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Nationally Recognised RPL Pathway

Advanced Diploma of Skin Therapy

SHB60221

Your advanced expertise in clinical dermal treatments and skin science is a significant professional asset. We guide you in translating your years of specialised practice and treatment management into a nationally recognised qualification. Begin your journey today with a free skills review to see how your experience aligns with this advanced standard.

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★★★★★5.0 · Based on 58 reviews across all qualifications

About This Qualification

This qualification reflects the role of individuals employed as skin or beauty therapists who design and provide specialised skin treatments for clients with various skin treatment needs. They are skilled individuals who synthesise specialised knowledge and experience to consult, design and manage sequential treatment programs. They possess highly developed communication skills and specialised technical skills. Practitioners operate within a defined scope of practice and use initiative and judgement to refuse or refer treatments as required. This qualification provides a pathway to work in skin or beauty therapy clinics. Possible job titles include: beauty therapistskin therapist. The skills in this qualification must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. The use of laser and Intense Pulsed Light is subject to legislation, regulation and licensing in some Australian States and Territories. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.

Qualification Code

SHB60221

Training Package

SHB — Hairdressing and Beauty Services Training Package

AQF Level

Advanced Diploma

Total Units

15 (10 core + 5 elective)

Entry Requirements

Entry to this qualification is open to individuals who have achieved all of the following units of competency: SHBBFAS005 Provide facial treatments and skin care recommendations OR SHBBFAS002 Provide facial treatments and skin care recommendationsSHBBFAS006 Provide specialised facial treatments OR SHBBFAS003 Provide specialised facial treatmentsSHBBINF002 Maintain infection control standards OR HLTINF005 Maintain infection prevention for skin penetration treatmentsSHBBSSC001 Incorporate knowledge of skin structure and functions into beauty therapySHBBSSC002 Incorporate knowledge of body structures and functions into beauty therapy Or; who are able to demonstrate equivalent skills and knowledge to each of the above units of competency.

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
Senior Skin TherapistDesign and manage sequential treatment programs for clients with complex skin treatment needs in a clinical setting.
Clinical Skin ConsultantProvide specialised advice on skin care formulations and ingredients to manage specific skin conditions and health.
Dermal Clinic ManagerOversee clinical operations and provide technical leadership for advanced skin and beauty therapy services.

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 SHB60221 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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Receive a free preliminary review of your experience

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Dedicated consultant guides you through every step

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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:

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A review of your work experience against the qualification requirements

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Compilation of an evidence portfolio demonstrating your competency

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Assessment by a qualified assessor from a Registered Training Organisation

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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:

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Work History & Roles

  • ✓Detailed professional resume
  • ✓Position descriptions from clinical roles
  • ✓Reference letters from clinic owners or senior practitioners
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Clinical Practice

  • ✓Treatment logs for skin needling and micro-dermabrasion
  • ✓Sequential treatment plans for superficial peels
  • ✓Clinical procedure records and treatment outcomes
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Consultation & Analysis

  • ✓Completed skin analysis and consultation reports
  • ✓Client aftercare advice and product recommendation logs
  • ✓Treatment plans incorporating nutritional and skin science advice
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Safety & Compliance

  • ✓Risk assessment documentation for light-based treatments
  • ✓Infection control audits and sterilisation logs
  • ✓Laser and LED safety protocol documentation
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Not sure if you qualify?

Speak with our team for a free eligibility discussion.

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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 SHB60221 requirements. If you are well-positioned for recognition, we guide you in compiling an evidence portfolio of your work. This is then formally assessed 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 issued by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and carries the same national weight and validity as one earned through traditional classroom study. It is the same SHB60221 Advanced Diploma of Skin Therapy.
How long does the process typically take?▾
Once your evidence portfolio is compiled and submitted to the RTO, the formal assessment and issuance process typically takes between 4 to 6 weeks. The initial evidence gathering phase depends on how quickly you can document your existing experience with our guidance.
Are there entry requirements for this Advanced Diploma?▾
Yes, entry to this qualification requires individuals to have already achieved specific units of competency related to facial treatments and skin science. We will review your previous certifications and current experience during your free skills review to ensure you meet these prerequisites.
What kind of evidence do I need to provide for skin therapy recognition?▾
Evidence typically includes a detailed resume, records of treatment programs you have designed, consultation forms, clinical photographs or videos of treatments (maintaining client privacy), and references from employers or industry peers who can verify your technical skills.
Can I use my salon management experience towards this qualification?▾
Absolutely. This qualification reflects the role of therapists who manage sequential treatment programs and possess highly developed communication and technical skills. Your experience in business operations and client program management is highly relevant to several units in this Advanced Diploma.
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.

Related Qualifications

Other qualifications in the Hairdressing and Beauty Services Training Package.

Advanced Diploma

Advanced Diploma of Intense Pulsed Light and Laser for Hair Reduction

SHB60125

Certificate II

Certificate II in Retail Cosmetics

SHB20121

Certificate II

Certificate II in Salon Assistant

SHB20216

Certificate III

Certificate III in Barbering

SHB30516

Certificate III

Certificate III in Beauty Services

SHB30121

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