SHB20216 Certificate II in Salon Assistant
If you love to make people look great and to feel good about themselves, take your first step into a career in hairdressing.
Information Session:
1st June, 2026 at SMB Campus - Building P, Unistyle
22nd June, 2026 at SMB Campus - Building P, Unistyle
Course essentials
Qualification Code
Entry requirements
Duration
Locations
Course overview
The Certificate II in Salon Assistant is an entry level program that will let you explore the world of hairdressing and to get a feel for the industry. Amongst other things, you will learn the basics of applying colouring products, drying hair to shape and other tools of the trade, as well as starting to develop your customer service skills. At the end of this course, you will be ready to apply for hairdressing apprentice positions or be prepared to step straight into the workforce as a salon assistant. Either way, this will be your first step in a new career.
IT requirements
To do this course you’ll need a fast and reliable computer and access to high-speed internet. Expect to use about 5GB of data per month for every unit you’re doing. Find out more about the minimum IT requirements for studying with us.
Got questions?
Call us on 1800 333 864, start a live chat or submit an enquiry.
Student support
The support we offer is second to none. Need academic help? No problem. Extra access or financial assistance? Let’s see what we can do. View our student services.
The fine print
The commencement of all courses is subject to available funding and enrolment quotas.
Everything in this course overview is correct at the time of being published. However, the University reserves the right to alter any course, procedure or fee. Please check for changes before you apply or enrol.
Federation University uses Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding (for eligible students) to deliver training.
School department
Federation TAFE
Career paths
- Salon Assistant
- Salon Receptionist
- Haircare Retail
- Apprentice Hairdresser
Fees and scholarships
Tuition fee information
2026 indicative fees
The fees you pay will depend on your eligibility for a Victorian Government subsidised place under the Skills First Program. The indicative fees displayed below are estimates for the total course and may change depending on individual circumstances at enrolment.
Fees are subject to change annually.
| Concession Government Subsidised Place | Standard Government Subsidised Place | Full Fee Place (Not eligible for government subsidy) |
|---|---|---|
| $223 | $1,113 | $4,946 |
Material fees
This covers things like tools, stationery, uniforms, textbooks, excursions and so on. Expect the cost to be around $413.
Other study costs
Students will be required to supply their own uniform: Black long pants or smart casual or knee-length skirt, and black fully enclosed, non-slip shoes¿ which must be low-heeled, closed-toe, rubber-soled shoes to reduce risk of slips, trips, and fatigue¿.
Other important information
If you need help managing your fee payments, you might be eligible for a direct debit payment plan. Students doing certificate-level TAFE courses can access payment plans for both tuition and materials fees. Diploma and advanced diploma students can access payment plans for materials fees only.
If you’re accessing government-subsidised training under the Skills First Program, doing this course might affect your ability to access future government-subsidised training.
If you’re eligible to enrol in a course under the Victorian Government Free TAFE initiative, the tuition would be free but you’d still have to pay the materials fee (if applicable).
Find out more about fees, payments and refunds.
Scholarships
There’s a range of scholarships and grants available. Find out what you can apply for.
Course details
Start dates
Semester 2, 2026
Locations
SMB (on campus)
Information
- Our Mt Helen, SMB, Camp St and Gillies St campuses are located in Ballarat. Testing.
Contact hours
Students will complete approximately 2 days per week of on campus study between 9am and 4pm. Classes are held in the UniStyle salon.
Additional study time is required to complete assessments, classroom readings and activities. We recommend that approximately 3 hours per week should be put aside for these activities.
Sample course structure
This is a list of units available in this course. Which units you enrol in will depend on the course and stream available.
- Contribute to health and safety of self and othersBSBWHS201
- Provide manicure and pedicare servicesSHBBNLS001
- Provide shampoo and basin servicesSHBHBAS001
- Dry hair to shapeSHBHDES001
- Maintain and organise tools, equipment and work areasSHBHIND001
- Conduct salon financial transactionsSHBXCCS001
- Provide salon services to clientsSHBXCCS002
- Greet and prepare clients for salon servicesSHBXCCS003
- Comply with organisational requirements within a personal services environmentSHBXIND001
- Communicate as part of a salon teamSHBXIND002
- Advise on beauty products and servicesSHBBCCS001
- Design and apply make-upSHBBMUP002
- Design and apply make-up for photographySHBBMUP003
- Research and apply beauty industry informationSHBBRES001
- Provide head, neck and shoulder massages for relaxationSHBHBAS002
- Apply hair colour productsSHBHCLS001
- Braid hairSHBHDES002
- Recommend products and servicesSHBXCCS004
- Apply safe hygiene, health and work practicesSHBXWHS001
- Produce visual merchandise displaysSIRRMER001
- Sell to the retail customerSIRXSLS001
Meet us at Open Day
Open Day is your chance to explore all that Federation has to offer. Meet current lecturers and students, ask course questions, learn about our support services and explore campus spaces.
We’ve got heaps of activities, tours and presentations planned. Basically, we want you to get a real feel for Federation. The atmosphere. The opportunities. The community.
Oh – and there’s no need to pack a sandwich. Lunch is on us.
Entry requirements
To assist prospective students to decide if the course is suitable and appropriate for the individual needs the FedTAFE will assess all students’ language, literacy and numeracy and digital literacy by asking you to undertake a self-assessment review prior to the enrolment. A course advisor will discuss the outcomes of the review and make recommendations about whether the course is suitable for you, and identify additional support where required.
How you apply will depend on your current situation. Visit our how to apply page for options and instructions.
After you submit your application, we’ll get you to do an online literacy and numeracy review to help us understand where you’re at (and if the course you’re applying for is a good fit). We’ll give you feedback and offer you support if needed.
For information about students’ rights and responsibilities, please refer to the VET Information Guide.
- Direct application
- Yes
- Federation University code
- LLY
- National course code
- SHB20216
This program offers a pathway with credit into the Certificate III in Hairdressing. You will need to be employed to undertake an apprenticeship course.