Qualification Overview
The AHEC Aesthetics Certification is an advanced qualification for practitioners delivering non-surgical aesthetic treatments, including skin rejuvenation, aesthetic practice and laser, light and energy-based procedures. It confirms that the holder can assess clients, select and perform treatments safely, manage complications and practise within a robust clinical governance and consent framework.
Purpose
The purpose of the Aesthetics Certification is to raise and standardise the safety and competence of aesthetic practitioners internationally. Non-surgical aesthetics carries genuine clinical risk; this qualification assures clients, employers, insurers and regulators that the holder understands skin science, patient selection, contraindications, device physics and the recognition and management of adverse events.
Entry Requirements
- Minimum age of 18 years at the date of examination.
- A recognised qualification in beauty therapy, nursing, medicine, dentistry or an allied health discipline — or demonstrable equivalent professional experience.
- Evidence of a foundation in anatomy, physiology and skin science, or completion of an AHEC-approved bridging module.
- Valid professional indemnity insurance appropriate to the treatments being practised.
- Access to a compliant clinical environment for supervised practice.
- Enrolment with an AHEC Approved Testing Centre delivering the Aesthetics programme.
Course Structure
Units Covered
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01
Skin Science and Anatomy
Skin structure, physiology, wound healing, the ageing process and Fitzpatrick skin typing.
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02
Client Consultation and Assessment
History taking, skin analysis, treatment planning, realistic expectation setting and photographic records.
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03
Consent, Ethics and Clinical Governance
Informed consent, capacity, record keeping, advertising standards, scope of practice and regulatory compliance.
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04
Contraindications and Patient Selection
Absolute and relative contraindications, medical red flags, and when to decline or refer a client.
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05
Infection Prevention and Clinical Environment
Aseptic technique, decontamination, sharps management, waste disposal and treatment room standards.
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06
Skin Rejuvenation Techniques
Chemical peels, microneedling, mesotherapy and the evidence base for each modality.
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07
Laser, Light and Energy-Based Procedures
Device physics, wavelength selection, fluence, pulse duration, selective photothermolysis, and parameter setting by skin type.
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08
Laser Safety and Regulatory Compliance
Laser classification, controlled areas, eye protection, laser protection adviser role and statutory requirements.
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09
Complications and Adverse Event Management
Recognition and management of burns, hyperpigmentation, scarring, infection and vascular compromise; escalation and emergency protocols.
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10
Aftercare and Treatment Review
Post-treatment care, review scheduling, outcome evaluation and long-term skin health.
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11
Professional Practice and Business Standards
Insurance, complaints handling, safeguarding and continuing professional development.
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12
Supervised Clinical Practice
Application of all competencies on live clients under qualified supervision.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion, the certified holder will be able to:
- Conduct a thorough client consultation, including skin analysis, Fitzpatrick typing and structured treatment planning.
- Identify absolute and relative contraindications and decline or refer clients appropriately.
- Obtain and document valid informed consent in line with AHEC standards.
- Select and safely perform skin rejuvenation treatments appropriate to the client’s skin type and presenting concern.
- Apply the principles of laser, light and energy-based physics to set safe and effective treatment parameters.
- Implement laser safety and infection control controls in the clinical environment.
- Recognise, manage and escalate adverse events and complications promptly and effectively.
- Provide evidence-based aftercare and evaluate treatment outcomes at review.
- Practise ethically, lawfully and within the practitioner’s defined scope of competence.
Examination Process
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1
Register
Create your AHEC candidate account and register for the examination through the AHEC Examination Portal.
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2
Pay the examination fee
Pay online. Your invoice and official receipt are generated automatically and stored in your portal.
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3
Receive your registration number
On confirmed payment the system issues your unique AHEC Examination Registration Number, linked to your examination.
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4
Examination countdown
Your portal displays a live countdown to the examination. The paper stays locked until the official date and time.
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5
Sit the examination
The examination unlocks automatically when the countdown reaches zero. It runs for a fixed 2 hours (120 minutes) on the secure AHEC online examination platform, with answers saved continuously and submitted automatically when time expires.
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6
Results
Results are marked, moderated and approved by AHEC, then released to your portal on the published results release date.
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7
Certification
On passing, your official AHEC certificate is generated automatically with a unique certificate number and is available to download from your portal.
Examination Fee
- Payable on examination registration.
- An invoice and an official receipt are generated automatically once payment is confirmed, and stored in your candidate portal.
- Payment confirmation issues your AHEC Examination Registration Number and starts your examination countdown.
Certification Requirements
To be awarded the AHEC Aesthetics Certification, a candidate must satisfy all of the following:
- Successful completion of an AHEC-approved Aesthetics programme at an Approved Testing Centre.
- Achievement of the AHEC pass mark or above in the Aesthetics written examination.
- A pass in the practical competency assessment.
- A verified portfolio of supervised treatment cases signed off by the Approved Testing Centre.
- Evidence of valid professional indemnity insurance.
- Payment in full of the examination fee.
Sample Certificate
The official AHEC certificate awarded on successful completion of the Aesthetics Certification.
Certificate Verification
Every Aesthetics Certification has its own dedicated verification portal. Employers, regulators and institutions can confirm a credential instantly using the certificate number, the AHEC examination registration number, the candidate’s name or the verification ID.
Ready to sit the Aesthetics Certification?
Examination fee US$350.00. Next examination: 27 September 2026. Registration closes 4 September 2026.