RPL Certificate III in Hairdressing

Last Updated on May 16, 2025 by Ozlinks Education

Convert your skills and work experience as a hairdresser into the Certificate III in Hairdressing qualification through the Recognition of Prior Learning program in Australia. By gaining recognition for the skills and knowledge you already possess, you can save both time and money on training courses.

Let’s get your skills certified!

Certificate III in Hairdressing Overview

The SHB30416 Certificate III in Hairdressing qualifications reflect the role of hairdressers, who utilise a diverse range of well-developed sales, consultation, and technical skills and knowledge to provide a comprehensive array of hairdressing services to clients. They exercise discretion and judgement when delivering client services and take responsibility for the outcomes of their work.

The students are required to demonstrate competence in 28 competency units, which include both core and selective units.

  • 21 core units
  • 7 elective units

Job titles

  • Hairdresser

Certificate IV in Hairdressing

CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILITY

Find out if you qualify for this certificate

Why do I need the Certificate III in Hairdressing?

You may need the Certificate III in Hairdressing to enhance your job prospects and earning potential within the Australian job market. This qualification equips you with essential skills and knowledge, making you a more competitive candidate and enabling you to work in any leading salon as a qualified hairdresser.

International students and migrants may need to obtain the Certificate III in Hairdressing as part of their migration skills assessment for general skilled migration visa applications under the occupation of hairdresser.

Ozlinks Education is an education agent that can help you convert your skills and work experience as a hairdresser into a formal Certificate III in Hairdressing through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program offered by one of our registered training organisation partners. Our expert team will assess your individual circumstances and provide customised support to ensure that you obtain the qualifications necessary to advance your career.

Skill assessment for migration

rpl certificate iii in hairdressing
rpl certificate iii in hairdressing

What does a hairdresser do?

A hairdresser cut, style, colour, straighten and permanently wave hair, and treat hair and scalp conditions.

Their job involves:

  • providing advice on hair care, beauty products and hairstyles
  • shampooing hair and conditioning scalps
  • colouring, straightening and permanently waving hair with chemical solutions
  • cutting hair with scissors, clippers and razors
  • styling hair into dreadlocks and braids and adding hair extensions
  • shaving and trimming beards and moustaches
  • cleaning work areas and sanitising instruments
  • arranging appointments and collecting payments
  • may clean, colour, cut and style wigs and hairpieces

What is Recognition of Prior Learning?

The Australian Qualification Framework (AQF), governed by the Australian Government’s Department of Education in consultation with the states and territories, ensures that all students have the right to have their prior education, relevant work experience, and training acknowledged, facilitating their advancement towards and between qualifications. Each registered training organisation (RTO) has its policies and procedures for determining your Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) eligibility, but the core principles remain consistent. The experience and skills you have gained through your work can assist you in completing a qualification more quickly and reducing the time commitment involved in taking a course to bring you closer to your dream job.

The advantages of using RPL program

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program offer numerous benefits, including time and cost savings by validating existing skills and experience, expedited qualification achievement, and improved employment prospects. RPL program helps you:

  • There is no need to relearn what you already know.
  • It saves both your time and tuition fees.
  • Assist you in achieving your career change objectives in Australia.
  • Gaining an Australian qualification requires less time.
  • You do not need to attend classes or redo the training you have already completed.
  • Open new career opportunities in the building industry.
  • Obtain a qualification to satisfy the visa or skills assessment requirements.

Evidence requirements

Below is the general list of documents that you are required to provide to support your RPL assessment application:

  • 100 points of identification documents (ID)
  • A current resume outlines your relevant employment history
  • Student USI number
  • Evidence of employment indicates that you have been working at the hospitality management level, including an employment reference letter, an employment contract, payslips, an income statement, and superannuation.
  • Workplace photos and videos that showcase you performing your tasks in accordance with the job duties outlined above demonstrate your competency in the relevant qualification.

Note: Additional gap training may be necessary to address any areas for improvement and to ensure a positive assessment outcome. An RTO assessor might conduct a competency interview with you to identify any existing training gaps.

General Skilled Migration

The RPL process is done in 3 simple steps.

The RPL process consists of three stages and typically takes between six and eight weeks to complete from the time an applicant applies to an RPL assessment institute. During this period, applicants gather evidence of their skills and experiences, which is then evaluated against the relevant qualifications. This thorough process ensures that the recognition of prior learning accurately reflects the applicant's capabilities and knowledge.

Register / Enrolment

Step 1: During the enrolment stage, you will have to demonstrate your skill level in relation to your chosen qualification by completing a self-assessment related to the required skills and knowledge to determine the relevance of the RPL pathway.

Assessment/ Evidence Review

Step 2: The RPL assessor will give you tests in the subjects of your applied qualification to find out what skills you have and match them to the skills needed to work in the industry and for the qualification you have chosen.

You will need to provide proof of the necessary documents, photos, and videos to show that you know how each subject in your qualification.

Result

Step 3: If you meet all units of competency under the qualification, you will be issued with a Certificate and Statement of Results.

Register / Enrolment

Step 1: During the enrolment stage, you will have to demonstrate your skill level in relation to your chosen qualification by completing a self-assessment related to the required skills and knowledge to determine the relevance of the RPL pathway.

Assessment/ Evidence Review

Step 2: The RPL assessor will give you tests in the subjects of your applied qualification to find out what skills you have and match them to the skills needed to work in the industry and for the qualification you have chosen.

You will need to provide proof of the necessary documents, photos, and videos to show that you know how each subject in your qualification.

Result

Step 3: If you meet all units of competency under the qualification, you will be issued with a Certificate and Statement of Results.

What qualification are you looking for?

To enhance your chances of securing a well-paying job in the Australian hair and beauty salon market, assess your skills and work experience, as well as obtain official recognition of your qualifications. You may qualify for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) if you are employed as a salon manager, barber, hairdresser, or skilled beauty therapist. Select from the following qualifications that are most suitable for your circumstances and needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a list of questions that our customers often ask us. If you need more information, don't hesitate to contact Ozlinks Education now.

Why should you consider RPL?

The RPL is generally a faster way to an Australian qualification than completing a formal training course because it recognizes your previous work experience.

Yes. The RPL evaluation process is just as thorough as any other evaluation. But the evidence you need to show may be different from what is usually asked in a class assessment.

When the criteria for each of the subjects are met, a degree may be partially or fully accredited. For example, only completed subjects can be counted towards the qualification.

Even if your credits aren't enough to qualify, you can still receive written certification of the courses you've completed.

This will depend on the complexity of your qualification, how many subjects you apply for and how long it takes you to gather proof of work experience, collate and submit proof. Usually, the RPL process is 6 to 8 weeks from the date of application to the RPL assessment institute and also depends on your industry and qualifications.