Certificate III in Beauty Services
Transform your passion into a vibrant career & become a sought after beauty expert
Course code: SHB30121
Empowering aspiring beauticians to master a spectrum of beauty techniques, from stunning nail artistry, precise waxing to flawless lash and brow enhancements to captivating basic makeup services.
Certificate III In Beauty Services develops the skills to begin a career in the beauty therapy industry, where individuals embrace a range of well-developed technical and customer service skills where discretion and judgement is
required and responsible for their own outputs. This includes client consultations on beauty products and services.

Graduates will be highly skilled in interacting with customers, providing a range of sophisticated beauty services including; innovative makeup, waxing, manicure and pedicure, lash and brow treatments, cosmetic tanning, classic facials and demonstrating and selling retail skin care and other cosmetic products.
As a qualified beautician with a SHB30121 Certificate III In Beauty Services, a career can begin within beauty salons executing all practical skills learnt through the qualification and become a key performer working within beauty salons, typically conducted in beauty, waxing, brow and nail salons. General reception areas and executing all duties with retail skin care and makeup products, merchandising, client consultation and care.
Course details
Melbourne | Sydney | Brisbane | Perth | Hobart | Canberra | Darwin 
Course fee
*Based on electives
Approximately $10,150 – $12,150
Payment plans*
Payment plans are available.
Nominal hours
*Based on electives
Approximately 665 – 725 hrs
Duration
1.5 years
Complete your qualification through five to eight intensive five-day practical training blocks, supported by flexible online theory, personalised mentoring, and guidance from experienced industry educators.
Australian accredited
Yes
Kit and uniform
Not included
* Incurs a 3% administration fee.
For eligible South Australians only. If you live in South Australia and meet the eligibility criteria, you could access subsidised training through Skills SA.
Course fee
*Based on electives
$1,500 – $6,500
Three block training sessions delivered with guidance and support from one of our expert industry mentors.
Each block consists of five days of intensive hands-on practical training and industry-focused education
Payment plans*
Partially Funded
Nominal hours
*Based on electives
Approximately 665 – 725 Hours
Duration
1.5 years
Complete your qualification through five to eight intensive five-day practical training blocks, supported by flexible online theory, personalised mentoring, and guidance from experienced industry educators.
Australian accredited
Yes
Kit and uniform
Not included
* SKILLS SA – South Australia needs skilled people in the growth areas of our economy. Check your eligibility on the skills.sa.gov.au for subsidised training. You may be eligible for government subsidised training based on your employment and training level.
Course fee
Colour Cosmetica Academy and workplace-based delivery: $3,500.00
Payment plans*
Partially Funded
Nominal hours
*Based on electives
665 – 725 Hours
Duration
1.5 years
Complete your qualification through five to eight intensive five-day practical training blocks, supported by flexible online theory, personalised mentoring, and guidance from experienced industry educators.
Australian accredited
Yes
Kit and uniform
Not included
* SKILLS SA – South Australia needs skilled people in the growth areas of our economy. Check your eligibility on the skills.sa.gov.au for subsidised training. You may be eligible for government subsidised training based on your employment and training level.
Course fee
*Based on electives
Approximately €10,150 – €12,150
Payment plans*
Payment plans are available.
Nominal hours
*Based on electives
Approximately 665 – 725 hrs
Duration
1.5 years
Complete your qualification through five to eight intensive five-day practical training blocks, supported by flexible online theory, personalised mentoring, and guidance from experienced industry educators.
Australian accredited
Yes
Kit and uniform
Not included
*Incurs a 3% administration fee.
Australian Students
Online: Based on electives
Approximately 240 – 300 Hours
Hands on: Based on electives
5-8 Â 5 Day Block Sessions
Homework assignments: 180 hours
Assessments: 90 hours
Vocational professional placement: 155 hours
European and UK students
Online: Based on electives
Approximately 240 – 300 Hours
Hands on: Based on electives
5-8 Â 5 Day Block Sessions
Homework assignments: 180 hours
Assessments: 90 hours
Vocational professional placement: 155 hours
Australian Students
Applicants residing outside South Australia are not required to hold any prior qualifications or industry experience to enrol.
Applicants must:
- Be aged 16 years or over.
- Complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) Assessment prior to enrolment.
- Demonstrate the language, literacy, numeracy, and digital skills required to successfully participate in training and assessment.
South Australian Government Funded Students (Skills SA)
Government-funded training is available to eligible South Australian students under Skills SA funding arrangements.
Applicants must:
- Be aged 16 years or over.
- Meet the current Skills SA eligibility requirements.
- Demonstrate language, literacy and numeracy skills suitable for the qualification level being undertaken.
- Complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) Assessment prior to enrolment.
Eligibility for subsidised training is determined in accordance with current South Australian Government funding requirements and may be subject to change.
South Australian Apprenticeships & Traineeships
Applicants enrolling under an Australian Apprenticeship or Traineeship pathway must:
- Be employed under a current and approved Training Contract.
- Be supported by their employer for the duration of the qualification.
- Complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) Assessment prior to enrolment.
- Demonstrate the language, literacy and numeracy skills required to successfully undertake workplace-based training and assessment.
International Students
International students may enrol in Colour Cosmetica Academy’s offshore training programs.
Applicants must:
- Be aged 16 years or over.
- Demonstrate an appropriate level of English language, literacy and numeracy skills to successfully participate in training, complete assessments, and communicate effectively within the industry.
- Be able to read, write, speak and understand English.
- Complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) Assessment prior to enrolment or provide evidence of English language proficiency if requested.
No prior qualifications or industry experience are required.
Additional Information
All applicants must have access to the resources, equipment, technology, and learning support required to successfully undertake their chosen qualification.
Colour Cosmetica Academy assesses each applicant’s suitability for enrolment and identifies any support needs prior to commencement to ensure learners are provided with the best opportunity to successfully complete their training.
Places may be limited and early applications are encouraged.
- Theory work is completed online
- Work-Integrated-Learning
- Student Salon Industry Training Sessions
- Allocated Industry Experience
- Performance Coaching
- Feedback and Mentoring
- Industry Insights
- Community Engagement
Study pathways
Practical training
Australian Students
Complete your qualification through five to eight intensive five-day practical training blocks, supported by flexible online theory, personalised mentoring, and guidance from experienced industry educators. Our innovative training model provides the flexibility to gain a nationally recognised qualification while balancing work, family, and personal commitments.
South Australian Government Funded Students
Eligible South Australian students can complete their qualification through five to eight intensive five-day practical training blocks, combined with flexible online theory, personalised mentoring, and support from experienced industry educators. Government-funded training may be available to eligible participants, providing an accessible pathway into the hair, beauty, barbering, and makeup industries.
South Australian Apprenticeships & Traineeships
Complete your qualification through a blended learning model that combines five to eight intensive five-day practical training blocks, workplace-based training, flexible online theory, and personalised mentoring. Apprentices and trainees receive ongoing support from experienced industry educators through workplace visits, practical assessments, and Academy-based training designed to strengthen on-the-job skills and industry performance.
International Students
Achieve a nationally recognised Australian qualification through five to eight intensive five-day practical training blocks, supported by flexible online theory, personalised mentoring, and industry-led education.
Practical training is currently delivered in Barcelona and Rome, providing students from Europe, the United Kingdom, Asia, and the Americas with the opportunity to study an Australian qualification through a flexible global learning model while completing their practical training closer to home.
To achieve a SHB30121 Certificate III in Beauty Services 18 units must be completed:
Core Units
| SHBBBOS007 | Apply cosmetic tanning products |
| SHBBCCS005 | Advise on beauty products and services |
| SHBBFAS004 | Provide lash and brow services |
| SHBBHRS010 | Provide waxing services |
| SHBBMUP009 | Design and apply makeup |
| SHBBNLS007* | Provide manicure and pedicare services |
| SHBBNLS011 | Use electric file equipment for nail services |
| SHBBRES003 | Research and apply beauty industry information |
| SHBXCCS007 | Conduct salon financial transactions |
| SHBXCCS008 | Provide salon services to clients |
| SHBXIND003 | Comply with organisational requirements within a personal services environment |
| SHBXWHS003 | Apply safe hygiene, health and work practices |
| SIRXOSM002 | Maintain ethical and professional standards when using social media and online platforms |
| SIRXSLS001 | Sell to the retail customer |
Elective Units
Group A
Infection control
| HLTINF005 | Maintain infection prevention for skin penetration treatments |
| SHBBINF002 | Maintain infection control standards |
Group B
Waxing Services
| SHBBHRS011* | Provide female intimate waxing services |
| SHBBHRS012* | Provide male intimate waxing services |
Eyelash Extensions
| SHBBMUP008 | Apply eyelash extensions |
Makeup
| SHBBMUP010 | Design and apply makeup for photography |
| SHBBMUP011 | Design and apply remedial camouflage makeup |
Piercing
| SHBBSKS006 | Pierce ear lobes |
Health and Wellbeing
| SHBXCCS005 | Maintain health and wellbeing in a personal services setting |
Customer Service
| SHBXCCS009 | Greet and prepare clients for salon services |
Social Media
| SIRXOSM003* | Use social media and online tools |
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that recognises an individual’s existing skills, knowledge, and experience towards the achievement of an Australian nationally recognised qualification or Statement of Attainment.
Skills and knowledge may have been gained through:
- Employment and industry experience
- Formal training and education (including Credit Transfer where applicable)
- Informal training and professional development
- Self-directed learning
- General life experience
- Volunteer and community-based work
As part of the RPL process, applicants are required to provide evidence demonstrating their competency against the requirements of the qualification. Where gaps in skills or knowledge are identified, gap training and/or additional assessment may be required before competency can be awarded.
Our experienced assessors will guide you through the process and help determine the most appropriate pathway towards achieving your qualification goals.
Pathway options
Makeup Retail Assistant
Most common qualification:
Certificate II in Retail Cosmetics
(SHB20121)
Salon Assistant
Most common qualification:
Certificate II in Salon Assistant
(SHB20216)
Eyelash and Eyebrow Technician
Most common qualification:
Certificate III in Beauty Services
(SHB30121)
Lash and Brow Technician
Most common qualification:
Certificate III in Beauty Services
(SHB30121)
Nail Technician
Most common qualification:
Certificate III in Nail Technology
(SHB30321)
Beautician
Most common qualification:
Certificate III in Beauty Services
(SHB30121)
Hairdresser/ Hair Stylist
Most common qualification:
Certificate III in Hairdressing
(SHB30416)
Barber
Most common qualification:
Certificate III in Barbering
(SHB30516)
Beauty Therapist
Most common qualification:
Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy
(SHB40121)
Senior Colourist/Senior Stylist
Most common qualification:
Certificate IV in Hairdressing
(SHB40216)
Spa Beauty Therapist
Most common qualification:
Diploma of Beauty Therapy
(SHB50121)
Makeup artist
Most common qualification:
Certificate III in Beauty Services
(SHB30121)
Certificate III in Makeup
(SHB30221)
Certificate IV in Screen and Media (specialist makeup services)
(CUA41220)
Diploma of Screen and Media (specialist makeup services)
(CUA51020)
Special Effects Makeup Artist
Most common qualification:
Certificate IV in Screen and Media (specialist makeup services)
(CUA41215)
Diploma of Screen and Media (specialist makeup services)
(CUA51020)
Hair and Makeup Artist
Most common qualification:
Certificate III in Beauty Services
(SHB30121)
Certificate III in Makeup (SHB30221)
Certificate IV in Screen and Media
(specialist makeup services)
(CUA41220)
Diploma of Screen and Media (specialist makeup services)
(CUA51020)
Laser Therapist
Most common qualification:
Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy
(SHB40121)
Advanced Diploma of Intense Pulsed Light and Laser for Hair Reduction
(SHB60118)
Dermal Therapist
Most common qualification:
Diploma of Beauty Therapy
(SHB50121)
Advanced Diploma of Skin Therapy (SHB60221)
Salon Manager
Most common qualification:
Diploma of Salon Management
(SHB50216)
Staff Trainer or Educator
Most common qualification:
Certificate IV in Hairdressing (SHB40216)
Diploma of Salon Management
(SHB50216)
Dermal Clinician
Most common qualification:
Bachelor of Health Science
(Dermal Therapies)
Cosmetic Nurse
Most common qualification:
Bachelor of Nursing
Why study at Colour Cosmetica Academy?
Over the last 25+ years, we’ve worked with some of the most respected experts in the fashion industry and over thousands of creative professionals from over 10 different countries.
We lead in beauty, hairdressing, barbering, makeup, and style education, celebrating diversity and innovation. Our programs equip students with essential skills for lifelong learning and success in dynamic careers.

You may be eligible for subsidised training if you live or work in South Australia.
We have a simple step-by-step enrolment process that we will guide you through.
All of the courses we offer are available in Australia, Europe, the UK & online.
Do you have any questions or want to enrol? We’re here for you.
Get personalised advice from our friendly Student Advisors or enrol today!
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