Update of Beauty Qualifications
We're conducting a major update to five key beauty qualifications to keep training aligned with the sector's evolving needs.
Project Overview
This project responds to strong industry feedback that the current beauty qualifications are not adequately equipping learners with the skills needed to meet evolving industry demands. The beauty industry is undergoing rapid change in response to shifting consumer expectations, including the adoption of stronger hygiene practices, digital booking systems and an increased focus on sustainability and ethically sourced products.
SaCSA will undertake a two-stage activity project to review and update the following qualifications:
- SHB30121 Certificate III in Beauty Services
- SHB30221 Certificate III in Make-Up
- SHB30321 Certificate III in Nail Technology
- SHB40121 Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy
- SHB50121 Diploma of Beauty Therapy
This update aims to ensure qualifications are fit for purpose, future-ready and aligned with the current demands across the beauty sector.
This project will be undertaken in line with the national Training Package Organising Framework (TPOF).
Why this project matters
Enrolments in beauty therapy have dropped significantly since 2015, with low completion rates and ongoing concerns from employers about graduates’ readiness for work. This has resulted in a critical workforce shortage, with the number of qualified graduates falling short of industry demand. The gap between what training currently delivers and what modern salons require has become a major barrier to workforce growth, reinforcing the need for a comprehensive review of qualifications to ensure they align with both current and emerging industry needs.
The beauty industry is evolving rapidly, with businesses responding to increased expectations around consumer safety and treatment standards, alongside growing demand for results-driven services and higher levels of technical capability.
At the same time, there has been significant growth in advanced and technology-led treatments. In parallel, there is strong and growing demand for wellbeing-focused services, with clients placing greater value on human touch, personalised care and therapeutic experiences.
Stage One Objectives:
Join a Technical Committee
SaCSA is seeking expressions of interest to join a Technical Committee for this project. As a Technical Committee member, your expertise in training and industry practice will be instrumental in shaping the direction and quality of this project. Your input will help ensure the training products are fit-for-purpose, industry-relevant, and aligned with sector needs. Please read our Terms of Reference before submitting an application.
Expressions of interest close on 1 May at 5:00 pm AEST.




