Fulfilling the Requirements of the Certified Aesthetic
Consultant Program

What is the Certified Aesthetic Consultant program?

The Certified Aesthetic Consultant™ (CAC) program is a comprehensive educational curriculum and testing process created by THE Aesthetic Practice Association™ (TAPA) to document staff competence in areas critical to aesthetic practice growth. In a survey of more than 2,000 TAPA members, 400 respondents identified the need for increased staff training as a critical challenge. They also noted (by a 5 to 1 margin) that they would be more inclined to hire an individual with a CAC degree versus a candidate without certification. Furthermore, the majority of responding physicians indicated a willingness to increase compensation for employees who have completed the CAC program.

What is Required?

In order to obtain the basic (Level 1) CAC certification, participants are required to complete 100 units of education as well as pass an exam. The exam will be available online. Attendees of THE Aesthetic Show™ (Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Nev.) will also have an opportunity to complete the exam on site.

In order to receive certification one must complete the online course work, approved manufacturer courses, approved manufacturer workshops and approved webinars.

CAC curriculum (online 80 units):

• Basic Science: 20 units
• Consultation Skills: 20 units
• Marketing Principles: 20 units
• Business Practices: 20 units
  

CAC educational units may be obtained through the following methods:

• Online CAC courses (up to 80 units)
• Approved manufacturer online courses, approved manufacturer workshops and approved webinars (20 units)

Who is Eligible?

All aesthetic personnel are eligible, including physicians, nurses, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, technicians, as well as front and back office staff.

What is the Fee Structure?

The cost for certification is as follows:

CAC program including one year TAPA membership

• Single: $950 per individual
• 2 to 5 persons from one practice location: $600 per individual
• One entire practice, single location: $3,500

Exam fee for CAC program

• $150 per individual

How Does it Work?

Once you enroll in the CAC program, you will be sent a user ID and password to access the learning management system (LMS). The LMS will track your progress toward obtaining your degree as well as store the results of each assessment you complete following each course. These assessments serve as preparation for the final certification exam.