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Beauty Training | Customer Service | Qualifications

The industry leader in accredited fast-track beauty and spa training

Qualifications

With a vast array of qualifications and options available to you, choosing the course to suit your needs can be confusing. While researching courses you may have found that there are many different accrediting bodies usually in the form of confusing initials. With that in mind, we thought we'd try and make things a bit clearer for you.

What is the difference between a Carlton Institute Diploma and a NVQ / VRQ level qualification?

VTCT/NVQ Certificate
The Vocational Training Charitable Trust (VTCT) is the beauty industry's oldest awarding body. They issue NVQ certificates (National Vocational Qualifications) and VRQ's (Vocational Related Qualifications) which are both internationally recognised certificates. Both are equivalent, and vary according to the subject unit you are taking.

The standards for NVQ certification are set by HABIA, the Government setting standards body for the hair and beauty industry.  You can rest assure that our courses are designed, delivered and assessed to meet these rigourous requirements set by the awarding body.

NVQ vs. VRQ

National Vocational Qualifications vs. Vocational Related Qualifications

VTCT offer NVQ (National Vocational Qualifications) as well as the VQ (Vocational Related Qualification).
Both types of qualifications are fully recognised for insurance and within the industry

NVQ

  • An NVQ is a work-related, hands-on qualification that focuses on employment skills for you.
  • They've been developed by the industry for the industry.
  • It is a collection of units which, when completed, gives you the full compliment of skills required to work in the beauty industry.
  • The achievement of all units makes you competent or 'work ready' for your new beauty career.

VRQ

  • A Vocational Qualification is similar to an NVQ in that it is work related and practical and focuses on developing your employment skills.
  • It will apply to a specific subject within that industry.
  • This is great as a 'preparation for work' qualification.

The units that make up the NVQ are chosen and developed by industry specialists (HABIA) who identified the main skills that are required to fulfil a specific job role or occupation.

Where other subjects have value within the sector, but do not wholly contribute to the core of what the industry actually needs, e.g. Reflexology, then the VRQ is offered to ensure a certain level of knowledge is attained and meet insurance requirements.

VRQ's are like 'pockets of skill' within a subject area related to an occupation

Carlton Institute Diploma

Our certificates, although not the highest national qualification, do carry the accreditation of the major industry bodies (BABTAC, GUILD and Embody). As such, the diploma you receive will indicate that you have been trained to a standard high enough for those governing bodies, and will allow you to obtain insurance. The significant advantage of choosing this route is that it offers the quickest and cheapest way to get started.

What qualifications does The Carlton Institute offer?

At The Carlton Institute we offer both the Middle and Upper Tier qualifications. In short the teaching is the same for both types - with the difference being between the amounts of post-course assessment required. Our Middle Tier qualification is the Carlton Institute Diploma which is accredited by Babtac, Guild and Embody (for hopi and hot stones). Everyone who completes our courses will be awarded a Carlton Institute Diploma in their subject(s). On top of this, our Upper Tier qualifications for those of you that wish to achieve them are accredited by VTCT, and on completion of your course work and assessment you will receive certification from VTCT.

Carlton Institute Diploma, VTCT/NVQ qualifications, or both?

For those of you who are considering working for yourself in your own salon or as a mobile therapist then the Carlton Institute Diploma, which is valid for insurance purposes, would usually suit your needs. In cases where you may be looking for employment; in salons, spas or cruise ships, both in the UK and/or abroad, the VTCT/NVQ qualifications that we offer are often preferred.

VTCT or City & Guilds?

We use the VTCT because:
- They are the major awarding body in the UK, the market leader and provider of specialist qualifications in beauty therapy, massage and holistic therapy and nail services.
- Since 1962 they have been the specialists in this field.