Here is some information you may find useful.
What are nvq/svqs ?
National vocational qualifications and Scottish vocational qualifications are 'doing' qualifications. That means learning and working in the salon with progress measured through continuous assessment.
How do they work?
All nvq/svq qualifications are made up of separate units which set out exactly what a candidate must be able to do and to what standard. It is made up of mandatory units and optional units that need to be completed by the candidate in order to gain their qualification.
Once a unit has been achieved, it counts as a credit towards the final certificate. The number of units required depends on the level of the nvq/svq.
Assessments simply means the process by which a candidate is judged to have met the standards.
How do I meet the standards?
To meet the standards a candidate must show evidence of their performance, knowledge and understanding of a subject. They must be able to demonstrate that they can perform consistently to the standards expected.
Who decides on the standards?
The standards are written by the Hair and Beauty Industry Authority (HABIA) and advice is taken from professionals within the industry.
The two awarding bodies (the organisation that issues the certificate) are City and Guilds and VTCT, but the standards remain the same. That is why you will see unit B19 or Unit 309, just different awarding body.
Who are the assessors?
Assessors are people who judge or assess the evidence of a candidate's performance, knowledge and understanding. They decide whether the candidate has the ability to do the job competently.
What qualifications do they have?
As from August 2004, all assessors must have 5 years industry experience along with the current qualification or 10 years industry experience with a view to completing it. They must also have a relevant assessing qualification and are only allowed to assess the qualificaton they are experienced in.
It is also essential that they continue to develop their knowledge and skills and have to do x number of hours in training and/or working in a salon to keep up with industry trends every 12 months.
How do I get the qualification?
If you are a beginner, you can either attend a college or private college that offers training with assessments at the end to reach the standards.
If you are already a working technician/therapist then you only need to go through the assessment process and provide a portfolio of evidence to support your knowledge and understanding. This can be obtained through a recognised assessment centre.
A recognised assessment centre must have the facility or a working salon to be able to provide paying clients of different ages and ethnicity. They must work under strict guidelines, providing an equal opportunities policy, appeals and complaints procedure, quality assurance etc., etc.,
How long will it take?
There is no strict rule for gaining the qualification, but candidates cannot be submitted for certification less than 12 weeks from registering with a centre.
Up to 2 years from registration is acceptable.
What are the standards for nails?
As from August 2004, the standards will be changed (this happens every 4 years) and now nails have their 'own' nvq/svq rather than being part of level 2&3 beauty therapy.
The basic outline for the new qualification is:
Level 2 - Mandatory units
G1 Health & Safety
G6 Retail
G8 Develop effectiveness at work
BT7 Manicure
BT8 Pedicure
BT12 Wraps
BT13 Nail Art
Optional : G4 Reception
Level 3 - Mandatory units
G1 Health & Safety
G6 Retail
G11 Contribute to the financial effectiveness of the business
BT22 Nail extensions in L&P, UV Gel and Silk/Fibre
BT23 Maintenance
BT24 Plan, design and provide nail art services
Optional : BT25 Design and create nail images incorporating nail art
BT27 Design and create images for fashion and photography
BT30 UV Tanning
BT31 Self tanning
G12 Sucesful business ideas
G13 Law and regulations affecting the business
I am attending a City and Guilds meeting on 20th May, so will know more in depth information about the new units that I will pass on to you.
Do I have to have an nvq/svq?
This depends in which area of the country you live. At the moment the borough of Westminster in London will not let you provide nail services unless you have a nvq qualification. From what I can gather from speaking to people in the industry, it will be necessary for all technicians to have this qualification within the next few years. It seems to be dependant on your local council at the mo.
Hope this was not too long winded for you, you can private message me if you need more info, or alternatively have a look at the HABIA web site on
www.habia.org
Tracey