Key details
Duration
This program is delivered over a period of one (1 year) full-time. The length of time to complete this qualification will depend on the location, study mode and selected units. Refer to the relevant course information flyer for further information.
* - Student Visa holders must study internally full time
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsOverview
This qualification reflects the role of skilled senior hairdressers who use a range of highly developed sales, consultation and technical skills and knowledge to provide a broad range of hairdressing services to clients.
These senior hairdressers provide specialist services in one or more areas including haircutting, design, colouring and complex colour correction, trichology and chemical reformation. They work independently and many hairdressers at this level provide technical leadership, training and support to team members.
The qualification provides a pathway to work as a senior hairdresser in a salon environment, a freelance session stylist or a technical advisor in product companies.
Career opportunities
Occupations relevant to this qualification in industry sectors such as Services Industry, Hairdressing include:
>salon manager
>salon owner
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Skill recognition
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
RPL is the acknowledgement of a person's skills and knowledge acquired through previous training, work or life experience, which may be used to grant status or credit in a subject regardless of how and where they were attained, including overseas.
This can include skills from:
- Previous study excluding courses at another VET/TAFE institution, but including courses at school or college, through adult education classes or training programs at work;
- Work experience (including both work that is paid and unpaid); and/or
- Life experience (for example leisure pursuits or voluntary work).
RPL is a form of assessment. It is used to determine whether a person has acquired, through formal or informal learning, the skills and experience consistent with the stated competency standards that comprise a qualification. RPL is not time referenced, so there are no parameters on how or when the skills are acquired. However, the skills that have been acquired through life experience etc., must be current and must match the elements and performance criteria contained in the individual unit.
Students seeking RPL need to indicate this on their enrolment form at the time of enrolment.
For further information please refer to the Applicant's Guide to the Recognition of Prior Learning or contact Student Central on 1800 061 963 (free call) or email Student.Central@cdu.edu.au.
Credit Transfer
Charles Darwin University as a Registered Training Organisation recognises the Australian Qualifications Framework qualifications and Statement of Attainments issued by any other Australian Registered Training Organisation.
Students are encouraged to submit any requests for credit from previous studies at the time of enrolment, to ensure they are not enrolling in units they may not need to undertake.
In order to apply for exemption/credit transfer from units completed at another training organisation, you will need to complete an Application for Exemption Form available from any campus, centre, or team, or a copy of the form can be obtained from the web.
Your completed Application for Exemption form together with attached documentary evidence (certified copy of Qualification/Statement of Attainment) to support your request for exemption/credit transfer should be submitted directly to the University either in person or by mail. Requests without documentary evidence will not be processed and will be returned to students. There are no fees attached to Credit Transfers.
Pathways
VET to Higher Education Pathway Mapping for completed Awards in the same field or discipline.
Pathways from the qualification
Further training pathways from this qualification include but are not limited to SHB40216 Certificate IV in Hairdressing or another higher-level qualification from the SHB Hairdressing and Beauty Services Training Package.
Fees
2022 fees
This course is free for eligible students who receive an NT Domestic Subsidised place or $12,180.00 for Domestic Full fee places. Actual fees will vary according to your choice of units.
International tuition Fees
The annual tuition fee for commencing students in 2022 is AUD $15,000.00.
These fees are subject to annual increases each year of your study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.
Course information flyer(s)
Why study at CDU?
Study with the Territory's largest provider of Vocational Education and Training (VET) and gain industry-ready skills and experience. Whether you're a high school student or a working professional, we've got the courses and qualifications you want plus the support and flexibility you need to succeed.
- Learn from expert lecturers and industry professionals
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning to qualify faster
What will I study?
To achieve SHB30516 Certificate III in Barbering a total of twenty-six (26) units of competency must be completed comprising twenty-one (21) Core and five (5) Elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below. The electives offered may vary between campuses.
Course structure
The total Nominal Hours for the sequence listed below is 755 - 825.
Code | Module/Unit of Competency | Hours |
CORE UNITS OF COMPETENCY | ||
BSBSUS201 | Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices | 20 |
SHBHBAS001 | Provide shampoo and basin services | 40 |
SHBHCUT001 | Design haircut structures | 20 |
SHBHCUT002* | Create one length or solid haircut structures | 30 |
SHBHCUT003* | Create graduated haircut structures | 35 |
SHBHCUT004* | Create layered haircut structures | 35 |
SHBHCUT005* | Cut hair using over-comb techniques | 35 |
SHBHCUT007* | Create combined traditional and classic men’s haircut structures | 45 |
SHBHCUT009* | Cut hair using freehand clipper techniques | 25 |
SHBHCUT011 | Design and maintain beards and moustaches | 20 |
SHBHCUT012 | Shave heads and faces | 25 |
SHBHCUT013 | Provide men’s general grooming services | 25 |
SHBHDES001 | Dry hair to shape | 40 |
SHBHIND001 | Maintain and organise tools, equipment and work areas | 20 |
SHBHIND003 | Develop and expand a client base | 35 |
SHBHTRI001 | Identify and treat hair and scalp conditions | 25 |
SHBXCCS001 | Conduct salon financial transactions | 25 |
SHBXCCS002 | Provide salon services to clients | 35 |
SHBXIND001 | Comply with organisational requirements within a personal services environment | 45 |
SHBXIND002 | Communicate as part of a salon team | 30 |
SHBXWHS001 | Apply safe hygiene, health and work practices | 40 |
Total nominal hours for core units | 650 | |
ELECTIVE UNITS OF COMPETENCY (select 5 from the following) | ||
ICTWEB201 | Use social media tools for collaboration and engagement (unnamed) | 20 |
SHBHBAS002 | Provide head, neck and shoulder massages for relaxation | 20 |
SHBHCUT006* | Create combined haircut structures | 45 |
SHBHCUT010 | Create haircuts using tracks and carving | 30 |
SHBHDES002 | Braid hair (unnamed) | 30 |
SHBHIND002 | Research and use hairdressing industry information | 15 |
SHBXCCS004 | Recommend products and services | 20 |
SIRRINV001 | Receive and handle retail stock | 35 |
SIRRMER001 | Produce visual merchandise displays | 35 |
Total nominal hours for elective units | 105 - 175 | |
Total nominal hours for the qualification | 755 - 825 |
NOTE: Units marked with an asterisk (*) require completion of the following pre-requisite unit(s):
Pre-requisites | The pre-requisite unit to be completed prior to the units below |
SHBHCUT001 Design haircut structures | SHBHCUT002 Create one length or solid haircut structures |
SHBHCUT002 Create one length or solid haircut structures | SHBCUT006 Create combined haircut structures |
SHBHCUT003 Create graduated haircut structures | SHBCUT006 Create combined haircut structures SHBCUT007 Create combined traditional and classic men’s haircut structures |
SHBHCUT004 Create layered haircut structures | SHBCUT006 Create combined haircut structures SHBCUT007 Create combined traditional and classic men’s haircut structures |
SHBHCUT005 Cut hair using over-comb techniques | SHBCUT007 Create combined traditional and classic men’s haircut structures |
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
CDU Domestic Entry Requirements
There are no entry requirements for SHB30516 Certificate III in Barbering; however the full-time course is designed for applicants over the age of 21. Students need to complete an online or paper literacy and numeracy assessment; to show they have an appropriate level of LLN skills to participate successfully in the course and to identify any additional support needs.
To ensure you have the right skills and support to succeed in your course, a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LL&N) evaluation helps identify any areas where you may need additional support to help you achieve your goals.
Essential requirements
English language requirements
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education in an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
IELTS Academic Module | A minimum overall score of 5.5 with no band less than 5.0. |
Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 165. |
Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | |
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 42 with no less than 36 in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. |
TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 46 with a minimum writing score of 21. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
All the lessons included theory and practical. We got to train with real clients in a busy environment and I got so much out of that.
Loan
CDU Student

Course details
Accreditation
This is a current, nationally accredited qualification from the SHB Hairdressing and Beauty Services Training Package.
VET for secondary schools
VET for Secondary Students (VSS)
Select VSS for more detail about this program.
Employability skills
Employability Skills are embedded in the training and assessment of national training package qualifications. Information on the Employability Skills relevant to your qualification can be obtained by visiting this website and keying in the national code for the qualification: training.gov.au
Location and study mode
Delivery at all locations is subject to sufficient demand and resources.
Locations:Palmerston
Study Mode: On campus
This qualification is available to international students at Palmerston campus (CRICOS Course No. 0101701). Please refer to VET International for the course and fee information.
Additional information
Contact details
Email:Student.Central@cdu.edu.au. Phone: (08) 8946 7766 or 1800 061 963 (free call). |
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How to apply
How to apply for domestic students
CDU VET has several pathways for you to apply.
Visit How to apply for CDU VET courses for more information.
Admission requirements for domestic students
Before applying, you may want to check if you meet the admission requirements for studying with CDU.
CDU has many pathways to study, so don't worry if you don't meet the admission requirements right now. There is a study pathway to get you started on your journey.
Not sure if you are a domestic or international student?
That's OK - it can be a little tricky to know the difference.
To help you out, we've put together a guide to answer any questions you might have.
How to apply for international students
Applications to CDU must be submitted online.
The process is simple, all you need is a valid email address to create your online account.
Once you have started the application you will have the option of saving your application and resuming it at a later date.
There is no application fee when you apply online.
Find a CDU agent partner
Applicants may seek further information about international education in Australia from the Australian Government Department of Education and Training or from our overseas / external representatives.
To help with the process, we've compile a list of authorised representatives.
Not sure if you are a domestic or international student?
That's OK - it can be a little tricky to know the difference.
To help you out, we've put together a guide to answer any questions you might have.
Things like the difference between domestic and international students or the difference between course types like VET and undergraduate.
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