Accreditation vs Qualifications: What Is the Difference?

Quick answer: A qualification is awarded by an awarding body regulated by Ofqual, such as VTCT, City & Guilds or CIBTAC, and sits on a national level from 1 to 8. An accredited course has been approved by an accreditation company, which is not regulated. Both can be excellent, but a qualification is recognised nationally and is often needed for insurance, teaching and advanced treatments.

This guide covers the system in England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own regulators, and other countries have their own systems.

Why it matters

When you look at a course, you probably think about price, location and the trainer. It is just as important to ask how much the certificate will be worth. The beauty industry is not regulated, so anyone can advertise a course, and the wording can be confusing.

What is a qualification?

A qualification is gained through a course approved by an awarding body, such as:

• VTCT, including ITEC
• City & Guilds
• CIBTAC

These awarding bodies are regulated by Ofqual, the government body that regulates qualifications, exams and tests in England. Qualifications sit on a national framework from level 1 to level 8, so employers, insurers and training providers know exactly what you have achieved. To gain one, you complete set guided learning hours, build a portfolio of evidence and are assessed against the National Occupational Standards.

When you need a qualification

• Advanced treatments: many insurers need a level 3 qualification before they will cover treatments such as microneedling.
• Teaching: to teach a regulated qualification, you need that qualification yourself, plus a teaching qualification. See our guide to teaching qualifications.
• Insurance: a regulated qualification makes it easier to find cover with any insurer.
• Working abroad: a nationally recognised qualification is easier for other countries and employers to compare.

A qualification does not guarantee great training, but it does mean you have been assessed to a national standard.

What is accreditation?

Accreditation means a course has been reviewed and approved by an accreditation company. There is no official regulator for accreditation companies, and anyone can set one up. Some have a board of experts and check students' work before certifying. In my experience, BABTAC follows a robust process. Others carry out very few checks on courses or trainers.

As far as I am aware, accreditation companies don't need any particular experience or qualifications themselves. The main requirement is that they can show how they measure and audit the courses they approve. So in some cases, the people judging and passing course materials don't have, in my opinion, the experience or knowledge to back that decision up. Given the impact on our industry, I think it is fair to ask why that authority is handed out so freely, and it is why I always encourage people to look closely at who has approved a course.

Some accredited courses are excellent, and some go further than a regulated qualification. But an accredited course is still not a qualification, so it helps to know the difference before you book.

National Occupational Standards

Whether a course is regulated or accredited, it should follow the National Occupational Standards. For hair, beauty, nails and aesthetics, these are set by Habia, the government-recognised standards setting body. As a student, you can use them to check what a course should cover. If it falls short, look at another trainer.

When accreditation is the right choice

For specialist skills such as lash extensions, lash lifts or nails, a strong accredited course is often a good route. If you only plan to offer lash lifts, the best accredited course you can find may give you the best skills.

For advanced skin treatments such as microneedling, a regulated qualification gives you far more options. Many insurers will not cover these treatments without a level 3 qualification first, whatever certificate you hold.

Skills building and CPD

Once you are qualified, short courses help you add new techniques, such as lash styling or nail art. A certificate of attendance is usually fine for these, and accreditation is a bonus. Many insurers expect you to hold a core qualification before they cover add on skills.

Continuing professional development also includes trade events, conferences and webinars. It should be part of every professional's year.

Licensing for aesthetic treatments in England

The government has confirmed plans for a licensing scheme for non-surgical cosmetic treatments in England. Treatments will be grouped by risk, and practitioners will need to meet set standards to hold a licence. Details and dates are still to come, but recognised qualifications are likely to matter even more.

Interest in getting this right is huge. A House of Commons Library briefing notes that the government's 2023 consultation on the scheme received 11,848 responses. In August 2025 the government confirmed a green, amber and red system based on risk, but at the time of writing the scheme is not yet in force and no start date has been set. Whatever happens, holding recognised qualifications puts you in the strongest possible position.

Before you book any course

• Check which awarding body or accreditation company stands behind it.
• Check the course against the National Occupational Standards.
• Ask your insurer whether they will cover you, and get it in writing.
• Research the trainer's experience. Read our guide to researching hair and beauty courses.

New to the industry? Start with our guide on where to start in the beauty industry.

FAQs

What is the difference between accreditation and a qualification?

A qualification is awarded by an Ofqual regulated awarding body and sits on a national level. Accreditation is approval from an accreditation company, which is not regulated.

Is an accredited course a qualification?

No. It can be high quality, but it is not a regulated qualification.

Will my insurance cover an accredited course?

Often for specialist skills such as lashes and nails, but not always for advanced treatments. Always check with your insurer first.

What does an accredited course mean?

It means an accreditation company has reviewed and approved the course content.

Do I need a qualification to teach beauty?

To teach regulated qualifications, yes, along with a teaching qualification.