Level 7 vs QCCP: What’s The Best Pathway for Medical Professionals in Aesthetic Medicine?
Posted on: March 25, 2025
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Level 7 Aesthetics vs QCCP: What’s The Best Pathway for Medical Professionals in Aesthetic Medicine?
Choosing the right qualification is crucial for medical professionals who want to stand out in the aesthetics industry while prioritising patient safety. While the Level 7 Aesthetics Diploma is a well-known option, it is important to note that other certifications exist, including the Qualification Council for Cosmetic Procedures (QCCP) certifications, which offer a more structured and medically exclusive pathway.
Regulated by the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH), the QCCP certifications are designed to standardise and enhance competency in aesthetic medicine, ensuring that only qualified healthcare professionals administer treatments safely and effectively. Understanding the differences between these qualifications can help practitioners make an informed decision about the best route for their aesthetic careers.
1. Accessibility and Practitioner Backgrounds
One key distinction between the two qualifications is that the Level 7 aesthetics qualification is available to a wider range of individuals, including those without a formal medical background. Some argue that this broad accessibility may impact patient safety and industry credibility.
In contrast, the QCCP certification is strictly available to qualified healthcare professionals, such as doctors, dentists, nurses, and prescribing pharmacists. This ensures that only those with medical training and experience administer treatments, potentially offering additional safeguards for patients.
You can explore more about our accreditations and qualifications here.
2. Time and Cost Considerations when thinking about the Level 7 Route
The Level 7 qualification requires a significant time and financial commitment, often taking several months to complete and costing thousands of pounds. For professionals seeking a more efficient and cost-effective route, this may be a deciding factor.
To be eligible for the QCCP exams, delegates must first complete Modules 1 and 2 with us. This ensures they are well-prepared to pass the exams while gaining the confidence and competence to perform procedures involving botulinum toxin and dermal fillers.
Once you’ve completed this, you’ll need to register with the RSPH to confirm your readiness to sit the exams. The QCCP certification is not only more accessible but also significantly more cost-effective. Each exam lasts just two hours and is priced at only £200 + VAT, allowing practitioners to validate their expertise quickly and affordably without unnecessary delays or excessive costs.
3. Clarity on Regulatory Requirement
There have been claims that Level 7 qualifications may become a regulatory requirement in the future. However, no legislation currently mandates Level 7 certification for aesthetic practice. Some training providers have suggested it is the “gold standard,” but practitioners should verify such claims before making a decision.
The QCCP certification, awarded by the RSPH, remains a recognised qualification tailored specifically for medical professionals, offering an alternative that aligns with existing standards.
At The Dr. Bob Khanna Training Institute (DrBKTI), we frequently see practitioners who have completed Level 7 qualifications but still lack the hands-on experience and confidence needed to practice independently. In some cases, even Level 7 trainers have attended our courses to enhance their competence and confidence.
Our training route is designed to avoid this gap, ensuring that delegates gain the practical skills and real-world experience necessary to begin their aesthetic careers with confidence from day one.
4. Accreditation and Industry Recognition
The QCCP certification is regulated and awarded by the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH), an institution with a longstanding reputation in medical and public health education. This affiliation adds credibility for practitioners seeking a recognised qualification.
5. Business and Practical Training
Success in aesthetic medicine requires not only clinical expertise but also business acumen. While the QCCP certification does not specifically provide business training, feedback from delegates often highlights that they feel completely out of their depth when it comes to the business side of aesthetics. Many report receiving no guidance or training in this aspect during their course.
At The Dr. Bob Khanna Training Institute (DrBKTI), we are committed to ensuring that all delegates receive comprehensive and ongoing support—not only to develop clinical competence but also to build the business acumen necessary for success in the industry.
6. Learn Techniques to Become a Competent Clinician
Mastering the right techniques is essential for delivering safe, high-quality treatments. With the QCCP certification, you will learn the latest, evidence-based techniques to become a competent clinician, ensuring the best possible outcomes for your patients.
7. Expert Training for a Confident and Successful Aesthetic Career
If you are a medical professional looking to enhance your aesthetic practice, the QCCP certification by the RSPH is undoubtedly a superior choice compared to compared to other routes.
The QCCP Route is:
- More exclusive – restricted to healthcare professionals only
- More cost-effective – lower costs and quicker certification
- Standardised – ensuring consistency in training and assessment
- Widely respected – offered by a reputable health organisation
- Designed for medical professionals – prioritising patient safety and clinical excellence
- Efficient – allows practitioners to validate their skills without unnecessary delays
- Supportive – with ongoing training options to enhance competence and confidence
Instead of wasting time and money on a qualification that allows non-medical practitioners and lacks consistency, choose a pathway that truly upholds the standards of medical aesthetics – choose RSPH.
Kickstart your aesthetics career with our Beginner Aesthetics Courses today with our Module 1
