Why Training Academies Can’t Rely on CPD Alone Anymore

For years, CPD training has been the backbone of the beauty and aesthetics industry. Quick to launch, relatively low-cost, and easy to market, CPD courses have allowed academies to grow rapidly while giving students access to new skills.

But with the new licensing changes now coming into play, the landscape has shifted. CPD courses on their own are no longer enough. If you want to protect your academy, your students, and your reputation, you need to make the transition to Ofqual-regulated qualifications.

Why CPD Alone Won’t Cut It

The new framework is designed to raise standards across the industry. That means practitioners cannot just rely on CPD certificates as proof of competency. They will need qualifications that are nationally recognised, backed by an awarding body, and written to Ofqual standards.

For training academies, this is a big change. Without regulated qualifications:

• Students will struggle to get insured

• Treatments may not be legally allowed under new licensing

• Academies risk fines, reputational damage, and even closure

In other words, staying with CPD alone is no longer a safe option.

The Real Challenge for Academies

On paper, transitioning to regulated qualifications sounds simple: write a course, get it approved, deliver it. In reality, it is anything but.

Most academies quickly run into roadblocks:

• Writing regulated qualifications takes months of work and a deep understanding of assessment criteria

• The process is confusing and overwhelming, with a lot of admin, evidence mapping, and compliance to get right

• Time wasted here means lost revenue and delayed launches, while competitors push ahead

And all of this is happening while you are still trying to run your academy day-to-day.

The Solution We’ve Built

At You Academy, we saw this problem coming and we have already done the hard work for you.

Here is what is available right now:
✔ Ready-to-go, fully written Ofqual-regulated qualifications, created with over 30 years of industry expertise
✔ The option to come under our centre registration, so you do not need to set up your own from scratch
✔ Support and business mentorship to help you deliver confidently and position your academy as compliant, credible, and future-proof

Instead of burning months trying to navigate the process alone, you can start delivering recognised qualifications almost immediately.

Why Acting Now Matters

Licensing changes are not a “someday” issue, they are already rolling out. That means the academies who move first will have the strongest position in the market, while those who delay could be left scrambling to catch up.

By securing regulated qualifications now, you:

• Protect your academy from compliance risks

• Attract higher-level students who value official qualifications

• Position your business as a trusted, future-proof training provider

Next Steps

We are opening up our regulated qualifications and centre registration to a limited number of academies. If you have been feeling the pressure to make the switch but have not had the time, energy, or resources to do it, this is your chance.

Would this take the weight off your shoulders and give you the head start you need? Get in touch today to find out how we can support your academy’s future.