What this course is (and who it is for)
The Laser Semi-Permanent Make-Up (SPMU) Removal CPD Course teaches you to remove eyebrow, lip liner and eyeliner semi-permanent make-up and scalp micropigmentation (SMP) with a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. SPMU pigments are not tattoo pigments: they sit at a different depth, are made up differently and behave differently under the laser, so you learn to identify pigment types, assess suitability and risk assess the high-risk areas around the eye and lip.
This is an advanced course for qualified laser professionals. It builds on laser tattoo removal and does not teach it from the beginning. It is CPD, not a regulated qualification, and it carries no qualification level.
What you get for your price
- A printed hardback manual and workbook, posted to you before the course. You keep it.
- Online lessons to work alongside the manual, so you can go over anything as many times as you need.
- Narrated lesson videos with diagrams, downloadable slide decks and quizzes, plus handouts.
- A downloadable client forms pack, and a full set of consultation, consent and aftercare forms in the manual for your own clinic.
- A full day of supervised practical at our Southampton academy: practice doll and mannequin work, then three supervised treatments on three models.
- An accredited CPD certificate for 10 credits, and a CPD reflective record for your portfolio.
- Ongoing support from the Skintastic team after your course.
How the course works, step by step
- Buy the course. It is added to your academy account after purchase, and your workbook is posted to you.
- Study at home (5 hours). Work through Sections 1 to 8 and Appendix A, answer the Check your understanding questions and complete the written assessment (Section 9, Parts A and B) in your workbook.
- Arrange your training day with us.
- Attend the training day at our Southampton academy (09:30 to 15:30): 1 hour of theory and 4 hours of supervised practical. You hand in your workbook and your trainer marks it.
- Practical. Your trainer demonstrates each protocol, you practise on a doll and mannequin, then you treat three models, each observed separately.
- Certificate. It is issued on the training day once your written work is marked and passed, all three observations are passed and your three model sets are complete.
In total that is 10 hours: 5 hours of home study (theory) and 5 hours on the training day (1 hour theory, 4 hours supervised practical). Lunch and breaks are not counted.
What the course covers
| Section | What you learn |
|---|---|
| 1. Regulations, safety standards and health and safety | The current UK regulatory position, local licensing, Local Rules, the Laser Protection Adviser and clinical governance |
| 2. Understanding SPMU pigments | SPMU compared with tattoo pigment in composition, depth and laser response |
| 3. Patch testing and eyebrow SPMU removal | The patch test protocol and the full eyebrow removal method |
| 4. Clinical evaluation and the evidence base | What the published evidence supports and what it does not |
| 5. How laser removal works | How the laser works, and when laser or chemical removal is appropriate |
| 6. Lip liner removal | Technique for the lip and managing a high-risk area |
| 7. Eyeliner tattoo removal | Working safely close to the eye, including eye protection and corneal shields |
| 8. Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) removal | SMP removal technique and expectations across a course of treatments |
| Appendix A. Legislation | The UK law and regulation that apply, and where to check the current position |
| Sections 9 to 11 | Your assessment, the records for your three models, and client forms for your own practice |
Before and on your practical day
- Complete all of the online theory before your practical day.
- Wear your salon clothes or smart casual, because the training is clinical.
- Your practical date is arranged with you after you enrol.
- Lunch is provided on your practical day.
Entry requirements, insurance and scope of practice
To enrol you need all of the following:
- A recognised Level 5 Laser Tattoo Removal qualification, which is above the minimum of a regulated Level 3 that every course requires.
- A recognised advanced skin science qualification.
- A current Core of Knowledge (laser safety) certificate.
We consider Recognition of Prior Learning against these requirements if you send us your evidence before you buy. It is never used for the practical or the written assessment.
Before you treat paying clients you must also have professional indemnity insurance that names laser removal of cosmetic tattoos, including SMP, and LPA-approved Local Rules at your premises. For eyeliner you need specific insurance cover, a prescriber responsible for the anaesthetic eye drops and someone appropriately trained to insert corneal shields. Check with your local authority whether a licence or registration is needed. Most insurers want to see an existing qualification alongside a CPD certificate, and we cannot promise any insurer will cover you.
The practical element
The practical is on one training day at Skintastic, 26 The Avenue, Southampton SO17 1XL, from 09:30 to 15:30. It includes 4 hours of supervised practical:
- Trainer demonstration of the eyebrow, lip liner, eyeliner and SMP protocols.
- Patch-test practice on a practice doll, and the eye drop and corneal shield steps on a mannequin.
- Three supervised treatments on three models, one hour each, each observed and recorded.
Skintastic provides your three models. Between them they will have a range of SPMU (eyebrow, lip liner or scalp pigment), but which areas you treat depends on the models available on the day, so we cannot guarantee you will treat any particular area. Eyeliner removal is practised on the mannequin only, because on a live client it needs a named prescription and a clinician for the eye steps. You train on our AL1 Q-switched Nd:YAG laser.
Assessment and your certificate
- Part A: 33 multiple choice questions, pass mark 27 out of 33.
- Part B: seven written activities plus the Check your understanding questions, completed at home and marked on the training day.
- Part C: a 25-item practical checklist on each of your three models. Every item must be achieved on all three.
Your trainer also asks questions as you work. If you are referred on any part, it is a “not yet”: you are reassessed on that part only. Written work can be reassessed remotely, but the practical must be reassessed in person on a live model.
Your certificate shows 10 CPD credits and is issued on the training day once all parts are passed.
CPD accreditation and how to verify it
Skintastic Aesthetic Lasers Ltd is an approved provider with The CPD Group (provider number 777800). This course is accredited as Semi-Permanent Makeup Removal Using Laser CPD, activity number 1018732, for 10 CPD credits. The accreditation runs to 20 June 2030.
Check this course on The CPD Register (activity #1018732)
Price, payment options and enrolling
The price is £399. Pay by card, Apple Pay, Google Pay or PayPal. Klarna and Clearpay may also be offered at checkout, subject to status.
After you buy, the course is added to your account on this academy, your workbook is posted to you, and you can contact us to arrange your training day.
Cancellations, refunds, access time and rescheduling
This is a summary. The full wording is in our terms and conditions, which apply to your order.
- Price and VAT. Skintastic Aesthetic Lasers Ltd is not VAT registered, so no VAT is added to the course price. Payment is taken in full when you order.
- Online access. Your access to the online lessons lasts 12 months from the date of purchase.
- Cancelling. At checkout you tick a box to start your online access straight away, and by ticking it you give up the 14 day right to cancel the online materials. Refunds, where they apply, go back to the original payment method within 14 days of us receiving your written cancellation (an email is enough).
- Practical day. If you book a practical day you may cancel within 14 days of buying and before the day takes place, and you are refunded in full less a fair amount for any services already provided at your request. You may move your practical day once, free of charge, if you tell us in writing at least 14 days before it. If you tell us later than that, or do not attend, the day is treated as used. A further date may be offered at our discretion for a rebooking fee of 25% of the price you paid for the course.
- After the cancellation period. Once the 14 days have ended, courses are non refundable, including if you change your mind, cannot attend, fail an assessment, or find that your insurer will not accept the course. Your statutory rights are not affected.
- Your certificate. It is issued once you have completed every required part of the course and passed the assessments.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the course cost?
The course costs £399. Pay by card, Apple Pay, Google Pay or PayPal. Klarna and Clearpay may also be offered at checkout, subject to status.
How long does it take?
It is 10 hours: 5 hours of home study and a 5-hour training day (1 hour theory and 4 hours supervised practical), 09:30 to 15:30. Lunch and breaks are not counted.
Can I study at my own pace?
Yes, the home study is at your own pace before the training day. The training day is a fixed date that we arrange with you. Ask us how long you have to complete the course.
What qualifications do I need first?
You need a recognised Level 5 Laser Tattoo Removal qualification, a recognised advanced skin science qualification and a current Core of Knowledge certificate. Your Level 5 qualification is above the minimum of a regulated Level 3 that every course requires. If you are missing the Core of Knowledge you can take it with us first.
Is the course accredited, and how do I check?
Yes. It is accredited by The CPD Group as activity #1018732 for 10 CPD credits, and anyone can check it on The CPD Register using the link in the accreditation section above. It is CPD, not a regulated qualification.
Will I get a certificate, and when?
Yes. It is issued on the training day once your written work is marked and passed, all three practical observations are passed and your model sets are complete. It shows 10 CPD credits.
Will my insurer cover me?
We cannot promise that. Your insurer must cover cosmetic tattoo removal including SMP, and eyeliner needs specific cover. Check with your insurer before you buy, or message us and we will help you check.
Do I need my own laser?
You do not need to own one to complete the course. You train on our AL1 Q-switched Nd:YAG in the clinic. If you own a different Q-switched machine, you follow your own device manual for settings.
Can I use any machine?
The course teaches Q-switched Nd:YAG removal (1064 nm and 532 nm) and is not limited to one brand, but you must follow your own device manual and Local Rules, and have training on your own machine.
Where is the practical?
At Skintastic, 26 The Avenue, Southampton SO17 1XL.
How do I book the practical?
Buy the course, then message or email us and we will arrange your training day. Skintastic provides the three models.
Will I treat eyebrows, lips, eyeliner and scalp?
That depends on the models available on the day, so we cannot guarantee any particular area. Eyeliner removal is practised on the mannequin only.
What support do I get?
Your trainer supervises you throughout the training day, and the Skintastic team supports you afterwards. If you need adjustments, such as extra time or large print, tell us in advance.
What if I am referred or need more time?
Being referred is a “not yet”. You are reassessed on that part only: written work can be redone remotely, but the practical must be redone in person. Ask us about any fee for reassessment.
Can I get a refund?
Please see our terms and conditions, or ask us before you buy.
Is VAT added to the price?
No. Skintastic Aesthetic Lasers Ltd is not VAT registered, so no VAT is added to the course price shown.
How long do I have access to the online lessons?
Your access to the online lessons lasts 12 months from the date of purchase.
Can I cancel and get a refund?
You have 14 days to cancel, but the right to cancel the online materials is lost once your access starts and you have ticked the box at checkout to agree to that. Once the 14 days have ended, courses are non refundable. Refunds that apply are paid to the original payment method within 14 days of us receiving your written cancellation. Full details are in our terms and conditions.
What if I need to move my practical day?
You may move your practical day once, free of charge, if you tell us in writing at least 14 days before it. After that, or if you do not attend, the day is treated as used, and a further date may be offered at our discretion for a rebooking fee of 25% of the price you paid.
Contact
Skintastic Aesthetic Lasers Ltd
26 The Avenue, Southampton SO17 1XL
Phone: 02381 946394
Email: info@skintasticaesthetics.com
WhatsApp: message us via skintasticaesthetics.com
