NZQA-Accredited Laser & IPL Qualification
Enrol into NZ’s Only ‘Cosmetic Lasers and Intense Light Source Therapies’ Micro-Credential - Level 6
About This Programme
The ‘Cosmetic Lasers and Intense Light Source Therapies’ Micro-Credential (Level 6) is New Zealand’s only NZQA-accredited qualification for cosmetic laser and IPL professionals.
Delivered by NZ Laser Training Institute Ltd in partnership with Evolution School of Beauty, Massage & Spa, this 400-hour comprehensive programme is designed to equip professionals with the highest level of education in IPL, laser hair removal, skin rejuvenation, and tattoo removal.
Upon successful completion, learners will receive an NZQA Level 6 micro-credential with 40 credits, providing formal recognition of industry-leading knowledge and skills in IPL and laser technology.
Ideal for:
Beauty Professionals
Dermal Therapists and Beauty professionals who have completed Level 4 (Beautician) or Level 5 (Beauty Therapy) training at a beauty college or those with experience in the beauty and appearance medicine industry who are new to IPL and laser.
Healthcare Related Area
Those that possess a minimum of 12 months full-time working in a healthcare-related area, ie. Vet, Midwife,
Allied Healthcare Professionals
Nurses, general practitioners, aged care specialists, dentists, or other health science professionals looking to expand into cosmetic laser therapies.
Tattooists
Tattooists or those employed in the Tattoo Industry and possess a minimum of 12 months full-time industry experience
What You’ll Learn
This comprehensive qualification prepares students to work confidently and competently with IPL and laser devices, providing safe and effective treatments.
What’s included:
Enrol Now for 2026
Group 1
February - June 2026
Group 2
May - September 2026
Group 3
August - December 2026
Programme Overview
How You’ll Learn
This flexible 400 hour study programme combines:
278 Hours of Online Study – Self-paced learning to fit around your schedule (25 hours per week)
26 Hours of Virtual Classroom Training – Weekly Zoom sessions with expert and qualified tutors
96 Hours (12 days) of Practical Training
Training Includes:
5 Days – Hands-on Hair Removal training (Lasers & IPL)
5 Days – Hands-on Skin Rejuvenation training (Lasers & IPL)
2 Days – Hands-on Laser Tattoo Removal training (Q-Switched & Pico-second lasers)
All practical training take place at your clinic on your device
What You’ll Gain
NZQA-Approved Level 6 Micro-credential
Recognised by industry professionals across New Zealand
400 CPD NZLT Points towards professional development
Accredited by Evolution School of Beauty, Massage & Spa
After completing this comprehensive 400-hour programme, you will be fully qualified and stand out as an expert in the IPL & laser industry.
The programme attracts 40 credits from NZQA and certifies you with a formal industry qualification to operate IPL and laser devices professionally.
Total Cost: $10,495 pp incl GST
“I recently completed the Level 6 NZQA micro laser course and couldn’t be more impressed. The course content provided comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience. The tutors are excellent! experts in their industry with a supportive teaching approach.
If you are serious about offering your clients treatments that are safe and effective, then being trained by Stacey and Ruth is a must. Highly recommended!”
— Lucy, July 2024
Course Details
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Entry is open to individuals who are NZ residents:
18+ years of age;
committed to succeeding in the IPL & Laser cosmetic or medical industry;
graduates of one of these qualifications or ability to meet one of the experience requirements:
a Level 4 Beauty Therapy qualification on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (Learner must complete the pre-enrolment interview) or equivalent;
or, Level 5 New Zealand Diploma of Beauty Therapy or equivalent;
or, employed in the tattoo industry, possess a minimum of 12 months of full-time industry experience and can supply a letter from their employer supporting their enrolment in the micro-credential.
or, a minimum of 12 months’ full-time industry experience working in a healthcare-related area and have evidence of successfully completing learning at a tertiary level in healthcare such as a university or polytechnic credentials.
Did you know that if you are a Nurse you meet the eligibility criteria above!
You may be asked to complete a pre-enrolment interview after enrolment has been received. If English is a second language the learner must complete the pre-enrolment interview including the LLN assessment.
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NZQA number: 126100
Course name: “Cosmetic Lasers and Intense Light Source Therapies Micro-credential”
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Study method: Self-directed online studies to fit around your lifestyle and work (25 hours per week (3.5 hours per day on average), attend a 1-hour Zoom classroom session each theory week with your qualified tutor, and attend a total of 12 practical days. For Learners joining us on Zoom, please ensure you have a working webcam so that the trainer can see you. Certification cannot be gained if we can't be sure of your full attendance. Virtual background screens are not to use during your Zoom training.
Practical sessions: are held at your clinic on your device enabling you to be fully competent and confident.
5 days of hands-on learning Hair Removal with BOTH Lasers and IPL in week 10
5 days of hands-on learning Skin Rejuvenation with BOTH Lasers and IPL in week 14
2 days (Wednesday & Thursday) of hands-on learning Pico-second & Q-Switched Laser for Tattoo removal in week 16 OVERVIEW
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A comprehensive workbook
24 / 7 access to our online E-Learning Portal
Weekly 1-hour Zoom sessions with your tutor
5 days of practical training for hair removal
5 days of practical training for skin rejuvenation
2 days of practical training for Laser Tattoo Removal
Access to the exclusive trainee’s Facebook Group
Access to tutors for ongoing advice via email or phone
Recognised accredited and approved NZQA Qualification
You will use the training centre’s Laser and IPL glasses and can enquire about buying your own pair of glasses specific to your business from us.
We can assist you with purchasing an IPL or Laser machine for your business
Gain 400 CPD NZLT points
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All Learners must have access to the internet via a device such as a mobile telephone or computer/iPad to access online learning materials and be able to complete the practical aspects of this micro-credential at your clinic.
For Learners joining us on Zoom, please ensure you have a working webcam so that the trainer can see you. Certification cannot be gained if we can't be sure of your full attendance. Virtual background screens are not to use during your Zoom training.
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$10,495 INCLUSIVE OF GST
Full payment due one month before commencement date into a dedicated Public Trust Account.
NB: there is an additional $48.50 incl GST fee for setting up a Public Trust Account is to be paid separately.
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YES, we are able to accept Q Card Finance, which is available with this programme, however this must be applied for and completed no later than 6 weeks prior to commencement.
Easy to arrange if you already have a Q Card, or apply to get this before contacting us for enrolment.
Please note that payments made via financing options will be subject to an additional service fee of approx. 4.5% processing fee of the total cost. This fee covers administrative costs associated with processing the transaction. We advise all customers to carefully consider this additional cost before opting for financing. By proceeding with payment via financing, you acknowledge and accept the approx. 4.5% processing fee is additional to the above mentioned Micro-credential fees.
NO, we cannot assist with WINZ (work and income funding ) can be applied for by yourself, but they either do not cover all of it or have been known to decline it due to not being a full time, longer study course.
NO, Studylink (student loan) - is not available with this Micro-credential due to several factors (course duration, and the course type does not meet criteria set by NZQA / TEC)
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You may be asked additional questions or documentation after you have submitted your enrolment form.
Additionally as part of pre-enrolment we may need to conduct a phone interview.
“I found this course incredibly insightful and important. I will be using everything I learnt in this course on a daily basis at the clinic I work at. I enjoyed the practical tools provided in the programme that I can use on a daily basis at work to ensure the safety of my customers. I will be implementing the knowledge I learnt from the course into the way I practice as a laser technician. I will always make sure my customers have had their skin checked by a specialist before treating them. ”
— Anna T
Plan Your Study and Practical Days
Use our example learner calendar to help plan your study and practical days.
WEEK 1:
Module 1 - Laser Safety - Safe Practice
Completed online via our Litmos SAP learning platform | 1 hour zoom chat with your tutor for Q & A time
Before you can start learning about using IPL or Lasers, you must understand the risks associated with operating these devices. This includes learning some laser terminology, accessing information about regulations, and understanding the principles and setup required to conduct hair removal, skin rejuvenation and laser tattoo removal. You will be looking into the scope of practice and professional standards, which will set you up with the highest industry benchmark. The information and skills you develop this week will set you up to succeed in any IPL or Laser workplace in the future.
Learner assignment this week:
You will be completing an assignment relating to laser hazard identification and matching up safety glasses required to the appropriate device type - this is real-world learning, giving you skills you will need to use in a laser clinic.
WEEK 2:
Module 2 - Treatment Safety - Client Care
Completed online via our Litmos SAP learning platform | 1 hour zoom chat with your tutor for Q & A time
Time to look at the required paperwork for consultation and consent process as it relates to IPL and Laser treatments - learning from experienced tutors. You will learn more about the rights of clients, and the steps required to undertake treatments. This information will prepare you for your hands-on practical training head in weeks 10, 14 and 16. You will learning more about risks of treatments as it relates to Fitzpatrick skin types of clients, which will come in handy when you decide which technology is safest and the best to select. You will learn about consumer laws in NZ and how to manage a complaint process as a true professional should. This week you will be looking at real world scenarios that have occurred here in New Zealand and understanding how having a laser safety management programme in place will prevent this happening to you in the future.
Learner assignment this week:
You will be creating an example post care instruction sheet for clients undertaking your choice of IPL or Laser treatment.
WEEK 3:
Module 3 - Laser Science - Generic Laser principles
Completed online via our Litmos SAP learning platform | 1 hour zoom chat with your tutor for Q & A time
Start your journey into Laser and Intense light sources, commonly called IPL. You will learn the science behind how these devices work, differ and how they relate to scientific principles. This information will become important when you want to alter settings and better understand how to optimise treatments for your clients. You will master the electromagnetic spectrum and be able to identify any given device and what it is capable of, no matter what brand or type it is. Time to learn treatment parameters and what role each plays in giving the best result and for safety reasons; what to change and why. You will discover why generic science is so important regardless of what role you hope to have in the industry; or where, or what you want to work with in the future. It is important to know why some treatments do not work as expected and this is what you will be learning so you can become a technically savvy laser or IPL technician. You will become a laser science nerd this week by mastering the basics of devices and how to tell them apart. By the end of this week, you will be able to correctly label and identify various types of devices and which is used for skin rejuvenation, hair removal and laser tattoo removal.
Learner assignment this week:
No assignment this week.
WEEK 4:
Module 3 - Continues
Completed online via our Litmos SAP learning platform | 1 hour zoom chat with your tutor for Q & A time
This week you will be continuing your learning on laser science - it is vital that before you start learning the in’s and outs of the treatments, you really understand and can apply the correct and most appropriate scientific principle that will make your treatment either work or not work. If you already have underpinning experience or knowledge in this Core Essentials theory, you can use this time to do something else. For newbies this extra week will be required to ensure all aspects are well understood.
Learner assignment this week:
No assignment this week. You will be using the online practice tools to self-test your skills
WEEK 5:
Module 4 - Anatomy & Physiology as it applies to IPL & Laser
Completed online via our Litmos SAP learning platform | 1 hour zoom chat with your tutor for Q & A time
As our learners may already be familiar with the functions and features of the skin, this module will help refresh on these topics but will focus more strongly on how IPL and Laser travel into the structure of the skin. You will discover and explore the technologies you have learnt about in the previous weeks and now be more familiar with the selection of the device based on what it targets in the skin. You will look at hair growth for hair reduction treatments and understand why the industry has gotten it wrong over many decades of teaching to treat every 4 weeks. You will discover the ink elimination process as it relates to laser tattoo removal treatments, and how the body processes this ink.
Learner assignment this week:
Plan to be creative and design a melanoma awareness brochure for clients thinking of undertaking IPL or Laser - this is something you can take away with you and use in the real world. You can use weeks 5 and 6 to complete this assignment.
WEEK 6:
Module 4 - Anatomy & Physiology as it applies to IPL & Laser continues
Completed online via our Litmos SAP learning platform | 1 hour zoom chat with your tutor for Q & A time
Time to learn about skin lesions and melanoma awareness is an integral part of any professional skin therapists career. The learning you gain from this week will change the way you look at skin forever. You will be accessing the world of medical terminology for skin lesions and discovering why skin cancers and melanoma are not just older person problems. With many operators unaware of this information, some will likely have already accidentally removed cancerous or pre-cancerous lesions with their IPL or Laser.
Learner assignment this week:
Continue and complete the assignment from week 5.
WEEKS 7 - 9:
Module 5 - Theory-based learning for IPL & Laser Hair Removal
Completed online via our Litmos SAP learning platform | 1 hour zoom chat with your tutor for Q & A time
The technologies used for Laser and IPL hair removal have changed and improved dramatically over the past 10 years, you will be delving into all the underpinning theories behind how they work, differ and what effect they have on unwanted hair. You will want to access the latest information, trends, concepts and techniques to prepare for the practical session ahead in week 10.
You will be learning about what happens on the skin with hair removal, what’s normal and what’s not. Master the art of safely selecting technology and settings when treating a darker skin type. You will be learning about why some hair doesn’t get successfully treated and how to tackle tricky scenarios and clients with medical conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome. (PCOS)
You will learn about side effects - and how to identify and manage these as well as how to avoid causing them. You will be putting together the skills you need to design and create a treatment plan for clients undertaking laser or IPL hair removal. Let’s practice the steps for the practice ahead of week 10.
Learner assignment this week:
Create a treatment plan for a client seeking hair removal with IPL or Laser using the mock client scenarios & Task 2: Make up a mock treatment menu with a selection of hair removal prices and information suitable for a client.
WEEK 10:
Module 6 - Practical for IPL & Laser Hair Removal
Exciting: Start your 5 days of practical hands-on training at your Clinic. You will develop confidence by treating pre-arranged models, practising your consultation and consent process skills and applying your newly developed IPL & laser science and client care knowledge. Day 5 will be your assessment for practical hair removal, so you will get 4 days of hands-on to prepare plus a chance to ask questions of your experienced tutors. You will be learning how to approach or treat all body areas, all skin types and gain experience that will set you up for success in the real world.
Day 5:
Formal assessment for practical in IPL & Laser Hair Removal
WEEKS 11 - 13:
Module 7 - Theory for IPL & Laser Skin Rejuvenation
Completed online via our Litmos SAP learning platform | 1 hour zoom chat with your tutor for Q & A time
One of the biggest and most popular topics and treatment offerings in the industry includes up to 15 various applications and treatment options for clients to select, and for operators and skin, therapists to know inside and out. Over the next 3 weeks, you will be immersed in the theory behind skin rejuvenation technologies, you will make your way around the different device types and better understand why you may need to choose one over the other.
A successful treatment gives results and does what you want it to do, to achieve this level of mastery, you will need to know the science behind the scenes well and also how to apply this to any given situation, where that be treating melasma, scarring, acne, pigmentation, or vascular issues. You will also learn more about technologies that trigger collagen renewal and why sometimes treatments don’t work as planned. eg: skin tightening
You will be diving into potential side effects, endpoints and managing expectations. The treatments plan steps you learn will prepare you well for the practical session ahead in week 14
Learner assignment for this Module 7:
Task 1: Review 3 skin conditions of your choosing, and present them back in a video format.
Task 2: Project: Plan and create a skin rejuvenation treatment plan for 3 client scenarios using your newfound knowledge.
WEEK 14:
Module 8 - Practical for IPL & Laser Skin Rejuvenation
Exciting: Start your 5 days of hands-on practical learning on your IPL or Laser Skin rejuvenation at your Clinic. Skin rejuvenation teachings may include learning lasers that fire whilst hovering above the skin, lasers that snap at carbon gel pasted onto the skin (carbon facial), lasers can generate collagen through gentle heating or by creating micro columns into the skin. IPL is used to treat vascular and pigmented lesions and can also be used in various ways to trigger collagen remodelling. The goal this week is for you to build your confidence on a range of treatment options with your device.
Learner assignment for this Module 7:
Day 5: Formal assessment for practical in IPL or Laser Skin Rejuvenation
WEEK 15:
Module 9 - Theory for Laser Tattoo Removal
You will get 8 days of theory to learn the underpinning knowledge required to operate specific types of lasers of laser tattoo removal, you will have already covered some of this in the earlier modules, so you will now focus on how to get results specific to ink colours and certain example scenarios.
The reason most tattoo removal goes wrong is that people don’t know the science behind the treatments well enough, also because poor technique and poor client care are carried out, this will not be you. The skills and knowledge you learn will set you up for success as a professional laser tattoo removalist. You will master the identifying and management of side effects associated with tattoo removal. Use your skills in client care and specific tattoo removal post-care management to design and create a treatment plan for your client.
Master the art of ink removal professionally and to industry best practice standards, stand out from the crowd of poorly trained and unprofessional operators with your newfound skills and confidence.
Learner assignment for this Module:
Task 1: Create a treatment plan for a client undertaking laser tattoo removal using the mock client scenarios
Task 2: Make up a mock treatment menu with a selection of laser tattoo removal prices and information suitable for a client
WEEK 16:
Module 10 - Practical for Laser Tattoo Removal
Exciting: You will have two days of hands-on practical delivering laser tattoo removal treatments on your device. You may be using a Q-Switched Pico-second or Nano-second laser technology with various handpiece styles and attachments? We will guide you to master the art of safe and professional ink removal on black and coloured tattoos. Arrange your own models if you have someone in mind, or utilise our model database.
Formal assessment for practical in Laser Tattoo Removal
2 practical days are held at your Clinic, these are held on Thursday and Friday.
This week is allocated for the completion of any outstanding assignments and follow-ups.
GRADUATION & CERTIFICATION ISSUING PROCESS
Learners who have successfully completed all learning curriculum including assignments and projects for each module, will be awarded with their Approved & Accredited NZQA Cosmetic Lasers and Intense Light Source Therapies Micro-credential and be allocated 40 learning credits on the NZQA learner’s New Zealand Record of Achievement.
NZ Laser Training Institute will also issue each learner with a Certified Laser Technicians badge - and if the learner carry on and complete our LHSO programme online - which is the Laser Health & Safety Officers Certification, they will also be issued with a NZ Laser Training Institute Diploma.
The cost of this additional and optional pathway is $499 + GST
We wish all our graduating learners the best in their laser careers, and encourage them to join our support network via our trainee Facebook page and keep us updated and stay in touch for work placement opportunities with leading NZ IPL & Laser businesses. We can assist learners with researching or purchasing of a Laser or IPL to help them build their own business success.
Your NZQA Micro-credential Questions Answered
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No, these dates are set dates within our calendar and cannot be mixed and matched.
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Unfortunately not, this course is for NZ citizens/residents that will be studying the full programme in NZ only.
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You must pay in full no later than 1-month before the commencement date.
We can accept Q Card Finance for this programme; however this must be applied for and completed no later than 6 weeks prior to commencement.
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The full programme fee payment is due 1 month prior to commencement of the programme. Full payment is made by yourself directly into a Public Trust Account set up in your name. The account number is provided on documentation that we will send to you. See refund and withdrawal information separately.
The public trust fee is also due at the same time as the programme fee. This is paid separately on invoice from Evolution School and is non-refundable.
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Refunds are processed according to the PTE (Evolution School) Refund Policy and in compliance with NZQA requirements.
The PTE requests refunds through NZQA and will be:
Paid directly to the student or their nominated parent/guardian account.
Completed within the legally required timeframe.
Transparent and supported by clear documentation.
For full and up to date information on refunds and withdrawals
https://www.evolutionschool.co.nz/policies.html#_Toc208480661
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CANCELLATIONS
NZ Laser Training Institute Ltd reserves the right to alter course dates, cancel or postpone programme dates as they see fit. Learners will always be given adequate notice if this affects their programme. It is advised to allow for flexibility when securing flight and accommodation options when attending practical weeks. Travel insurance is recommended.
If an emergency or unforeseen circumstance causes a need to postpone your attendance at a course, you must inform NZ Laser Training Institute Ltd immediately. NZ Laser Training Institute and Evolution School cancellation fees may apply which are separate to NZQA fees.
SICKNESS / BEREAVEMENT
If a learner is unable to complete online learning, Zoom calls, assignments or practical sessions, due to bereavement, sickness (yourself or immediate family member), you must contact your tutor immediately to advise. Whilst we are able to make exceptions of work unable to be completed, we must also stick to the guidelines provided by the NZQA framework. For practical sessions, should you not able to attend, new dates will be provided - you must however, complete all online and assignments within the set due dates. Most components of the NZQA programme are available online 24/7 through our e-Learning portal Litmos. Learners should arrange their own travel insurance in case they need to reschedule flights and accommodation etc.
Learners may be required to submit a valid medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner stating, in his or her opinion, you are no longer medically able to complete the course.
“I would like to thank Ruth and Stacey for creating this NZQA programme which has made me feel confident, because this programme is full of Laser Science & Safety. I was the first applicant who took this NZQA programme and I highly recommend it as I have learnt not only the importance of Lasers but safety for both clients and Aestheticians. Ruth and Stacey are so passionate about sharing all their information and providing proper guidance for the future as well. They give unbiased training that will apply no matter which machine you are using. Thank you NZ Laser Training Institute.”
— Arsh, July 2022
Get in Touch
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