Develop the knowledge & practical competence to provide professional facial electrotherapy treatments

Would you like to add facial electrotherapy treatments to your professional services - or gain a regulated qualification that formally recognises your knowledge and practical competence?

The Focus Awards Level 3 Certificate in Providing Facial Electrotherapy Treatments combines detailed theory with hands-on practical training, case studies and observed assessments.

You will develop the skills needed to consult with clients, assess the skin, select suitable electrotherapy treatments, use facial equipment safely and adapt your treatment plan to the individual client.

The qualification also includes Level 3 anatomy and physiology, salon health and safety, and promoting and selling products and services.

This is a regulated Focus Awards qualification. There is no separate CPD stage or interim CPD certificate.

You will receive the qualification once all required assignments, practical training, case studies, observations and portfolio evidence have been completed successfully and quality assured.

Who this qualification is for

This qualification may be suitable for you if you:

• already offer facial or skincare treatments and want to add electrotherapy;
• want to develop a broader range of advanced facial services;
• want to understand how different facial machines affect the skin and underlying tissues;
• have previously completed informal machine training but now want a regulated qualification;
• want to improve your ability to select the right treatment for the client rather than following one standard protocol;
• want to build your confidence using facial electrotherapy equipment;
• want to progress towards Level 4 skin, aesthetics or blemish-removal qualifications;
• are prepared to complete substantial theory, practical training, case studies and formal observations.

Although Focus Awards does not set additional formal entry requirements, we recommend that learners already hold a recognised facial or skincare qualification, or have equivalent relevant experience.

You will need sufficient foundation knowledge to consult with clients, analyse the skin and carry out a professional facial treatment before adding electrotherapy techniques.

Please contact us before enrolling if you do not currently hold a facial qualification.

What will this qualification help you do?

The course will help you develop a more structured and professional approach to facial electrotherapy.

You will learn how to:

• conduct a detailed client consultation;
• identify the client’s skin type, concerns and treatment goals;
• recognise contraindications and treatment cautions;
• understand the effects and limitations of different electrotherapy modalities;
• select suitable equipment for the individual client;
• explain the proposed treatment clearly;
• carry out appropriate pre-treatment tests;
• prepare and operate equipment safely;
• adapt treatment intensity and technique;
• monitor the client’s comfort and skin response;
• combine appropriate electrotherapy methods within a treatment plan;
• provide suitable aftercare and homecare advice;
• recommend appropriate products and services;
• maintain safe working practices;
• complete professional treatment records;
• evaluate treatment results;
• recognise when treatment should be adapted, postponed or avoided.

Why facial electrotherapy requires more than machine training

Knowing which buttons to press is not enough.

A competent facial electrotherapy practitioner must understand:

• what the equipment is designed to do;
• how the current, energy or mechanical action affects the skin and tissues;
• which clients may benefit;
• which clients should not receive the treatment;
• how settings should be adapted;
• how to recognise an unwanted skin response;
• how different modalities may be combined safely;
• when a simpler facial treatment may be more appropriate.

This qualification develops both the underpinning knowledge and the practical competence required to make informed treatment decisions.

It is not an attendance-only machine demonstration.

Facial electrotherapy treatments covered

Your training will cover the facial electrotherapy treatments included within the qualification and Jane Bryan Beauty Training programme.

These include:

• direct high frequency;
• galvanic treatments;
• electrical muscle stimulation;
• microcurrent;
• facial lymphatic drainage equipment;
• microdermabrasion;
• microlance techniques.

Your trainer will explain the purpose, effects, limitations, safety considerations and treatment procedures for each method.

Direct high frequency

You will learn how direct high frequency may be incorporated into an appropriate facial treatment.

Your learning may include:

• the principles of high-frequency current;
• suitable and unsuitable skin presentations;
• different electrode types;
• safe preparation and application;
• intensity selection;
• treatment techniques;
• expected skin responses;
• contraindications and cautions;
• aftercare.

You will be expected to understand why high frequency has been selected rather than simply including it in every facial.

Galvanic facial treatments

You will develop your understanding of galvanic current and its use within professional facial treatments.

This may include:

• the principles of direct current;
• polarity;
• desincrustation;
• iontophoresis;
• appropriate product selection;
• electrode placement;
• safe working methods;
• treatment intensity;
• contraindications;
• adapting the treatment to the client.

You will learn how product formulation, polarity and treatment purpose must be considered together.

Electrical muscle stimulation

You will learn how electrical muscle stimulation may be used within facial treatment programmes.

Your learning may include:

• the principles of electrical muscle stimulation;
• motor-point placement;
• muscle contraction;
• treatment aims;
• electrode positioning;
• intensity selection;
• client comfort;
• treatment limitations;
• contraindications and cautions.

The course will also help you understand that visible muscle contraction does not automatically mean that a treatment is more effective. Treatment must remain controlled, appropriate and comfortable.

Microcurrent

You will develop your knowledge of microcurrent facial treatments and their professional application.

This may include:

• the principles of microcurrent;
• treatment aims;
• probe or electrode techniques;
• facial muscle and tissue considerations;
• product conductivity;
• treatment sequencing;
• settings and intensity;
• adapting treatment to the client;
• contraindications;
• aftercare.

You will learn how to use microcurrent as part of an appropriate treatment plan rather than relying on exaggerated claims or unrealistic client expectations.

Facial lymphatic drainage equipment

You will learn how equipment may be used to support facial lymphatic drainage treatments.

Your learning may include:

• the relevant lymphatic structures;
• the direction of lymphatic flow;
• treatment preparation;
• equipment selection;
• safe application;
• pressure and intensity;
• appropriate treatment sequencing;
• contraindications and cautions;
• client aftercare.

This unit does not replace specialist manual lymphatic drainage training where a separate qualification is required.

Microdermabrasion

You will learn how to provide microdermabrasion safely within your professional scope.

Your learning may include:

• the principles of controlled mechanical exfoliation;
• machine preparation;
• abrasive media or treatment heads;
• suction levels;
• skin assessment;
• treatment patterns;
• adapting passes and intensity;
• recognising excessive skin response;
• contraindications;
• aftercare and SPF guidance;
• cleaning and maintaining equipment.

You will be expected to demonstrate controlled technique rather than attempting to create unnecessary redness or aggressive exfoliation.

Microlance techniques

Your programme also includes microlance techniques within the scope of the qualification and training provided.

You will learn about:

• identifying when the technique may be appropriate;
• consultation and consent;
• hygiene and infection control;
• safe handling and disposal of single-use sharps;
• skin preparation;
• professional boundaries;
• contraindications;
• aftercare;
• when not to proceed.

Microlance work must only be carried out within your training, competence, insurance and any applicable local authority requirements.

Anatomy and physiology

The qualification includes the Level 3 Understanding Human Anatomy and Physiology unit.

You will study the major systems of the body, including:

• skeletal system;
• muscular system and fascia;
• nervous system;
• endocrine system;
• respiratory system;
• cardiovascular system;
• lymphatic and immune systems;
• digestive system;
• skin, hair and nails.

This underpinning knowledge helps you understand how the body functions and why health, medication and physiological factors may affect treatment suitability.

You will also consider the relationship between different body systems rather than learning each system as a disconnected list of structures.

Health and safety in the salon

You will learn how to monitor and maintain safe working practices within a salon, clinic or treatment environment.

This includes areas such as:

• identifying hazards;
• completing risk assessments;
• maintaining hygiene;
• infection prevention and control;
• safe use of electrical equipment;
• checking equipment before use;
• appropriate storage;
• safe working procedures;
• managing products and consumables;
• personal protective equipment;
• client and practitioner safety;
• reporting accidents and incidents;
• following legal and organisational requirements.

You must be able to maintain these standards consistently throughout your practical work and assessments.

Promoting and selling products and services

Professional recommendations should be based on the client’s needs - not pressure, scripts or selling for the sake of it.

You will develop your understanding of how to:

• identify appropriate opportunities to recommend products and services;
• link recommendations to the consultation and treatment plan;
• explain benefits accurately;
• avoid misleading or exaggerated claims;
• communicate prices and options clearly;
• respond to client questions;
• recommend appropriate homecare;
• maintain professional boundaries;
• record relevant recommendations;
• support client retention ethically.

This unit is designed to help you make informed recommendations that support the client’s treatment goals and your business.

What you will be able to do after completing the qualification

Once you have successfully completed the full qualification, you should be able to provide the electrotherapy treatments covered within your programme safely and professionally.

You should feel more confident:

• assessing whether a client is suitable;
• selecting an appropriate electrotherapy modality;
• explaining what the treatment can and cannot achieve;
• choosing safe settings;
• adapting treatment to different skin types and concerns;
• recognising contraindications;
• monitoring the client’s response;
• combining suitable treatment stages;
• providing professional aftercare;
• recommending appropriate future treatments and products;
• recording your decisions;
• evaluating treatment outcomes.

Your professional practice will still be subject to your competence, insurance, equipment training and any licensing or local authority requirements.

How the course is structured

The course combines flexible home study with practical face-to-face training and formal assessment.

You will complete:

• theory and written coursework;
• practical preparation work;
• three practical training days;
• a two-week practice period between each training day;
• hands-on work with models;
• two case studies for each treatment modality;
• three practical observations;
• a regulated portfolio of evidence.

This structure gives you time to learn, practise, receive feedback and improve between practical training days.

Home study and written assignments

A substantial part of the qualification is completed through supported home study.

Your written work will cover the four mandatory units:

• understanding human anatomy and physiology;
• providing facial electrotherapy treatments;
• promoting and selling products and services;
• monitoring and maintaining health and safety in the salon.

Your assignments may include:

• written questions;
• explanations of treatment principles;
• comparison of electrotherapy methods;
• consultation and treatment planning;
• contraindications;
• risk assessment;
• health and safety;
• anatomy and physiology;
• product and service recommendations;
• reflective accounts;
• treatment evaluation.

Your tutor or assessor will mark your work and provide feedback.

Where an answer does not yet meet the required assessment criteria, you will be asked to correct it or provide further information.

This is a normal part of completing a regulated qualification.

Three practical training days

After completing the required theory and preparatory assignments, you will attend three practical training days.

There will normally be a break of approximately two weeks between each training day.

This gives you time to:

• process what you have learned;
• practise the techniques;
• review your feedback;
• identify questions;
• build confidence before progressing;
• avoid trying to absorb every machine and technique in one intensive block.

During the practical training, you will work on at least three models.

Your trainer will guide you through:

• preparing the treatment area;
• consultation;
• skin assessment;
• equipment preparation;
• treatment selection;
• pre-treatment testing;
• safe application;
• adapting settings and techniques;
• monitoring the client;
• post-treatment procedures;
• aftercare;
• equipment cleaning and maintenance;
• completion of treatment records.

Your case studies

After your practical training, you will complete two case studies for each treatment modality.

The case studies allow you to demonstrate that you can apply your learning independently and consistently.

They will help you develop your ability to:

• select suitable clients;
• complete a thorough consultation;
• identify contraindications;
• analyse the skin;
• create an appropriate treatment plan;
• choose suitable equipment and settings;
• carry out the treatment safely;
• adapt the procedure where necessary;
• record results;
• provide aftercare;
• reflect on your performance.

Your assessor will review your case-study evidence and provide feedback.

Case studies must be completed to the required standard before you progress to the final observations.

Three practical observations

Once your case studies have been approved, you will complete three formal practical observations.

These may be carried out face-to-face or remotely through Zoom where the proposed arrangement is suitable and has been agreed by your assessor.

During the observations, you will be assessed on areas including:

• professional presentation;
• preparing the treatment area;
• hygiene and safety;
• consultation;
• skin analysis;
• treatment planning;
• equipment checks;
• modality selection;
• pre-treatment testing;
• practical technique;
• adapting the treatment;
• client care;
• aftercare;
• treatment records;
• equipment cleaning and storage.

You must demonstrate consistent competence across the requirements of the qualification.

How the qualification is assessed

The qualification is internally assessed through a portfolio of evidence.

Your portfolio may include:

• written assignments;
• workbooks or worksheets;
• assessor observations;
• case studies;
• consultation records;
• treatment plans;
• client records;
• risk assessments;
• witness testimony;
• oral and written questioning;
• treatment photographs where appropriate and consented to;
• reflective accounts;
• evidence of product and service recommendations.

You must demonstrate achievement of all learning outcomes and assessment criteria across the four mandatory units.

The qualification will only be awarded once all required work has been:

• completed;
• assessed;
• corrected where necessary;
• internally quality assured;
• confirmed as meeting Focus Awards requirements.

Tutor and assessor support

You will be allocated a tutor or assessor who will guide you through the qualification.

Your tutor will:

• explain the qualification requirements;
• guide you through the written assignments;
• help you prepare for practical training;
• provide feedback on your coursework;
• support your development during the three training days;
• review your case studies;
• identify corrections or additional evidence;
• prepare you for your observations;
• assess your practical competence;
• guide you towards completing your portfolio.

You will still need to take responsibility for:

• completing your home study;
• meeting submission deadlines;
• arranging suitable models;
• practising between training days;
• accessing suitable equipment;
• completing your case studies;
• acting on feedback.

Qualification details

Qualification: Focus Awards Level 3 Certificate in Providing Facial Electrotherapy Treatments (RQF)

Qualification number: 603/7195/X

Qualification level: Level 3

Credit value: 27 credits

Guided learning hours: 237 hours

Total qualification time: 270 hours

Minimum learner age: 16

Assessment method: Portfolio of evidence

Mandatory units

You must complete all four mandatory units.

Understanding Human Anatomy and Physiology

Unit reference: J/618/1664
Level: 3
Credit value: 8
Guided learning hours: 70

Provide Facial Electrotherapy Treatments

Unit reference: L/601/3962
Level: 3
Credit value: 11
Guided learning hours: 104

Promote and Sell Products and Services to Clients

Unit reference: J/601/5337
Level: 3
Credit value: 4
Guided learning hours: 34

Monitor and Maintain Health and Safety Practice in the Salon

Unit reference: R/600/8780
Level: 3
Credit value: 4
Guided learning hours: 29

Products and equipment

You will need access to suitable skincare products, electrotherapy equipment and consumables to complete your practical training, case studies and observations.

Your skincare products are likely to include:

• eye make-up remover;
• cleansers;
• exfoliators;
• toners;
• facial masks;
• moisturisers;
• eye products;
• massage medium;
• suitable serums;
• conductive products;
• SPF.

You will also need access to the relevant equipment, including:

• direct high-frequency unit;
• galvanic unit;
• electrical muscle stimulation equipment;
• microcurrent unit;
• facial lymphatic drainage equipment;
• microdermabrasion unit;
• microlance equipment and suitable single-use consumables;
• magnifying lamp;
• appropriate hygiene and infection-control supplies;
• sharps container where required;
• consultation and treatment documentation.

The exact equipment required should be confirmed with your trainer before you purchase anything.

Different machines operate differently, and your trainer can help you assess whether equipment is suitable for the course requirements and your future professional use.

Choosing your equipment

Do not buy several inexpensive machines simply because they list the correct treatment name.

Before purchasing equipment, consider:

• whether the supplier provides proper operating instructions;
• whether training and technical support are available;
• whether replacement parts and consumables can be sourced;
• whether the machine carries the appropriate conformity markings;
• whether your insurer will cover its use;
• whether it provides suitable control over treatment settings;
• whether it can be cleaned and maintained safely;
• whether it is appropriate for professional rather than home use.

The cheapest option can become the most expensive if the machine is unsuitable, unreliable or cannot be insured.

Your trainer can help you source suitable equipment.

Training locations

Practical training is available at selected Jane Bryan Beauty Training centres, including:

• Tunbridge Wells, Kent
• Rotherham, Yorkshire;
• Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear;

Dates and availability vary between centres.

Course fee

The total course fee is £2,200.  This includes a £350 booking and registration fee.

VAT may apply depending on the centre through which you enrol, as not all Jane Bryan Beauty Training centres are VAT registered.

Your centre will confirm:

• the total amount payable;
• whether VAT applies;
• the payment schedule;
• the learning and assessment included;
• whether products or equipment are included;
• which equipment you will need to purchase or access;
• any additional costs.

Unless your centre confirms otherwise, you should assume that your professional electrotherapy equipment and treatment kit are purchased separately.

What this qualification does not include

This qualification does not include:

• automatic certification after the practical training days;
• a facial or skincare qualification for complete beginners;
• Level 4 advanced skin procedures;
• medical diagnosis;
• medical treatment;
• permission to use equipment outside your competence or insurance;
• guaranteed equipment within the course fee.

You must complete all required theory, practical evidence, case studies and observations before the regulated qualification can be awarded.

Progression opportunities

After successfully completing the qualification and gaining suitable professional experience, you may wish to progress to:

Level 4 Award in Investigative Consultation and Advanced Skin Assessment

This can help you develop a more detailed and structured approach to consultation and skin assessment.

Level 4 Certificate in Aesthetic Practice Core Knowledge and Advanced Skin Science

This provides further study in advanced skin science and core knowledge relevant to aesthetic practice.

Level 4 Certificate in Thermolysis and Cryotherapy for Blemish Removal Treatments

This is suitable for practitioners who want to progress into regulated advanced blemish-removal training, subject to meeting all entry requirements.

You may also wish to progress into other Level 4 skin or aesthetic qualifications where you meet the required prerequisites.

Completing this qualification does not automatically grant entry to every advanced course. Entry requirements, experience and insurance expectations vary.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a CPD element?

No.

This is a regulated Focus Awards qualification only.

There is no separate CPD course or interim CPD certificate.

Do I need a facial qualification?

Focus Awards does not specify an additional formal entry requirement.

However, Jane Bryan Beauty Training recommends that learners already hold a recognised facial or skincare qualification, or have suitable equivalent knowledge and experience.

Please contact us before enrolling if you are unsure.

Is this suitable for complete beginners?

It is not designed to replace essential foundation training in consultation, skin analysis and professional facial treatments.

A beginner may be advised to complete the Level 2 Award in Skincare and Facial Treatments first.

Is the course completed online?

No.

Much of the theory and written work can be completed through home study, but you must also attend three practical training days, complete case studies and undertake three formal observations.

How many practical training days are included?

You will attend three practical training days, normally with a break of approximately two weeks between each day.

How many case studies must I complete?

You must complete two case studies for each treatment modality covered by the programme.

Your trainer will confirm the exact case-study evidence and documentation required.

How many observations are required?

You will complete three formal observations after your case studies have been approved.

These may be face-to-face or remotely observed where appropriate and agreed.

Will I receive my qualification after the practical training?

No.

Attending practical training does not complete the qualification.

You must successfully complete all written assignments, case studies, observations and required portfolio evidence.

Is equipment included?

Unless your centre specifically confirms otherwise, you should assume that equipment and your professional treatment kit are not included.

You will need access to suitable equipment for your case studies and observations.

Can I use one multifunction machine?

Possibly, provided it offers the required treatment modalities, is suitable for professional use and allows you to meet the qualification’s practical requirements.

You should discuss the machine with your trainer before purchasing it.

Can I start treating clients during the course?

You should not offer any electrotherapy treatment professionally until you hold suitable training or qualifications accepted by your insurer.

Because this course does not include an interim CPD certificate, you should discuss your circumstances directly with your trainer and insurer.

Will I learn which treatment is best for different clients?

Yes.

An important part of the course is learning how to consult, assess the skin, recognise contraindications and choose an appropriate modality and treatment plan.

Will I learn advanced skin diagnosis?

No.

You will learn skin assessment within the scope of a beauty and electrotherapy practitioner.

The qualification does not train you to medically diagnose skin disease.

How long will the course take?

The qualification has 237 guided learning hours and 270 total qualification time.

Your actual completion time will depend on:

• your available study time;
• how quickly you complete your written work;
• practical training dates;
• access to models;
• access to suitable equipment;
• completion of case studies;
• observation availability;
• whether corrections or additional evidence are required.

Your trainer will explain the expected completion period and any enrolment deadline before you begin.

Will I receive tutor support?

Yes.

Your allocated tutor or assessor will support you with the written assignments, practical training, case studies, observations and portfolio evidence.

Can this help me progress to Level 4?

Yes.

The qualification may support progression towards selected Level 4 skin, consultation, aesthetic-practice and blemish-removal qualifications, provided you meet their specific entry requirements.

Is this the right qualification for you?

This qualification may be appropriate if you:

• already have foundation facial knowledge;
• want to offer professional facial electrotherapy treatments;
• want more than brief equipment demonstrations;
• want a regulated qualification;
• are prepared to complete substantial theory;
• can attend three practical training days;
• have access to suitable models;
• can access or purchase the necessary equipment;
• are prepared to complete two case studies for each modality;
• can complete three formal observations.

It may not be appropriate if you:

• are a complete beginner with no facial training;
• only want to learn one machine;
• want a short CPD course;
• do not have access to the required equipment;
• cannot complete the case studies or observations;
• are looking for Level 4 advanced skin-procedure training.