CIDESCO Theory study plan
CIDESCO Theory · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology
Diagram and label the cell, its organelles and the four primary tissue types from memory
Trace the path of blood through the heart, naming chambers, valves and major vessels
List the bones of the skull, thorax, vertebral column and limbs with their common names
Identify the major muscles of the face, neck and shoulders and state the action of each
Your checkpoint
Hand-drawn or digital anatomy map set (cell, skeleton, face/neck muscles, circulatory route) scored 90%+ on a self-made 30-point labelling quiz
Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology
Explain the layers of the skin and the function of each appendage (glands, hair, nails)
Match each body system (lymphatic, endocrine, digestive, nervous) to its role in skin health and treatment safety
Differentiate at least 20 skin conditions and disorders by cause, appearance and contagious status
Justify a list of absolute and relative contraindications for face and body treatments
Your checkpoint
Pathology flashcard table of 25 conditions with columns for cause, appearance, contagious (yes/no) and treatment decision, self-tested to 85% recall
Skin Care & Facial Treatments
Perform a structured skin analysis and record findings in professional terminology
Compare the characteristics, needs and product requirements of dry, oily, combination and sensitive skin
Sequence a full facial step by step, naming the purpose of each stage
Demonstrate and describe the classical massage movements in the correct order for the face, neck and décolleté
Your checkpoint
Written facial protocol for three different skin types, each with a stage-by-stage sequence, product rationale and contraindication check
Skin Care & Facial Treatments & Body Massage & Body Therapy
Explain the purpose, effects and safety rules for the main facial machines and electrical treatments
Select appropriate massage mediums and justify the choice against skin type and client goal
Describe the physiological effects of massage on circulation, lymph, muscle and nervous system
Adapt a facial treatment plan to a client with a specific skin condition or sensitivity
Your checkpoint
Two-page comparison sheet of facial equipment and massage mediums, plus a 10-question timed self-quiz scored at 80% or above
Body Massage & Body Therapy
Sequence a full body massage in a logical order with correct body positioning and draping
Apply the classical massage movements to back, legs, arms, abdomen and décolleté with correct pressure and rhythm
Identify the anatomical structures underlying each body massage movement
List contraindications and caution zones for body massage and body therapy treatments
Describe the purpose and sequence of at least three body therapy treatments
Your checkpoint
Recorded or peer-observed full body massage sequence (45-60 minutes) with a signed checklist of all required movements and safety steps
Health, Safety, Hygiene & Professional Practice
Differentiate cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation and state when each is required
Apply correct hand hygiene, waste disposal and salon hygiene routines to a treatment scenario
Match relevant health and safety legislation and insurance requirements to salon practice
Explain the professional duty of care around client consent, confidentiality and record keeping
Your checkpoint
Salon hygiene and safety audit checklist of 25 items, applied to a hypothetical treatment room, with every gap flagged and corrected
Salon Management, Client Care & Professional Studies
Structure a client consultation that captures history, expectations and contraindications
Draft a retail and home-care recommendation tailored to a client's treatment plan
Explain pricing, budgeting and stock control principles used in a salon
Outline the correct handling of a client complaint and a client confidentiality request
Your checkpoint
Complete written consultation and aftercare pack for one case-study client, including product recommendations and a complaint-handling script
Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology & Skin Care & Facial Treatments & Body Massage & Body Therapy & Health, Safety, Hygiene & Professional Practice & Salon Management, Client Care & Professional Studies
Re-test every weak topic identified in weeks 1-7 and close the gaps
Complete timed mixed-domain practice papers under exam conditions
Recall key definitions, terminology and contraindications without notes
Rehearse practical sequences for facial and body massage to exam standard
Your checkpoint
Three full timed mock papers, each scored 80% or above, plus a one-page personal revision sheet listing remaining weak points
Milestones
Week 2: Score 85%+ on the 25-condition pathology self-test and correctly classify all listed contraindications as absolute or relative
Week 4: Explain the skin layers, skin types and the effects of massage from memory in a 10-minute verbal run-through without notes
Week 6: Complete a full body massage sequence and a hygiene audit unaided, with no safety or draping errors on the checklist
Week 8: Average 80%+ across three timed mock papers with no domain below 70%