QQI Level 5 Beauty Therapy study plan

Label a blank diagram of the skin with all layers, appendages and at least eight structures, then state the function of each in one sentence

Describe the structure and growth cycle of hair and nails and link each stage to a waxing or manicure implication

List the main muscles and bones of the face, neck and shoulders and identify where each muscle inserts and what it does

State the standard infection-control sequence for a treatment room (clean, disinfect, sterilise where required) and name which item falls into each category

Explain the difference between sterilisation, disinfection and sanitisation and give one salon example of each

Explain the physiology of the circulatory, lymphatic and nervous systems in relation to massage and electrical facial treatments

Identify at least ten contraindications and classify each as absolute or relative, with the action to take

Describe the signs of skin infection, infestation and infestation-risk conditions and state the referral route for each

Draft a salon safety checklist covering electrical equipment, COSHH-style product storage and waste disposal

Explain the principles of patch testing and when a test is legally and professionally required

Perform a full skin analysis routine on a volunteer (or self) and record skin type, condition, Fitzpatrick type and sensitivity in a structured form

Write three client consultation scripts that cover medical history, lifestyle, product use and consent

Map each skin type and condition to appropriate cleansing, toning, exfoliation and moisturising choices and justify each

Sequence a standard facial treatment step by step with timings and the purpose of each step

Describe the actions, indications and cautions of the main facial massage movements

Identify the function of at least ten cosmetic ingredients (humectants, emollients, occlusives, AHA/BHA, retinol, SPF filters) and match each to a skin need

Compare three retail product categories and write a benefit-led recommendation for each, in the language a client would understand

Explain how to conduct a retail consultation ethically, including when not to upsell and how to handle a client who declines

Describe the difference between a professional-only and a retail product and the salon rules for each

Explain how to record product recommendations in the client record and follow up

Describe the full waxing procedure for legs, underarm, bikini and facial areas, including direction of hair growth, stretch and aftercare

List the contraindications and cautions specific to waxing and hair removal, including medications, recent peels and skin conditions

Explain the difference between hot wax, warm wax, sugar paste and depilatory cream and when each is chosen

Sequence a manicure and a pedicure step by step, including nail shape, cuticle care, massage and polish application

Identify at least six nail and skin conditions of the hands and feet and state whether to treat, adapt or refer

Describe face shapes and explain how contouring, highlighting and brow shaping are adapted to each

Sequence a day make-up application from skin preparation to setting, naming the products and tools at each stage

Explain colour theory (undertone, complementary and analogous schemes) and apply it to foundation matching and eyeshadow choice

Describe eyebrow and eyelash tinting and shaping procedures, including patch testing, timing and aftercare

Explain how to adapt make-up and lash/brow services for sensitive skin, contact lens wearers and mature clients

Draft a client journey from booking to follow-up, naming the professional standard expected at each touchpoint

Write responses to five difficult client scenarios (late arrival, complaint, unwanted treatment request, confidentiality breach, refund request)

Explain the salon's duties under data protection and record-keeping for client consultation cards

Describe the roles and boundaries of a beauty therapist, including scope of practice and when to refer to a healthcare professional

Explain how to maintain professional appearance, personal hygiene and safe working posture throughout a treatment day

Complete two full timed mock papers under exam conditions and mark them against the marking scheme

Revisit every question answered incorrectly and write a corrected one-line note for each

Recite the key facts for anatomy, contraindications and hygiene from memory using flashcards

Practise written answers to long-form questions using a structure of definition, explanation, example and salon application