I'm hoping to get some help on which exam to take as its stressing me out! Is one better then the other? It costs alot of money for me to do both so I need to pick one but I'm really not sure which one! Any help would be great!

Hi there,

I did ITEC so can't speak for CIBTAC but from what I gather they are both well regarded qualifications to have and are of an international standard.

I am sure which ever one you choose you will enjoy!

Em x

Thanks

I was told that ITEC was as well recognised outside the U.K and Ireland so thats put my mind at rest.

They are both good recognised qualifications.
At some places, especially really high end, you will see they are particularly asking for cibtac qualifications.
This is because it is generally taught in private establishments and they know the standards will hopefully be high.
We all know nvq and vtct can unfortunately be very hit or miss depending on college and tutor.
Course content can be very different ,look at that ,maybe one will suit you more than the other.

I agree with what Gillian has said. I am CIBTAC qualified and not ITEC, but I would like to add this; As far as I am aware, CIDESCO is the most highest regarded qualification in the world. I trained at Champneys College where all CIDESCO students have to sit CIBTAC first and therefore, up to CIBTAC level were all trained to the same high standard and were taught the same information. The CIBTAC students then left college whilst the remaining students spent another 3 months at college completing their CISDESCO training.

What I am trying to say is that the CIBTAC training is very highly regarded just below CIDESCO. As Gillian stated, CIBTAC is accomodated at private colleges which are obviously going to be more expensive. This is not to say you won't receive an excellent training with ITEC. A friend of mine did the CIBTAC aesthetics beauty diploma but then did the ITEC Body therapy which she felt was excellent and cheaper. I don't think she covered body electricals though in ITEC so it depends if you think you will need this.

If money allows, I highly recommend CIBTAC and because of recommendations, this is why I chose the CIBTAC route.

ITEC is one of the best qualifications aswel and is also taught in private colleges. I went to a private college and did ITEC i did the whole beauty course to get me to a level 3 which includes, Beauty specialist,body therapy, facial electricals and electrolysis. Found it covered everything aswel and was exam based which future companies like! This course cost me £3000.

Hi
I did a CIBTAC Beauty and Body and for me that qualification really worked as was training then working in the student salon and then the theory and practical exam at the end. I have since taken VTCT Indian Head Massage and Hot Stones and found it really hard to knuckle down to do the case studies. Also be aware - I am in the process of doing ITEC Reflexology and decided to go with this course because it was a bit longer than the VTCT qualification. I started on the understanding that my CIBTAC A&P would be sufficient and though I would be better equipted at the end. I was told that I wouldn't have to retake the A&P with ITEC, as it turns out my CIBTAC Practice Management is acceptable but my A&P is not! I am now having to get the owner of the college to write to ITEC as on her list it stated it was acceptable. The annoying thing is that the VTCT A&P is accepted!

Sorry for the waffle but I guess what I'm trying to say is I think CIBTAC is great but if you are planning on expanding your skills ITEC offer lots of other courses such as massage, sports massage, indian head massage and reflexology so you may be better chosing that as they are obviously selective about what A&P is acceptable.

Again sorry for the waffle.

Itec is good,Cibtac is regarded as better,and Cidesco is the cream.

I am talking about Ireland only,as the poster is from here.

However, many ,many Itec only -graduates do exceptionally well.
In my opinion if there is a significant cost involved,do the least expensive one now
,and you can always upgrade at a later date.

[QUOTE=anners;987577]Also be aware - I am in the process of doing ITEC Reflexology and decided to go with this course because it was a bit longer than the VTCT qualification. I started on the understanding that my CIBTAC A&P would be sufficient and though I would be better equipted at the end. I was told that I wouldn't have to retake the A&P with ITEC, as it turns out my CIBTAC Practice Management is acceptable but my A&P is not! I am now having to get the owner of the college to write to ITEC as on her list it stated it was acceptable. The annoying thing is that the VTCT A&P is accepted!


I stand corrected on this one, I am just in the process of sorting this out and it seems that ITEC are changing their policy again to accept the A&P from my CIBTAC qualification.

do cidesco if possible i would advise you can travel with cidesco qualification, or even our tutor told us itec is better

Hi...I did both ITEC and CIBTAC but Im not sure which would be the best if only doing one. Why dont you ask your tutor in college and she might be able to advise you. Sorry I cant be of more help.