🌐 Officially Approved CIDESCO Training School

Learn Esthetics in Virginia
Become a Skincare Expert

AVI Career Training is an officially approved CIDESCO training school — giving you access to one of the most globally respected esthetics certifications in the world, right here in Tysons Corner, Virginia.

Apply Now — Free Financial Aid Available
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CIDESCO
Approved School
Globally Recognized Certification
What is CIDESCO?

The Global Gold Standard in Esthetics Education

CIDESCO (Comité International d'Esthétique et de Cosmétologie) is one of the world's most prestigious beauty and esthetics organizations. Founded in 1946, it sets the international benchmarks for professional beauty therapy education and has members in over 35 countries.

A CIDESCO qualification is recognized by top employers in luxury spas, medical aesthetics clinics, cruise lines, and wellness resorts worldwide — opening doors that a standard state license alone cannot.

AVI is an Officially Approved CIDESCO School

AVI Career Training has been approved by CIDESCO International to prepare students for CIDESCO examinations — one of a select number of schools in Virginia to hold this status.

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35+
Countries Recognize CIDESCO
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1946
Founded
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International
Career Mobility
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Elite
School Status
Career Opportunities

Where a CIDESCO Qualification Takes You

A CIDESCO qualification opens doors beyond local licensing — helping you position yourself as a globally competitive esthetics professional.

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International Opportunities

Luxury destination spas worldwide
Cruise line spa departments
International wellness resorts
Five-star hotel spa positions
Global cosmetic brand educators
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Local & National Opportunities

Premium medical spas & clinics
Luxury day spa management
Skincare clinic ownership
Cosmetic brand product training
Beauty education & instruction
Training Pathways

Two Pathways to CIDESCO Certification

Our CIDESCO preparation tracks are built into our esthetics programs and designed around real-world readiness.

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Track 1

Manual Facial Certification Track

Develops foundational CIDESCO-aligned skills in professional skin care with a focus on hands-on technique, skin science, and elevated client care.

Skin analysis and consultation techniques
Facial treatment protocols
Professional client care standards
Product knowledge and retail
Assessment
Written exams · Practical demonstrations · Documented client case studies
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Track 2

Advanced Skin Care — CIDESCO Diploma Pathway

An elevated track covering modern technologies, electrical modalities, and professional-level treatment planning aligned with CIDESCO diploma requirements.

Advanced facial treatments & technologies
Electrical modalities and devices
Hair removal & cosmetic applications
Professional-level treatment planning
Leads To
CIDESCO International Diploma eligibility upon completion of required hours and examinations
CIDESCO Examinations

Aesthetics, Skin Care & Body Examinations

As an approved CIDESCO school, AVI prepares candidates for the international examinations below — each one a step toward globally portable credentials.

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Your Path to the Full CIDESCO Beauty Therapy Diploma

Together, these examinations form the 730-hour Beauty Therapy Diploma pathway, built into our Basic Esthetics and Master Esthetics programs. Graduates who pass both the Aesthetics and Skin Care examinations are eligible to claim the full CIDESCO Beauty Therapy Diploma.

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Exam 1 · Manual Facial Certificate

Aesthetics Examination

Certifies you to practice confidently as a professional skin care therapist delivering complete facial services — cleansing techniques, skin analysis, brow and lash tinting and shaping, machine-assisted deep cleansing with brush, steamer, and exfoliating products, facial massage, mask therapy, and day-care finishing application.

Pre-Requisite
Currently enrolled in, or a graduate of, the Esthetics program.
Training
A minimum of 300 hours at a registered CIDESCO school, covering every subject in the CIDESCO Manual Facial Certificate syllabus.
Examination
Candidates first complete at least 4 school examinations (2 practical + 2 theory) during training to qualify. The Manual Facial Certificate exam itself has three parts:
Theory: multiple-choice (MCQ) exam — 60 questions, 1 hour
Practical examination — 2 hours
5 client case histories, completed before sitting the exam
Exam 2 · Diploma in Skin Care

Skin Care Examination

Qualifies you as an advanced skin care therapist whose scope extends beyond manual facials — adding electrical facial treatments, waxing, and make-up artistry to your professional toolkit.

Pre-Requisite
Open to candidates who have completed the Esthetics program and are enrolled in — or have finished — Master Esthetics.
Training
A minimum of 730 hours at a registered CIDESCO school, covering all subjects in the CIDESCO Skin Care Syllabus.
Examination
Candidates first complete at least 4 school examinations (2 practical + 2 theory) during training to qualify. The Certificate in Skin Care exam has three parts:
Theory: multiple-choice (MCQ) examination
Practical examination
Research project with client case histories
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Skin Care Syllabus — What the 730 Hours Cover

The Skin Care examination draws on the full CIDESCO syllabus, spanning the sciences, hands-on treatments, and professional studies below.

🧪 Natural Sciences
Chemistry & physics — elements, compounds, mixtures, and the pH scale; electricity and its effects on the body; treatment currents and the safety precautions for using them.
🫀 Anatomy & Physiology
Cells and tissues, metabolism, and the body systems — including myology (the study of muscles).
🔬 Skin & Dermatology
In-depth study of skin structure, function, and conditions.
🧼 Hygiene & First Aid
Public and personal hygiene; microbiology and bacteriology; sanitization and sterilization methods; infection and cross-infection control; immunity.
💆 Aesthetic Treatments
Skin care and consultation, treatment procedures, deep cleansing, facial massage, and mask therapy — practical and theory.
⚡ Facial Electrotherapy
Galvanic current, high frequency, electrical muscle stimulation (faradic-type), micro-current, steam and ozone, brush cleanse, vacuum suction, and ultraviolet & infrared light therapy.
🪒 Hair Removal & Ancillary Services
Hair removal techniques plus eyebrow shaping, eyelash and brow tinting, and bleaching of face and body hair.
💄 Make-up & Cosmetic Science
Make-up artistry, cosmetic products and basic cosmetic science, and general awareness of cosmetic surgery.
🥗 Wellness & Professional Practice
Nutrition and diet, professional ethics, and occupational health & safety.
📊 Commercial & Business Studies
Business fundamentals and retail skills for the professional therapist.
📝 Project & Case Histories
Research and writing project with documented client interaction sessions and case histories.
Curriculum

What You'll Learn

Our CIDESCO-aligned curriculum covers every dimension of professional esthetics — science, hands-on skills, and business readiness.

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Core Science

Skin structure and function
Chemistry and product science
Electrical treatment effects

Practical Skills

Facial treatments & techniques
Skin consultations & care plans
Professional equipment operation
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Additional Services

Hair removal methods
Eyebrow shaping & tinting
Makeup application
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Health & Safety

Sanitation & infection control
Client communication
Professionalism standards
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Business Fundamentals

Retail & product knowledge
Business operations basics
Client case study experience
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Career Readiness

State board exam prep
Job placement assistance
Industry networking
Why Choose AVI

A School Built for Global Standards

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SCHEV Certified & COE Accredited
Virginia state-approved and nationally accredited — recognized by licensing boards in VA, MD, and DC.
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Small Class Sizes
Maximum 15–20 students per class ensures personal attention from experienced instructors.
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Premium Products
Train with Dermalogica® and IMAGE Skincare® — the same professional brands used in top spas.
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Financial Aid Available
Title IV approved school — Pell Grants, federal student loans, and VA benefits accepted. Staff guides you through FAFSA.
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Rolling Enrollment
Classes start the first Monday of every month — begin your CIDESCO journey when you're ready.
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Tysons Corner Location
Metro accessible, free parking, right in the heart of Northern Virginia's business corridor.
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Ready to Take Your Career to the Next Level?

Join AVI Career Training's CIDESCO-approved esthetics program and earn a qualification recognized around the world. Our team is ready to help you get started.

Apply Now — Free 📞 (571) 491-4634