Breakdown of Qualifications Needed For Practitioners

The JCCP currently recognises five key treatment areas, each requiring specific qualifications for practitioners to be registered:

  1. Botulinum Toxins
  2. Dermal Fillers
  3. Skin Rejuvenation (Micro Needling and Peels)
  4. Lasers and Light (LIPLED) 
  5. Hair Restoration Surgery

More detailed information can be found below.

Breakdown of qualifications needed for each treatment

The JCCP (Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners) ensures that all practitioners meet the highest standards by requiring the appropriate educational qualifications for each treatment they provide. The level of qualification needed depends on the complexity and risks associated with the treatment. For example, higher-risk procedures such as dermal fillers, botulinum toxin injectables, and hair restoration surgery demand a more advanced level of training to ensure they are performed safely and effectively.

Botulinum Toxins

The Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP) has clear qualifications and standards for practitioners administering botulinum toxin treatments. The JCCP and the Cosmetic Practice Standards Authority (CPSA) have defined clear standards for the education and training for botulinum toxin treatments. These are defined in the JCCP-published competency framework (2018). 

To be registered with the JCCP and practice botulinum toxin treatments, practitioners must meet the following requirements:

  1. Educational Qualifications:
    • Practitioners must complete JCCP-approved training programs in botulinum toxin treatments. These programs ensure that they have gained the necessary theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience to perform the treatment safely and effectively.
    • The minimum qualification required is a level 7 qualification (a postgraduate-level qualification) in non-surgical aesthetic treatments, specifically botulinum toxin injections. This includes a formal study of facial anatomy, patient safety, and the appropriate use of botulinum toxin.
  2. Competency Requirements:
    • Practitioners must demonstrate competency in facial anatomy, ensuring they understand where to inject botulinum toxin for optimal results and safety.
    • They must be skilled in performing a comprehensive patient consultation, understanding the patient’s medical, psychological and emotional history, and providing informed consent.
    • Practitioners must also meet JCCP competency standards for safe practice, which include monitoring and managing potential side effects or complications during and after the treatment.
  3. Clinical Supervision & Practice:
    • Practitioners who are newly qualified or undertaking advanced procedures must receive clinical oversight and supervision from an experienced practitioner during their early treatments, as required by the JCCP's standards.
    • Ongoing professional development (CPD) is required, ensuring practitioners stay up-to-date with the latest techniques, technologies, and industry best practices.
  4. Code of Practice:
    • JCCP-registered practitioners are required to follow a strict Code of Practice that prioritises ethical, professional behaviour. This code ensures that treatments are carried out with the highest levels of safety, care, and respect for the patient’s needs and well-being.

By choosing a JCCP-registered practitioner, you can be confident that they have met the highest standards in both education and practice and are committed to providing safe, ethical treatments with a focus on patient care.

Dermal Fillers

The Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP) has clear qualifications and standards for practitioners providing dermal filler treatments. The JCCP and the Cosmetic Practice Standards Authority (CPSA) have defined clear standards for the education and training for dermal filler treatments and are registered with the JCCP. These are defined in the JCCP-published competency framework (2018). 

To be registered with the JCCP and practise dermal filler treatments, practitioners must meet the following requirements:

  1. Educational Qualifications:
    • Practitioners must complete JCCP-approved training programs in dermal fillers. This training ensures they have the necessary knowledge of facial anatomy and the skills to administer fillers safely.
    • The minimum requirement for dermal filler treatment is a Level 7 qualification in non-surgical aesthetic procedures. This is a postgraduate-level qualification that covers important areas like patient assessment, understanding product types, and proper injection techniques.
  2. Competency Requirements:
    • Practitioners must demonstrate competency in facial anatomy, ensuring they know where and how to inject the filler for optimal results and safety.
    • They must be skilled in performing a comprehensive patient consultation, understanding the patient’s medical, psychological and emotional history, and providing informed consent.
    • They must also be able to manage potential complications, including how to address side effects like swelling or infection and be prepared to act quickly if a serious issue arises.
  3. Clinical Supervision & Practice:
    • For those new to dermal fillers, or when administering advanced treatments, clinical supervision and mentorship are essential. This helps ensure that the practitioner is gaining the experience they need under expert guidance.
    • Ongoing professional development (CPD) is required for JCCP practitioners to stay up-to-date with the latest techniques, products, and best practices in dermal filler treatments.
  4. Code of Practice:
    • JCCP-registered practitioners must adhere to a Code of Practice, which ensures they provide treatments ethically and safely. This includes offering clear, informed consent to patients, and ensuring that the patient’s needs are prioritised throughout the process.

By choosing a JCCP-registered practitioner, you can feel confident knowing they meet the highest standards in education and competency, ensuring safe and effective treatment.

Skin rejuvenation

Skin rejuvenation treatments can be used to address a variety of skin concerns, including fine lines, sun damage, acne scars, and uneven skin tone. By utilising different methods to exfoliate, hydrate, and stimulate collagen production, these treatments can help restore the skin's vitality and improve its texture. The JCCP currently regulates the following procedures for skin rejuvenation:

  • Chemical Peels: Involve the application of a chemical solution to exfoliate the skin.
  • Mesotherapy: Involves microinjections of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients into the skin to nourish and rejuvenate.
  • Microneedling: Uses fine needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating collagen production and skin renewal.

Summary of Key Requirements:

  1. Level 4 qualification in Skin Rejuvenation (minimum requirement).
  2. VTCT Level 4 Award in Laser and Light Treatments for Skin Rejuvenation for those performing laser and IPL treatments.
  3. Level 7 qualification (optional, for advanced techniques).
  4. Demonstrated competency in facial and skin anatomy, injection techniques, laser/light treatment, and patient consultation.
  5. Clinical supervision and practical experience for new practitioners.
  6. Ongoing CPD to maintain competence and stay current with new practices.

Adherence to a Code of Practice, ensuring ethical and patient-centred care.

Laser and Light Therapy (LIPLED) / Energy-Based Devices

The Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP) has set clear qualifications and standards for practitioners who perform laser and light treatments, including Laser Hair Removal, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), and Light-Emitting Diode (LED) therapies. These treatments can address a wide range of cosmetic concerns, such as hair removal, skin pigmentation, acne treatment, and skin rejuvenation. The JCCP and the Cosmetic Practice Standards Authority (CPSA) have defined clear standards for the education and training for laser and light treatments and are registered with the JCCP. These are defined in the JCCP-published competency framework (2018).

Summary of Key Requirements:

  1. Level 4 qualification in Laser and Light Treatments (minimum requirement).
  2. VTCT Level 4 Award in Laser and Light Treatments for Skin Rejuvenation for those performing IPL or laser-based skin treatments.
  3. Level 5 qualification (optional, for advanced laser treatments).
  4. Competency in using lasers and light devices, patient assessment, and understanding laser physics and skin anatomy.
  5. Clinical supervision and practical experience for new practitioners.
  6. Ongoing CPD to ensure proficiency in new technology and treatment methods.
  7. Adherence to a Code of Practice ensures ethical, safe, and patient-focused care.

By choosing a JCCP-registered practitioner for laser and light treatments, you can be confident that they meet the highest standards in education, competency, and patient care, ensuring safe and effective treatment outcomes.

Hair Restoration Surgery

The Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP) has set strict qualifications and standards for practitioners performing Hair Restoration Surgery. This includes procedures such as Hair Transplant Surgery and Prosthetic Hair Fibre Implantation. These surgical procedures are used to restore hair in areas where it has been lost or never existed, such as for male and female pattern baldness, eyebrow restoration, post-surgical scars, and other aesthetic needs.

The JCCP and the Cosmetic Practice Standards Authority (CPSA) have defined clear standards for the education and training for hair restoration surgery and are registered with the JCCP. These are defined in the JCCP-published competency framework (2018).

Summary of Key Requirements:

  1. Medical Qualifications: Practitioners must be qualified doctors registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) to perform hair restoration surgery.
  2. Specialised Training: Practitioners must complete training in hair restoration surgery, specifically in FUE and FUT techniques.
  3. Competency in Hair Transplantation: Ability to perform hair restoration procedures, including harvesting and transplanting follicles effectively.
  4. Comprehensive Patient Assessment: Thorough assessment of patient suitability for surgery, including consultation and managing patient expectations.
  5. Clinical Supervision: New practitioners must be supervised by experienced surgeons when performing their first surgeries.
  6. Ongoing CPD: Continuing professional development to ensure practitioners stay updated with advances in surgical techniques.
  7. Code of Practice: Adherence to a Code of Practice ensures ethical, safe, and effective treatment, with emphasis on patient care and safety.
  8. Post-Surgery Aftercare: Practitioners must provide clear aftercare instructions and ensure the patient’s recovery and optimal results.


By choosing a JCCP-registered practitioner for hair restoration surgery, patients can be confident that they are receiving care from a qualified professional who meets the highest standards of safety, education, and ethics in the field.