CIBTAC Beauty Therapy study plan

Map the Beauty Therapy syllabus into three sub-areas (skin analysis and facial routine, hair removal, body treatments) and rank them by your current confidence

Define and write out the layers of the epidermis, the dermis and hypodermis, and state one practical implication of each for product selection

List the stages of a standard facial (consultation, cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, massage, mask, protection) and note the hygiene control at each stage

Identify the main nail plate structures (matrix, lunula, cuticle, hyponychium, free edge) and explain how each affects safe nail work

Build a one-page glossary of 25 technical terms drawn from both domains and test yourself on it without notes

Classify skin types (dry, oily, combination, normal, sensitive) and list two observable signs for each

Explain the difference between a contraindication and a precaution, and give three examples of each relevant to facial and body treatments

Describe the correct sequence and purpose of a client consultation, including patch testing and informed consent

Compare three exfoliation methods (mechanical, enzymatic, chemical) by mechanism, suitable skin type and risk

Practise writing a short treatment plan for two contrasting client profiles

Describe the nail disease and disorder signs that require referral (fungal infection, paronychia, psoriasis-like pitting, discolouration) and state why each is out of scope

Explain the chemistry of monomer and polymer in acrylic systems and the role of the primer and dehydrator

Sequence a full manicure and a full pedicure step by step with timings

Outline safe use, storage and disposal of files, buffers, nippers and chemical products under standard salon hygiene rules

Demonstrate massage movements used in hand and arm massage and name their intended effect

Complete a mixed 40-question practice set across Beauty Therapy and Nails under timed conditions and log every wrong answer with its cause

Re-teach your three weakest topics from weeks 1 to 3 in your own words, without looking at notes

Compare the chemical and physical hair removal methods (waxing, sugaring, depilatory, threading) by suitability and risk

List the aftercare instructions for waxing, facials and nail enhancements and explain the reason behind each instruction

Review infection control, sterilisation versus sanitisation, and cross-contamination routes

Map the face by bone structure and facial shape, and match a contouring and highlighting approach to at least four face shapes

Explain colour theory for foundation matching (undertone, depth, overtone) and correct two mismatched foundation scenarios

Sequence a day make-up look and an evening look, naming the product, tool and technique at each step

Describe skin preparation and priming for dry, oily and mature skin before make-up application

Identify hygiene controls for brushes, sponges, testers and shared products

Describe the correct application of strip lashes and individual lashes, including adhesive safety and removal

Explain the structure and purpose of a spa treatment sequence (welcome, consultation, treatment, relaxation, aftercare) and the client journey

Summarise three complementary therapies commonly offered in spas (for example aromatherapy massage, reflexology, Indian head massage) by origin, principle and claimed benefit, using neutral wording

State the scope of practice boundary for complementary therapies and when to refer to a medical professional

List the safety considerations for essential oil dilution and patch testing

Design a 60-minute spa treatment plan combining a body treatment with a relaxation element, with timings and product choices

Explain the physiological effects of massage on circulation, muscle tone and the nervous system at a level appropriate to the qualification

Describe the key elements of a spa environment: lighting, temperature, sound, aroma, linen and privacy

Outline contraindications for massage and heat treatments, and state how to adapt a treatment when one is present

Compare the business and retail side of spa work: treatment pricing, retail recommendation and record keeping

Sit two full-length timed mocks covering all four domains and compare scores against your week 4 baseline

Re-drill only the topics that are still below target, using active recall rather than re-reading

Rehearse verbal explanations of five procedures as if teaching a client, keeping each under two minutes

Finalise a one-page revision sheet per domain covering the facts you most often forget

Plan your exam-day routine: equipment, timing per section and a strategy for flagged questions