Tech Talk #48: Accredited vs Certified Training. Why does it matter?

Training options for cosmetic tattooing can be confusing and overwhelming.

We’re going through the differences between accredited and certified or non-accredited training, so you can make good decisions on your education and career, and spend your money wisely.

What does “accredited” mean?

Accredited courses forms part of Australia’s Nationally Recognised Training (NRT), which:

• provides formal qualifications under the Vocational Education and Training (VET) system,
• is delivered by Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and
• is regulated by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) plus state regulators in Victoria and WA.

Nationally accredited training complies with national standards, is highly valued by employers, and gives students control over any issues with their training organisation.

THink Aesthetics is RTO 45188, accredited to deliver qualifications such as the Diploma of Cosmetic Tattooing (SHB50321), which provides the most comprehensive knowledge of cosmetic tattoo theory, treatments, techniques and business insights that is available in Australia, and possibly worldwide. Skilled and qualified trainers and assessors guide students through every diploma step, with student feedback closely monitored by ASQA.

What is non-accredited training?

Non-accredited courses or certified training are not a part of any NRT program, and anyone can call themselves a trainer and offer certificates.

• They are not regulated by the ASQA or anyone else.
• There is no set standard for the course content or structure.
• Courses are typically short, and often expensive, with large classes.

Non-accredited specialist courses such as removal have their place, but for new and developing cosmetic tattooists needing comprehensive knowledge and skills development, a non-accredited course is unlikely to deliver.

Now that we know the definitions, it shouldn’t be confusing. Right?

Unfortunately, there are still other factors to trip up the unwary.

1. What the training organisation says:

RTOs must specify if a course is accredited or non-accredited in all promotional materials.

Non-RTO trainers are only bound by Australian Consumer Law and the Fair Trading Act in their state, which means student complaints require formal procedures or legal action.

2. Course Codes vs Marketing Tricks:

RTOs must state the course code for an accredited course, e.g., SHB50321 (Diploma of Cosmetic Tattooing).

Non-RTOs may number a course as a marketing ploy to mimic accreditation. This means nothing. All accredited courses and providers can be found on the training.gov.au website.

Note: RTOs cannot advertise future earning potentials and must be realistic about the ‘promises’ they make. That’s not the case for a non-RTO.

3. Confusing Language and Terminology

Non-RTOs use words like “certified” and “industry-recognised“, which can be misleading. “Internationally certified” sounds great but means nothing. There is no international authority for cosmetic tattooing.

Check out “accredited trainers”. The trainer themselves may hold the Training & Assessor (TAE) qualification but the course may not be accredited.

If you are unsure about whether a course or trainer is accredited, we show you how to check in Tech Talk #29: Your PMU training accreditation check!