← Back to Qualifications

Occupational Qualification · B11

Discretionary Grant · Upcoming

Beauty Therapist

QCTO Aligned Audit-ReadySERVICES SETA
NQF Level
NQF Level 4
Credits
158
Duration
—
SAQA ID
121607
Request Quote

Official QCTO Registry Profile

Source: SAQA / QCTO registry
SAQA ID
121607
Min Credits
158
Registered
2024-01-30
Re-registration
2029-01-30
Field
Field 11 - Services
Sub-field
Personal Care

Sample Asset Preview

Curriculum Alignment MatrixCRN ZA-SDP-2026-089
Curriculum Alignment Matrix — page 1
Curriculum Alignment Matrix — page 2
Curriculum Alignment Matrix — page 3
Curriculum Alignment Matrix — page 4
Curriculum Alignment Matrix — page 5
Page 1 of 5

Overview & Scope

Programme Profile

Target Designation
Certified Beauty Therapist Practitioner
Competency Focus
Master specialised practical applications, safety criteria, and regulatory mandates required of a qualified Beauty Therapist.
Academic Weight
Full national recognition at NQF Level 4 yielding 158 credits upon successful PoE verification.
Work Opportunities
Deployment across As a qualified beauty therapist, you can find employment opportunities in Business Services, Cleaning, Security, Real Estate. Your skills will be in demand across both public and private sectors, and you may also choose to work as an independent contractor or start your own business in this field. operations under SERVICES SETA scope.
Audit Objective
Bridges operational skills deficits under the governing SERVICES SETA quality matrix.
Value Proposition
Measurable, legally compliant skills that optimise productivity, satisfy Workplace Skills Plans (WSP), and unlock B-BBEE scorecard weight.
Introduction▾

The Beauty Therapist (NQF Level 4, 158 credits) is a comprehensive National Occupational Certificate that blends foundational theory with intensive practical application. Throughout your learning journey, you will develop the competencies required to operate effectively, safely, and ethically within your industry. Employers value this qualification because it signals that you are job-ready from day one.

Purpose▾

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to function as a Beauty Therapist. A Beauty Therapist applies complete skin and body care treatments including a massage treatment to improve a person's appearance and self-esteem. A qualified learner will be able to: • Apply make-up and advise a client on make-up application techniques. • Apply and advise on lash and brow treatment to clients. • Apply and advise on manual skin care treatment to clients. • Apply and advise on finger and toenails treatment to clients. • Apply and advise on an unwanted body and facial hair removal treatment to clients. • Apply and advise one a desired massage to clients. • Apply and advise on a body care treatment to clients. • Set up and run a sustainable salon. • Apply and uphold Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) provisions in the salon. A qualified learner will demonstrate the following key attributes: • Customer care. • Communication. • Professionalism. • Reliability. • Ethical.

Entry Requirements▾

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for Access to Training: Learners may use the RPL process to gain access to training opportunities for a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme if they do not meet the formal, minimum entry requirements for admission. RPL assessment provides an alternative access route into a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme. Such an RPL assessment may be developed, moderated, and conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider which offers that specific qualification/part qualification/skills programme. Such an assessment must ensure that the learner is able to display the equivalent level of competencies required for access, based on the NQF level descriptors. For exemption from modules through RPL, learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded. RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA): Learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded. A valid Statement of Results is required for admission to the EISA in which confirmation of achievement is provided that all internal assessment criteria for all modules in the related curriculum document have been achieved. For a Skills Programme, the accredited Skills Development Provider (SDP) must ensure all modular competency requirements are met prior to the FISA and keep record of such evidence. Upon successful completion of the EISA/FISA, RPL learners will be issued with the QCTO certificate for the qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme. Quality Partners are responsible for ensuring the RPL mechanism and process for qualifications and part-qualification is approved by the QCTO. Entry Requirements: An NQF Level 3 qualification with Mathematical Literacy.

SAQA Rationale▾

The services of a Beauty Therapist are much sought after skills in the Beauty and Cosmetology industry. The skills provided by a Beauty Therapist are in high demand in the Beauty and Cosmetology industry in the twenty first century. These services are critical for job creation and economic growth and development as they are used by individuals, organisations and production houses. Similar Qualification(s) already registered on the NQF are as follows (Passed the registration end date on 30 June 2023): • Certificate: Basic Beautician: Nail Therapy, NQF Level 4, Credits 120 (SAQA ID 16680). • Certificate: Beauty Care and Health, NQF Level 4, Credits 120 (SAQA ID 16682). • Certificate: Beauty Care and Modelling, NQF Level 4, Credits 120 (SAQA ID 16686). • FET Certificate: Beauty Therapy, NQF Level 4, Credits 120 (SAQA ID 65856). • FET Certificate: Cosmetology, NQF Level 4, Credits 150 (SAQA ID 67217). This qualification provides a framework for learners to develop competencies necessary in the Beauty and Cosmetology industry. The qualification will help create job opportunities within the Beauty and Cosmetology Industry. Qualified learners will be able to establish own business practices to serve the community. Beauty Therapists assist to improve self-image of individuals which results in a more positive outlook and performance in the job-market and society. The sector will benefit from having competent Beauty Therapists who would be able to satisfy the demands of their clientele. Competent Beauty Therapists would be able to establish a local footprint in service excellence that can also compete internationally. Central to the qualification is the development of a culture of professionalism and service-excellence in the Beauty and Cosmetology industry. A transformation is taking place in global beauty markets with new narratives being expressed, conveying an evolving beauty awareness informed by the needs and wants of contemporary beauty consumers. The beauty and cosmetology industries are undergoing a growth and development propelled by factors that include local beauty brands, an economic active current generation, and the impact of digital technology and connectivity, with growing influence of blogging and social-media Influencers. The typical learners are the school leavers, unemployed persons, employed and self-employed persons. This qualification was developed in collaboration with Professional Body in the Beauty and Cosmetology Industry. Typical occupations in which the qualifying learner will operate are Beauty Therapy, Beauty Practice, Body Therapy, Manual Skin Care Therapy, Eye Grooming Therapy, Make-up Consultancy, Nail Therapy, Temporary Hair Removal Therapy, Body Care Therapy and Body Massage Therapy. Learners qualifying in this qualification may become beauty therapists, provide cosmetic advice in retail outlets, become salon managers, entrepreneurs or advance to a profession in somatology. There is collaboration with the following relevant stakeholders: • TVET Colleges • Private Training Providers • Practising Beauty Therapists Typical professions in which the qualifying learner will operate include Advance Aesthetic Therapist, Beauty Technologist, Nail Technician, Beauty Therapist and Somatologist.

Learning Assumed to be in Place & RPL▾

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for Access to Training: Learners may use the RPL process to gain access to training opportunities for a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme if they do not meet the formal, minimum entry requirements for admission. RPL assessment provides an alternative access route into a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme. Such an RPL assessment may be developed, moderated, and conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider which offers that specific qualification/part qualification/skills programme. Such an assessment must ensure that the learner is able to display the equivalent level of competencies required for access, based on the NQF level descriptors. For exemption from modules through RPL, learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded. RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA): Learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded. A valid Statement of Results is required for admission to the EISA in which confirmation of achievement is provided that all internal assessment criteria for all modules in the related curriculum document have been achieved. For a Skills Programme, the accredited Skills Development Provider (SDP) must ensure all modular competency requirements are met prior to the FISA and keep record of such evidence. Upon successful completion of the EISA/FISA, RPL learners will be issued with the QCTO certificate for the qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme. Quality Partners are responsible for ensuring the RPL mechanism and process for qualifications and part-qualification is approved by the QCTO. Entry Requirements: An NQF Level 3 qualification with Mathematical Literacy.

Exit Level Outcomes▾
  • Perform a manual skincare treatment in a professional and ethical manner in accordance with occupational standards.
  • Provide an eye grooming service in a professional and ethical manner in accordance with occupational standards.
  • Provide a make-up service (day or evening or bridal) in a professional and ethical manner in accordance with occupational standards.
  • Provide a make-up service (day or evening or bridal) in a professional and ethical manner in accordance with occupational standards.
  • Provide a temporary hair removal service in a professional and ethical manner in accordance with occupational standards.
  • Perform a body care treatment in a professional and ethical manner in accordance with occupational standards.
  • Perform a body massage in a professional and ethical manner in accordance with occupational standards.
  • Establish and manage a sustainable and compliant enterprise in the beauty and cosmetology industry.
  • Apply integumentary system and human anatomy as applicable to the specific area under treatment.
  • Apply cosmetic chemistry as applicable to beauty therapy treatment.

Learning Material Included

  • Learner Guide (Theory and Knowledge Modules)
  • Facilitator Guide
  • Workplace Logbook
  • Formative and Summative Assessment
  • Assessor Guide & Marking Memorandum
  • SETA / QCTO Alignment Matrix
  • Administrative & Onboarding Pack
  • Implementation Plan

Moderator-Ready Curriculum Breakdown

15 modules · 120 credits

Theory, regulatory and safety knowledge. Each row carries the registered module code, NQF level and credit weight used for formative assessment rubric mapping.

  • 514201-001-00-KM-015 cr

    Cosmetic Chemistry

    NQF Level 4

  • 514201-001-00-KM-037 cr

    Setting up a Salon Business Plan

    NQF Level 4

  • 514201-001-00-KM-045 cr

    Integumentary System

    NQF Level 4

  • 514201-001-00-KM-055 cr

    Human Anatomy

    NQF Level 4

Sub-total credits22
QCTO & SERVICES SETA AlignedSAQA 121607

Qualification 121607 · Curriculum Architecture

National Occupational Certificate: Beauty Therapist · NQF Level 4 (158 Credits)

Filter View
§ 01

Three Curriculum Pillars

22
Credits

Knowledge Modules

Classroom & E-Learning

KM-01 to KM-04 · 4 modules
  • Facilitated lectures & self-study
  • Written question banks
  • Formative comprehension checks
66
Credits

Practical Skill Modules

Simulated Line Tasks

PM-01 to PM-04 · 4 modules
  • Simulated line tasks
  • Observation rubrics
  • Structured task sheets
32
Credits

Work Experience Modules

On-the-Job Production

WM-01 to WM-07 · 7 modules
  • On-the-job rotation
  • Mentor logbooks
  • Workplace sign-offs
§ 02

Evidence & Audit Pipeline

Learner Portfolio of Evidence (PoE)
Owner · Candidate
▾
1
Admin & Registration

ID, learner contract, induction pack, POPIA consent.

2
Knowledge Evidence

Written assessments & question banks — KM-01 to KM-07.

3
Practical Evidence

Task sheets, observation rubrics, assessor photos.

4
Workplace Evidence

Logbooks, mentor sign-offs, supervisor letters.

Assessor Master File
Owner · Registered Assessor
▾
5
Assessment Reports

Judgements, learner feedback, remediation agreements, appeals log.

Internal Moderation & Quality File
Owner · Moderator / SDP
▾
6
Moderation Evidence

10% sampling matrix, HACCP/LOTO compliance sheets, SDP sign-off.

§ 03

Final Accreditation Gateway

Step 1
Statement of Results

Issued by the accredited Skills Development Provider once internal moderation is signed off.

Step 2
EISA Readiness Declaration

Provider submits declaration + PoE to the Assessment Quality Partner (AQP).

Step 3
National Qualification Certificate

QCTO awards the SAQA-registered certificate on successful EISA outcome.

Learner Certified · Uploaded to National Learner Records Database (NLRD)

Audit & Compliance

Evidence & Audit Pipeline

From portfolio assembly to external sign-off — the exact route your evidence travels.

  1. Step 1

    PoE Assembly

    Learner evidence, formative records and logbook entries filed against the alignment matrix.

  2. Step 2

    Internal Assessment

    Registered assessor judges each KM/PM/WM outcome using the supplied instruments.

  3. Step 3

    Internal Moderation

    Sampling and verification of assessor decisions, with remediation loop before submission.

  4. Step 4

    External Moderation

    SETA/QCTO desktop audit and certification upload against registered credits.

Broken Standard vs i2Graduates Standard

The measurable delta between improvised material and an audit-ready suite.

Broken Standard

i2Graduates Standard

Curriculum Mapping

Photocopied guides with mismatched outcomes

4 KM + 4 PM + 7 WM modules mapped to NQF Level 4

Assessment Bank

Missing formative and summative assessments

Pre-validated assessment bank per module

Alignment Evidence

No alignment matrix — audit fails

SERVICES SETA alignment matrix included

Facilitation

Facilitators improvise Beauty Therapist delivery

Facilitator scripts + learner activities per credit

Portfolio of Evidence

PoE gaps flagged in moderation

PoE templates that survive external moderation

View on SAQA

Pricing & Delivery Tiers

Base licence from R57 900

Digital Master Suite

Editable master files, licensed to your SDP

  • Learner Guide, Facilitator Guide & Assessment Suite
  • Workplace logbook + alignment matrix (editable)
  • Instant digital delivery under institutional licence
  • Free minor corrections for 12 months
Request Quote
Most selected

Turnkey Print & Bound Package

Printed, bound and couriered per learner

  • Everything in the Digital Master Suite
  • Full-colour print, wire-bound learner packs
  • Per-learner PoE folders and dividers
  • Nationwide courier with tracked delivery
Request Quote

Full Enterprise Accreditation Bundle

Assets plus accreditation support end-to-end

  • Everything in the Print & Bound Package
  • Bespoke QMS build mapped to your scope
  • Moderation dry-run + written remediation report
  • Brand & metadata integration across the suite
Request Quote

Complementary Services

Optional add-ons that harden your accreditation scope before an external audit.

Bespoke QMS Build

We author your Quality Management System — policies, procedures, records, matrices — mapped to your accreditation scope. From R18,500.

Request Quote

Moderation Consultation

External moderation dry-run on your PoE + delivery pack. Written report with fixes before your real audit. From R4,900.

Book Moderation Session

The i2Graduates Quality Guarantee

Every page of this bundle is checked for sequence and structural accuracy — no missing pages, no shortcuts. You get pre-validated assessment instruments ready to survive rigorous compliance moderation, wrapped in a curriculum your facilitators will enjoy teaching.