Why qualifications matter in cosmetic industry regulations and patient safety
The Australian cosmetic industry is facing some of the biggest changes we’ve seen in years. New regulations are regularly being rolled out, and there’s a growing focus on ensuring practitioners have the right training to keep patients safe. Thankfully, the days of unclear qualifications and misleading titles are coming to an end, and this means accredited education is now more important than ever.
In this article, we’ll break down what these new regulations mean for practitioners and patients, why proper training is essential, and how accredited courses like ours at AACDS can set you up for success in this growing $1.5 billion industry. We’ll also explore the risks of inadequate training, the difference between accredited and non-accredited courses, and what to look for when choosing a cosmetic education provider.
Still unsure how these changes might impact your career or the treatments you’re considering? Let’s smooth out the details together—by the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of what’s happening in the industry and why choosing the right training makes all the difference.
Cosmetic regulations Australia: what’s changed?
A key focus of the new Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) guidelines is to ensure that nurses and other health practitioners describe their qualifications and experience accurately, without overstating their scope of practice or claiming specialist titles they have not earned. For example, practitioners cannot present themselves as a “specialist” unless they are a fellow of a recognised specialist college.
This is important for nurses working in non-surgical cosmetic procedures, where misleading titles or ambiguous language could create confusion for patients. As part of this, the title “surgeon” has also been specifically restricted, reinforcing a broader principle that all health practitioners should use clear, honest and transparent titles.
Alongside these updates, Ahpra has introduced new guidelines for practitioners working in the field of non-surgical cosmetic procedures. These guidelines aim to strengthen patient safety through clearer consultation requirements, appropriate supervision, and a focus on evidence-based practice. They also set out expectations around advertising and practitioner qualifications to help protect consumers from misleading claims or unsafe treatments. For full details on these changes, please see our regularly updated Ahpra guidelines article here.
How new occupation classifications could impact your career
Recent updates to the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) and the Final Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA) have introduced clearer distinctions between Beauty Therapists and Dermal Therapists. While these changes are not yet tied to regulation, they signal a shift toward more defined scopes of practice and qualification pathways within the cosmetic and aesthetic industries.
Under these new classifications:
- Beauty Therapists are now classified at Skill Level 3, aligned with Certificate III, Certificate IV, or at least three years of experience. Their scope includes general beauty treatments like facials and waxing.
- Dermal Therapists fall under Skill Level 2, requiring a Diploma, Advanced Diploma, or Associate Degree, or equivalent experience, with a recognised scope that includes advanced treatments like laser, IPL, and chemical peels.
These updates highlight a shift toward more defined qualification pathways, which may impact training requirements, insurance, and job roles in the near future. For a deeper breakdown of these changes, The Aesthetic & Beauty Industry Council (ABIC) has released a full summary, available on their website.
What does this mean for you?
Investing in accredited, dermal-focused education, like the nationally recognised qualifications offered by AACDS, places you ahead of these changes, ensuring your scope of practice is future-proofed and recognised within evolving industry standards.
Until now, there hasn’t been a set-in-stone standard for training in cosmetic procedures. That means some practitioners have been offering treatments without the right skills, leading to poor results and, in some cases, serious harm. Accredited training addresses this by ensuring that every practitioner meets high safety and competency standards before working with patients.
The risks of cutting corners
Without proper training, things can go wrong fast. There have been cases where patients suffered because their practitioners didn’t have the skills to handle complications. Misleading advertising has also played a role in this skills gap, with some courses promising ‘fast-track’ qualifications that don’t meet industry standards. When it comes to cosmetic treatments, a regulated education pathway isn’t just important – it’s essential.
Why cosmetic industry accreditation matters
Now more than ever, accredited training is the key to protecting both patients and practitioners. Here are the differences between an accredited and non-accredited course.
Accredited courses
- Recognised nationwide: These courses meet the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) and Registered Training Organisation (RTO) standards.
- Industry compliance: They align with AHPRA and Medical Board guidelines, so graduates are legally and ethically prepared.
- High training standards: Competency-based learning ensures graduates are properly assessed before they start working.
- Better career opportunities: Completing an accredited course can open doors to better jobs, insurance and professional memberships.
- Insurance and licensing: Many insurers won’t cover practitioners without accredited training, making it essential for those wanting to work legally.
Non-accredited courses
- No national recognition: These are often created by private companies without industry oversight.
- Risk of non-compliance: Some don’t meet Ahpra or Medical Board standards, leaving students unprepared.
- Limited job prospects: Employers and insurers may reject non-accredited qualifications.
- Inconsistent quality: Without set standards, course content can vary wildly, putting both practitioners and patients at risk.
Why study with AACDS?
AACDS has set the standard for accredited cosmetic training in Australia. As an RTO, we don’t just meet industry requirements, we help shape them. Our courses are designed with real-world practice in mind, giving students hands-on experience and up-to-date knowledge on regulatory changes.
A comprehensive and continually updated cirriculum
AACDS offers a comprehensive curriculum that aligns with industry needs and shifting regulatory requirements.
One of our key advancements is the unit ‘CDNEIP02 Evaluate and Perform Cosmetic Injectable Procedures’, which supports advanced skills in facial aesthetic consultation and assessment, providing a framework for safe practice in non-surgical cosmetic procedures. This unit ensures students have the opportunity to build knowledge and undertake supervised practice aligned with current safety and competency standards..
Recently, we’ve made a number of changes to our courses to align with regulatory updates, including:
52923WA Advanced Diploma of Cosmetic Dermal Science:
- Medical Terminology (BSBMED301): builds confidence with medical and aesthetic terminology to communicate effectively.
- Diet and Nutrition (HLTHPS010): explores how nutrition may impact skin health and appearance.
- Hands-On Training in RF Skin Needling: using leading technologies to learn non-invasive rejuvenation skills.
52919WA Graduate Diploma of Cosmetic Nursing and Injectables:
- Includes advanced dermal science practical skills, supporting safe, non-surgical cosmetic treatment planning.
52920WA Graduate Diploma of Dermal Science:
- Expanded radiofrequency skin needling curriculum to support contemporary skin treatment options
For more details about all of our nationally accredited courses, visit the AACDS courses page to find the right fit for your career.
Hands-on training
At AACDS, we believe advanced cosmetic education should combine rigorous theory with practical experience in a supervised setting. That’s why our dermal science courses include a minimum of 76 hours of practical training delivered during an immersive two-week, full-time block at our Aspire Training Clinics.
Students also complete an additional four days of intensive, practical instruction in advanced non-surgical cosmetic procedures, overseen by qualified dermal therapists and other registered health professionals.
This ensures a safe, supported learning environment and helps students build skills with confidence.
With Aspire Clinics located in Perth, Melbourne, Sydney and the Gold Coast, students graduate with exposure to real-world practice environments to help prepare them for industry.
Cosmetic regulations Australia: learning from the best
AACDS actively collaborates with a vast network of suppliers, industry associations, regulatory bodies and employers to ensure that course content remains relevant and meets the latest industry standards. Led by Brad Low, General Manager of Education, our programs equip graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to work safely, ethically, and competently..
Our educators include highly experienced professionals who are passionate about educating the next generation of cosmetic practitioners:
- Dr Keturah Hoffman (MBBS, Fellow CPCA and MASCC¹), Head of Cosmetic Medicine at AACDS, brings extensive experience in cosmetic medicine.
- Ekta Tandon (MSc RN), Course Coordinator for the Advanced Diploma of Cosmetic Dermal Science and the Graduate Diploma of Dermal Therapies, ensures course quality and alignment with industry needs.
“At AACDS, we are committed to staying ahead of industry changes, providing guidance and support to our students. Through continuous updates and educational resources, we help graduates navigate complex regulations and confidently develop their professional skills,” says Brad.
Start your career with our industry-accredited courses today
The cosmetic industry is changing, and ensuring patient safety through comprehensive, accredited education has never been more important.. If you want to build a career in this field, choosing an accredited course is the smartest move.
Want to know more? Complete the form below to connect with a Course Consultants who can walk you through enrolment options, payment plans and study pathways.
¹ Fellow of the CPCA (Australasian College of Phlebology) and MASCC (Member of the Australian Society of Cosmetic Chemists).
Disclaimer:
AACDS is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO 51373) delivering accredited education in cosmetic nursing and dermal science. Our content reflects current training practices, clinical guidelines, and regulatory compliance under AHPRA and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). This article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or advertising to non-health practitioners. Individual results and clinical decisions vary and should be guided by qualified practitioners.For specific patient treatment, please consult a registered health professional.
