By Stefanie Milla, ABIC Director & CEO

The release of the Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA) 2024 has brought significant updates to the classification of Beauty Therapists and Dermal Therapists. These changes, based on the latest ANZSCO review, may have far-reaching future implications for qualifications, job roles, and regulatory compliance in our industry.

As the peak body for the beauty and aesthetic sector, ABIC is committed to supporting the industry through these changes. We are currently consulting with legal experts, aligned peak bodies, SACSA, and the ABS to fully understand the new classifications and their impact.

While our consultations continue, here is a summary of what we know so far and the challenges these changes may present.

Key Updates from the ANZSCO and OSCA Classifications

Beauty Therapists (Skill Level 3):

• Corresponding qualifications: Certificate III, Certificate IV, or at least three years of relevant experience.
• Focused on general beauty treatments such as facials, waxing, spray tanning, and basic skin analysis.
• At this stage it doesn’t appear this classification includes performing advanced treatments like Laser, IPL or chemical peels, even if they hold higher qualifications such as a Diploma.
• The diploma of Beauty Therapy at this stage, sits under the category of Beauty Therapist, even though it is a diploma or advanced diploma and technically a skill level 2. It is currently indicated under the this category at a skill level 3.

Dermal Therapists (Skill Level 2):

• Corresponding qualifications: Diploma, Advanced Diploma, or Associate Degree, or at least three years of relevant experience.
• Scope includes advanced skin analyses, microdermabrasion, IPL, laser therapies, and chemical peels for skin rejuvenation, age management, and pigmentation treatment.

Experience:

Although experience is a factor as a Skill Level 2 for Dermal Therapists can be met through holding a Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Associate Degree, or at least three years of relevant experience, it is important to note that the experience must align with the specific scope of dermal therapy, such as advanced skin analysis, laser treatments, and chemical peels.

Challenges Presented by the New Classifications

1. Ambiguity Around Diploma and Advanced Diploma Holders

Diploma and Advanced Diploma-qualified Beauty Therapists are currently grouped under Skill Level 3 despite their higher-level training. This raises several questions:

• Can these practitioners continue performing advanced treatments they are trained for?
• Will they need to upskill or reclassify as Dermal Therapists to align with the new definitions?

It is important to note that while holding a Diploma in Beauty Therapy demonstrates advanced training, it may not automatically qualify an individual as a Dermal Therapist.

Within the education and qualification framework each role has defined qualifications and scopes of practice, and further education specific to dermal therapy may be required to meet the Dermal Therapist classification.

It is also important to know that these occupation definitions and re-classifications may not presently hold any implications with regards to changes in legislation, however, we cannot currently determine the future direction of regulation in the industry however indications suggests a shifting landscape.

2. Training and Accreditation Concerns

Training institutions offering Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas may need to adjust their programs to reflect these changes.

Practitioners with historical qualifications may be left in a regulatory grey zone should the legislation change, unsure of how their qualifications align with the new system.

3. Employment and Workforce Disruption

Should regulation change to be in line with the new OSCA classifications, employers may face difficulties defining roles and hiring appropriately qualified staff for advanced treatments.

The consequence potentially being Beauty therapists with Diplomas may be overlooked for advanced roles in favour of Dermal Therapists, even if their qualifications and experience align with the role.

4. Licensing and Insurance Risks

Without clear guidance, licensing bodies and insurers may interpret these classifications conservatively, restricting advanced treatments to Dermal Therapists and leaving Beauty Therapists underinsured or unable to obtain the necessary licenses.

5. Public Confidence and Industry Reputation

Ambiguity around practitioner qualifications and scope of practice could undermine public trust in the industry.

Clear communication and strong advocacy will be critical to maintaining confidence in the safety and professionalism of services.

ABIC’s Commitment to Supporting the Industry

1. Advocacy for Regulatory Clarity:

ABIC is actively engaging with regulators and peak bodies to define clear pathways for Diploma and Advanced Diploma-qualified Beauty Therapists. We are advocating for the recognition of Advanced Beauty Therapy as a distinct category under Skill Level 2 to bridge the gap between beauty and dermal therapy roles.

2. Transitional and Grandfathering Provisions:

We are pushing for provisions that allow experienced practitioners to continue performing advanced treatments without unnecessary retraining or reclassification.

3. Collaboration with Training Providers:

ABIC is working closely with education providers to ensure their programs align with the updated classifications and meet the needs of both students and the industry.

4. Employer and Practitioner Support:

We are developing resources to help employers and practitioners navigate these changes, including guidance on compliance, qualifications, and workforce planning.

5. Uniform Licensing and Insurance Standards:

ABIC is advocating for consistent licensing and insurance requirements that reflect the diverse qualifications and experience of industry professionals.

What This Means for You

The changes introduced by OSCA 2024 highlight the growing professionalisation of the beauty and aesthetic industry.

While they present challenges, they also offer an opportunity to elevate standards and better define roles and responsibilities within the sector.

Preliminary Advice Suggests:

• Beauty Therapists with Certificate-level qualifications will remain focused on general beauty services.
• Should regulation change Diploma and Advanced Diploma of Beauty Therapy holders may need to align with Dermal Therapist classifications in the future to continue performing advanced treatments.
• Employers may need to audit staff qualifications and scopes of practice to ensure compliance.

Next Steps

ABIC will release a preliminary report early next year, identifying a roadmap for the changes.

We will appeal and consult with the ABS and other related bodies to ensure a more balanced and accurate update of the occupations definitions for Diploma of Beauty Therapy are released.

ABIC is committed to keeping you informed as we continue our consultations. We will provide regular updates, host webinars, and share resources to ensure you are prepared for any regulatory changes.

Together, we will navigate this transition and advocate for fair, inclusive, and practical solutions that support our industry

For more information, stay tuned to the ABIC website and social channels.
If you have specific concerns or questions, please reach out to the ABIC team directly at info@theabic.org.au.

This article originally appeared on ABIC.

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