In a nutshell
What are the qualifications about?
Develop your practical salon skills and learn more about the principles of hairdressing and barbering - everything from styling and reception duties to creative colouring and advanced haircutting. These qualifications give you specialist knowledge to begin and further your hairdressing career.
Who are they for?
These qualifications are a flexible way of learning specialist hairdressing skills if you're new to hairdressing and barbering - you might be a young learner (under 16) or an adult.
If you're a more experienced hairdresser or barber, you can also develop new specialist skills - perhaps facial massage or styling African Caribbean hair.
Why choose City & Guilds?
A City & Guilds qualification is proof that you have the right skills to do your job well - which is why so many employers look for people who have one. You can be confident your qualification is well respected within your industry.
City & Guilds qualifications are engaging and rewarding, and can lead to a whole range of fulfilling careers - including many of the UK's happiest professions.
Fast facts
| Qual. number: | 6902 |
|---|---|
| Type: | Vocational |
| Level: | 2 and 3 |
| 60-630 | |
| Duration: | 6 months-2 years |
| Fundable? | Yes. See the Learning Aims Database |
| Last registration: | 31/07/2010 |
Your questions
... if you're taking these qualifications
- What sorts of things do they cover?
Depending on the level you choose, you'll cover things like:
- styling, blow drying and cutting
- colouring, perming and relaxing
- creative and fashion colouring and shaving
- marketing and promotions
- managing finance
- salon health and safety.
- How will I learn and be assessed?
To get a Vocationally Related Qualification (VRQ) you learn with your training provider - maybe through practical sessions, group discussions or assignments.
VRQs are usually assessed by your training provider using assignments, practical task, exams or online tests.
For these Hairdressing qualifications, you will learn the theory in a group with your training provider, then practice your skills and be assessed in a real or simulated salon environment.
You'll need to demonstrate your practical skills during training sessions and carry out consultations and aftercare advice to clients, friends or colleagues.
- Which level is right for me?
Level 2
You are a newcomer to the hairdressing industry. You want to develop your general skills and find a specialised area that suits you.
Level 3
It is recommended that you have had previous experience in hairdressing or barbering and want to update and offer new services such as advanced styling techniques or advanced cutting of African Caribbean hair.
- How long do they take?
Guided learning hours
The Hairdressing Diploma usually takes:- 1 - 2 years full time or
- 2 years part time.
This is a rough guide - each centre decides its own timescales and you can often learn at your own pace.
- What jobs could they lead to?
A Hairdressing Diploma at Level 2 will give you the practical skills and knowledge to get your first job in the hairdressing or barbering industry
At Level 3 a Hairdressing Diploma will give you more skills and new treatments to offer clients, making you a better hairdresser or barber.
To further your career, you might want to think about these other qualifications too:
- Level 2, 3 NVQ in Hairdressing and SVQ in Hairdressing and the Level 2, 3 NVQ or SVQ in Barbering.
- Beauty Therapy - NVQ Level 1-3 or VRQ Level 2 and 3.
- Award in Contact Dermatitis Prevention - knowledge based Level 2 qualification providing the techniques to protect yourself from the chemicals you use at work.
... if you're delivering these qualifications
- How would we deliver and assess them?
Learners gain skills for the Hairdressing Diploma in a group with a training provider. For the assessment you will need to provide a realistic environment.
Assessment is by an assignment for each unit, covering knowledge and practical tasks.
The qualifications that are approved for pre-16 learners, require practical skills to be demonstrated on training blocks, with consultation and aftercare advice being carried out on peers or colleagues. - What resources do we need?
You'll need to provide your learners with access to professional salon equipment - which means you'll have a simulated salon at your centre.
- How can we get approval to offer them?
New to City & Guilds?
First become a centre - then you can apply for qualification approval.
Already a centre?
Download and complete the qualification approval form (PDF) and send it to your local City & Guilds office.
- Are there any learner eligibility requirements?
Anyone can take this qualification, but you must make sure all your learners can access the resources they need to complete it.
- Do these qualifications replace any others?
No, this qualification doesn't directly replace any others.
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