This document provides information about the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme offered by Save Face to help aesthetic practitioners gain an Ofqual regulated Level 7 qualification in Aesthetic Medicine. There are two pathways for RPL depending on experience level: beginner/intermediate candidates must submit a portfolio including 10 observed and 10 performed treatments, while very experienced candidates need a portfolio demonstrating at least 3 years of experience or 150 procedures, case studies, and a logbook. The qualification consists of 8 units assessed through short answer questions, objective structured clinical exams, and a verified portfolio.

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Overview & Background………………………………………………. Page(s) 3-4
Qualification/ Course Details…………………………...……………..Page(s) 4-6
Qualification Timeline Process Map………………………………….Page(s) 7
RPL Pathway Options………….………………………...……………..Page(s) 8
RPL Requirements for Beginner/ Intermediate Candidates……...Page(s) 8
Portfolio Guidelines for Beginner/ Intermediate Candidates…… Page(s) 9
RPL Requirements for Very Experienced Candidates…………… Page(s) 10
Portfolio Guidelines for Very Experienced Candidates………….. Page(s) 11

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Overview
In conjunction with an Ofqual Regulated Awarding Body, Save Face are now offering Recognition of Prior
Learning (RPL) that enables aesthetic practitioners to match their experience and competency in providing
cosmetic injectables with an Ofqual regulated Level 7 qualification in Aesthetic Medicine.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a method of assessment (leading to the award of credit) that considers
whether candidates can demonstrate that they can meet the assessment requirements for a unit through
knowledge, understanding or skills they already possess and therefore will not need to develop through a
course of learning.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a time and cost effective method of gaining a recognised qualification
which allows practitioners to demonstrate that they have the necessary practical and theoretical skills
required to be awarded an Ofqual regulated qualification. The RPL programme is designed to compliment our
standards and to add value to practitioners by supporting them to achieve a recognised qualification
specifically for aesthetic medicine.
Background
In 2012 the Keogh Report recommended a central register requiring registrants to have an accredited
qualification. The governments review of the recommendations rejected the need for a central register but
agreed that training standards need to be set and accredited. Health Education England was appointed to
review training standards and make recommendations. In their final report, published in 2013, HEE
recommended
(Recommendation 3) ‘.. that all organisations wishing to develop and provide qualifications which meet HEE’s
requirements and which have not been approved or accredited by a professional regulatory body or Royal
College should be regulated by OFQUAL or have their own degree awarding powers or should work in
partnership with these organisations to obtain appropriate course accreditation’.

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Whilst Save Face acknowledge that the achievement of such qualifications
is voluntary, as part of our commitment to raising standards and assuring
competency, we have determined to facilitate a flexible route for
practitioners to achieve accredited qualifications. It is not our intention to
dictate which route, or which provider practitioners choose, but to
encourage, at this stage, all practitioners to prepare for 2018, when HEE
proposed new qualifications should be implemented. To be clear, there is
no legislation to impose this requirement. However, The Professional
Standards Authority require the voluntary registers to work towards and
support these standards.
Introduction
Save Face has met the standards to be approved as a centre for the delivery of the learning, assessment and
verification of candidates undertaking the award. Learning materials are provided by Save Face having been
approved by IQ. Examinations are externally set by IQ and marking is quality assured by an IQ awarding
panel.
Awarding Body
Industry Qualifications (IQ) is approved by The UK’s national regulator of qualifications OFQUAL and by the
Scottish regulator SQA Accreditation. Further information can be found on the IQ website
www.industryqualifications.org.uk
About the qualification
Currently there are no National Occupational Standards (NOS) for the injectable procedures covered in the
present qualification. The qualification has been designed to meet and satisfy two sets of guidance relevant to
the delivery of non-surgical cosmetic interventions:
 Health Education England qualification requirements for the deliver cosmetic procedures (November
2015)
 GMC Guidance for doctors who offer cosmetic interventions (April 2016)
 Completion will evidence a level of practitioner competency that can be relied upon by employers and
patients.
Entry Requirements
Save Face will accept applications from registered;
 Doctors
 Dentists
 Nurses
 Prescribing pharmacists.

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Course Structure
There are 8 units;
1) Principals of history, ethics and law in aesthetic
medicine
2) Principles of treatment in aesthetic medicine
3) Principles of cosmetic phycology in aesthetic
medicine
4) Principles of dermatology in aesthetic medicine
5) Principles of botulinum toxin in aesthetic medicine
6) Practice of botulinum toxin in aesthetic medicine
7) Principles of dermal filler use in aesthetic
medicine
8) Practice of dermal filler use in aesthetic medicine
Examination will take the form of short answer questions (SAQs) for each unit, objective structured clinical
examinations (OSCE) and portfolio submission.
In support of these assessments, practitioners will have access to E-learning material, to top up specific
elements of knowledge if/where required.
The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Programme can be utilised to demonstrate competency in each
treatment modality to cover units 6 & 8.
E-Learning Support
To achieve the qualification practitioners must also demonstrate that they can meet the required standards set
for the remaining 6 units. Practitioners will be given access to a e-learning platform to prepare for Short Answer
Questions set for the remaining 6 units.
Short Answer Questions (SAQ)
 Externally set, internally marked, internally verified and quality assured by IQ awarding panel. SAQs
evidence the knowledge components required for the unit.
 There will be a word count set for each answer with a 10% leeway either side permitted.
 Whilst there will be a time frame set for the validity of the SAQ assignment, linked to the bi-annual
submission dates, there will be no formal time limit for SAQ completion.
 Candidates are required to achieve a minimum of 55% to pass.
 Across the units, there are a total of 34 SAQs set.
The first round of SAQ’s will be released by the Ofqual Regulated Awarding Organisation on the 5th of October
2017.

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Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE)
 Externally set, internally marked, internally verified and quality assured by IQ awarding panel.
 Presented in task or scenario format.
 Candidate performance within each OSCE will be filmed and included in the candidate portfolio of
evidence.
 Each candidate will have approximately four hours to prepare and sit a one hour examination.
 Failure to achieve 55% within a particular OSCE will result in the repetition of the OSCE using alternative
assessment material, until a pass can be achieved.
 There are a total of 8 OSCEs covering learning outcome units 4, 6, 7 and 8.
Verified Portfolio of Evidence
Evidence supporting candidate achievement across the full range of assessment methods is compiled within an
internally set, marked and verified portfolio, quality assured by IQ awarding panel.
Evidence for inclusion
 Confirmation of identity, verified internally
 Statement of authenticity confirming all evidence provided is their own.
 Completed SAQs
 Case studies which illustrate understanding of learning outcomes.
 Evidence of completion of E-Learning exercises
 Attendance for taught programme
 10 x botulinum toxin treatments observed and signed off by course tutor/assessor
 10 x dermal filler treatments observed and signed off by course tutor/assessor
 Performance of 10 x botulinum toxin treatments observed and signed off by course tutor/assessor
Confirmation of the relevant assessment criteria fulfilment, across an observational capacity, will be indicated by
the treatment supervisor, whose name 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
 Film of OSCE assessments and marking.
*As set and determined internally by Save Face
Portfolio Submission
Portfolio is submitted to the Ofqual Awarding Organisation for independent moderation and award of
qualification . Portfolio moderation via the Ofqual Awarding Organisation will commence twice yearly from April
2018 & November 2018.

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Delegate registration processed with Ofqual Awarding Body
Register with Save Face to Start The RPL Programme
Welcome pack issued to delegates which includes portfolio composition
guidelines and content requirements
Portfolio moderation via the Ofqual Awarding Organisation will commence
twice yearly from April 2018 & November 2018
Registration Open January 2017
Entry Period for Portfolio Submissions Commence for RPL Competency
Modules 6 & 8
E-learning Platform Launch May/ June 2017
*the RPL Programme fee is inclusive of the e-learning access fee for 4 months. If access is
Access e-learning modules spanning all 8 modules along with Short Answer
Questions (SAQs) for modules 1,2,3,4,5 & 7
Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE)
OSCE sessions will commence early 2018
Portfolio is submitted to the Ofqual Awarding Organisation for independent
moderation and award of qualification
SAQs Made Available via Ofqul Awarding Organisation
SAQ’s will be available from 5th October 2017

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Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Pathway Options
There are two pathways for practitioners to obtain RPL which is
dependant on the level of their previous experience:
1) Beginner or intermediate learners
2) Very experienced practitioners (practitioners with 3+
years experience in delivering botulinum toxin and/or
dermal filler treatments)
1) Beginner/intermediate Candidates
RPL may be suitable for those practitioners who have already
completed basic or advanced training, but are not yet able to
evidence their experience.
Candidates who fit these criteria may submit evidence of meeting the portfolio requirements set out below for 10
x observed procedures and 10 x performed procedures for botulinum toxin and dermal fillers under supervision
signed off by an experienced practitioner * verified internally (by Save Face).
Portfolio Requirements for Beginner/ Intermediate Candidates
Candidates wishing to receive RPL for the clinical practice components of the qualification must provide a
portfolio of evidence that meets the learning outcomes of the clinical placement. The portfolio must include all of
the following:
a) A reference from an approved clinician* confirming that the candidate has observed 10 botulinum toxin
and (or) dermal filler treatments
b) Before and after photographs for 10 supervised botulinum toxin and (or dermal filler treatments
c) A reference from an approved supervising clinician* or each botulinum toxin and (or) dermal filler case
treated correctly, which must total 10 treatments
*Supervisors must be a doctor, dentist, prescribing nurse or prescribing pharmacist with a minimum of
3 years’ experience in aesthetic medicine post qualification.
Practitioners will have their practical skills assessed at OSCE, in addition to an assessment of their subject
relevant knowledge. In support of these assessments, practitioners will have access to E-learning material, to
top up specific elements of knowledge if/where required.

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Portfolio Submission Format For Beginner/ Intermediate Candidates
Case histories must be anonymised. Please redact patient name and obtain consent for the sharing of any
images. Samples may be submitted in the following ways:
 Must be redacted (Patient name).
 Must be scanned and submitted electronically (upload into portfolio file)
Samples of Case Histories
Samples must include:
 Assessment record
 Consultation notes/record
 Consent record
 Treatment record
 Follow up notes

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2) Very experienced candidates
For those candidates who have;
 A minimum of three years of post-qualification experience
delivering the procedures for which they will be assessed, or
 A post-qualification delivery of a minimum of 150 of the
relevant procedures.
Sufficient evidence of experience (i.e. over three years) will forfeit
the need for experienced practitioners to demonstrate (i) that they
have observed the relevant procedures prior to practicing them,
and (ii) that they have been supervised in all their performed
procedures.
Portfolio Preparation and Submission for Very
Experienced Candidates
Practitioners are able to evidence that they meet the criteria of performing at least 150 procedures within their
portfolio of evidence. The portfolio must include the following three components:
3. Written reference
Candidates must provide a
written reference from another
experienced practitioner to
confirm that the applicant has
either performed at least 150
procedures safely or has a
minimum of three years
respectable and safe practice.
2. Samples of Case
Histories
Samples must include:
 Assessment record
 Consultation notes/record
 Consent record
 Treatment record (The
evidence required relates
to the number of
treatments not the number
of patients, a single patient
record may evidence
multiple treatments)
 Follow up notes
1. Procedure Logbook
The logbook must detail:
 Over 150 procedures in the
last 3 years
 Date of procedure
 Patient reference (number, or
diary date and time )please
redact names for purpose of
submission.
 Procedure performed
 Medicine/product used

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Submission Format For Very Experienced Practitioners
Case histories must be anonymised. Please redact patient name and obtain
consent for the sharing of any images. Samples may be submitted in the
following ways:
 Must be redacted (Patient name).
 Must be scanned and submitted electronically (upload into portfolio file)
Options for Presenting Samples of Case Histories
The evidence required relates to the number of treatments not the number of
patients, therefore a single patient record may evidence multiple treatments
over a period of time.
Please try and evidence a range of treatment indications when selecting cases for submission.
Option 1 - Samples can be provided over a period 3 years of more with 60 case histories broken
down in to the following requirements:
 30 botulinum toxin treatments providing 10 botulinum toxin treatments performed in each of the three
years prior to submission
 30 Dermal Filler treatments performed in each of the three years prior to submission- 10 from each
of the three years prior to submission,
Option 2 - Samples must be performed within, at most, 3 years with a total of 42 case histories
broken down in to the following requirements:
 21 botulinum toxin treatments taking samples of at least 7 treatments performed over at least 7
consecutive weeks from each of the of the 3 year periods
 21 Dermal Filler treatments taking samples of at least 7 treatments performed over at least 7
consecutive weeks from each of the of the 3 year periods
Option 3 - Samples must be performed within, at most, 3 years with a total of 40 case histories
broken down in to the following requirements:
 20 botulinum treatments taking samples of at least 10 treatments taking place over, at most, 5
consecutive weeks.
 20 dermal filler treatments providing samples of at least 10 treatments taking place over, at most, 5
consecutive weeks.
Option 4 - Samples must be performed within, at most, 18 days in the past year with a total of
40 case histories broken down in to the following requirements:
 20 botulinum toxin treatments provided over a period of at most, 18 days in the past year.
 20 dermal filler treatments provided over a period of at most, 18 days in the past year.