Higher Occupational Certificate: Image Consultant

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to function as an Image Consultant. An Image Consultant specialises in improving the personal and / or professional image of a client (Individual or Organisation). An Image Consultant evaluates, guides, advises, enhances, and transforms the client's overall image including deportment, and communication skills to ensure that they are reflecting their personal and professional goals consistent with their personal or professional brand.

A qualified learner will be able to

• Oversee an image consulting business.
• Determine and individuals needs through consultation and evaluation.
• Apply methods to enhance an individual's overall image.
• Consult and assist with the enhancement of an organisation's employees' image.

A qualified learner will demonstrate the following key attributes

• Deal with diverse clients.
• Communication skills.
• Professionalism.
• Reliability.
• Ethical behaviour.
• Administrative skills.
• Sense of fashion and style.

Rationale

The demand for image consulting in South Africa is steadily increasing. However, the training in this field has been largely unregulated and heavily influenced by international standards, often overlooking the unique considerations of the African continent. Currently, there is no registered qualification specifically designed for the Image Consultant occupation in South Africa. This occupation, situated within the beauty and personal healthcare industry, holds the potential to greatly enhance individuals' self-awareness and confidence in their personal presentation, benefiting both themselves and the organizations they are associated with. A formal qualification for image consultants will offer numerous benefits that enhance their professional credibility, ensure consistent service quality, build client trust, and provide opportunities for career advancement and personal development.

Image Consultants play a vital role in helping individuals refine their personal style, grooming, and overall appearance, aligning these with their desired image. This work supports the beauty sector by increasing demand for beauty products, services, and fashion. Additionally, Image Consultants educate clients on best practices in beauty, skincare routines, and fashion, thereby promoting informed consumer choices and the use of high-quality products.

In society, Image Consultants contribute to helping individuals present themselves in the best possible way, which can lead to better job prospects, career advancements, and stronger professional relationships. They advocate for diversity in beauty standards, encouraging a more inclusive approach to fashion and style that embraces various body types, skin tones, and cultural backgrounds.

The image consulting industry itself contributes to job creation, from independent consultants to those employed by larger firms. The increased demand for beauty and fashion products and services further stimulates economic growth. As individuals become more conscious of their image, they tend to invest more in beauty and fashion products, boosting retail sales and supporting related industries. In a corporate setting, a well-presented workforce can enhance a company's image, attract clients, and improve overall business outcomes, indirectly contributing to economic growth.

Typical learners for this qualification include school leavers and individuals interested in working from home rather than pursuing traditional corporate employment. Career prospects for experienced Image Consultants include opportunities to transition into roles as image advisers in retail outlets or fashion advisers within the clothing industry. Learners completing this qualification will benefit as they will be able to find employment in the image consulting field.

This qualification was developed in collaboration with the relevant stakeholders in the Image Consulting industry.

Typical occupations in which the qualifying learner will operate

• Stylists Corporate Stylists
• Personal Branding
• Etiquette Coach
• Personal Shopper
• Image advisor in a retail store
• Work with Fashion Designers

There are no similar qualifications NQF registered.

This qualification is made up of compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules

Knowledge Modules

• 514210-000-00-KM-01, Ready for Work Standards, NQF Level 4, 1 Credit.
• 514210-000-00-KM-02, Professionalism and Business Principles, NQF Level 3, 1 Credit.
• 514210-000-00-KM-03, Setting Up a Business Plan, NQF Level 4, 1 Credit.
• 514210-000-00-KM-04, Business Communication and Customer Services, NQF Level, 3 Credits.

Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 6

Practical Skill Modules

• 514210-000-00-PM-01, Schedule a Meeting, NQF Level 5, 3 Credits.
• 514210-000-00-PM-02, Develop Social and Business Etiquette Principles, NQF Level 4, 7 Credits.
• 514210-000-00-PM-03, Assess an Individual's Physical Style Appearance, NQF Level 5, 9 Credits.
• 514210-000-00-PM-04, Assess an Individual's Colour Appearance, NQF Level 5, 6 Credits.
• 514210-000-00-PM-05, Conduct a Wardrobe Audit and Shopping, NQF Level 5, 2 Credits.
• 514210-000-00-PM-06, Advise and Guide a Hair, Image, and Make-up Makeover, NQF Level 5, 3 Credits.
• 514210-000-00-PM-07, Assess an Organisation's Professional Appearance, NQF Level 5, 6 Credits.
• 514210-000-00-PM-08, Initiate and Facilitate Seminars and Workshops in the Image Industry, NQF Level 5, 3 Credits.

Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 39

Work Experience Modules

• 514210-000-00-WM-01, Processes and Procedures on Consulting and Assisting with Enhancing an Individual's Appearance, Level 5, 50 Credits.
• 514210-000-00-WM-02, Processes and Procedures on Consulting and Assisting with the Improvement of an Organisation's Image in terms of their Employees, Level 5, 25 Credits.

Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 75

1. Evaluate the Image Consulting environment by producing a coherent presentation and report, providing explanations for positions taken.
2. Analyse the elements that impact on a consulting business by considering the operating environment as a system within a wider context.
3. Enhance the image of an individual through consultation and evaluation, by selecting and applying methods and image enhancement procedures, or techniques.
4. Evaluate the image consulting environment and the elements that impact on a consulting business to improve an organisation's employees' image by applying solutions based on relevant evidence and procedures from an Assistant Image Consultants perspective.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

ELO 1: Evaluate the Image Consulting environment by producing a coherent presentation and report, providing explanations for positions taken.

• Explain the responsibilities and tasks of an Image Consultant.
• Analyse the need for studio policies and a code of practice in an Image Consultant environment.
• Explain the importance of being aware of cultural, social, and religious diversity in an Image Consultant environment.
• Discuss coping with conflict.
• Discuss effective client feedback.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

ELO 2: Analyse the elements that impact on a consulting business by considering the operating environment as a system within a wider context.

• Explain the elements of image.
• Explain the difference between general and professional image.
• Explain professional dress codes for different industries.
• Identify the client's most suited colour hair, make up and clothing.
• Complete a Client Assessment Chart.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

ELO 3: Enhance the image of an individual through consultation and evaluation, by selecting and applying methods and image enhancement procedures, or techniques.

• Analyse a client's wardrobe content.
• Identify figure analysis, face shapes, and recommended hair styles.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

ELO 4: Evaluate the image consulting environment and the elements that impact on a consulting business to improve an organisation's employees' image by applying solutions based on relevant evidence and procedures from an Assistant Image Consultants perspective.

• Describe the steps pertaining to the elements of a business presentation.
• Analyse an organisational structure.
• Describe the elements of a feedback presentation based on the analysis.

Integrated Assessment

Formative Assessments conducted internally

Formative assessments are conducted throughout the training of learners. A range of formal, non-formal, and informal ongoing assessment activities are used to focus on teaching and learning outcomes to improve learner attainment.

Formative assessments are conducted continuously by the facilitator to feed into further learning, to identify strengths and weakness, and to ensure the learner's ability to apply knowledge, skills and workplace experience gained.

Formative Assessments are conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider (SDP), and a variety of ongoing assessment methods may be used, for example, quizzes, assignments, tests, scenarios, role play, interviews. Continuous feedback must be provided.

Integrated Summative Assessments conducted Internally

Integrated Assessment involves all the different types of assessment tasks required for a particular qualification, part-qualification or occupational skills programme, such as written assessment of theory and practical demonstration of competence. To achieve this, the Internal Assessment Criteria (IAC) for all modules as found in the QCTO curriculum document must be followed.

An accredited SDP should implement a well-designed, formal, relevant, final internal Summative Assessment strategy for all modules to prepare learners for the EISA. These assessments evaluate learning achievements relating to the achievement of each module of the relevant components of the qualification, part-qualification or skills programme.

Internal Summative Assessments are developed, moderated and conducted by the SDP at the end of each module or after integration of relevant modules, e.g. applied knowledge tests, workplace tasks, practical demonstrations, simulated tasks/demonstrations, projects, case studies, etc.

The results of these final formal summative assessments must be recorded. These results, which include the Statement of Work Experience results, where applicable, contribute to the Statement of Results (SoR) that is a requirement for admission to the EISA. An SoR, using the template provided by the Quality Partner, is issued by the accredited SDP for qualifications and part-qualifications. The SDP must produce a valid Statement of Results for each learner, indicating the final result and the date on which the competence in each module, of each component, was achieved. Learners are required to produce this SoR, together with their ID document or alternative ID document, at the point of the EISA.

External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) - a national assessment

The Quality Partner is responsible for the management, conduct and implementation of the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA), in accordance with QCTO set standards. Competence in the EISA is a requirement for certificating a learner.

For entrance into the EISA, the learner requires a valid Statement of Results issued by the accredited institution indicating the attainment of all modules for the Knowledge, Practical and Work Experience modules.