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Certificate II in Retail Cosmetics

Course Code SHB20121

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Duration
  • Full Time
  • 6 months
Delivery
  • On Campus
Intakes
Campus
  • Glen Waverley
  • Moorabbin

This course is not available for International Students

Overview

Start your career in beauty and cosmetic retail with Holmesglen’s SHB20121 Certificate II in Retail Cosmetics. This nationally recognised qualification builds the practical skills and product knowledge needed to work confidently across cosmetic counters, pharmacies, department stores and beauty environments. Students learn how to consult with clients, recommend skincare and make-up products, and apply a range of retail and photographic make-up techniques. Training combines hands-on practice, customer service development and simulated retail activities, ensuring graduates are professional, job-ready and equipped for roles in Australia’s growing beauty and cosmetics industry.

Career Opportunities

  • Retail sales consultant
  • Salon assistant
  • Make-up consultant
  • Cosmetic sales assistant

Pathway to further studies

  • <a href="https://www.holmesglen.edu.au/explore-courses/sport-fitness-and-wellbeing/natural-therapies/vocational-education/certificate-iii-in-beauty-services" target="_blank">SHB30121 Certificate III in Beauty Services</a>
  • <a href="https://www.holmesglen.edu.au/explore-courses/sport-fitness-and-wellbeing/natural-therapies/vocational-education/diploma-of-beauty-therapy-spa-treatments" target="_blank">SHB50121 Diploma of Beauty Therapy</a>

Studying the Certificate II in Retail Cosmetics at Holmesglen

Studying this course at Holmesglen gives learners a practical and supportive introduction to the beauty and retail cosmetics industry. Across two scheduled days each week, learners build real skills through hands-on make-up practice, skincare product demonstrations, client consultation activities and simulated retail environments. Experienced teachers with industry backgrounds provide step-by-step guidance, helping learners develop confidence in customer service, hygiene and infection control, visual merchandising and retail stock handling. With small class sizes and strong learner support, Holmesglen creates an encouraging environment where learners can ask questions, practise techniques and gain personalised feedback. By combining practical experience with essential retail knowledge, the course prepares learners to be job-ready for roles in beauty salons, pharmacies, department stores and cosmetic counters.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for this course, learners must be at least 16 years of age at the time of commencement.<p>Learners are also required to have the physical capacity to perform practical tasks associated with work in the retail and cosmetics industries. This includes standing for extended periods, applying make-up and demonstrating skincare products as part of routine service delivery. Learners must be able to carry out these duties in accordance with all relevant Work Health and Safety (WHS) and Manual Handling legislation to ensure the safety of both themselves and their clients.
Prior to enrolment or commencement of training you will be required to complete a literacy and numeracy assessment and a pre-training review at an interview. These will assist with determining your suitability to the course, verify your training plan, and identify any learning support needs.

Recognition of prior learning

You may be able to reduce the number of units to be studied in your chosen course by measuring skills acquired through work, life experiences or qualifications obtained from formal studies or training. AQF qualifications and statements of attainment issued by another registered training organisation will be recognised by Holmesglen. Read more about Recognition of Prior Learning, Credits and Advanced Standing.

Course Structure

Timetable

This course is delivered over two scheduled days per week, with units offered as single subjects or in co-delivered clusters to progressively build retail, beauty and sales skills. Learners must complete 15 units in total, including nine core units and six elective units selected to support industry relevance and employability.<p><strong>Electives</strong><br>Elective units in this program have been selected in consultation with industry to strengthen skills in infection control, sustainability, retail merchandising, inventory processes and advanced make-up application. Together, these units enhance workplace readiness and reflect current beauty and retail trends.<p><strong>Assessment</strong><br>Assessment includes practical demonstrations, projects, role plays and written tasks, helping learners build confidence and demonstrate industry-standard competence across beauty counters, department stores, pharmacies and salon environments.
Unit code Unit name
SHBBMUP009 Design and apply make-up
SIRXOSM002 Maintain ethical and professional standards when using social media and online platforms
SIRXIND003 Organise personal work requirements
SHBXIND003 Comply with organisational requirements within a personal services environment
SHBXWHS003 Apply safe hygiene, health and work practices
SHBXCCS007 Conduct salon financial transactions
SHBBCCS004 Demonstrate retail skin care products
SHBXIND005 Communicate as part of a salon team
SHBBCCS005 Advise on beauty products and services
Unit code Unit name
SHBBINF002 Maintain infection control standards
SHBBMUP010 Design and apply make-up for photography
HLTAID011 Provide First Aid
BSBSUS211 Participate in sustainable work practices
SHBBRES003 Research and apply beauty industry information
SIRRMER001 Produce visual merchandise displays

Assessment

Assessments are designed to provide learners with opportunities to demonstrate they have attained the required skills and knowledge using a range of practically based activities and tasks, as required by recognised standards.

How to apply

Direct

Click the ‘apply’ button below to start your application. Our Holmesglen team will reach out to discuss your study options and pre-training requirements.

No ‘apply’ button? Click ‘enquire online’ to register your interest for our next available intake. 

Visit How to Apply for more information on the application process.

Recruitment

Holmesglen may engage third parties to recruit students on behalf of the institute. Third party recruiters receive a commission and this will not impact on your fees.

Find out more about your rights and obligations as a student and the services we provide at Holmesglen.

Outcomes

Qualification and Recognition

On completion of all course requirements, learners will be awarded the SHB20121 Certificate II in Retail Cosmetics

Industry Connections

Fees

Tuition fees GST exempt Cost
Full Fee $3,683
Mandatory Non-Tuition Fees Cost
Materials fee $800
General Services Fee $80 Per Semester
General Services Fee (Concession) $40 Per Semester

The General Services Fee (GSF) at Holmesglen is a mandatory annual fee applicable to all students enrolled in Certificate I through Advanced Diploma courses. This fee supports various student services such as counselling, welfare support, and learning assistance provided by our dedicated student support and wellbeing teams. For more details on the GSF and its specific allocations, please visit the <a title=" General Services Fee page" href="/current-students/course-resources/fees-and-payments/General-Services-Fee.html">General Services Fee (GSF) page</a>.

Additional Course Cost

Students undertaking this qualification are required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) during all practical activities to ensure compliance with health, safety, and industry standards. Learners are responsible for supplying: <br> <br>Closed-toe, non-slip shoes (suitable for salon environments). <br> <br>Optional excursions may also be offered at an additional cost, separate to those included in the program. The estimated total cost for the required PPE and optional excursions is approximately $150. <br> <br>If any additional safety equipment is required for specific training activities, it will be supplied by Holmesglen.

All fees are indicative only. Your fees will be calculated on your individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. Training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth funding. <a href="/study-with-us/tafe-study/tafe-fees-and-funding">Find out now if you are eligible for Government-subsidised fees or Concession. </a>

 

Overview
Entry Requirements
Course Structure
How to Apply
Outcomes
Fees
FAQs
Apply now
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