Access the Highest Level of Success with the CIDESCO RPL Program

By Lydia Sarfati, President, CIDESCO Section USA 

Seasoned professional estheticians now have a pathway to elevating their career to an international standard with the CIDESCO Recognized Prior Learning (RPL) program.  In the past, estheticians who obtained their license without a CIDESCO diploma would need to spend years of study and tuition fees to return to school for CIDESCO credentials.  

Now, with the RPL program, beauty professionals with at least two years’ experience can apply for the program to utilize their knowledge from prior studies for a diploma. This program allows beauty therapists and estheticians to earn a CIDESCO diploma, one of the most prestigious certifications in the beauty industry. 

The RPL program streamlines the certification process by providing structured guidance, practical exam preparation, and a clear pathway to meet CIDESCO’s international standards. Instead of starting from scratch, candidates leverage their hands-on experience while receiving expert support to successfully complete the required practical examination. 

The CIDESCO RPL Program 

CIDESCO stands for Comité International d’Esthétique et de Cosmétologie, a non-profit organization founded in 1946 in Brussels, Belgium, now headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. CIDESCO membership is open to leading schools, colleges, beauty salons and spas, and students looking to achieve a superior level of training. 

The importance of higher credentials plays out in real numbers. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, skin care specialist employment is projected to grow 7–10%, outpacing the average for all occupations, with salaries commensurate with levels of advanced education.¹ 

The CIDESCO RPL program is available internationally and recently launched in the United States through the work of Lydia Sarfati, President, CIDESCO Section USA, and Lacy Gill, Director of Education for CIDESCO Section USA and Assistant Director at the Institute of Cosmetology Esthetics & Massage. 

“We’re beyond excited to introduce the RPL Program to the United States and globally,” says Sarfati. “It is a pathway to elevating careers and honoring hands-on expertise while guiding the individual towards the internationally respected CIDESCO diploma, the gold standard in beauty and skin care.” 

“CIDESCO graduates are in demand, from luxury spas and medical esthetics programs, to clinics, wellness, resorts, cruises, and more,” says Sarfati. “Whether you are a student pursuing a CIDESCO diploma, an educator preparing the next generation of professionals, or an esthetician expanding your credentials, you are now a part of the global family that prioritizes knowledge, ethics, and exceptional client care.”

How to Fast-Track Your Path to the CIDESCO International Skin Care Diploma  

The CIDESCO Recognized Prior Learning (RPL) program is designed for licensed, experienced estheticians. The esthetician is evaluated and credited for prior professional knowledge gained through licensing, continued education, and real-world experience. If the beauty therapist or esthetician meets eligibility requirements, they can complete the CIDESCO Post-Graduate Beauty Therapy curriculum. 

This pathway is ideal for working professionals who want to elevate their credentials or pursue international recognition while still maintaining their day-to-day business. Steps towards acquiring the CIDESCO RPL diploma include: 

Step One: Become a CIDESCO member in your country.  

Step Two: Submit an application, including proof of license, work experience, and a professional portfolio. A senior education CIDESCO team will review application materials to confirm eligibility.  

Step Three: Schedule the exam through the CIDESCO school or section. 

Step Four: Submit a written paper on a topic in the industry from 2,500 words. This must be completed before the exam. All participants must complete the written assignments as per individual qualification requirements.  

Step Five: Take a mock practical examination with the school or section to become familiar with the examination procedures. The training provider can offer to upskill the candidate in areas where their knowledge is not sufficient. 

Step Six: Take the Multiple-Choice Question exam, a virtual test with 100 multiple-choice questions. Individuals must receive 70 percent (or above) to pass this exam. If the candidate does not receive at least the minimum grade, they will be required to retake the examination.  Two retake exams can be taken within two years of the original exam date. 

Step Seven: Take the final practical exam demonstrating esthetics skills.  This is taken in person at their school or section.  

“You won’t go through this journey alone,” notes CIDESCO Director of Education Lacy Gill. “With these courses, we are here to help you prepare every step of the way.”Further information about the CIDESCO RPL program is available at CIDESCO (https://cidesco.com/qualification/beauty-therapy-post-graduate/, https://www.cidescousa.com/courses-and-certifications), through the Lydia Sarfati Post-Graduate Skin Care Academy in Secaucus, NJ (https://www.lydiasarfati.com/courses/cidesco-rpl), and the Institute of Esthetics, Cosmetology & Massage in Houston, TX. 

 

REFERENCES 

1. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Skincare Specialists,” accessed May 20, 2026, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/skincare-specialists.h...