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National code: SHB20121

Certificate II in Retail Cosmetics

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Overview About this course

Build a career that combines your love of make-up and flair for customer service. Learn in TAFE NSW beauty salons and graduate ready to find exciting work as a retail sales consultant in pharmacies, specialty make-up retailers and department stores.

Outcomes What you'll gain

Learning outcomes

Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:

  • Design and apply make-up

  • Advise customers on beauty products

  • Demonstrate skin care products

  • Conduct salon financial transactions

Course outcomes

Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.

  • A nationally accredited qualification at Certificate II level

  • Confidence to apply make-up for work, day or evening wear on a diverse range of clients

  • A sound understanding of skincare products and cosmetics

  • Strong pathways to continue your studies and enhance your career opportunities

Suitability Is this course right for you?

Entry requirements

Some courses require evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol

  • There are no entry requirements for this qualification. You can enrol today.

Entry recommendations

To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:

  • Excellent communication skills

  • Closed-in protective footwear and clothing that is clean and professional for the industry

  • A willingness to follow strict hygiene and work, health and safety principles

  • An openness to practicing your skills on your peers and members of the public

  • An openness in allowing your peers to practice their skills on you

  • A willingness to purchase a trade equipment kit to develop your skills outside of scheduled class times Your teacher will advise you which items to purchase, however, a kit usually contains makeup products (eyes, lips, face), a mixing palette and spatula set, a 12 piece training brush set and an eyelash kit

  • The ability to provide models for some of your practical classes and assessments if needed

  • If you need help preparing for study, contact us about your options.

TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.

Pathways Future career and study options

Career pathways

Our graduates go onto roles like: retail cosmetics assistant, retail sales consultant and make-up artist.

Study pathways

Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:

Previous study 0 Courses

Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.

The Certificate II in Retail Cosmetics does not have any pre-requisite courses.

Further study 2 Courses

Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

Related study 3 Courses

Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.

Your experience counts

At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.

Units Units taught in this course

Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Certificate II in Retail Cosmetics qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 15 units of competency, including 9 core and 6 speciality units.

Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.

  • Communicate as part of a salon team SHBXIND005

  • Advise on beauty products and services SHBBCCS005

  • Comply with organisational requirements within a personal services environment SHBXIND003

  • Apply safe hygiene, health and work practices SHBXWHS003

TAFE NSW services Facilities and support

TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.

  • TAFE NSW Disability Support Service

  • TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support

  • TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)

  • TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service

  • TAFE NSW Libraries

  • Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential

  • Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home

  • LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills

  • Student associations – get social with our student community

Delivery options Find a location to enrol

On campus, online and blended study environments; at TAFE NSW your learning works with your lifestyle. Heart your favourites, compare courses and discover what works for you.