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.
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).
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.
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.
We may need to guide you to supply alternate proof or have you complete a short supervised practical assessment for that unit.
Depending on your experience and submission we offer flexible assessment options, with online submissions and, where necessary, practical assessments.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
"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

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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