It is the view of all professional aesthetic medical and aesthetic/beauty therapy associations, societies and organisations worldwide that the ongoing development of knowledge, judgement and expertise is essential in today's competitive business environment. 

It is recognised that the best and most efficient way for therapists and practitioners to maintain and improve their skills is through a planned programme of continuing professional education. (CPD)
This implies that individuals accept responsibility for their own development by drawing on a combination of self-education and using well-established and credible providers of training and education.
When planned, this should assist individuals and members of organisations to provide more advanced treatments and services, accept new roles and responsibilities, and to adapt to changing situations with up to date knowledge, new technology and procedures.

It is universally recognised that individuals who are not up-to-date with current technical and general knowledge relating to their work cannot provide professional services competently.

Pastiche Resources is an internationally recognised provider of post-graduate educational products and services specific for beauty, aesthetics and skin treatment practitioners, with individual programs attracting CPD points relative to hours of study undertaken. These points are allocated in accordance with international CPD guidelines.  

 What activity qualifies as CPD?
Structured Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is not restricted to courses offered or endorsed by members of particular associations, societies and organisations or to specific medical, aesthetic, beauty therapy topics.
Provided a topic is relevant to a member's professional duties and responsibilities, it will fall within the scope of international CPD guideline requirements.
If the members association or governing body does not have a structured CPD program, the responsibility lies with each individual to choose suitable professional development activities and to judge,
within the guidelines provided, whether these activities contribute to the individual's personal and/or professional development. 

How much annual CPD is required?
As with many professions, there is a typical minimum and recommended number of annual CDP point attracting educational activity requirements for beauty therapists/aesthetic technicians:

10 hours (minimum) or 20 hours (recommended) structured CPD provided by one of the following:  

In house training/presentations Conferences - local & international  Assessed distance learning (including on-line activity) Recognised industry training providers Other structured courses

In conjunction with 10 hours (minimum) or 20 hours (recommended) unstructured CPD provided by one or more  of the following:

Reading professional/technical articles Educational videos/DVD’s Specific reading material that relates to practical work Distance learning (no assessment)

Using these guidelines, a typical minimum annual activity would be 20 hours total consisting of 10 hours structured and 10 hours unstructured. There is no limit to how much CPD activity individuals choose undertake.

Training activity records in conjunction with certificates of attendance 
are used to substatiate CPD activity

Books and the internet are 
some of the many sources of unstructured CPD

With on-line learning and assesment, the Internet can be an excellent source of structured CPD

CPD point allocation
In accordance with international CPD guidelines, Pastiche Resources allocates 5 (five) points per day for educational seminars. 
Point allocations are as follows:  

Determining training needs
It is important for members/individuals to determine what training and development is needed each year, to obtain maximum benefit from the professional development activities undertaken. 
This is a four-step process:

1. Identify the skills and knowledge that you already have
This requires a critical analysis of work experience (skills practiced and demonstrated) and previous education and study (knowledge).

2. Consider where you are heading in your career
Determine what your career goals and aspirations are, and consider the job roles within your industry or profession and the skills, knowledge and attributes they require. Perhaps discuss these with a mentor and learn more about the options available. If you haven't already, begin to set goals and identify career aspirations.

3. Identify the “gap”
By completing the previous steps you will have identified the areas in which you need further skill development or knowledge to achieve your career goal or aspiration.
The "gap" is your development or training need.

4. Select the right course or seminar
The following questions may assist in determining courses to meet personal needs:

(a) Is the content related to my work?
The content of the programme being considered needs to be broadly related to the type of work in which the member is involved.

(b) Is it the right level and depth for me?
The objectives of the course should make clear the level of knowledge or the level of competence, which it seeks to impart. It should, for example, be clear whether the event:  

1. Teaches fundamental principles or skills;

2. Builds on existing basic knowledge/skills to relate them to practical situations and extend them to a broader range of applications;

3. Provides an overview that brings participants up-to-date on new developments.  

Choosing a CPD education provider (structured programs)
When choosing a suitable education provider, look for organisations that provide details of the agenda of the training to be undertaken, the time allocated for each module, and details of any specific requirements or prior learning/reading before the event.
There should be a clear expectation of what will be imparted during the training session, and what the expectations of the attendee will be to adequately participate.
At minimum, certificates of attendance should be offered, and in the case of assessed activity, a diploma of competence issued.

Educational resources to help you become more effective and professional