Frequently Asked Questions
The ultimate guide to getting your beauty career started with sass and class!
With this guide, you’ll have all the info to make the best decision for your beauty career. Whether you’re aiming for global glam with CIDESCO or want to be international job-ready in no time with ITEC, Africa Premium Beauty School is here to help you shine!
- CIDESCO (Comité International d'Esthétique et de Cosmétologie) is the global diva of beauty certifications. It’s the gold standard for those wanting a career that spans continents, offering an advanced curriculum in everything from beauty therapy to spa management.
- ITEC (International Therapy Examination Council) is the fast-track queen—focused on practical skills that’ll have you ready to work with less theory and more hands-on action.
- SAAHSP (South African Association of Health and Skincare Professionals) is your local glam squad for health, skincare, and spa therapy in South Africa—perfect for elevating your beauty game right here at home.
- QCTO (Quality Council for Trades and Occupations) focuses on occupational skills, getting you job-ready faster with practical competencies across multiple industries, beauty included.
- CIDESCO: You’re in for a bit of a longer haul with 9 to 18 months, depending on the course level and subjects covered. But hey, perfection takes time, right?
- ITEC: If you’re itching for a fast track, 6 months to 1 year should have you certified and ready to roll.
- SAAHSP: Typically, you’ll be studying for 1 to 2 years, whether it’s basic beauty therapy or full-on skincare guru status.
- QCTO: Courses range from 6 months to 3 years. The faster you master the skills, the quicker you’re out there making magic!
- SAAHSP: Dive into everything from Beauty Therapy and Skincare to Massage, Spa Treatments, and Business Management. It’s a comprehensive beauty glow-up.
- QCTO: Get ready to slay with practical skills in Beauty Therapy, Nail Tech, Hairdressing, Personal Care, and even Wellness. Plus, they’ve got your back with business practices.
- CIDESCO: You’ll get the full beauty buffet here: Beauty Therapy, Spa Management, Skincare, Cosmetic Science, and even Anatomy & Physiology. Expect a strong focus on the science behind beauty.
- ITEC: Expect a super practical-focused curriculum that covers Beauty Therapy, Massage, Hair Removal, and Makeup Artistry. It’s job-ready training without all the fluff.
- ITEC is your ultimate go-to for practical learning, with 60% of the exam focused on hands-on skills. You’ll be client-ready in no time.
- QCTO comes in close, focusing on competency-based training—all about mastering real-world skills fast.
- SAAHSP balances the beauty world’s best with a mix of theory and practical. You’ll learn the “how” and the “why” behind every treatment.
- CIDESCO gives you a perfect blend of practical and theoretical knowledge, but with a bit more emphasis on advanced theory and business management for those looking to lead the beauty industry.
- CIDESCO: Expect to tackle theory, practical exams, plus a project or thesis. CIDESCO’s testing is as high-end as the salons you’ll work in.
- ITEC: With ITEC, your exams are primarily practical, focusing on getting you salon-ready. There’s a little bit of theory, but the spotlight’s on your hands-on skills.
- SAAHSP: You’ll face a combo of theory and practical exams—so it’s not just what you know, but how you show it.
- QCTO: It’s all about proving you’ve mastered the skills with competency assessments—both on the job and in the classroom.
- CIDESCO is the global superstar here, recognized in more than 40 countries. If you want to take your career across borders, CIDESCO is your passport.
- ITEC also boasts solid international recognition. You’ll find ITEC qualifications respected in Europe, Asia, and beyond.
- SAAHSP: Mostly shines in South Africa with some recognition in Africa and a few international markets.
- QCTO: It’s all about local love with QCTO—tailored for South Africa’s job market, but employers here know it means you’re job-ready.
- CIDESCO: Want to work in luxury spas, high-end salons, or travel the world as a beauty professional? CIDESCO has your back.
- ITEC: With ITEC, you’re prepped to work anywhere in the world, from salons and spas to cruise ships and wellness retreats.
- SAAHSP: Expect to walk into spas, salons, wellness centers, and maybe even open your own beauty biz. You’re all set for mid- to high-level roles.
- QCTO: Straight into occupational roles at beauty salons or spas. It’s practical, so you’re ready for the job from day one.
- QCTO wins for affordability, with prices from ZAR 15,000 to ZAR 40,000 depending on the course.
- SAAHSP courses will set you back ZAR 30,000 to ZAR 60,000, but you're getting a solid mix of theory and practice.
- ITEC falls somewhere in between with costs around ZAR 20,000 to ZAR 50,000, depending on your study level and location.
- CIDESCO is your luxury pick, with prices ranging from ZAR 60,000 to ZAR 100,000, but the prestige and international recognition make it worth every cent.
- Opt for CIDESCO if you’re aiming for that global glam life—it’s the best choice for those who want the world at their feet.
- Pick ITEC if you’re all about practical learning and need a fast-track to get hands-on in the beauty industry.
- Go with SAAHSP if you want to balance theory and practical with strong local recognition and top-notch beauty training.
- Choose QCTO for quick, competency-based qualifications that’ll have you ready for work in record time.
