Level 4 Certificate in Laser and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Treatments (RQF)
Focus Awards · Qualification number 603/3322/4
The regulated laser and IPL qualification. Hair reduction and skin photo rejuvenation, taught with the safety, hazard control and client assessment that insurers and licensing officers expect to see.
- Level 4
- 31 credits
- 220 guided learning hours
- 310 total qualification time
- Portfolio assessed
- Age 18+
£1,499
Delivered at our Southampton academy. Card, Apple Pay, Klarna and PayPal accepted.
- Approved Focus Awards centre
- Regulated by Ofqual on the RQF
- Portfolio assessed, no written exam
- Taught in Southampton
- Established 2011
Every figure on this page comes from the qualification specification and can be checked on the Ofqual register.
What this qualification is
A nationally regulated qualification for beauty and aesthetic professionals who want to specialise in laser and IPL treatments.
It builds the knowledge, practical skill and confidence to deliver laser and intense pulsed light treatments safely to the public, with a focus on hair reduction and skin photo rejuvenation.
Training also covers safe working practices, identifying and controlling hazards, recognising hair and skin conditions, and assessing client suitability. This is the qualification most commonly named when a council licensing officer or an insurer asks what your operators hold.
Nationally regulated
Awarded by Focus Awards and regulated by Ofqual on the Regulated Qualifications Framework, under qualification number 603/3322/4.
Portfolio assessed
Internally assessed through a portfolio of evidence, including assessor observation, case studies and practical treatments. There are no external written examinations. Available in England and Northern Ireland.
Delivered by us
Taught at our Southampton academy by an approved Focus Awards centre, with a retired senior nurse as Internal Quality Assurer.
Entry requirements
You need one of the following.
- A Level 3 Diploma in Beauty Therapy, or an equivalent professional qualification
- Or, without a formal qualification, at least two years’ relevant occupational experience, which may be considered following a centre interview and a review of your current knowledge and skills
- Learners must be aged 18 or over
- Focus Awards have relaxed this. They will now consider CPD and sector experience in place of a formal qualification, decided case by case. If you have been working in the industry without a Level 3, talk to us rather than assuming the door is shut
This qualification is not a prerequisite for the Level 5 Diploma in Tattoo Removal. The two are separate qualifications. Take this one because it is the laser and IPL qualification your insurer or council asks for, not because you think it is a step towards something else.
The units you will complete
All four units are mandatory, totalling 31 credits.
| Unit title | Unit reference | Level | Credits | GLH |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Management of health, safety and security in the salon | A/617/0936 | 4 | 8 | 44 |
| Client care and communication in beauty-related industries | T/601/4457 | 3 | 3 | 28 |
| Laser and light treatments for hair removal | F/617/0940 | 4 | 10 | 74 |
| Laser and light treatments for skin rejuvenation | J/617/0941 | 4 | 10 | 74 |
Successful learners are awarded the Focus Awards Level 4 Certificate in Laser and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Treatments (RQF).
How to book your place
Enrolment runs through our own shop, so you get a receipt, an order record and the usual consumer protections.
Pay in full
£1,499 by card, Apple Pay or PayPal. Your place is confirmed once payment clears and we will be in touch to arrange dates.
Spread the cost
Klarna is offered at the checkout, subject to their own eligibility check. We do not make that decision and we do not see your credit file.
Not sure yet?
Message us first. We would rather talk the workload and the timescale through with you than take a booking that turns out to be the wrong fit.
Card, Apple Pay, Klarna and PayPal are all available at the checkout. Klarna and other pay-later options are subject to their own eligibility checks, which are made by them and not by us.
Where it can take you
Focus Awards lists these as the natural progression routes.
Do not take our word for it
We would rather you verified this than trusted a logo on a certificate.
- Go to the Ofqual public register and search 603/3322/4
- You will see the awarding organisation, the level, the credits and whether the qualification is still being awarded
- Approved centre status is granted by the awarding organisation rather than by Ofqual, so to confirm we are an approved Focus Awards centre, ask Focus Awards directly
- If a provider cannot give you a qualification number, it is not a regulated qualification, whatever the certificate looks like
Questions students ask us most
Is this the one my council asks for?
Very often, yes. Councils operating special treatment licensing and most insurers name a regulated Level 4 laser and IPL qualification. Ring your own licensing officer and ask what they will accept in writing, because conditions vary by council.
Do I need this before the Level 5 Tattoo Removal?
No. They are separate qualifications. The Level 5 asks for a Level 3 Beauty Therapy qualification, a Level 3 Award in Understanding Human Anatomy and Physiology, or occupational competence in tattooing.
Is this the same as Core of Knowledge?
No. Core of Knowledge is laser safety training written to the MHRA syllabus. This is a regulated qualification that teaches you to treat. Most clinics end up holding both, and they do different jobs.
Can I do it without a beauty qualification?
Possibly. With at least two years’ relevant occupational experience you may be considered, following a centre interview and a review of your current knowledge and skills.
Talk to us before you enrol
Message us and we will be honest about the workload and the timescale before you commit.
If you are buying a machine from us as well, say so, because the training package changes.
SkinTastic Aesthetics Southampton
26 The Avenue
Southampton
SO17 1XL
Telephone: 02381 946394
