ITEC Beauty Therapy (ITEC) study plan
ITEC Beauty Therapy · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Anatomy and physiology relevant to beauty therapy & Skin analysis and facial treatments
Label the layers of the epidermis and dermis and state one beauty-relevant function of each
Describe the structure and function of sebaceous glands, sweat glands and hair follicles and link each to a skin type
Explain the skin barrier and acid mantle and predict what happens to skin when the barrier is compromised
Identify the main facial muscles and the direction of their pull, then justify massage and product-application directions from that anatomy
Classify the four Fitzpatrick-relevant skin types and one treatment adjustment for each
Your checkpoint
A hand-drawn, fully labelled skin cross-section diagram plus a one-page table matching five skin conditions to the underlying anatomy
Skin analysis and facial treatments & Product knowledge and cosmetic science
Perform a structured skin analysis sequence (cleanse, observe, palpate, question) and record findings in a standard format
Differentiate oily, dry, combination, sensitive and dehydrated skin from observable signs rather than client self-report
Explain the function of five cosmetic ingredient families: humectants, emollients, occlusives, surfactants and exfoliating acids
Justify a cleanser, exfoliant and moisturiser choice for three contrasting client profiles
Interpret a cosmetic ingredient list well enough to spot potential sensitisers and flag them for patch testing
Your checkpoint
Three written treatment plans, each with a skin analysis record, product rationale and expected outcome
Professional standards, ethics and legislation & Health, safety, hygiene and infection control
Summarise the legal duties owed to clients around consent, confidentiality and record keeping in your jurisdiction
Distinguish professional codes of conduct from legal obligations and give an example where the two overlap
Apply a recognised infection-control hierarchy to five salon scenarios and rank the controls
Describe correct hand-washing, glove use and waste segregation for a treatment room
Draft a client confidentiality and data-handling statement in plain language
Your checkpoint
A two-page salon standard operating procedure covering consent, record retention and infection control, written as if for a new colleague
Client consultation, contraindications and treatment planning & Anatomy and physiology relevant to beauty therapy
Build a consultation script that captures medical history, medication, allergies and lifestyle in under ten minutes
Map ten contraindications to the treatments they block and state whether each is absolute or relative
Explain how endocrine, circulatory and lymphatic function influence treatment choice and healing
Identify when to refer a client to a medical professional and script the referral conversation
Adapt a treatment plan for a client who is pregnant, taking photosensitising medication, or has recently had surgery
Your checkpoint
A contraindication reference sheet of at least 15 entries with absolute/relative classification and referral wording, self-tested to 90% recall
Body treatments, massage and body analysis & Anatomy and physiology relevant to beauty therapy
Sequence a full-body massage using the correct direction relative to venous and lymphatic flow
Name the main muscle groups of the back, shoulder and leg and the strokes that suit each
Contrast five massage mediums by glide, absorption and suitability for different skin and hair types
Conduct a body analysis covering posture, skin condition and areas of tension, and record it objectively
State the contraindications specific to heat treatments, body wraps and lymphatic work
Your checkpoint
A timed 45-minute massage routine card with stroke order, medium choice and contraindication checklist
Depilation and hair removal techniques & Manicure, pedicure and nail services
Compare waxing, sugaring, threading and epilation on suitability, discomfort, regrowth and risk
Describe hair growth cycles and explain why timing between waxing appointments matters
List the hygiene and patch-test requirements for each depilation method you offer
Perform a manicure and pedicure sequence including nail shaping, cuticle care and massage, and justify each step
Recognise five nail and skin conditions of the hands and feet that require referral rather than treatment
Your checkpoint
A practical checklist for one depilation method and one pedicure, each with at least 12 steps and an embedded hygiene control at every step
Make-up application and eyelash/eyebrow services & Product knowledge and cosmetic science
Match foundation shade and undertone to three different skin tones under correct lighting
Correct and conceal using colour theory, explaining the choice for each correction
Describe eyelash and eyebrow services including tinting, perming and extension aftercare, with their contraindications
Explain the patch-test requirements and allergic risk for tinting products
Justify a make-up product selection by formula, finish and skin type
Your checkpoint
A photographic or written portfolio of three complete make-up looks with a short rationale for every product and colour choice
Professional standards, ethics and legislation & Client consultation, contraindications and treatment planning & Health, safety, hygiene and infection control & Skin analysis and facial treatments & Body treatments, massage and body analysis & Depilation and hair removal techniques & Manicure, pedicure and nail services & Make-up application and eyelash/eyebrow services & Product knowledge and cosmetic science
Answer 60 mixed-domain practice questions and log every error by domain
Re-teach your three weakest domains from your own notes without referring to source material
Rehearse consultation, contraindication and infection-control scenarios aloud under time pressure
Verify that your treatment plans, SOP and reference sheets are internally consistent and legally current
Build a one-page pre-exam summary of numbers, definitions and referral triggers
Your checkpoint
A scored mock exam with a written error log and a remediation note for each missed question
Milestones
Week 2: Can complete a full skin analysis and product rationale for an unseen client profile in 15 minutes without notes
Week 4: Scores at least 90% on the self-made contraindication sheet and correctly classifies 10 unseen scenarios as treat, adapt or refer
Week 6: Walks through a depilation and a pedicure sequence from memory with a hygiene control named at every step
Week 8: Scores at least 75% on the 60-question mixed mock, with no single domain below 60%