SQA Facial Skin Care Course(SCQF level 5)

SQA Facial Skin Care Course (SCQF Level 5)

The SQA Facial Skin Care Course provides beginners with the theory and practical skills needed to complete professional facial skincare treatments and work towards an SQA qualification at SCQF Level 5.

The course is suitable for complete beginners and combines academy-based practical training with guided home study.

You will learn how to prepare for a facial, complete a client consultation, assess the skin and follow a professional treatment sequence.

The programme is delivered over two practical training days. Between the sessions, you will complete home study and prepare your written portfolio.

After successful completion, you will receive the SQA Facial Skin Care qualification at SCQF Level 5.

What Does the Course Cover?

The course covers the main stages of a professional facial skincare treatment.

You will learn:

• Client consultation
• Treatment preparation
• Skin assessment
• Skin cleansing
• Skin toning
• Eyebrow tidying
• Mask application
• Moisturiser application
• Aftercare measures
• Homecare advice

Client Consultation

A consultation must take place before the facial treatment begins.

You will learn how to discuss:

• The client’s main skin concerns
• Current skincare products
• Previous facial treatments
• Allergies and sensitivities
• Relevant medical information
• Medication
• Contraindications
• Expected treatment results

The consultation helps you decide whether the treatment is suitable and whether any part of the facial needs to be adapted.

Skin Assessment

You will learn how to examine the appearance and condition of the client’s skin before selecting products.

The assessment helps you identify the client’s skin type and choose an appropriate facial routine.

You will learn to consider:

• Skin type
• Visible skin condition
• Areas of dryness or oiliness
• Skin sensitivity
• Client concerns
• Contraindications
• Suitable product choices

Facial therapists should work within their professional scope and should not diagnose medical skin conditions.

Preparing for the Facial

Correct preparation supports a professional and hygienic treatment.

You will learn how to:

• Prepare the treatment area
• Arrange products and equipment
• Protect the client’s hair and clothing
• Position the client comfortably
• Maintain a clean working environment
• Complete consultation and consent records

Cleansing and Toning

Cleansing removes makeup, surface products and impurities before the remaining stages of the facial.

You will learn how to select a suitable cleanser and apply it using controlled professional movements.

The course also covers the correct use of toner as part of the treatment routine.

Products should be selected according to the client’s skin type and the manufacturer’s instructions.

Eyebrow Tidy

The treatment includes an eyebrow-tidying stage.

You will learn how to assess the brow area and complete a neat, suitable tidy as part of the facial service.

The procedure must be adapted to the client’s skin condition, sensitivity and preferences.

Mask and Moisturiser Application

You will learn how to select and apply a suitable facial mask according to the client’s skin.

The course covers:

• Preparing the skin
• Selecting a suitable mask
• Applying the product evenly
• Following the correct treatment time
• Removing the mask correctly
• Applying a suitable moisturiser

You must follow the product manufacturer’s timings and usage instructions.

Homecare and Aftercare

Clients should receive clear advice after the facial.

You will learn how to explain:

• How to care for the skin after treatment
• Which skincare products may be suitable
• Which products or treatments may need to be avoided
• How to maintain a suitable skincare routine
• When another facial may be appropriate
• When the client should seek further advice

Aftercare should be provided verbally and in writing.

Two Practical Training Days

The course includes two academy-based practical training days.

Your tutor will demonstrate the treatment before you complete supervised practical work.

During the practical sessions, you will work through:

• Client consultation
• Treatment preparation
• Skin assessment
• Product selection
• Cleansing and toning
• Eyebrow tidying
• Mask application
• Moisturising
• Homecare and aftercare advice

Small class sizes help provide focused guidance during practical training.

Home Study and Portfolio

You will receive home-study materials during the first practical training day.

These materials will help you complete the written portfolio required for the course.

The portfolio supports your understanding of:

• Facial skincare theory
• Consultation
• Skin assessment
• Product selection
• Treatment procedures
• Aftercare and homecare

You should complete the required home study between the practical sessions.

Who Is This Course For?

The SQA Facial Skin Care Course is suitable for:

• Complete beginners
• People entering the beauty industry
• Students seeking an SQA facial qualification
• Beauty professionals formalising their facial skills
• People planning to work in a salon or clinic
• Students planning to establish a beauty business

No previous beauty or skincare qualification is required.

What Can This Course Lead To?

After successful completion, you may seek suitable insurance and begin working towards offering professional facial skincare treatments.

Possible working routes include:

• Working in a beauty salon
• Working in a skincare clinic
• Working from a suitable home treatment room
• Providing suitable mobile facial services
• Starting a beauty or skincare business
• Progressing to further skincare training

SQA Facial Skin Care Course Details

Suitable For

Complete beginners and existing beauty professionals.

Entry Requirements

No previous beauty or skincare qualification is required.

Qualification

SQA Facial Skin Care at SCQF Level 5.

Course Duration

Two practical training days with home study and portfolio work between the sessions.

Class Time

Classes run from 10:00am to 2:00pm in Glasgow and Aberdeen. Class times can vary.

Model Requirement

A suitable model is required at 11:30am in Glasgow and Aberdeen.

Course Kit

No take-home kit is included. All products and equipment needed during practical training are provided by the academy.

Insurance

You must arrange suitable professional insurance before offering facial treatments. Cover remains subject to the insurer’s current terms and qualification requirements.

Training Locations

The course is available at our Glasgow and Aberdeen beauty training academies.

SQA Facial Skin Care Course FAQs

Is the SQA Facial Skin Care Course suitable for beginners?

Yes. The course is suitable for complete beginners, and no previous beauty or skincare qualification is required.

What qualification will I receive?

After successful completion, you will receive the SQA Facial Skin Care qualification at SCQF Level 5.

How long is the course?

The course includes two practical training days with home study and portfolio work between the sessions.

What will I learn?

You will learn consultation, preparation, skin assessment, cleansing, toning, eyebrow tidying, mask application, moisturising, aftercare and homecare advice.

Do I need to bring a model?

Yes. A suitable model is required at 11:30am at both the Glasgow and Aberdeen academies.

Do I receive a course kit?

No take-home kit is included. All products and equipment required during practical training are provided by the academy.

What should I wear?

Students attending the course should wear a beauty tunic, scrubs or suitable all-black clothing.

Do I need to complete home study?

Yes. You will receive study materials and must complete a written portfolio between the practical training sessions.

Can I work professionally after completing the course?

The SQA qualification can support professional facial treatment work after successful completion. You must arrange suitable professional insurance before offering treatments.

What if I cannot find a model?

Try posting in suitable local model groups on social media. Contact the academy near the course date if you are still unable to arrange a suitable model.

Can I film the course?

You may record approved tutor demonstrations for personal learning. You must respect the privacy and consent of tutors, students and models.

What if I change my mind or want to change courses?

The SQA Facial Skin Care Course is non-refundable. Course credit may be offered for a change or cancellation, subject to the academy's booking terms.