Regulated Qualifications vs CPD & HABIA Endorsed Courses: What’s the Difference in Beauty Training?

What Are Regulated Qualifications?

Regulated qualifications are industry-recognised qualifications issued by regulated Awarding Organisations (AO) such as VTCT, SVQ, City & Guilds, Qualifi, ITEC, or NCFE. These qualifications sit on the Ofqual-regulated qualification framework in the UK, which means they have been externally quality-assured, mapped to National Occupational Standards (NOS) and carry formal credit values.

✅Examples include:

•           NVQ Level 2 Beauty Therapy and higher level SVQ

•           VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Nail Technology

•           City & Guilds Level 3 in Hairdressing

•           ITEC Level 4 Certificate in Skin Peeling

Why they matter:

•           They are universally recognised across salons, spas, clinics, and training providers.

•           They are often a requirement for insurance and licensing (especially for advanced aesthetics).

•           They show you have completed a standardised, rigorous assessment.

•           They can be used to progress onto higher levels of study or even university pathways in some cases.

What are Accredited, Endorsed, or CPD (Continuing Professional Development) Courses?

Not all training in beauty comes in the form of a regulated qualification. Many courses are instead approved or endorsed by an external body and some can count towards Continuing Professional Development (CPD)hours.  These are not qualifications and are aimed at those already qualified and working in the industry.

✅Examples include:

•           An “accredited lash lift” short course endorsed by a private accreditation provider

•           CPD-certified courses in brow lamination or microneedling

•           Manufacturer-led training, which is like ours, for a specific product brand

Why they matter:

•           They allow professionals to upskill and keep up to date with the latesttreatments and trends.

•           They are usually shorter, more flexible, and often cheaper than regulatedqualifications.

•           They can be valuable for adding new services to your treatment menu.

•           They demonstrate commitment to ongoing learning.

However…

•           These courses are not regulated by Ofqual and therefore don’t carry the samerecognition and weight as a qualification.

•           The quality can vary widely between providers.

•           Some insurance companies and councils will only accept regulated qualificationsfor certain treatments.

How Do They Work Together?

The best way to view these two training pathways is:

•           Regulated Qualifications = Your foundation.

They give you the recognised credentials, core skills, and credibility needed to work professionally and progress in your career.

•           Approved/CPD Courses = Your add-ons to upskill developing your professional CV portfolio.

They allow you to refine, specialise, and expand your offering. They keep you competitive in a fast-moving industry.

For example, a beauty therapist may complete a VTCT Level 3 Beauty Therapy qualification to secure insurance and licensing and then add CPD courses in trending services like brow lamination or dermaplaning to diversify and increase more client menu options.

Choosing the Right Path for You

When deciding between qualifications and CPD/endorsed training, ask yourself:

•           Am I just starting out? → Start with a regulated qualification.

•           Do I already hold a recognised, regulated qualification and want to add new services? → Consider CPD or endorsed courses.

•           Will my insurance provider or local authority accept this course? → Alwayscheck before booking.

•           Do I want to progress academically or internationally in the industry? → Stick with regulated qualifications.

Final Thoughts

Both regulated qualifications and CPD/endorsed training have an important role in the beauty and aesthetics industry. Think of qualifications as your career passport—the essential credentials that open professional doors. Approved, CPD and endorsed courses are then the stamps in that passport—demonstrating your continued growth, specialisms, and dedication to staying ahead of trends.

By investing in both, you build a strong, credible qualification portfolio and with the benefit of future-proofing your career in the sector.

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