Qualifications Related Questions
Why should I enter for NVQ's?
If you would like to work in a salon, after doing your course (or in the future) you will be required to have the relevant NVQ(s) (in most circumstances). This is also the case if you would like to work abroad or on cruise liners. Please check the relevant authority to ascertain the level of NVQ required.
Gaining an NVQ will help to open up your possibilities of work opportunities as well as helping you market yourself.
When can I register?
As a general rule, we state that you must register for your NVQ within 8 weeks of carrying out the course at the CI. However, if you have kept your skills up-to-date you are able to register for the qualification at a later date. Please note that when registering for the NVQ at a later date, you must ensure that you have the knowledge and skills required for the qualification as methods and the essential knowledge may have changed since you took your original course. If you wish to attend our course as a refresher please see the dates on our site, or call us on: 01395 226622 for more information.
How long will it take to get my qualifications?
This will depend on you and the NVQ(s) your are taking. It will also depend on how much time you can commit to putting together your portfolio. Some people's circumstances dictate that they have more time than others. Do not panic! You have up to 2 years to complete your NVQ. If you are nearing the time limit, please contact us to check whether an extension is possible.
As a guide, we say that it will normally take you 9-12 months to complete a full Beauty Therapy Level 2.
How do I achieve my qualifications?
There are 4 main stages to you achieving your NVQ:
1 - Attending and registering for the course & NVQ;
2 - Completing your portfolio
3 - Submitting and having your portfolio marked
4 - Attending and passing your assessment
1 - Attending and registering for the course & NVQ You can register for the NVQ(s) at the time of your course or (usually) up to 8 weeks after (please see notes above). You will be sent your NVQ pack detailing what and how do you need to complete your portfolio.
2 - Completing your portfolio - This is the home study part. In most cases, there are 2 elements - Case Studies and EKU's:
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Case studies: You will need to give treatments on as many clients as it takes to complete the "range" specified for the particular module. This is usually 6 clients twice, but for some this may be more. You will complete records for each client which will go into your portfolio.
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Essential Knowledge & Understanding (EKU) Questions: We will send you questions to test your knowledge which you may complete at home using your Manual or text book. These must go into your portfolio.
Some NVQs require you to also complete assignments, for example Health & Safety. This will be included in your pack.
We will send you everything you need to build your portfolio with clear instructions on how to put it together. Help is also at hand by calling the office: 01395 22 66 22.
If you need 1:1 tuition with a tutor, this is available at a cost £40/ hour (+VAT); this is subject to availability.
3 - Submitting and having your portfolio marked - The next stage is to send your portfolio to us to be marked at:
The Carlton Institute
34 Rolle Street
Exmouth
Devon
EX8 2SH
Please ensure that you send your portfolio by Recorded Delivery, or by another courier so that you can track it. It is also advisable that you make a copy of all of your work.
We endeavour to mark your portfolio within 1 month of receiving it. If your portfolio requires any re-submissions we will contact you regarding the cost of returning the portfolio to you. There is a flat fee of £5.
Once your portfolio has been passed, we will contact you regarding your assessment date.
4 - Attending and passing your assessment - For your assessment you will need to wear a uniform, so you may want to get one for your course. Depending on which NVQ you are completing will depend on how many day(s) you are required to attend, but you will be notified of this.
Is the Carlton Institute diploma enough to get a job?
If you want to work on a self-employed/ mobile therapist basis the CI diploma will allow you to get your insurance. However some councils, in London, require you to have the NVQ, so it is best to check with them. You can always do the course and then register for the NVQ at a later date (see notes above). If you wish to work in a salon, to carry out most treatments it is more than likely that you will need an NVQ as their insurance company will more than likely require it.
How much extra will it cost to do the qualifications?
The cost of an individual unit starts from £129 + VAT, plus £16 for the VTCT Lifetime Registration Fee. If you are already registered with VTCT you do not need to pay for the registration again. If you are doing more than 1 unit of a full level it sometimes works out cheaper to do the complete level - we can always go through the costs with you. There is a 10% discount if you register at the time of booking your course. The fee covers everything you need:
• Study notes and/or assignments
• Guidance on portfolio building
• Marking and assessing your portfolio
• Use of our equipment and products during your assessments
• Posting your marked portfolio back to you (this does not include returning your portfolio for re-subs)
• VAT at 20%
• Full level units include the VTCT Registration Fee (the awarding body).
Can I upgrade a NVQ unit to a full level?
Yes, you can! For example, if you have done Manicure & Pedicure course and then decide you would like to do the full Beauty Therapy Level 2 or the Nail Services Level 2, don't panic you can still do this. Just give us a call on: 01395 22 66 22 and we will let you know what you need to do and the cost involved.
USP's of an NVQ Qualification
An NVQ qualification will instantly improve your employability, allowing you to work in a salon or spa, on a cruise ship, abroad in a foreign country or you can even progress to become a teacher in Beauty Therapy.