Level 2 Award in Infection Prevention and Control for Special Procedures Practitioners

The regulated qualification required for Special Procedures licensing in Wales.

Course Description

Do you offer a treatment that pierce the skin? Licensing in Wales is changing & there will be a mandatory requirement to hold a Level 2 qualification in Infection Control to be able to apply for a Special Procedures Licence under Part 4 Public Health (Wales) Act 2017.

Covering treatments such as tattooing, electrolysis, body piercing and acupuncture the course guides student through the fundamentals of infection control and standard infection control precautions. This qualification is a must for anyone working in the aesthetics and skincare industry.

This is an All Wales initiative to improve the standards of public health and infection control.

** PRICE INCLUDES COURSE & EXAM FEE**

Course Summary

Mandatory Unit: Infection Prevention and Control - L/617/6112

1.0 Understand infectious and non-infectious hazards associated with Special Procedures.

2.0 Understand how the risks from infectious and non-infectious hazards can be controlled and the legislative requirements associated with these.

OfQual - 603/4597/4

QiW- C00/3873/0

Who is this course for?

This qualification is for anyone wishing to gain a special procedures license to work within Wales.

Learners must be over 16, with good english or welsh literacy, numeracy and ICT skills.

Course Requirements

Theory material is delivered via our online training portal. The course consists of 14 modules, learners are guided through each module with an end of module knowledge test. Mock papers are also provided for revision purposes. Students must work through the material at their own pace and complete the learning material prior to requesting their examination date.

Assessment is available in 2 forms:

1. Online E-Assessment (please see system requirements for this)

2. In House Paper Examination, held at our training academy in Llandudno.

Both options are multiple choice.

Access to our learning portal is granted for 6 months, all study must be completed and competed in this time, access after this time can be reissued for an additional fee.

Additional Information

This qualification is delivered through online study so can be completed at any time.

Examination can either be conducted online (e-assessment) or in house (paper exam) - both options are Monday - Friday 9-5pm.

**Please note to undertake e-assessment you will need all of the below:

A laptop or PC with Webcam, Speakers & Microphone to be able to conduct the live e-assessment. (iPad is not acceptable)
A mobile device with a camera (Smart phone or tablet)
Valid Photo ID
Good Internet Access

This is a controlled exam with a virtual invigilator that will monitor your exam session. You will complete the exam using the 'Proctor Exam App' and will be asked to complete a test run prior to the exam date.

On the date of the exam, environmental checks will be made using the app to ensure exam conditions are maintained.

If you are unsure about these exam arrangements please contact us.

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Frequently asked Questions...

What qualification do I need for Special Procedures licensing in Wales?

Practitioners applying for a Special Procedures Licence in Wales are required to demonstrate appropriate infection prevention and control knowledge. The Level 2 Award in Infection Prevention and Control for Special Procedures Practitioners is the regulated qualification specifically designed to meet this requirement.

The qualification provides practitioners with the knowledge and understanding needed to work safely and hygienically when carrying out special procedures.

Who needs a Special Procedures Licence in Wales?

The Special Procedures licensing scheme in Wales applies to practitioners carrying out designated special procedures, including:

Tattooing, including semi-permanent make-up and microblading
Body piercing
Acupuncture
Dry needling
Electrolysis

Practitioners should check the current Welsh Government licensing guidance to determine how the requirements apply to their individual practice.

Is the Level 2 Infection Prevention and Control qualification mandatory in Wales?

The regulated Level 2 Award in Infection Prevention and Control for Special Procedures Practitioners forms part of the requirements for Special Procedures licensing in Wales.

This means practitioners applying for a licence will need to provide evidence that they meet the required infection prevention and control competency requirements.

Do tattoo artists need an infection prevention and control qualification in Wales?

Yes. Tattooing is included within the Special Procedures licensing scheme in Wales. Practitioners applying for a licence must meet the relevant infection prevention and control competency requirements.

This Level 2 Award provides the regulated qualification specifically developed for practitioners carrying out special procedures.

Do microblading and semi-permanent make-up practitioners need a Special Procedures Licence?

Yes. Tattooing within the Welsh Special Procedures licensing scheme includes semi-permanent make-up (SPMU) and microblading.

Practitioners carrying out these procedures therefore need to meet the applicable licensing requirements, including demonstrating the required infection prevention and control knowledge.

Does Special Procedures licensing apply to acupuncture and dry needling?

Yes. Acupuncture and dry needling are included within the procedures covered by the Special Procedures licensing scheme in Wales.

Practitioners should ensure they understand the licensing requirements applicable to their practice and hold the required infection prevention and control qualification.

Does Special Procedures licensing apply to electrolysis?

Yes. Electrolysis is one of the designated procedures covered by the Special Procedures licensing scheme in Wales.

Practitioners carrying out electrolysis will therefore need to meet the relevant requirements when applying for their Special Procedures Licence.

Is this a regulated qualification?

Yes. This is a regulated Level 2 qualification, providing formal recognition of your knowledge and understanding of infection prevention and control within a special procedures environment.

Unlike a general CPD infection control course, this qualification is specifically designed for practitioners working within the Special Procedures licensing framework.

Is this the RSPH Level 2 Infection Prevention and Control qualification?

Yes. The course leads to the RSPH Level 2 Award in Infection Prevention and Control for Special Procedures Practitioners.

RSPH (Royal Society for Public Health) is the awarding organisation responsible for the qualification.

Can I complete the Level 2 Infection Prevention and Control course online?

Yes. The learning for this qualification can be completed online, allowing you to work through the course content flexibly around your existing commitments.

Please see the course information above for full details of the learning and assessment process.

Is there an exam?

Yes. As this is a regulated qualification, learners must successfully complete the required assessment to achieve the award.

Full information about the assessment process and any preparation required is provided as part of your course.

Is this just for beauty and aesthetic practitioners?

No. The qualification is specifically designed for Special Procedures Practitioners, rather than being limited to the beauty and aesthetics industry.

It is relevant to practitioners working across tattooing, body piercing, semi-permanent make-up, microblading, acupuncture, dry needling and electrolysis where the Welsh Special Procedures licensing requirements apply.

I already have an infection control certificate. Do I still need this qualification?

Holding previous infection prevention and control training does not necessarily mean that it meets the qualification requirements for Special Procedures licensing in Wales.

If you already hold an infection prevention and control qualification, you should check whether your existing qualification is recognised as meeting the current licensing requirements before enrolling.

I have been practising for many years. Do I still need the qualification?

Professional experience and length of time in practice do not automatically replace the qualification requirements associated with the Special Procedures licensing scheme.

Experienced practitioners should therefore check the current licensing requirements applicable to them and ensure they can provide the required evidence when making their application.

Is the qualification only required for new practitioners?

No. The Welsh Special Procedures licensing scheme applies to practitioners carrying out designated special procedures, including those who were already practising before the licensing scheme was introduced.

The exact requirements and transitional arrangements can depend on individual circumstances, so practitioners should refer to current Welsh Government and local authority guidance when applying.

Does completing this course automatically give me a Special Procedures Licence?

No. Completing the qualification does not automatically issue you with a Special Procedures Licence.

The qualification helps you meet the infection prevention and control competency requirement. Your licence application is made separately through the relevant local authority and is subject to the other requirements of the Welsh Special Procedures licensing scheme.

Where can I find the official Special Procedures licensing requirements?

The most up-to-date information about Special Procedures licensing, practitioner requirements and the application process is available from the Welsh Government and your relevant local authority.