Guidance for aesthetic medicine qualifications

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Page(s)
Assessment Overview .....................................................................3
A. Candidate Guidance: Short Answer Questions (SAQs) ...........3
i) Descriptor Verb Definitions ..........................................................3
ii) General Writing Guidance ...........................................................4 - 8
iii) SAQ Specific Guidance ..............................................................8 - 11
B. Candidate Guidance: Objective Structured
Clinical Examination’s (OCSE’s) .....................................................11
i) General OSCE Guidance ...............................................................11 - 13
C. Assessor Guidance: Short Answer Questions (SAQs) .............14
i) SAQ Specific Guidance .................................................................14 - 15
ii) SAQ Paper Release .......................................................................15
D. Assessor Guidance: Objective Structured
Clinical Examination’s (OSCE’s) ....................................................16
i) General OSCE Guidance ..............................................................16 - 18
ii) OSCE Paper Release.....................................................................18
E. Candidate and Assessor Guidance:
Treatment Observation and Administration ...................................19
i) Delivery Guidance .........................................................................19
ii) Assessment Guidance..................................................................20 - 21
F. Portfolio of Evidence Submission Content ………………….......21 - 22

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Assessment Overview
There are three forms of assessment for this qualification:
1. Short Answer Questions (SAQs): Essays
2. Objective Structured Clinical Examination’s (OSCE’s): Simulation based Practical Examinations
2. Clinical Treatments: Observed and Administered BT and DF treatments
A. Candidate Guidance: Short Answer Questions (SAQs)
i) Descriptor Verb Definitions
Descriptor
Verb
Level of
Detail
Required
Explanation: Definition/ Expected Content
Critically
Analyse/
Evaluate Highest
Lowest
Give your verdict as to what extent a statement or findings are true, or to what extent
you agree with them. Provide evidence taken from a wide range of sources which both
agree with and contradict an argument. Come to a final conclusion, basing your
decision on what you judge to be the most important factors and justify how you have
made your choice.
Critically
Compare/
Contrast
Give your verdict as to the similarities and differences between two or more
phenomena. State and explain if any of the shared similarities or differences are more
important than others. Provide/ draw upon evidence taken from a wide range of
sources.
Critically
Appraise
Give your verdict as to the value or quality of a specific issue/ topic and include
examples where appropriate. Provide/ draw upon evidence taken from a wide range of
sources.
Evaluate See Critically Evaluate
Formulate To develop a method to address a specific issue/ topic.
Analyse
Break an issue into its constituent parts. Look in depth at each part using supporting
arguments and evidence for and against as well as how these interrelate to one
another.
Compare
Identify the similarities and differences between two or more phenomena. Say if any of
the shared similarities or differences are more important than others.
Contrast
Similar to compare but focus on the dissimilarities between two or more
phenomena, or what sets them apart. Point out any differences which are
particularly significant.
Explain
Clarify a topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurs, or what is
meant by the use of this term in a particular context. Your writing should have clarity so
that complex procedures or sequences of events can be understood, defining key terms
where appropriate, and be substantiated with relevant research.
Assess
Weigh up to what extent something is true. Persuade the reader of your argument by
citing relevant research but also remember to point out any flaws and counter-
arguments as well. Conclude by stating clearly how far you are in agreement with the
original proposition.
Describe Provide a detailed explanation as to how and why something happens.
Identify
Determine what the key points to be addressed are and the implications thereof. Can
often be thought of as a list.

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ii) General Writing Guidance
This section is intended as a practical guide to writing your assignment. Please note that this guidance is
also available within the assessment brief.
Initial Questions
There are a number of questions you should ask yourself before starting to write:
1. What are the assessment criteria I need to cover?
It is worth taking time before writing to understand what the assessment is looking for. If there is anything
you do not understand, you need to find out before you start.
2. What are the questions that need to be answered?
This might sound an odd question to be asked, but experienced tutors will tell you how distressing it can be
when someone has spent a lot of time and effort on an assignment and not really answered the question
which has been set!
3. How can I plan the work?
Make a list of everything you need to do, and plan when you need to complete each stage by e.g. research,
plan of written work, first draft etc. Plan out your written work before you start, as it will save time if you know
which order you are going to write things in at the start. Then, stick to your plan.
4. What are the key words in the question?
Pay particular attention to the key words in the question e.g. analyse, explain, describe and make sure you
are doing what the question asks you to do. If you describe something when the question asks for an
analysis, you will not get the marks.
5. What do these key words mean?
Make sure you know what the different key words mean. If you are not sure, ask your tutor so you can be
sure you are doing the right thing when you are answering the question.
6. How many examples to provide?
If the questions asks for “examples” or “differences” (in the plural) you should provide a minimum of two
unless otherwise stated; however if it asks for the “main issues” or “key points” you must provide these
however many there are.
7. What critical review and reflection needs to take place?
You should always critically review your own work and think about how you can improve it. Ideally, you will
have time to do this before you hand it in for marking, but you should also review it and reflect on the
process after you have received your assignment and mark back. Think about what you could have done
better and what you have learned from the process that you can use next time.

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Approach to researching and writing assignments
1. Plan: this is perhaps the most important part of the process.
You may find it useful to begin by brainstorming ideas and sources of information essential for
successful completion of the assignment with other students. It is always useful to receive feedback on
the initial plan from your tutor.
2. Read: the qualification material and content will support the provision of answers to the
assignment questions. If further reading/research is used in support of answers, evidence of source
must be provided.*
3. Style: your writing style should be clear, accurate and succinct. The style of writing should flow
and paragraphs should be linked. The presentation of each component within the assignment should
be of a high standard with accurate spelling, punctuation and grammar.
4. Review criteria: you will find it very useful to re-check your assignment against the assessment
criteria to ensure that you have included everything that will be assessed.
*References/ citations
Remember to reference any books, journals, websites or other resources you use in support of work
provided within this assignment. There are no requirements within this assignment for a particular format/
style of referencing. However, the examples below follow the Harvard referencing system, a style
that should be familiar to the majority of learners hence use within the present guide.
Referencing Examples
Citing in the Body of the Text:
When reference is made in the text to a particular document, the author or editor, compiler or translator,
individual or organisation with the year of publication inserted in brackets.
This concept is discussed by Jones, B (1998). Quotations:
1. Short quotations may be run into the text with name and date following the quotation Singe, P (1990)
p5 said that “Learning organisation is possible”
2. Longer quotations should be separated from the rest of the text by means of indentation and optional
size reduction “Learning organisations are possible because, deep down, we are all learners. No
one has to teach an infant to learn. In fact no one has to teach infants anything. They are
intrinsically inquisitive, masterful learners, who learn to walk, speak, and pretty much run their
households all on their own.” Senge P. (1990) p5
3. Note in all cases the page number(s) should appear after the date in the text.

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Book References:
1. Author(s) and Editors
 Surname first, followed by first name(s) or initials (be consistent) Senge P.
2. Year of publication
 If not known use n.d. or if unsure put a question mark by date (1997?).
3. Title
 Capitalise the first letter of the first word and any proper nouns.
 Use bold, italics or underline but be consistent.
4. Edition
 Only include if not first edition.
5. Place of publication and publisher
 Use a colon to separate these elements.
 f not given use: s.l. (no place) and s.n. (no publisher)
6. Page numbers
 Include if referring to a specific quotation.
Example: Senge, P. (1990) The Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of The Learning Organisation:
Century Business London
Journal References:
1. Author
2. Year of publication
3. Title of article
4. Title of journal (use bold, italic or underlined- as for complete books)
5. Volume number
6. Issue number and/or date
7. Page number
Example: Stone, K (2005) Influential People in ‘Manager’ The British Journal of Administrative
Management. June/July 2005 p15

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Web Page References:
1. Author of the page if known (use the first few words of the page title if not known)
2. As far as possible use the same information as you would provide for a print reference (author, date,
title)
3. Web address
4. Date retrieved
Example: Abolish Politicians Website (no date) Retrieved on 30th August 2000
Example: Grassian, E (1999). Thinking Critically about World Wide Web Resources. Retrieved on
18th August 2000 from the World Wide Web: / stop http://www.libray.ucla.edu.libraried/college/insttruct/wev/
crital.htm
Plagiarism:
Candidates commit plagiarism when they copy, very closely imitate, paraphrase or cut and paste someone
else’s work, ideas, and/or language and present it as their own.
It is the responsibility of the centre to:
1. Explain what plagiarism is and why it is wrong to plagiarise
2. Explain the concept of intellectual property; the ownership of words, concepts, electronic materials, etc.
3. Develop centre policies to prevent plagiarism
4. Explain the consequences of committing plagiarism
5. Set differentiated, individual assignments for each candidate
Plagiarism is not permitted across any element submitted as part of the candidate portfolio of evidence. This
includes SAQ answers. If plagiarism is detected, this will result in a fail and penalties may be imposed. It is
the responsibility of the centre to ensure the authenticity of all candidate submitted work as submissions will
be scrutinized using ‘turnitin’ software.

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iii) SAQ Specific Guidance
To prepare for the assignment, you must first read through the entirety of the SAQ assignment document.
The SAQ assignment covers the assessment of knowledge and understanding across six of the eight units
within the IQ Level 7 Certificate in Injectables for Aesthetic Medicine.
Mapping to Qualification Specification
The table below outlines the requirements of the SAQ assignment, per unit, with reference to the
qualification specification (linked above).
General Advice
The short answer questions (SAQs) detailed within the assignment focus upon the aesthetic medicine
industry, specifically referring to the modalities of botulinum toxin and dermal filler administration. All SAQs
are grouped/ divided in accordance with the units to which they adhere (see specification above).
Answer all 34 questions set out within the assignment. It is important to read all of the question text as
additional answer specific advice may be provided. An example could be the permissible use of a table.
Where specific examples are required as part of the answering of a question, this requirement is made clear
within the question text.
If further reading/research is used in the answering of any question, the original source of the supporting
material must be made clear within the answer. We recommend the Harvard system of referencing to
promote consistency, however referencing in this style is not a requirement of this qualification.
Answers provided to assignment questions must not contain any plagiarised material. Submissions will be
scrutinised for plagiarism using ‘turnitin’ software. If plagiarism is detected, this will result in a fail and
penalties may be imposed.
Unit Title
Number of Assignment
Questions
(SAQs)
1 Principles of history, ethics, and law in aesthetic medicine 4
2 Principles of treatment in aesthetic medicine 8
3 Principles of cosmetic psychology in aesthetic medicine 4
4 Principles of dermatology in aesthetic medicine 7
5 Principles of botulinum toxin use in aesthetic medicine 6
7 Principles of dermal filler use in aesthetic medicine 5
Total 34

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Answers to questions must evidence knowledge and understanding correlating with the demands set out
within the qualification specification. Each SAQ is mapped the assessment criteria (from within the
specification) to which it adheres. It is therefore strongly recommended that you obtain and read through
the qualification specification prior to answering the SAQs contained within the assignment.
Pay particular attention to three components within each SAQ that will help to shape the level of
detail and analysis required within each answer:
1) The number of subsections within the question:
 Each SAQ has been divided into one or more subsections, labelled A-Z.
 Answers must address all subsections contained within a particular SAQ. Omission of one or more
subsections within an answer will result in the failure of the implicated SAQ.
 Subsection specific guidance, where required, is written in italics beneath the subsection text
 The maximum number of marks available for each subsection is made clear following the subsection
text.
 It is strongly recommended that SAQ answers are structured and divided in accordance with the
number of subsections.
2) The descriptor verb used to set the question; Critically analyse, critically compare,
critically contrast, critically evaluate, critically appraise, evaluate, contrast, analyse, explain,
assess, describe, identify:
 The descriptor verb highlights the level of detail expected within each answer. This expectation
correlates with the qualification specification and the mark scheme
 There may be more than one descriptor verb used within a question of multiple subsections.
 For clarity, the descriptor verb has been underlined and made bold within the SAQ text
 Please refer to the definitions section below for additional information with regards to the specific
requirements per descriptor verb.
3) The word count; SAQ specific and clearly indicated following the question text:
 The word count should be used as a guide to the expected size of each SAQ answer.
 The word count is provided as a range to permit a range of response.
 Where a word count is provided for a question with multiple subsections, this is the cumulative word
count for all subsections combined.
 A 10% leeway either side of this range is permitted before marks are deducted.
Time Limit
Whilst there is no formal time limit for SAQ completion, there is a time frame for the validity of the SAQ
assignment. We strongly recommend that all candidates complete and submit the assignment within a 6
month window- adhering to the published moderation and awarding timetable, downloadable from the IQ
website.

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Submission Format
Answer all questions on a singular word document. Ensure each page has a header/footer containing your
unique candidate number and the page number. Reference the question number prior to providing each
answer. In addition to the assignment answers, ensure the provision of two documents:
1. A title page at the start of the document, stating your centre, candidate number, assessment number
and date of assignment completion. Make this your first page.
2. A declaration page that states that the work is your own work and you are aware of plagiarism and
have not plagiarised anything. The declaration must be signed and dated. Make this your final page.
Templates for the above two documents can be found within the assignment.
Submitting the Assignment
Upon completing the assignment, you will have a word document containing; a title page, the assignment
answers and a declaration page. You must upload this document to your own specific landing portal/
portfolio of evidence to formalise the submission of this assignment.
Assignment Grading
The assignment will contribute towards your portfolio of evidence for this qualification. SAQ answers will be
graded by the assessor and collectively can provide a maximal weight of 24% of the total available
qualification marks.
As detailed in the qualification specification, for each SAQ, you are required to achieve a minimum of 55%
of the available SAQ marks, in order to pass. Failure to achieve 55% within a particular SAQ will result in the
repetition of all of the SAQs within the implicated unit(s) until a pass can be achieved. Alternative assignment
material will be provided in these cases to prevent the predictability of assessment material.
Final Checklist
Each Assignment document must contain:
1. A title page, stating your centre, candidate number, assessment number and date of assignment
completion
2. A declaration that states that the work is your own work and you are aware of plagiarism and have not
plagiarised anything. The declaration must be signed and dated.
3. Your candidate number on each page e.g. In the header/footer
4. Numbering of assignment tasks or questions correlating with that of the assignment brief
5. Numbered pages
6. A word count following each SAQ answer
7. A bibliography (if appropriate)

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B. Candidate Guidance: Objective Structured Clinical Examination’s (OCSE’s)
i) General OSCE Guidance
There are eight OSCE stations that can be divided into two different categories: Tasks and Scenarios.
Tasks: Answer the task as indicated within the OSCE question text. Provide the answer verbally,
to your assessor. The maximum marks available, per OSCE station, are indicated within the OSCE titles.
Scenarios: Respond to the scenario as indicated within the scenario description. There are two
different formats of response:
1) Verbal Response Only:
You are expected to respond to the scenario: (a) verbally (only).
(a) Verbal responses are to be provided to the assessor, who should be treated as the subject
detailed within the OSCE scenario text. The assessor will role play the identity of this subject to
promote assessment validity and enable/propagate scenario fulfilment.
Where/ if the provision of information is required; verbally explain the content of this information in place of
physical provision.
For example: If a specific OSCE scenario was to indicate the need for a post treatment client
consultation with a client exhibiting symptoms of unmet expectations, the required stages and contents of
this particular consultation must be acted out verbally with the assessor, who will interact and respond where
appropriate.
2) Verbal Response and Demonstration (via Simulation):
You are expected to respond to the scenario in two ways: (a) Verbally AND (b) through the simulation based
demonstration of a treatment relevant activity.
(a) The verbal element can be considered as above: (Verbal responses are to be provided to the
assessor, who should be treated as the subject detailed within the OSCE scenario text. The assessor
will role play the identity of this subject to promote assessment validity and enable/propagate scenario
fulfilment)
(b) Demonstration/ action based responses must be simulated using the resources provided.* The
scope of the simulation is made clear within the OSCE scenario text. Whilst enacting the scenario
designated demonstrations/ actions, you are expected to talk through these actions (out loud) for video
footage purposes.
Where/if the provision of information is required; verbally explain the content of this information in place of
physical provision.
For example: If a specific OSCE scenario was to indicate the need to perform a particular treatment
upon a client, the required stages and contents of the associated consultation must be acted out verbally
with the assessor who will interact and respond where appropriate. The pre-treatment preparatory actions
and during treatment actions must be demonstrated, via simulation, using the resources provided.

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It will always be indicated within the OSCE scenario text whether the expected response is:
1. Verbal Response Only
OR
2. Verbal Response and Demonstration (via Simulation)
Resource Provision:
It is the centres responsibility to provide the following resources to enable OSCE completion:
 Sink and working taps AND/OR hand sanitizer/ alcohol gel
 PPE (gloves, sharp bins)
 Standardised consent forms
 Skin disinfectant (i.e. chlorhexidine)
 Injecting equipment
 Botulinum toxin (real/mock vials)
 Dermal filler (real/mock vials)
 Hyaluronidase (real/mock vials)
 Injectable facial manikin
 Digital camera (for mock pre/post treatment photography)
General Advice
Your performance within each OSCE station will be marked by the assessor in accordance with an OSCE
specific mark scheme. The maximum marks available, per OSCE station, are indicated within the question
text. This indication can be used as a rough guide to the expected number of components to give within an
OSCE answer. For example, if there are 10 marks available, there are 10 expected components within the
OSCE station response.
The assessment criteria satisfied within each OSCE station are specified below the OSCE task/scenario text
in a table titled ‘Mapping to Specification’. This can be used as a guide to the expected scope of an
answer.
Referring to scenario based OSCEs only:
Marks can be lost for clinically important omissions within each OSCE station response. If marks are lost, it
will not be possible to pass the implicated OSCE station without resit. Examples of important omissions
include:
 Key elements of unsafe practice
 Partial completion of the assigned scenario (e.g. if the scenario requires actions A and B, but only
action A is enacted)
 Lack of referral to the client detail provided within the scenario text
It is vital to take the scenarios seriously, and to maintain the professional image that is expected of an
aesthetic medicine practitioner.

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Time Limit
A maximum of one hour is available for the completion of each OSCE station. It is permissible to use less
than this one hour allotment. We estimate that each OSCE station will require approximately 4hrs of private
study; using centre provided learning materials and independent research.
OSCE Grading
Completed OSCEs will contribute towards your portfolio of evidence for this qualification. OSCEs will be
graded by the assessor and collectively can provide a maximal weight of 32% of the total available
qualification marks.
As detailed within the specification, for each OSCE station you are required to achieve a minimum of 55% of
the available OSCE marks, in order to pass. Failure to achieve 55% within a particular OSCE station will
result in the repetition of the implicated station until a pass can be achieved. Alternative assignment material
will be provided in these cases to prevent the predictability of assessment material.
Quality Assurance
Please be aware: OSCE station responses will be filmed for quality assurance purposes and will be
sampled at moderation, prior to awarding.

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C. Assessor Guidance: Short Answer Questions (SAQs)
i) SAQ Specific Guidance
Assignments must be assessed against the candidate’s level of knowledge and understanding, analysis and
evaluation. The necessity of adherence to each of these requirements is question specific, and is indicated
by the descriptor verb within each question.
Candidates must only be awarded marks for what they actually produce. At the same time, candidates
should not have marks deducted simply because points raised were not included in the marking guide.
Whilst we recognise the importance of a coherent marking scheme, we also appreciate the dynamism of the
field of aesthetic medicine. As such, the mark scheme sets out the indicators that assessors should consider
when awarding marks but assessors should use their judgement to decide whether there are other valid
points that will affect the marks awarded.
To assist with this process, a comment box is included within each mark scheme to permit the identification
of question specific alternative answers. This is to be filled in if/when required, and it is the responsibility of
the assessor to alert
Industry Qualifications to these comments. These comments will be discussed at the awarding meeting prior
to implementation within the mark scheme (see section 5 of the mark scheme overview below).*
Responses to each short answer question (SAQ) can score a maximum of 10 marks. Half marks are not
awarded.
As the pass mark per SAQ is 55%, candidates require a minimum score of 6/10 in every SAQ in order to
pass the assignment. Failure to achieve this minimum mark will result in the repetition of all of the SAQs
associated with the unit in which the failure occurred. In this case, new versions of assessment material will
be provided to the candidate to prevent the predictability of assignment content. It is the centres
responsibility to alert IQ to this requirement. Plagiarised scripts should automatically be failed. It is the
centre’s responsibility to ensure that learners are fully aware of the plagiarism rules.
Scripts where the level of English is below acceptable standards should not be marked. It is the centre’s
responsibility to assess candidates at enrolment and ensure that this level of qualification is appropriate for
them and that they will be able to work at this level.

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Mark Scheme Overview
For ease of use, the mark scheme is divided into five columns:
For each SAQ: Using the mark scheme, you (the assessor) must enter the final mark to the SAQ
marking form, together with comments justifying this allocation of marks (with reference to specific elements
within the mark scheme). As the assignments are to be awarded, the passing criteria indicated may be
subject to later review.
ii) SAQ Paper Release
SAQ papers will be released via email within 1 working day of assessment booking (achieved through
IQR). It is therefore strongly recommended that this assessment is booked immediately post candidate
registration.
Column (from left to right) Description
1. Task/ SAQ No Self-explanatory: Correlates with the assignment brief.
2. Mark Conferring
Components
The answers for which marks can be awarded. For answers
requiring multiple components, the subsection specific restriction of
available marks is made clear in two ways:
1. Through the use of alphabetised titles relating to each
subsection required within the candidates answer; matching
that of the candidate assignment.
2. Through the indication of the maximal marks available for and
within each of these subsections.
3. Fail (0-5 marks) SAQ answers/style constituting a failure
4. Pass (6 +marks) SAQ answers and style constituting a pass.
5. Comments
Assessor comments relating to any identified, alternative answers,
not listed within the present mark scheme*

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D. Assessor Guidance: Objective Structured Clinical Examination’s (OSCE’s)
i) General OSCE Guidance
To support marking and quality assurance requirements, candidate OSCE performance at all stations is to
be filmed. As this footage is to be sampled at moderation (e.g. candidate A, OSCE station 2 and 7), all
recordings must be OSCE station and candidate specific, as opposed to continuous. In other words,
recordings must not run over multiple OSCE stations/ candidates as this will complicate the provision of this
footage, to IQ, when requested for moderation.
Resource Provision
Assessors must be able to provide candidates with suitable and appropriate resources to enable completion
of each OSCE. These include:
 Sink and working taps AND/OR hand sanitizer/ alcohol gel
 PPE (gloves, sharp bins)
 Standardised consent forms
 Skin disinfectant (i.e. chlorhexidine)
 Injecting equipment
 Botulinum toxin (real/mock vials)
 Dermal filler (real/mock vials)
 Hyaluronidase (real/mock vials)
 Injectable facial manikin
 Digital camera (for mock pre/post treatment photography)
As performance is filmed, failure to provide any of the above resources will be apparent in the candidate
footage examined as part of the awarding meeting. In this event, penalties will be imposed to the centre as
opposed to the candidate.
Preparation
The ‘Candidate OSCE Task and Scenario Assignment’ must be printed in colour and provided to each
candidate prior to their OSCE examination(s). Ensure the provision of the above mentioned resources and
set up the video camera in advance of candidate room entry to reduce assessment down time. Be sure to
check the sound quality within the recorded video prior to use filming candidate OSCE performance.

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Candidate management
Centres must have the facilities to permit a one-in, one-out system of OSCE facing candidate management.
Candidates must wait in a central waiting area to be called, individually, to each OSCE station. No talking is
to be permitted in the designated waiting area. Each OSCE station must be located in its own, isolatable
room and candidates are to be rotated across each of the stations. The OSCE station assessor to candidate
ratio must never exceed 1:1.
Candidate Response Format
Tasks: Answered verbally by the candidate, no assessor input required.
Scenarios: Two formats:
 Verbal Response Only: Answered verbally by the candidate. Verbal assessor input is required
(see assessor expectations* below).
 Verbal Response and Demonstration (via Simulation): Answered verbally by the candidate and
supported with candidate simulation based demonstration of the treatment relevant activity. Verbal
assessor input is required (see assessor expectations* below).
Key Assessor Expectations*:
For scenario based OSCEs only:
It is expected that assessors will verbally interact with candidates, role playing the identity of the OSCE
scenario specific clients (where applicable). Whilst specific assessor responses will not be required,
interaction that furthers or directs the candidate’s ability to respond to the scenario is required.
For example: If the candidate was set a scenario in which they must perform a pre-treatment client
consultation, you as the assessor must play the role of the client; providing fictional information where/if
requested by the candidate (such as aims, goals, medical history etc.).
This method should ensure variation in candidate response and promote the ability of candidates to respond
in a contextually appropriate manner in addition to evidencing the satisfaction of a consistent range of
assessment criteria.
NB: Whilst role playing, assessors are not permitted to provide candidates with any information that
may be construed as OSCE guidance. Doing so will be evident within the OSCE performance footage and
will result in the candidate automatically failing the implicated OSCE station(s). Please refer to the IQ
malpractice policy for further guidance.
It is made clear within the title of each OSCE as to whether the OSCE is ‘Task’ or ‘Scenario’ based.

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Time Limit
A maximum of one hour is available for the completion of each OSCE station. It is permissible for candidates
to use less than this one hour allotment.
Marking Form Guidance
Assessors will be required to indicate the following within the marking form, per OSCE station:
1. Assessor name (their own)
2. Candidate name
3. Candidate number
4. Date of assessment
5. Time of assessment
6. Candidate achievement of the mark scheme identified available marks (Indicated via: Tick/Cross)
7. Candidate mark deductions for OSCE station specific omissions (Indicated via: Tick/Cross)
8. The total/summed mark awarded to the candidate for performance within the OSCE station. The
lowest mark achievable is 0 marks.
9. Feedback for the candidate with reference to adherence to the OSCE station specific mark scheme
10. Assessor signature confirming their marking as a valid measure of candidate performance within the
OSCE station
11. An evaluation of the candidate OSCE station mark with reference to the passing criteria. To be
documented as ‘Met’ or ‘Not Met’.
The OSCE pass mark is based upon the number of marks conferring an excess of 55% candidate
OSCE achievement. Each OSCE is worth up to 4% of the qualification.
For ease of portfolio input, finalized candidate OSCE station marks should be managed as follows
a) Prerequisite: Candidate meets the OSCE station specific pass mark (OSCE mark>
55%)
b) Calculation of percentage contribution towards qualification attainment: (Candidate
OSCE station marks/Total marks available within the OSCE station)*4
12. Assessors should conclude the marking of each OSCE station by indicating their calculation of (b)
above.
Submission
This completed document must be uploaded to the relevant candidate’s portfolio of evidence to evidence
achievement within the OSCE components of the qualification. OSCE station video evidence must be stored
securely and made available for sampling within the moderation and awarding meeting. Sampling
requirements will be made clear prior to the timetable identified date of moderation and awarding.
ii) OSCE Paper Release
OSCE papers will be released via email three working days prior to the date of examination. The
examination date is scheduled as part of the booking process (achieved through IQR).

19
E. Candidate and Assessor Guidance: Treatment Observation and Administration
i) Delivery Guidance
Definition of ‘a Treatment’
All stages of practitioner- client interaction: From initial consultation and development of a care plan
to the administration of a procedure and the subsequent development of an aftercare plan and related
continuity of care measures.*
* In the case of multiple treatment administrations of differing modality, delivered to the same client at any
one time, a candidate is permitted to count each modality as a separate treatment if the above definition has
been satisfied. For example, if following consultation and care plan development both botulinum toxin
and a dermal filler are to be administered to the same client, a candidate can cite this treatment as
evidence for a botulinum toxin and a dermal filler treatment (either observed or administered, depending
upon the role of the candidate during the procedure). However, if one client receives multiple treatments of
the same modality, a candidate may only count this as one treatment.
For the purposes of the present qualification, ‘a treatment’ can be thought of as the satisfaction of all
assessment criteria within learning outcome 3 for units 6 and 8. For view of these criteria, please refer to the
qualification specification.
Treatment Observation
Requires the candidates’ observation of a skilled practitioner* administering or supervising the administration
of a botulinum toxin/dermal filler treatment to a client (treatment as defined above)
Treatment Administration
Requires the candidate to administer a botulinum toxin/dermal filler treatment (treatment as defined above),
to a client, under the supervision of a skilled practitioner*.
Definition of skilled practitioner* The term ‘skilled practitioner’ can be used interchangeably with tutor and/or
trainer. For the requirements of a tutor/trainer, please refer to the tutor requirements section within the
qualification specification.
Summary of Treatment Requirements:
1. Candidates must observe a total of 10 botulinum toxin treatments administered to 10 different clients
2. Candidates must observe a total of 10 dermal filler treatments administered to 10 different clients
3. The ratio between observing candidates and trainers must not exceed 10:1
4. Candidates must administer a total of 10 botulinum toxin treatments to 10 different clients
5. Candidates must administer a total of 10 dermal filler treatments to 10 different clients
6. The ratio between administering candidates and trainers must not exceed 1:1
Timing/ Ordering
In adherence with GMC guidelines, it is an additional requirement that the first instance of treatment
observation, per modality, precedes that of the first instance of treatment administration for the same
modality.

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ii) Assessment Guidance
Treatment Observation
Confirmation of the relevant assessment criteria fulfilment, across an observational capacity, will be indicated
by the trainer, whose name, signature and date shall be documented within the candidate portfolio of
evidence.
Client before and after treatment photographs will additionally be used to evidence the achievement of the
treatment observation centred competency elements of the qualification. These will also be documented
within the candidate portfolio of evidence.
Treatment photographs are valid forms of competency evidence, with regards to treatment observation,
providing the following conditions are met:
 Two photographs are taken: Before treatment and after treatment
 A time and date stamp is included as part of each photograph
As the ratio between observing candidates and demonstrators must not exceed 10:1, each treatment
photograph can be used to evidence observational achievement by a maximum of 10 candidates. Time and
date stamps will be used to confirm this element of photograph usage.
For logistical reasons, treatment photographs should be taken immediately before and after a treatment. It is
strongly recommended that standardised treatment photographs are used to evidence observational
achievement.
With regards to treatment photo standardisation, consider the following:
 Setting; Background; Client Position; Client Facial Expression; Lighting; Camera (same camera used)
The achievement of treatment observation, for each of units 6 and 8, will take the form of a pass/fail. Those
failing will be encouraged to repeat the observation of the relevant treatment until confirmation of
assessment criteria fulfilment, referring to the entirety of learning outcome 3, can be evidenced 10x.
Treatment Administration:
Confirmation of the relevant assessment criteria fulfilment, across a treatment administrational capacity, will
be indicated by the trainer, whose name, signature and date shall be documented within the candidate
portfolio of evidence.
Client before and after treatment photographs will additionally be used to evidence the achievement of the
treatment administration centred competency elements of the qualification. These will also be documented
within the candidate portfolio of evidence.
Treatment photographs are valid forms of competency evidence, with regards to treatment administration,
providing the following conditions are met:
 Two photographs are taken: Before treatment and after treatment
 A time and date stamp is included as part of each photograph

21
As the ratio between administering candidates and demonstrators must not exceed 1:1, each treatment
photograph can be used to evidence administrational achievement by a maximum of 1 candidate. Time and
date stamps will be used to confirm this element of photograph usage.
For logistical reasons, treatment photographs should be taken immediately before and after a treatment. It is
strongly recommended that standardised treatment photographs are used to evidence observational
achievement.
With regards to treatment photo standardisation, consider the following:
 Setting; Background; Client Position; Client Facial Expression; Lighting; Camera (same camera used)
The achievement of treatment administration, for each of units 6 and 8, will take the form of a pass/fail.
Those failing will be encouraged to repeat the administration of the relevant treatment until confirmation of
assessment criteria fulfilment, referring to the entity of learning outcome 3, can be evidenced 10x.
F. Portfolio of Evidence Submission Content
Submission can be divided into two stages;
Stage One
For a portfolio of evidence to be considered at the moderation and awarding meeting, it must contain the
following 9x candidate/ assessor/ IV completed items:
1. Candidate SAQ answers (x34); submitted as a singular word document
2. Assessor SAQ marking sheet
3. Assessor OSCE marking sheet
4. Candidate signed statement of authenticity
5. Time and date stamped botulinum toxin treatment observation photographs: 10 before treatment,
10 after treatment. The ratio between observing candidates and trainers must not have exceeded 10:1
6. Time and date stamped botulinum toxin treatment administration photographs: 10 before treatment, 10
after treatment. The ratio between administering candidates and trainers must not have exceeded 1:1
The first instance of botulinum toxin treatment observation must precede that of the first instance of
botulinum toxin treatment administration; to be evidenced via the treatment photograph time and date
stamps.
Please Note: For each instance of 5 and 6 above, the trainer is required to confirm satisfaction
of the treatment relevant assessment criteria (Unit 6: 3.1-3.10) through the provision of their name,
date and signature.

22
7. Time and date stamped dermal filler treatment observation photographs: 10 before treatment, 10 after
treatment.
The ratio between observing candidates and trainers must not have exceeded 10:1
8. Time and date stamped dermal filler treatment administration photographs: 10 before treatment,
10 after treatment. The ratio between administering candidates and trainers must not have exceeded
1:1
The first instance of dermal filler treatment observation must precede that of the first instance of dermal
filler treatment administration; to be evidenced via the treatment photograph time and date stamps.
Please Note: For each instance of 7 and 8 above, the trainer is required to confirm satisfaction
of the treatment relevant assessment criteria (Unit 8: 3.1-3.8) through the provision of their name, date
and signature.
9. Internal Verification Report(s)
All completed portfolios, ready for moderation, should be submitted to the following email address by the
deadline stated within the published timetable.
am.submissions@industryqualifications.org.uk
Stage Two
OSCE station performance video samples will then be requested by IQ and must be submitted to the same
email address (supplied above) within 5 week days of this request.
OSCE performance footage will be sampled at moderation and centres will be made aware of
these sampling requirements prior to the timetable identified dates of moderation and awarding.
IMPORTANT NOTE: All units must be met (PASSED) to be eligible for moderation.

Guidance for aesthetic medicine qualifications

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Guidance for aesthetic medicine qualifications