Certificate 3 in Hairdressing RPL

Use your experience in the barbering and hairdressing industry to gain a qualification in Hairdressing.

Are you a professional hairdresser?

Are you an experienced hairdresser who has worked their way through the industry and would be interested in getting qualified without having to redo your education?

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is the process for recognising previous learning that has taken place in the workplace and through your life experiences.

Hairdressing Certificate Program

Certificate 3 in Hairdressing RPL

At The Hair Academy, we believe that experience counts.

Our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) pathway lets skilled hairdressers convert their existing expertise into formal, nationally recognised qualifications — without having to repeat what you already know.

What is Hairdressing RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning)?

RPL is a process that evaluates your real-world skills, workplace experience, and knowledge. Rather than completing all training units from scratch, you submit evidence (photos, videos, work history, references) to prove competence.

What Skills and Tasks Are Recognised?

Your existing competence will be assessed across:

Haircut design: Styecuts, layering, precision cuts

Shampooing and grooming services

Colouring and Hair Treatments

Client consultation, advice, and product recommendations

Professional judgement in style, safety, hygiene

Styling and finishing techniques

How the RPL Assessment Works - How do I Start?

1. Gather Evidence

Collect documents, photos, videos and work history to support your industry experience.

2. Complete the RPL Skills Assessment Submission

Submit an RPL application using the online form with your details, skill level, experience and images - we then can gauge your eligibility.

3. Gap Analysis

We identify any missing competencies you might need to top up with targeted training.

4. Assessment & Validation

Your evidence is judged by qualified assessors, possibly including a practical test or interview, where required.

5. Award of Certification

Once approved, you’ll receive your Certificate III in Hairdressing (via RPL) officially.

Outcomes & Career Impact

Work as a qualified hairdresser across salons, barbershops, or freelance

Enhanced credibility and industry recognition

Own and manage your own salon

Want to know more?

Contact the team to discuss options to suit you –
[email protected] or 1800 431 327.

How much does it cost

Depending on your experience and the units you are required to complete for certification, hairdressing professionals can get qualified from as little as $2000. This is for the same Certificate 3 in Hairdressing qualification currently offered at $14995. Participants are required to contribute to the cost of their gap training (only the unit/s that they are require training for).

How long does it take?

It depends on how complete your evidence is. If you already meet most competencies, it can be very fast; otherwise, the gap-fill training phase could take some weeks.

What can I use as evidence?

We recommend you collect as much documentation, photos, videos and work history to support your industry experience.

The more evidence you can provide the faster the process will be. Make sure you include any social pages or websites where your work can be seen and verified.

What if I lack one piece of evidence (e.g. video)?

We may need to guide you to supply alternate proof or have you complete a short supervised practical assessment for that unit.

Do I have to attend the academy?

Depending on your experience and submission we offer flexible assessment options, with online submissions and, where necessary, practical assessments.

The Hair Academy

A modern approach to hairdressing education.

Stage 1 - Introduction to Hairdressing + Technique:

The first stage is all about learning and practicing hairdressing techniques on a mannequin head. This will include the foundations of cutting, colouring , styling and bleaching. You will learn how to handle hair, sectioning, elevations and how to correctly approach cutting hair. You will be introduced to hairdressing tools, how they work, how to hold them and how to correctly use them when dealing with different types of hair and the importance of client care and communication. This stage will set you up with the skills and understanding to move onto the salon floor with confidence.

Stage 2 - Hair Cutting, Styling and Colouring in a Hairdressing Salon

The second stage is taking all your practice techniques into the academy salon and working on real clients. Our training team will guide you and support you as you gain confidence cutting, styling and colouring hair. Trainers will also do live demonstrations to allow you to learn and ask questions around specific hairdressing technique and styling. There is no better way to learn then through hands-on salon experience with real clients.

Stage 3 - Advanced Hairdressing Technique and Skills:

The third stage allows you to focus on advanced techniques, refining your skills and learning finishing techniques. You will learn how to achieve specific hair styles and your trainers will assess the quality of your hairdressing and help you reach certification. This stage will make sure you are industry ready and have the skills to work in a salon. At the stage we also work on your professional styling and hair portfolio.

Stage 4 - Certification:

To reach certification you will need to complete all technique and theory to The Hair Academy standards, have trainer sign off on all working haircuts, techniques and skills, and be able to show your are competent and confident in you ability. Our standard is to train you so that you can finish the course and salon ready. It takes dedication, effort and hard work.

Live Cutting and Styling

The Hair Academy training salon is located on the Gold Coast at Robina Town Centre. This is a live Salon where students learn to cut, colour and style on real customers and learn to work in a live salon environment supervised by our training team. All of our students get the real hairdressing experience cutting, colouring and styling hair – and sweeping the floor.

Fundamentals and Advanced Online Learning

Our online learning platform allows students to access online lessons and video, to help them understand and practice through watching trainers and industry professionals work.  All full time students receive access to The Hair Academy online community.

What our students are saying

"Next level hairdressing education"

"Love the hair academy and the support given throughout my apprenticeship. The guidance, support, and knowledge they have given me is next level!!"

- Sara M

"Experienced & knowledgeable trainers"

"I completed my Cert 3 in Hairdressing with The Hair Academy and loved every minute! The trainers are very experienced and knowledgeable and take pride in their training. Amazing."

- Mikaela G

"Amazing Apprentice education & training"

"We changed our apprentices over to The Hair Academy and have been very impressed with the level of education and hands on training that our apprentices our receiving."

- Ashley W

Join the Community

Have you joined the Hair & Barber Community?

The Hair & Barber Community provides access to education, workshops, live masterclasses, online lessons, video and training tools. You can also showcase your skills and ask advice from the community of like minded individuals.

FREE for all students, apprentices and industry professionals.

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Want to know more?

Get in touch with our Hair & Barber support team though our website chat or contact use via phone or email.

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