Regulated Qualifications
Five nationally regulated qualifications delivered at our Southampton academy, awarded by Focus Awards and regulated by Ofqual on the Regulated Qualifications Framework. Portfolio assessed, no written exams.
Inside the academy
Small groups, live models and real machines. This is what our training days actually look like.




They leave with the certificate, not just the training
Every qualification on this page is awarded by Focus Awards and regulated by Ofqual, so it carries a qualification number you can look up on the public register. That is what insurers and licensing officers ask to see.
We are a small academy. You will be taught in a group you can count on one hand, on the machines you will actually use in clinic.
Taking more than one qualification?
Book your regulated qualifications together and the whole package comes down by 10%. Packages start at £1,437.30 and the largest saves you £559.50.
You take exactly the same qualifications, assessed the same way, and receive a separate Focus Awards certificate for each one. The saving is in how you pay, not in what you learn.
See the training packages Ask us which one fitsRegulated or CPD, which do you need
A CPD accredited course is training that has been reviewed by an independent accrediting body and given a credit value. It is usually what an insurer asks for, and it is the quicker and cheaper route to being able to offer a treatment.
A regulated qualification is different. It sits on the Regulated Qualifications Framework, it is awarded by an awarding organisation regulated by Ofqual, and it has a qualification number you can look up. It takes considerably longer, it costs more, and it carries far more weight.
You need a regulated qualification if you want to work somewhere that insists on one, if you want to progress to teaching or assessing, if your local authority licensing requires it, or if you simply want the strongest possible footing under your practice.
If you are not sure which you need, message us. We will tell you honestly, even when the honest answer is the cheaper CPD course.
- Awarded by Focus Awards, an Ofqual regulated awarding organisation
- Every qualification has a published qualification number
- Internally assessed by portfolio, no external written exams
- Assessor observation, case studies and practical treatments
- Ongoing tutor support with tutorial sessions to track progress
- Delivered at 26 The Avenue, Southampton
- Taught by an IQA, Assessor and Level 5 DET holder
The qualifications we deliver
Each one links through to the full qualification structure, unit references, entry requirements and progression routes.
Understanding Human Anatomy and Physiology (RQF)
The underpinning knowledge for almost everything else in aesthetics, and the entry requirement for most of our CPD courses. No formal prior qualification needed.
Facial Anatomy and Physiology (RQF)
Facial anatomy and physiology to underpin safe facial aesthetic practice. Short and focused, one unit over 20 guided learning hours.
Ultrasound Cavitation Treatment (RQF)
Four mandatory units including investigative consultation and advanced skin assessment. Puts cavitation on a regulated footing.
Laser and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Treatments (RQF)
Hair reduction and skin photo rejuvenation delivered safely to the public, with health and safety and client care units alongside.
Tattoo Removal (RQF)
Our most advanced qualification. Three mandatory units plus your choice of laser or non laser tattoo removal.
Also available
Not ready for a regulated qualification. We run twenty CPD accredited courses covering laser, body contouring, injectables and skin, most of which need only a Level 3 Anatomy and Physiology to get onto.
How the assessment works
Portfolio of evidence
Every one of these qualifications is internally assessed through a portfolio of evidence and then internally quality assured. There are no external written examinations.
Case studies and observation
Your case studies are completed in house under tutor supervision. You will need full consultation records, consent, before and after photographs and skin test evidence for every client.
Tutor support throughout
Most of the theory is home study, but you are not left to it. Tutorial sessions are booked to track your progress and pick up any support you need.
The rest of the picture
Not sure which one you need
Tell us what you want to be able to do, and where you want to be in two years. We will tell you honestly which route gets you there, what you need to hold first, and whether the CPD course would actually do the job for less money.
Message us on WhatsAppSend an enquiry