Laser and IPL Course in Australia (SHB60118)
Laser and IPL treatments are booming — hair reduction, in particular, is one of the most requested services in the beauty and cosmetic industry. If you want to work with this technology at an advanced level, a laser and IPL course is the qualification that gets you there. Here is what the course covers, the accredited pathway, the licensing you need, and where it can take your career.
What is a laser and IPL course?
A laser and IPL course trains you to safely design and deliver hair-reduction treatments using intense pulsed light (IPL) and laser technology. It is technical, clinical work: you learn to analyse skin and hair, choose the right settings, protect the client and yourself, and deliver consistent, safe results.
Is it nationally recognised?
Yes. The accredited qualification is the SHB60118 Advanced Diploma of Intense Pulsed Light and Laser for Hair Reduction, listed on training.gov.au. It is made up of seven core units covering IPL and laser for hair reduction, client consultation and skin analysis, treatment-plan design, infection control, and laser and IPL safety. ACBNT delivers this qualification — see the Advanced Diploma of IPL & Laser course page.
What you’ll learn
- How IPL and laser work for hair reduction
- Skin and hair analysis, and matching technology to the client
- Designing and evaluating treatment programs
- Client and operator safety, and infection control
- Compliance with regulatory requirements
Licensing — check your state
Laser and IPL are regulated differently across Australia. Queensland, Western Australia and Tasmania require a licence to operate these devices, while other states are more self-regulated but still expect proper training and safety compliance. Make sure your course meets the licensing requirements where you plan to work — our guide on how to become a laser technician explains the state rules.
Careers and earning potential
Qualified laser and IPL technicians work in cosmetic clinics, dermal clinics and beauty salons, and the advanced qualification supports higher pay and senior roles. See our guides to the laser technician salary and, for the broader clinical-skin pathway, the dermal therapist route and dermal therapist salary in Australia.
Laser and IPL course FAQs
Do I need a licence to use laser and IPL?
In QLD, WA and TAS, yes — and your training must meet those requirements. Always check your state’s rules.
Is IPL the same as laser?
No — they are different technologies, but both are used for hair reduction and are covered in the course.
What can I do after the course?
Work as a laser/IPL technician in clinics and salons, and progress into advanced dermal roles.
Ready to move into this high-demand field? Get in touch with our team about the Advanced Diploma of IPL & Laser.