Qualification Overview: SHB50121 Diploma of Beauty Therapy
The Diploma of Beauty Therapy (SHB50121) supersedes SHB50115 to establish the highest national vocational credential under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) for senior beauty practitioners. It reflects the competencies required of clinical aestheticians, dermal therapists, and spa managers who perform comprehensive client consultations, devise customized skin treatment plans, deliver advanced electrical facial therapies, and execute full-body therapeutic treatments.
Whether you manage a boutique beauty clinic, operate a high-volume day spa, perform microdermabrasion and chemical peels, or lead an aesthetic salon team, your clinical treatment hours reflect formal competence. Through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), experienced therapists can convert authentic consultation records, skin treatment logs, sterilization audits, and supervisory references into an accredited AQF Level 5 Diploma without interrupting commercial salon bookings.
Packaging Rules: 29 Units of Competency
Under the national Hairdressing and Beauty Services (SHB) Training Package, candidates must demonstrate competence in a total of 29 units of competency (comprising 20 core units covering infection control, skin biology, advanced facials, body massage, and waxing plus 9 elective units chosen to suit dermal, spa, or clinical aesthetics streams).
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Type |
|---|---|---|
| SHBBFAS005 | Provide facial treatments and skin care recommendations | CORE |
| SHBBFAS006 | Provide specialised facial treatments | CORE |
| SHBBINF002 | Maintain infection control standards | CORE |
| SHBBMUP009 | Design and apply make-up | CORE |
| SHBBNLS007 | Provide manicure and pedicare services | CORE |
| SHBBRES003 | Research and apply beauty industry information | CORE |
| SHBBSPA003 | Provide stone therapy massages | CORE |
| SHBBSPA004 | Provide Indian head massages for relaxation | CORE |
| SHBBHRS010 | Provide waxing services | CORE |
| SHBBHRS011 | Provide female intimate waxing services | CORE |
| SHBBBOS008 | Provide body massages | CORE |
| SHBBBOS009 | Provide body treatments | CORE |
| SHBBSKS009 | Provide superficial lymph massage | CORE |
| SHBXCCS007 | Conduct salon financial transactions | CORE |
| SHBXCCS008 | Provide service to clients | CORE |
| SHBXIND003 | Comply with organisational requirements within personal services | CORE |
| SHBXWHS003 | Apply safe hygiene, health and work practices | CORE |
| SHBBSKS007 | Provide electrical treatments for skin | ELECTIVE |
| SHBBSKS008 | Provide micro-dermabrasion treatments | ELECTIVE |
| SHBBSPA001 | Work in a spa environment | ELECTIVE |
| HLTAID011 | Provide First Aid | ELECTIVE |
SHB50121 RPL Treatment Evidence Portfolio Guidelines
Assessing RTOs require objective workplace records proving that you have administered professional client consultations, performed complex skin therapies safely, and complied with local public health regulations for skin penetration.
Key Clinical Deliverables Accepted in an Evidence Portfolio:
- De-identified Client Consultation Cards: Health questionnaires, contraindication assessments, skin analysis forms (Fitzpatrick scale grading), and documented treatment progress notes.
- Treatment Protocol Records & Treatment Plans: Step-by-step procedure records for advanced electrical facials, microdermabrasion, lymphatic drainage, and full-body treatments.
- Infection Control & Autoclave Logs: Autoclave temperature/pressure monitoring logs, instrument sterilization records, and personal protective equipment (PPE) compliance sheets.
- Visual Treatment Evidence: Before-and-after photographic portfolios of treatment outcomes (with client faces and identifying tattoos redacted) or short video demonstrations of hygienic tool handling.
- Third-Party Employer Attestation: A detailed testimonial statement signed by a Salon Owner, Clinical Nurse Injector, or Senior Dermal Clinician validating your independent technical competence.