Cert IV Beauty Therapy study plan
Cert IV Beauty Therapy · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Core units
Map every core unit to its performance criteria and note which criteria require a practical demonstration versus written knowledge
Build a one-page glossary of infection-control and workplace health-and-safety terms used across the core units
Practise the hand-hygiene and surface-decontamination sequence end to end until it runs without prompting
Draft a personal study timetable that protects two weekday evenings and one weekend block
Your checkpoint
A completed core-unit coverage matrix plus a signed-off infection-control procedure checklist
Core units
Explain the structure and growth cycle of skin, hair and nails in your own words without notes
Identify the main skin types and conditions and state the consultation questions that reveal each one
Describe the signs of contraindicated skin conditions and the correct referral pathway for each
Label a blank body diagram with anatomical and massage-direction terminology
Your checkpoint
A one-page client consultation form you designed, covering skin history, contraindications and consent
Core units
Demonstrate a full client consultation including patch-test protocol and informed consent
Select and justify products for three different skin types using ingredient and pH reasoning
Perform a supervised basic facial sequence within a set time limit
Record accurate treatment notes that another therapist could follow
Your checkpoint
Three complete, professionally written treatment records from practice clients
Core units
Explain the principles of electrical and mechanical equipment safety before use
Describe the indications, contraindications and aftercare for one modality in detail
Recite the workplace first-aid and emergency-response steps for a client reaction
Review weeks 1-3 notes and close any gaps flagged in your coverage matrix
Your checkpoint
A passed mid-plan self-test on core knowledge at 80 percent or higher, with errors corrected in writing
Core units
Explain how to identify client expectations, manage them honestly and handle complaints professionally
Describe retail and treatment recommendations that match the client's stated needs and budget
Outline the legal and ethical duties around confidentiality, record-keeping and scope of practice
Role-play a difficult-client conversation and note what you would change
Your checkpoint
A written communication and complaints-handling script with a self-assessment of your role-play
Core units
Perform two complete core practical treatments end to end under timed conditions
Self-evaluate each treatment against the performance criteria and list specific corrections
Explain how salon hygiene schedules, waste disposal and stock control are maintained
Teach one core concept aloud to a study partner to confirm you can explain it simply
Your checkpoint
Two timed practical run-throughs with completed self-evaluation checklists
Elective units
Confirm which elective units you are enrolled in and list their assessment requirements
Describe the key techniques, products and safety considerations for each chosen elective
Complete one full practical for each elective under observation
Link each elective back to the relevant core knowledge so the two domains reinforce each other
Your checkpoint
One observed practical per elective with a written reflection on technique and safety
Core units & Elective units
Sit a full mock theory paper covering both domains under exam conditions
Re-run the weakest practical from weeks 3-7 until it meets the criteria cleanly
Consolidate all corrected errors into a single revision sheet and reread it twice
Confirm every assessment item is booked, completed or scheduled with your assessor
Your checkpoint
A mock exam score above 80 percent in both domains plus a signed assessment-readiness checklist
Milestones
Week 2: You can explain skin anatomy and contraindication referral pathways aloud without referring to notes
Week 4: Core knowledge self-test passed at 80 percent or higher with all errors corrected in writing
Week 6: Two timed core practical treatments completed and self-evaluated against the performance criteria
Week 8: Mock exam above 80 percent in both domains and every assessment item booked or completed