How to Choose the Right Aesthetics Course - A Step-by-Step Guide

Choosing the right aesthetics course is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your career. With the UK government tightening regulations, a properly accredited Level 7 qualification is now essential if you want to legally practice aesthetics in the future.

But with so many training providers out there - many of them offering fast-track courses that won’t be valid soon - how do you know which one is legitimate?

In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to choose the right aesthetics course, covering what to look for, what to avoid, and the key questions to ask before handing over your money.

Step 1: Ensure the Course is Fully Accredited & Ofqual-Regulated

The first thing you need to check is whether the course is fully accredited and regulated by Ofqual (the UK government body for education standards).

Why is this important?

    •    The UK government is introducing licensing laws - only Ofqual-accredited Level 7 courses will be legally recognized in the future.

    •    Many fast-track courses are NOT Ofqual-regulated, meaning they won’t count under new regulations.

    •    If a qualification isn’t recognised by Qualifi, VTCT, or another UK awarding body, you may struggle to get insurance.

How to check if a course is accredited:

    •    Ask the provider if the course is regulated by Ofqual.

    •    Search the Ofqual register to verify the qualification.

    •    Confirm that major insurers accept the qualification - if not, it’s useless.

Red Flag: If a provider says they’re “accredited” but can’t prove it with an Ofqual-approved awarding body, walk away.

Step 2: Make Sure It Includes the Full Level 7 Pathway (Not Just Injectables)

A proper aesthetics qualification should take you from beginner to fully qualified Level 7 practitioner. That means the course should include:

    •    Level 2 – Beauty Therapy Foundations

    •    Level 3 – Essential Skincare & Anatomy and Physiology

    •    Level 4 – Skin and Laser Treatments

    •    Level 5 – Advanced Aesthetic Knowledge & Complication Management

    •    Level 7 – Injectables (Botox & Dermal Fillers)

Why is this important?

    •    Some providers only offer Botox & filler training without proper anatomy, skin, or complication management - this won’t meet UK regulations.

    •    Without Levels 3 and 4, you won’t have the foundation knowledge needed for safe injectables.

What to ask your provider:

    •    Does your pathway include Levels 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7?

    •    How much anatomy and physiology training is included?

    •    How many real models will I train on? (You need at least 100+ for real experience.)

Red Flag: If a provider lets you skip Levels 3 or 4, or only offers “injectables” without full anatomy training, they are cutting corners.

Step 3: Confirm Hands-On Training (NOT Just Theory or Online Courses)

Aesthetics is a practical, hands-on career - you cannot become a confident injector through online courses alone.

A proper aesthetics course should include:

    •    At least 100+ live models for hands-on training.

    •    Supervised practice with real clients - not just classroom learning.

    •    Advanced complication management training - you need to know how to handle risks like vascular occlusion.

What to avoid:

    •    Some fast-track courses only offer 5-15 models - this is NOT enough to gain real confidence.

    •    Many online aesthetics courses claim to provide full training but lack practical experience - you cannot learn injections from a video.

Red Flag: If a course relies too much on online learning or minimal practical sessions, you won’t gain the hands-on experience needed to be confident and safe.

Step 4: Check for Prescriber & Insurance Support

If you are a non-medic, you need a prescriber to obtain Botox and other prescription-only medications.

A reputable course should:

    •    Help you connect with a prescriber once qualified.

    •    Provide guidance on getting indemnity & liability insurance.

    •    Be recognised by major aesthetics insurance providers (if insurers don’t accept it, you can’t legally practice).

Red Flag: If a provider says, “We’ll discuss prescribers after you sign up”, they’re avoiding the question - you need this information upfront.

Step 5: Research the Academy’s Reputation & Aftercare Support

A good training provider doesn’t just take your money and disappear - they should offer continued support to help you build your career.

What to look for in a reputable academy:

    •    Verified reviews from real students (Trustpilot, Google, Facebook groups).

    •    Clear, structured training pathways (not just fast-track courses).

    •    Aftercare support - mentorship, refresher training, and business guidance.

What to avoid:

    •    Training providers with no online presence or student reviews.

    •    Companies that dodge questions or refuse to give details about their course structure.

    •    Academies that offer no support after you qualify - once you finish training, you shouldn’t be left on your own.

Red Flag: If a company has bad reviews, no reviews, or fake-looking testimonials, that’s a huge warning sign.

Step 6: Compare Course Costs & Payment Plans

A proper Level 7 aesthetics course is an investment in your career. While some fast-track providers offer cheap training, you get what you pay for.

Cost breakdown:

    •    A legitimate Level 7 course costs between £7,000 - £15,000.

    •    If a course is too cheap (£2,000-£3,000 for injectables only), it’s likely not accredited or won’t meet future regulations.

    •    Many reputable academies offer payment plans or financing options - ask what’s available.

Red Flag: If a course is significantly cheaper than other Level 7 courses, ask why - it’s likely cutting corners.

Final Thoughts: How to Pick the Best Aesthetics Training Course

Your aesthetics course should include:

• Ofqual accreditation (Qualifi, VTCT, or another government-approved body).

• A full Level 7 pathway (including Levels 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7).

• Extensive hands-on training (at least 100+ real models).

• In-depth anatomy and physiology training.

• Prescriber & insurance support after qualification.

• Ongoing mentorship and aftercare support.

Red flags to avoid:

• Courses that aren’t Ofqual-accredited.

• Fast-track injectables-only courses with minimal training.

• Online-only aesthetics training with no hands-on practice.

• No clear prescriber or insurance support.

• Bad reviews or lack of transparency.

Final Advice:

Investing in the right aesthetics course is the key to a long, legally secure, and successful career. Do your research, ask the right questions, and don’t fall for shortcuts - proper training is worth it.

Follow my journey as I train the right way! Let’s make sure you invest in a course that sets you up for success!