Can You Do a Cert III in Makeup Fully Online?
Short answer: not fully, and any provider claiming otherwise isn't being straight with you. A Certificate III in Make-Up is a government-accredited qualification delivered by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), and it requires hands-on practical assessment that can't happen through a screen. What some RTOs offer instead is "blended" delivery — theory online, practical skills assessed in person over scheduled workshops.
If a genuine Cert III is specifically what you're after, that's the pathway: an accredited RTO, a mix of online theory and in-person practical blocks, typically 6–12 months part-time or 12–15 weeks full-time.
What a Blended Cert III in Makeup Actually Involves
- Online theory: skin science, colour theory, client consultation, hygiene and safety
- In-person practical blocks: supervised sessions on live models, assessed against national competency standards
- Portfolio assessment: photographic and written evidence of practical work
How Long and How Much Does It Cost?
Blended Cert III in Makeup programs typically run 6–12 months and cost $3,500–$7,000 through an accredited RTO. Full-time face-to-face versions can be finished in 12–15 weeks. Some state Skills funding may reduce the cost — check directly with the RTO.
Here's the Real Question: Do You Need a Cert III?
If a government-recognised qualification is specifically your goal, yes — that means enrolling with an accredited RTO, full stop. Bela Beauty College is not an RTO and doesn't offer a Cert III in Makeup.
But if your actual goal is to work as a makeup artist and build your own bookings — bridal, events, everyday clients — you don't need 6–12 months and thousands of dollars in a government qualification to get there. You need real technique training, a professional kit, and the business skills to get paid.
That's what Bela's Makeup Artistry Course is built for: 100% online video training, a professional kit shipped to your door, tutor support, business and marketing training, and Aesthetic Beauty Industry Council certification — all without putting your income on hold for a year.
Start Faster with Bela Beauty College
If you want the fastest route from zero to booked-out makeup artist, skip the RTO waitlist. Bela's Makeup Artistry Course gets you trained, kitted, certified, and business-ready — all online, all at your own pace.
Explore the Makeup Artistry Course and start building your own beauty business today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fully online Cert III in Makeup?
No. A genuine Cert III in Makeup requires supervised practical assessment in person, delivered by an accredited RTO. Anyone claiming a fully online Cert III isn't offering the real qualification.
Is Bela Beauty College an RTO?
No. Bela isn't a government RTO and doesn't issue a Cert III. Bela offers industry-recognised certification through the Aesthetic Beauty Industry Council, built for women who want to train fast and start their own beauty business — not spend a year working towards a government diploma.
Do I need a Cert III to work as a makeup artist in Australia?
No. There's no legal licensing requirement to work as a makeup artist in Australia. Clients book you on skill, portfolio, and professionalism — exactly what a focused, business-first course builds.
How much does an online makeup course cost?
Bela's Makeup Artistry Course is $2,400 AUD — a one-off cost covering training, kit, and business coaching, with no ongoing tuition fees.
