Q & A’s

As a Registered Training Provider offering Short Courses we have many students asking questions prior to and undertaking training. We have put together a series of frequently asked questions and answers to assist our students.


Q. What is an RTO (Registered Training Organisation)?

A. A Registered Training Organisation (RTO) undergoes stringent practices in order to be able to provide Accredited Nationally Recognised Training.

An RTO is governed by a registering body and has to undertake strict guidelines according to the Department of Education and Governing Bodies.


Q. What is the difference between a RTO and A Non RTO Training facility?

A. You should always do your research when sourcing training. Registered Training Organisations have to undertake strict audits and follow protocol. Non RTO's do not have to follow any rules and regulations


Q. What is the difference between an Accredited Course a Non Accredited Course- Short Course and Full Qualification

A. An Accredited Course provides the learners with a guarantee of quality of both the qualification programme and the awarding body that offers accredited qualifications. This means you can be confident you are being training to the correct government and industry standards.

Non-Accredited Courses, on the other hand, are not regulated and there is no guarantee that they meet appropriate industry or insurance standards. There is no way to tell whether they are fit for their purpose or if they are including relevant content and correct assessment is being used. The Non RTO training facility can do whatever it chooses, they do not abide by any guidelines or strict regulations.

We have many students that have been misled into thinking they have completed an ‘Accredited Certificate’ when they have not. Some Non RTO’s training facilities will create their own internal course codes and pose as an RTO when they are in fact not. They have not undertaken the stringent practices to become an Accredited Organisation or ensure quality or compliance.


Q. What does Industry Certified or Industry Accredited Mean?

A. There is no such thing as Industry Certified or Industry Accredited. Some Non Accredited training facilities may use these words to mislead into thinking you are doing an Accredited Course.


Q. How can I tell if the course I am wanting to complete or have completed is Accredited?

A. One important thing to look for is the NRT Logo (Nationally Recognised Training) This logo will be at the bottom of your Statement of Attainment with the unit of competency code. (see question below) Do not be confused with ‘False Codes’ from Non Accredited training facilities that may look like Accredited codes. An accredited code comes from the Beauty Training Package and all RTO's are required use the same codes Nationwide.

An example of this is below:
Accredited Code is below:
SHBBMUP001 Apply Eyelash Extensions (this is the only code for this accredited course-Nationally)
Non Accredited Code
SCCLAS2018 Classic Eyelash Extensions Course


Q. Are some Non Accredited Courses fine to complete?

A. Yes, providing there has been industry consultation before providing this course to the public. RTO's providing Non Accredited Short Courses have to undertake consultation with the Industry, eg discussing course structure, assessment and outcomes with the salon/spas/industry personnel to ensure they are providing the right course structure to suit industry requirements. Non RTOs do not have to consult with anyone and can create whatever courses they wish.


Q. Will I be covered for insurance if I do a Non Accredited Course?

A. An insurance provider may cover you but you will not be able to make a claim without having an Accredited Certificate A true example of what happened to a student:

This student was insured. The insurance company will still insure you if you have an NON Accredited Certificate but if you have to lodge a CLAIM??? What happens next…read below.

A client in a salon that a student has opened was injured. The student contacted their insurance company because the client was taking legal action against them. The student thought they were covered (because they were insured) for any injuries that a client might experience.

The insurance company refused their claim as the students certificate was NON ACCREDITED so the student had to pay the client $10,000 + extra in damages for pain and suffering as a result of negligence and not meeting the regulated health and safety procedures. The student is actually not at fault as they thought they completed a legitimate course with a regulated course provider. The insurance company didn’t really care and couldn't help them because the certificate wasn't real and refused to pay them. The student had to shut down their business as they had legal fees to pay and it was a lot of money. The course they completed was an eyelash extensions that was NOT Accredited!


Q. What is an NRT Logo?

A This logo stands for Nationally Recognised Training and can only be used by Registered Training Organisations. This logo is used by training facilities that are registered with state or territory registering/course accredited body. It is highly illegal for Non RTOs to promote courses using this logo


Q. Can a Non RTO Training facility use the NRT Logo?

A. No. ASQA and VRQA have strict guidelines that use of the NRT Logo from a Non RTO must NOT be used to lead an observer to conclude the NRT logo applies to all training provided by an RTO if this is not the case.
The NRT logo can only be used by an RTO where the training is accredited, and pertaining to a full qualification eg Diploma of Beauty Therapy.

Where training is being promoted and does not meet the requirements stipulated in the AQTF or the training facility is not registered with VRQA or ASQA, it must be made clear the NRT logo is not associated with that training.

Improper use of the NRT Logo to mislead the observer is highly illegal and can be seen as fraudulent and should be reported immediately.

If you know of an organisation that is using the NRT Logo for marketing purposes or on printed material and they are not an Registered Training Organisation, you can make a formal complaint to appropriate governing bodies.


Q. What is a Statement of Attainment?

A. This is what you will be issued with when you complete an Accredited Short Course with an RTO (unit of competency). This will indicate to you that you have completed an Accredited Course. RTOs are recognised as providers of quality-assured and nationally recognised training and qualifications.


Q. How do I know if the training facilitiy I am studying at is a Registered Training Organisation?

A. You can use the following link to see if your training facility is an RTO and is offering Accredited Nationally Recognised Training https://training.gov.au/Search/SearchOrganisation


Q. What Short Courses are Accredited to date (Units of competency)?

A. To date, the following units are Nationally Accredited units of competency:
SHBBBOS007
Apply cosmetic tanning products

SHBBCCS005
Advise on beauty products and services

SHBBFAS004
Provide lash and brow services

SHBBHRS010
Provide waxing services

SHBBMUP009
Design and apply make up

SHBBNLS007
Provide manicure and pedicare services

SHBBMUP008
Apply eyelash extensions

SHBBNLS008
Apply gel nail and dip powder enhancements

SHBBNLS003
Apply acrylic nail enhancements

SHBBMUP011
Design and apply make up for photography

SHBBBOS008
Provide Body Massages

SHBBFAS005
Provide Facial Treatments and Skin Care Recommendations

SHBBFAS006
Provide Specialised Facial Treatments

SHBBSPA005 ​
Work in a Spa Therapies Framework

SHBBSPA006
Provide Spa Therapies

SHBBSPA007
Provide Stone Therapy Massages

SHBBBOS009
Provide Aromatherapy Massage

SHBBCCS006
Prepare Personalised Aromatic Plant Oil Blends for Beauty Treatments

SHBBOS010
Use reflexology relaxation techniques in beauty treatments

SHBBINF002
Maintain Infection Control Standards


Q.Is Eyelash Extensions an Accredited Course?

A.Yes it most definately is. The title of this unit is: SHBBMUP008 Apply Eyelash Extensions

The unit of competency can be found on training.gov.au at the below link:
https://training.gov.au/Training/Details/SHBBMUP008


Q. Is the beauty industry a good industry to work in?

A. The number of Beauty Therapists grew very strongly over the past 5 years and is expected to grow very strongly over the next 5 years: from 36,100 in 2018 to 42,800 by 2023.

Beauty Therapy is in the Top 5 Skills and Occupations in demand!!


Q. Can I open my own business once I do a short course?

A.Yes. Providing the course is either Accredited or a Non Accredited course that is provided by a Registered Training Organisation, you will be able to obtain Insurance for public liability and conduct this service from you salon or home.