Understanding Training Levels, CPD, and Qualifications in Private Medical Aesthetics

Thomas Barton & Tanith Meek – TT Medical Clinic

This blog is intended for our colleagues in the Aesthetics field. However, this information is not the exclusive domain of Healthcare Professionals and the public may wish to better understand the processes and mechanisms by which private Aesthetics Practitioners keep themselves up to date and well trained:

Private medical aesthetics is a rapidly growing field, with more and more nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals exploring opportunities to work independently. While the industry is exciting and full of potential, there is often confusion about what different training levels actually mean, what CPD (continuous professional development) points represent, and what it means to be “qualified” to carry out a treatment.

This blog will give clarity on these issues, helping practitioners understand how to navigate training opportunities and ensure their practice remains safe, ethical, and professional. What should training and qualifications in Aesthetics look like?

Education Levels Explained

In the UK, qualifications are standardised across levels 1 to 8. Understanding these levels helps you place courses in context and recognise whether a programme is appropriately pitched for your stage of professional development.

• Level 1–2: Basic introductory study (GCSE level or below). Not relevant to professional clinical practice.

  
  

• Level 3: A-levels, BTEC, or vocational qualifications. Sometimes relevant for support staff roles, but not for registered professionals.

  
  

• Level 4–5: Certificates or foundation degrees, equivalent to the first years of university study.

  
  

• Level 6: Bachelor’s degree level – for example, a BSc Nursing. Most registered nurses are trained to this level.

  
  

• Level 7: Master’s degree level. Includes full MSc programmes or individual postgraduate modules. Many high-quality aesthetics courses are set at Level 7.

  
  

• Level 8: Doctoral level – PhD or research doctorate. This is advanced academic study, usually involving original research.

  
  

For most aesthetics professionals, Levels 6–7 are the most relevant.

What Are CPD Points?

Continuous professional development (CPD) is the process of keeping your skills and knowledge up to date. CPD points or hours are used as evidence that you have undertaken training or learning activities.

• CPD is not a qualification in itself.

  
  

• CPD points do not add up towards a degree or formal academic award.

  
  

• They are primarily used to evidence learning for revalidation and professional accountability.

  
  

• Some professions require a certain number of CPD points within specific timeframes (for example, to maintain professional registration). In nursing, the NMC does not require a set number of CPD points for revalidation – instead, revalidation has its own requirements (35 hours of CPD, reflective accounts, etc.).

  
  

• Nonetheless, attending events, lectures, or courses that issue CPD points is valuable. It demonstrates the session has been delivered at a standard recognised by professional development frameworks, strengthening the evidence you present for revalidation.

  
  

Modules, Courses, and Qualifications

Not all courses are created equal, and this is where confusion often arises.

• A short aesthetics course may advertise itself as “Level 7” but provide no transferable credits towards a recognised qualification. These courses may still provide valuable skills and CPD, but they will not advance you academically.

  
  

• A validated Level 7 module can be counted towards a postgraduate diploma or master’s degree. However, this depends on the quality of the course provider and whether the credits are accepted by a university.

  
  

• Even if a course claims to offer credits, you should check whether a university will honour these when they are applied to a degree programme.

  
  

• To give context:

  
  

  • A master’s degree usually requires 180 credits.

  • A postgraduate diploma usually requires 120 credits.

  • A postgraduate certificate usually requires 60 credits.

    
    

Tip: A BSc (Level 6) is the starting point for most nurses. Choosing validated Level 7 modules can allow you to build credits towards an MSc, which not only develops your knowledge but also strengthens your credentials in the private sector.

Why Course Validation Matters

In the aesthetics industry, it is essential to distinguish between reputable training and marketing claims.

• Validated courses have been approved by a recognised higher education institution, an awarding body or facilitated by the educational faculties of major product manufacturers.

  
  

• This ensures the course meets academic and clinical standards, has appropriate assessment, and where relevant, contributes to recognised qualifications.

  
  

• Non-validated courses may still teach useful skills, but they cannot be used towards further qualifications, and the standard of training may vary widely.

  
  

When selecting training, ask:

• Who accredits or validates this course?

• Does it provide academic credits (for example, 20 credits at Level 7)?

• Are these credits transferable and likely to be honoured by a university?

• What clinical supervision or assessment is included?

Beware of Misleading Terminology

In the aesthetics industry, certain terms are often used loosely in marketing materials and training courses. Two of the most common are “masterclass” and “advanced practice”.

The “Masterclass” Label

The term masterclass is frequently used in aesthetics training to suggest a high level of expertise or elite teaching. However, unlike university-validated Master’s level study (Level 7), the word masterclass is not a protected term.

• A masterclass may simply mean a short session delivered by an individual trainer, with no external validation or recognised credentialing.

  
  

• The quality of such courses can vary widely. Some may be excellent and delivered by highly experienced clinicians, but others may fall far short of the standards implied by the title.

  
  

• Always check what content is being delivered, how many supervised hours are included, and what qualifications or experience the trainer has to describe themselves as a “master”.

  
  

In short, do not take the title at face value — look for the substance behind the label.

The Term “Advanced Practice”

“Advanced” is another word often used in aesthetics training, but in professional healthcare it has a specific meaning.

• Advanced Practice is a protected professional title within nursing and allied health professions.

  
  

• To be formally recognised as an Advanced Practitioner, you must evidence your skills and knowledge against the four pillars of advanced practice:

  1. Clinical Practice

  2. Leadership and Management

  3. Education

  4. Research

     
     

• This usually requires Master’s level study and substantial clinical experience.

  
  

• Importantly, you should not call yourself an “Advanced Practitioner” unless you have formally achieved this status through submission of a live advanced practice portfolio to a recognised governance panel (such as the RCN Advanced Practice panel).

  
  

Simply attending a course advertised as “advanced” does not mean you are an Advanced Practitioner in the professional sense. Nurses and other healthcare professionals should be cautious of training providers using this terminology without clear justification or accreditation.

Am I “Qualified”?

A common question in aesthetics is: Am I qualified to deliver this treatment? The answer depends less on the certificates you hold, and more on your scope of practice and competence.

To self-assess, ask yourself:

1. Is it within my scope of practice?

   • The NMC/HCPC/GMC codes of professional conduct require practitioners to work only within their scope. If you are not trained and competent, it is not within your scope.

     
     

2. Can I demonstrate competence?

   • Have you completed training with a reputable provider?

   • Was the training sufficient in depth, time, and supervision?

   • Do you have certificates, reflective evidence, and feedback from supervised practice?

   • If you do not feel confident, that alone is a strong indicator that you require further supervision and support before practising independently.

     
     

3. Have I had appropriate clinical supervision?

   • One or two day courses covering multiple complex treatments with little hands-on practice should raise red flags.

   • Quality courses allow for supervised practice, ongoing assessment, and feedback.

     
     

4. Can I manage complications?

   • Competence is not just about performing the skill.

   • Safe practice in aesthetics requires you to be trained to recognise and manage complications effectively.

   • You must be able to practise safely and autonomously, including dealing with adverse events.

     
     

Being “qualified” is not about attending a single course; it is about maintaining ongoing competence through high-quality education, reflection, and safe practice.

The Professional and Business Value of Training

Pursuing higher-level training has dual benefits:

• Professional development: It strengthens your clinical knowledge, sharpens your skills, and supports safe practice.

  
  

• Business credibility: In the private sector, clients are increasingly discerning. Displaying Level 7 or postgraduate credentials helps demonstrate your commitment to excellence, setting you apart in a competitive market.

  
  

Final Thoughts

As nurses and healthcare professionals in aesthetics, we must hold ourselves to the same professional standards as in the NHS or other healthcare settings. Understanding what training levels mean, recognising the purpose of CPD, and checking whether courses are validated are all essential steps in protecting both your clients and your professional registration.

High-quality education is not just an investment in yourself – it is an investment in the safety, trust, and reputation of the aesthetics industry as a whole.

Tanith & Tom