Can I do this from outside Australia?
This depends on the specific qualification. Many qualifications are based on Australian codes, standards, and legislation, and some require access to an Australian workplace for assessment. If you are based outside Australia, please contact us to discuss whether RPL is feasible for your circumstances.

Start Your Free Skills Review

Tell us about your background and we'll provide a free preliminary review of your experience against the Advanced Diploma of Intense Pulsed Light and Laser for Hair Reduction.

Free Skills Review

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Preliminary Review

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