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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

National Diploma: Health and Skincare 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
58310  National Diploma: Health and Skincare 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Integrated Health Professions 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
The individual Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary for each Learning Programme recorded against this qualification is shown in the table at the end of this report.  SFAP - Sub-framework Assignment Pending 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Advanced Certificate  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Promotive Health and Developmental Services 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  266  Level 5  NQF Level 06  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 9999/99  2018-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2030-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification is replaced by: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
121607  National Occupational Certificate: Beauty Therapist  Not Applicable  NQF Level 04  158  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
This qualification will enable the qualifying learner to function as a member of a multi-disciplinary team as a multi-skilled health and skincare practitioner. The learner will be skilled in visual, tactile, verbal and assessment skills to ascertain the client's body and integumentary needs, in order to analyse the client's state of health, and formulate a specific regime or protocol for the treatment, prevention and/or maintenance of well being in the client.

Learners accredited with this qualification will be able to:
  • Apply communication skills to provide effective health and skincare treatments.
  • Demonstrate applied knowledge of microbiology, anatomy, physiology, physics, chemistry and psychosocial sciences.
  • Plan, implement and evaluate health and skincare treatments based on a holistic assessment of the client.
  • Participate in the promotion of holistic health care.
  • Maintain professionalism in health and skincare practice.
  • Participate and/or manage a health and skincare establishment.

    Rationale:

    The health and skincare practitioner will be able to provide and promote effective skin and body care treatments within the health and skincare field by:
  • Assisting at community level in promoting primary health care initiatives.
  • Providing entrepreneurial skills and self-employment opportunities.
  • Qualified practitioners contributing to general health education of communities.

    A healthy life-style management is now required by most, if not all, medical aid organizations. Not all people enjoy organised exercise, but the same stress release and improvement of self-esteem may be obtained through regular, effective skin and body-care treatments.

    There is an international trend towards wellness vacations, such as spa breaks a type of relaxation enjoyed by both sexes. The existence of such spas will add value to the tourist industry's marketing strategy.

    Two-income families have become the norm and mothers with the demands of growing children prefer to work at or near home. Thus the establishment of health and skincare businesses as SMMEs in the suburban areas contributes to the local economy.

    Health and skincare feeds into other health science fields. Many medical practitioners - both general practitioners and specialists - are including alternative health as a part of their treatment regimes.

    Health and Skincare competency contributes to employment opportunities in the cosmetic industry - one of the largest retail/commercial industries in both relatively developed and developing countries. There is an ever-increasing need for health and skin care therapists in previously disadvantaged communities; thus it is essential to ensure quality qualifications on the NQF.

    The Learning Pathway from the cosmetology aspect would thus be as follows:
  • NC: Beauty Technology: NQF L3.
  • FETC: Cosmetology: NQF L4.
  • N Dip: Health and Skin Care Therapy: NQF L5.
  • N Dip: Somatology: NQF L6.
  • B Tech: Somatology: NQF L7. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are competent in the following:
  • Mathematical literacy at NQF level 4.
  • Communication skills at NQF level 4.
  • The following unit standards:
    > ID 114801: Demonstrate an understanding of the structure, growth and disorders of the skin, nails and hair.
    > ID 115172: Prepare and perform a basic facial.
    > ID 115071: Prepare and perform a relaxing face and décolleté massage.
    > ID 115070: Demonstrate and apply the knowledge of basic application of special make-up techniques.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    This qualification may be achieved wholly or in part through recognition of prior learning, in terms of compliance with the competencies indicated in the defined exit level outcomes of the qualification. Evidence may be presented in various ways, including verified previous qualifications, testimonials, work records, portfolios, videos of practice and performance records.

    Access to the Qualification:

    Learners accessing this qualification should be in possession of a National Senior Certificate, FETC, National Certificate Vocational Level 4 or equivalent NQF level 4 qualification.

    Learners should also be competent in:
  • Hair removal
  • Manicures and pedicures
  • Make-up application

    Learners who are not competent in the above-mentioned three competencies must complete them during their course leading to the award of the National Diploma: Health and Skincare Level 5. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
  • All 30 Fundamental component credits are compulsory. The fundamental component comprises the occupational health and safety and the professional ethics competencies at NQF Level 5.
  • All 221 Core component credits are compulsory. The core component comprises the communication, sciences, assessment, massage, management, and community work competencies at NQF Level 5 or above.
  • A minimum of 15 credits is required in the Elective component. The elective component credits must be made up of any relevant area of learning that will enhance the qualification and enrich the field of somatology for the learner. The learner's choice of elective component credits must be made in agreement with the provider and the relevant ETQA or ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding in place with the relevant ETQA. The elective learning credits should be at NQF Level 5 or above. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply the relevant occupational health and safety legislation in the health and skin care environment.

    2. Apply Professional Ethics in client interventions.

    3. Apply communication skills to provide effective health and skincare treatments.

    4. Apply knowledge of microbiology, anatomy, physiology, pathology, physics and chemistry during all client interventions.

    5. Apply knowledge of nutrition, body alignment and movement in client care.

    6. Plan, implement and evaluate health and skincare treatments relating to the face and body based on a holistic assessment of the client.
    Range of treatment can include but is not limited to:
  • Electrical equipment: Steamers; vacuum suction; light applicators, hi-frequency; faradic type; galvanic; interferential; gyrators.
  • Products: At least 3 complete professional skin and body ranges.
  • Treatment: Pre-treatment, cleaning, toning, skin analysis, exfoliation, application of masks.

    7. Perform a holistic massage.
    > Range: Holistic massage includes face; neck; décolleté; abdomen; back; upper limbs and hands; lower limbs and feet, using the internationally recognised five classical movements or any other techniques recognised by particular international authorities.

    8. Apply management skills in a health and skincare establishment.

    9. Provide health and skin care to the broader community.
    > Range: Broader community includes: retail marketing points; spas; salons; clinics; health institutions and institutions for the underprivileged and the elderly.
    > Note: Community interventions may take the form of case studies.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
  • Identify and solve problems in order to plan and perform successful treatments on a range of clients.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 4, 5.
  • Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organization and community by booking, preparing and completing various treatments within a Health and Skincare environment.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 8, 9.
  • Organize and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly, effectively and efficiently but still paying full attention to the needs, comfort and safety of the client at all times.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.
  • Collect, analyze, organize and critically evaluate information in order to perform the most suitable treatments.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 4, 5, 6.
  • Communicate effectively in order to give appropriate home care advice to clients, completing client record cards and recommending related treatments and products.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 3.
  • Use science and technology effectively and critically by completing any of the available treatments and using products, tools and equipment in a safe and professional manner.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 6.
  • Understand the world as a set of related systems recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 1, 2, 6, 8, 9.
  • Contribute to full personal development: effective learning: social responsibility and sensitivity; entrepreneurial skills.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 1, 2, 3, 8, 9. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.
  • The treatment rooms are maintained in accordance with the required legislation in terms of equipment, products, fire extinguishers, ventilation, lighting and egress.
  • A risk-free environment is maintained to ensure the safety of all persons within the workplace by ensuring that all potential hazards are identified and immediately removed.

    2.
  • The learner displays behaviour in accordance with ethical codes of conduct at all times during client, colleague and general public interactions.

    3.
  • Communication during interactions with clients is assessed in terms of positive reactions from the clients and the outcomes achieved.
  • Psychosocial knowledge is assessed through the attitudes and skills demonstrated by the learner during all interactions with clients.
  • Religious beliefs and cultural taboos are taken into consideration during all planned interventions with clients.
  • Client reports are accurate, up-to-date and secured to ensure client privacy.

    4.
  • Knowledge of the anatomy physiology and biochemistry of all body systems is applied in the provision of health and skincare interventions.
  • Knowledge of physics and chemistry is applied in recommending and using products and electrical equipment in health and skincare interventions.
  • Knowledge of microbiology and pathology is applied during client assessment in the recognition of any condition that is abnormal.

    5.
  • Nutritional knowledge is applied during the client assessment and treatment planning, in terms of the specific recommendations for the client.
  • A client manifesting with any recognised medical disorder is appropriately referred before any further intervention is carried out.
  • An exercise regime is formulated, recommended and demonstrated according to the clients, profile.
  • The recommended exercise programme incorporates the safety precautions specific to the condition of the client.

    6.
  • Clients are assessed in terms of individual needs and the availability of required therapies.
  • A treatment plan in terms of indications and contra-indications is discussed with the client and then documented prior to the planned therapy being implemented.
  • Required pre-treatment is carried out and treatment is implemented in accordance with the planned actions.
  • Immediate reactions of clients to treatments are observed and recorded.
  • The expected long-term outcomes of treatments are recorded.
  • Should problems outside the scope of health and skincare be identified, the client is referred to a more appropriate resource.

    7.
  • The massage technique applied demonstrates the five classical movements, acupressure to pressure points and lymph drainage.
  • The massage is rhythmic, continuous, sequential and applied with appropriate pressure.

    8.
  • Knowledge of relevant legislation, regulations and policies is applied in the management of a health and skincare establishment.
  • Factors leading to medico-legal risks are identified and actions are taken to prevent risk incidents.
  • Marketing, merchandising and selling skills are applied within the ethical codes of the relevant associations.
  • A marketing plan to start and manage a business is drawn up and presented.

    9.
  • The skills and attitudes exhibited during interactions with less privileged community members are respectful, responsible and professional at all times.
  • Records of the interventions are recorded to ensure that clients' anonymity is retained.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Professional association guidelines are used as reference for competence in agreement with the relevant ETQA or ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding in place with the relevant ETQA.

    Formative assessment:

    A variety of assessment strategies and/or approaches may be used such as:
  • Tests.
  • Assignments.
  • Workbooks.
  • Projects.
  • Demonstrations.
  • Case studies and experiential learning.

    Summative assessment:

    May take the form of:
  • Written examinations.
  • Practical examinations.
  • Oral assessment. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    There was no professional body in South Africa until the early years of the 21st Century. Collectively, certain schools voluntarily aligned themselves with an international body, viz., Comité International D'Esthéthique et de Cosmétologie,(CIDESCO). CIDESCO is an international, non-profit organization with representation in 35 countries across all continents. Their focus is the co-coordinating of professional activities and training standards in the health and skincare profession in order to maintain the highest principles of conduct and ethics in the industry. Through international congresses, CIDESCO also disseminates information on the newest skincare technology and latest equipment trends and developments.

    Other international organizations within the Health and Skincare Profession include:
  • International Therapy Examinations Council (ITEC).
  • City and Guilds.
  • British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC).
  • Confederation of International Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (CIBTAC).
  • South African Association for Health and Skincare Professions (SAAHSP).

    SAAHSP - the CIDESCO representative in South Africa - quality assures the national examinations and accredits South African assessors and moderators. SAAHSP represents South Africa in the international arena in areas of education, developing standards and interrogating ethical issues.

    We came to the conclusion that the South African qualifications should be regarded as the leading qualifications worldwide. Most of the countries researched offer courses based on unit standards leading to certificates equivalent to our NQF Levels 3 and 4. The only country we could find that has national standards is the United Kingdom.

    In New Zealand and Australia, schools have to register under their respective qualifications' authorities. However, no qualifications or unit standards have yet been listed under these NQFs. Beauty Therapy is offered at private colleges, institutes of technology and polytechnics. ITEC, CIBTAC and CIDESCO qualifications are offered. A centrally established and directed national moderation system has been set up by NZQA and they also evaluate any documentation.

    In England the qualification authority is EDEXEL and a level 3 NVQ in Beauty Therapy is available. We could not find specified credits. The Vocational Training Charitable Trust (VTCT) offers ITEC, CIBTAC and CIDESCO qualifications and the City & Guilds Diploma in Beauty Therapy.

    Switzerland seems to have no national qualifications yet. Schools in Switzerland offer ITEC, CIBTAC, CIDESCO and City & Guilds.qualiciations.

    In the USA, no national qualifications exist yet. The National Accrediting Commission for Cosmetology Arts and Sciences (NACCAS), recognized by the US Department of Education, accredits schools.

    No Asian country - including India - has national qualifications or standards yet, even though these countries have traditionally been regarded as the homes of various techniques such as massage. ITEC, CIBTAC, CIDESCO and City & Guilds.qualiciations are offered throughout Asia.

    No African country - other than South Africa - has national qualifications or standards as yet. ITEC, CIBTAC, CIDESCO and City & Guilds are offered in various African countries. However, students from many African countries wishing to study in this field, tend to come to South Africa to study, as SAAHSP is known for its excellent standards throughout the world.

    In our search, carried out before and during the generation process, to ascertain how South African qualifications and/or unit standards compare with those in the rest of the world, we looked at countries such as United States of America, Australia, New Zealand, the rest of Africa, the United Kingdom, Western Europe and Asia.

    Qualified Health and Skincare Therapists from South Africa are sought after worldwide, as they are multi-skilled in comparison with therapists from other countries, who tend to learn in smaller units. Thus many South Africans are found working in spas and salons around the world and also on international liners. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification articulates:

    Horizontally:
  • With the Diplomas in Therapeutic Aromatherapy or Reflexology, or Therapeutic Massage.

    Vertically:
  • With the B. Tech: Somatology and downwards with the FETC: Cosmetology. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this qualification must be accredited as a provider with relevant ETQA or ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding in place with the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this qualification must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA or ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding in place with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation or assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA or ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding in place with the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    As per the SAQA decision to re-register all provider-based qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework that meet the criteria for re-registration, this qualification has been re-registered from 1 July 2018. As per the SAQA decision to re-register all provider-based qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework that meet the criteria for re-registration, this qualification has been re-registered from 1 July 2018. This qualification is based on exit level outcomes only. To enable the learner to obtain the best possible outcome for this qualification, the following unit standards may be found useful as a means to successfully achieving this qualification:

    SAQA ID Number; Unit Standard Title:
  • ID 7468; Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspect of personal business, national and international issues.
  • ID 15096; Demonstrate an understanding of stress in order to apply strategies to achieve optimal stress levels in personal and work situations.
  • ID 116484; Evaluate a specified code of ethics and/or code of conduct.
  • ID 116493; Demonstrate understanding of tolerance in human relations.
  • ID 8600; Care for customers.
  • ID 115172; Prepare and perform a basic facial.
  • ID 10054; Identify and manage areas of customer service impact.
  • ID 7788; Process payments.
  • ID 115174; Prepare and perform a relaxing back and neck massage.
  • ID 8261; Processing stock.
  • ID 9015; Apply knowledge of statistics and probability to critically interrogate and effectively communicate findings on life related problems. 
    		•

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some of their learning programmes are moved to being recorded against the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replacement.
     
    LP ID Learning Programme Title Originator Pre-2009
    NQF Level    		 NQF Level Min Credits Learning Prog End Date Quality
    Assurance
    Functionary    		 NQF Sub-Framework
    49951  CIDESCO Diploma: Health and Skincare Therapy  CIDESCO Section - South Africa  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  240  2010-01-25  PAB  OQSF 
    65112  Diploma: Beauty Therapy  City Guilds International  Level 5  Level N/A: Pre-2009 was L5  266     SERVICES  OQSF 
    48413  Diploma: Health and Skin Care  Isa Carstens Health and Skincare Academy  Level 5  Level N/A: Pre-2009 was L5  240  2018-12-31  CHE  HEQSF 
    21513  Diploma: Health and Skin Therapy  International Therapy Examination Council  Level 5  Level N/A: Pre-2009 was L5  240  2023-06-30  SAAHSP  OQSF 
    36000  Diploma: Health and Skincare Therapy  Beautiko Academy of Beauty  Level 5  Level N/A: Pre-2009 was L5  240     CHE  HEQSF 
    24313  Diploma: Health and Skincare Therapy  Camelot International  Level 5  Level N/A: Pre-2009 was L5  240  2018-12-31  CHE  HEQSF 
    57476  Diploma: Health and Skincare Therapy  Helia-D International Health and Beauty Training College  Level 5  Level N/A: Pre-2009 was L5  266  2012-12-31  CHE  HEQSF 
    36063  Diploma: Health and Skincare Therapy  International Academy of Health and Skin Care (Pty) Ltd - Cape Town  Level 5  Level N/A: Pre-2009 was L5  240  2018-12-31  CHE  HEQSF 
    57472  Diploma: Health and Skincare Therapy (CIBTAC)  CIBTAC  Level 5  Level N/A: Pre-2009 was L5  240  2023-06-30  SAAHSP  OQSF 
    24400  Diploma: Skincare & Body Health Therapy  Jill Farquharson International College of Physical and Beauty Therapy  Level 5  Level N/A: Pre-2009 was L5  240  2023-06-30  SAAHSP  OQSF 
    48740  Diploma: Skincare and Body Therapy  Madge Wallace t/a Madge Wallace International College of Skin Care and Body Therapy (Pty) Ltd  Level 5  Level N/A: Pre-2009 was L5  240  2018-12-31  CHE  HEQSF 
    49952  SAAHSP Diploma: Health and Skincare Therapy  South African Association of Health & Skin Care Professionals (SAAHSP)  Level 5  Level N/A: Pre-2009 was L5  240  2023-06-30  SAAHSP  OQSF 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THESE LEARNING PROGRAMMES: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    LP ID Learning Programme Title Accredited Provider
    49951  CIDESCO Diploma: Health and Skincare Therapy  1. Beyond Beauty Cape Town t/a BTI Edu
    2. Madge Wallace International College  
    65112  Diploma: Beauty Therapy  1. Hydro International College (PTY) LTD
    2. K and R Slimming Beauty and Health Clinic CC
    3. Kyrsh Beauty Basics
    4. Phumuphele Trading Enterprise
    5. Soma Sense Academy (Pty) Ltd  
    21513  Diploma: Health and Skin Therapy  Madge Wallace International College  
    24313  Diploma: Health and Skincare Therapy  1. Camelot International Bloemfontein
    2. Camelot International Cape Town
    3. Camelot International Centurion
    4. Camelot International Durban
    5. Camelot International East rand
    6. Camelot International Houghton
    7. Camelot International Rustenburg  
    36063  Diploma: Health and Skincare Therapy  1. International Academy of Health and Skin Care (Pty) Ltd - Cape Town
    2. International Academy of Health and Skin Care (Pty) Ltd - Sandton  
    49952  SAAHSP Diploma: Health and Skincare Therapy  Beyond Beauty Cape Town t/a BTI Edu  


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.