Review of Hairdressing and Barbering Qualifications

We're reviewing and updating four key Hairdressing and Barbering qualifications to ensure the next generation of professionals are a cut above the rest.

Timeline & Milestones

March 2025 – October 2025

Initial Development

October 2025 – February 2026

Public and Government Consultation

March 2026 – April 2026

Incorporation of Feedback

April 2026 – August 2026

Senior Officials Check, Submission to the Assurance Body & Assurance Body Consideration

August 2026 – September 2026

Skills Ministers Endorsement & Training Products Published

Draft Training Products

The revised draft training products are open for additional public consultation. Following extensive discussions with industry, employers, trainers and stakeholders, SaCSA is proposing the Certificate III  be designed as two standalone qualifications with shared units of competency: Certificate III in Hairdressing and Certificate III in Barbering. We invite further feedback on the structure of the qualifications.

For the best experience, please access Markup on a desktop device rather than mobile. Feedback must be received prior to the closing date to be considered.

Consultation closes on 31 March 2026.

Project Overview

SaCSA is reviewing and updating the following qualifications to ensure they meet the evolving needs of industry: 

*While this project primarily focuses on Hairdressing and Barbering qualifications, the SHB50216 Diploma of Salon Management also relates to the beauty sector. 

With strong industry support, this review and update will ensure training products remain relevant, practical, and beneficial for learners, employers and the VET sector. By streamlining and modernising these qualifications, SaCSA aims to better equip future Hairdressing and Barbering professionals with the skills they need to succeed in an evolving industry. 

This project will result in a major update in alignment with the Training Package Products Development and Endorsement Process Policy (TPP DEPP). 

This project will:


Reduce Duplication

by identifying overlapping knowledge and skills to better align with industry practices while keeping essential repetition for competency

Streamline Qualifications

by developing one uniform qualification at a Certificate III level (if appropriate) by removing duplicate units and introducing specialisation streams for a better learner experience

Improve Pathways

by creating a streamlined means of progressing between Certificate III level through to Diploma, to provide a better career pathway for individuals

Enhance Practical Skills

by creating a more focused approach to foundational skills to ensure individuals are job-ready

Consultation Opportunities

Technical Committee


Members

View our team of industry and training sector experts guiding SaCSA's project.

Kerrie Bowen – Principal and Director of Studies | Clip Joint Education (RTO)

Billie-Jean Cavanough – Educational Team Leader | TAFE Queensland (TAFE)

Sid Davies – Owner/Operator | Cracker Jack Barbershop (Industry)

Benny Divitaris – Student Services/Manager | Biba Academy (RTO)

Michele  Edwards – Portfolio Manager Health Education & Community  | TAFE Western Australia – Central Region ( TAFE)

Nicole Gislingham – Salon Academy Operations Manager | Epic Hair Designs (Industry)

Hannah Gerritsen – Salon Manager & Senior Hairdresser | Belinda’s Hair Creations (Industry)

Anthony Gray – Chief Executive Officer | MIG Training (RTO)

Sonia Kinna – Salon Owner/Trichologist | I am Hair Wellness (Industry)

Cathy King – Director/Educator | Toni & Guy (Industry)

Liz Maher – Director | Taylorweir Hairdresser and Barber Training (RTO)

Samantha New – Educational Excellence Specialist | TAFE New South Wales (TAFE) 

Anna Penn – Board Director – Education & Training | Victoria University (TAFE)

Bonnie Pilgrim – Director | Hair Management Co (Industry)

Kathleen Rodda – Project Officer | South Australian Skills Commission

Document Library


View all resources related to this project below. Additional resources will be added as they become available.

Files

Review of Hairdressing and Barbering Qualifications – Training Product Project Summary

200 KB

Download

Review of Hairdressing and Barbering Qualifications Public Consultation Strategy

504 KB

Download
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