A Makeup Certificate: The Different Types and What They're Good For - QC Makeup Academy

You may be considering a career as a makeup artist, but after a quick Google search, you may be a little confused! Here’s the thing: There are different types of makeup certificates available through QC’s different courses. I know, I know… now you might be like “Seriously? There are different types?!” But just relax, we’ll get you all sorted!

Earning any makeup certificate is a great way to make yourself stand out from your competition. It shows that you have the skills as well as the passion! And, with the completion of our Master Makeup ArtistryMakeup Artistry, or Special FX Makeup courses, you’ll be eligible to apply for the MAC Pro Student Membership!

But before you sign up for just any online makeup course, you should know the benefits of each one. What exactly each certificate is good for? Through some of QC Makeup Academy’s courses, you’ll earn title designations along with your official certificate of completion. That means you might become “Jane Doe, MIMP” after graduation. Confused? We’ll go over those, too!

Before you start freaking out at all your options, keep reading, and we’ll break it down together!

professional makeup artistry

Master International Makeup Professional™

Which Course to Take:

What it’s Good for:

Becoming a MIMP™ will prepare you for a successful makeup career in many fields. During the Master Makeup Artistry course, you’ll learn different styles of makeup. You’ll learn makeup techniques for bridal, theater, television, or film!

The Master Makeup Artistry course is great for anyone just starting out. And even if you’re an established MUA, you’ll still find a professional designation helpful! While this is our most comprehensive course, it’s still beginner-friendly. We recommend the course for anyone who hasn’t done professional makeup training before. It lays the foundation for some of our more advanced courses!

Certified International Makeup Professional™

Which Course to Take:

What it’s Good for:

Becoming a CIMP™ also opens the door to the makeup industry for you! The Makeup Artistry course is a bit more basic than the Master Makeup Artistry course. It doesn’t cover advanced techniques or makeup for film and theatre. The difference may seem small but it’s something you need to consider when choosing a course.

makeup artistry course teaches you foundation makeup techniques

International Special FX Makeup Professional™

Which Course to Take:

What it’s Good for:

Becoming an ISMP™ is something you can consider after taking Master Makeup Artistry. Did you know that you get a brief introduction to special FX in the Master Makeup Artistry course? That being said, you don’t need to complete the Master course as a pre-requisite for this course!

Although you can take this as a standalone course, some find it handy to understand other foundational areas of makeup first. This is a specialty course after all! Earning this designation is a great way to show that you have the skills to work in the SFX makeup industry!

Many SFX makeup artists work in television, film, or theater. But of course, there are so many other jobs in special effects makeup!

Certified International Styling Professional™

Which Course to Take:

What it’s Good for:

Being a CISP™ shows that you have the fashion training the industry is looking for! In QC’s Fashion Styling course, you’ll cover things like the history of fashion and how to make certain body types look best! Many professional makeup artists choose to round out their skills with a fashion styling certification, too. Provide your clients with a head-to-toe makeover!

International Skincare Consultant™

Which Course to Take:

What it’s Good for:

Becoming an ISP™ allows you to continue to help your clients feel amazing even after getting up from the makeup chair. QC Makeup Academy offers an in-depth skincare course that will teach you to help clients keep their skin glowing! Having your certificate is great for setting yourself apart from other artists.

QC Makeup Academy’s Executive MUA, Nathan Johnson, considers this course foundational for any kind of makeup artistry. He even suggests taking the workshop before jumping into your Master Makeup Artistry course!

Other Certificates

All of QC’s courses offer a certificate of completion. QC Makeup Academy’s training is recognized all over the world as professional MUA training! Keep reading for some of the other certifications we offer…

Hair Styling Essentials Certification

Students who complete our Hair Styling Essentials course get this certificate upon completion! The course is perfect for MUAs looking to add to their services or just anyone who wants to learn more about hairstyling!

hair styling essentials for bridal makeup and weddings

Global Beauty Workshop Certification

MUAs should definitely add the Global Beauty Workshop certification to their set of qualifications. The course teaches students different cultural definitions of beauty. It examines diverse skin tones and conditions and gives you an in-depth study of how to work with diverse clientele!

Airbrush Makeup Workshop Certification

Knowing how to airbrush will bring your makeup skills to the next level. An Airbrush Makeup Workshop certification will definitely be worth showing off!

QC Makeup Academy Student Ambassador Whitney Conn considers airbrushing an incredibly versatile skill to have. In her review of the course, she says that it’s a very impressive skill to add to your portfolio. From bridal to fantasy application, there’s a completely new area of makeup just waiting to be explored!

Portfolio Development Certificate

Speaking of portfolios – there’s nothing better than to have the opportunity to grow your portfolio under the expert eye of a professional makeup artist. Whether you’re an experienced MUA or just figuring it out, the Portfolio Development Workshop will teach you how to present your work. It covers doing professional photoshoots of your work as well as how to build your brand—all under the watchful eye of your personal tutor!

Phew! That’s quite a lot to take in! If you’re still unsure about what course might be best for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to any member of our Student Support Staff! And remember: don’t get overwhelmed by all the options QC Makeup Academy has to offer!

professional photoshoot makeup artist portfolio

So, which certification are you going to get? Let us know!

Trying to decide if online makeup school will work for you? Take this quiz to find out!

Author Catherine Hammond

More posts by Catherine Hammond

Join the discussion 69 Comments

  • How do you apply to become a blogger for the qc website??

    • Catherine Hammond says:

      Hi Kristina! Our marketing and content staff at our headquarters do all the blogging 🙂

  • Chelsea Kroh says:

    I am currently enrolled in both the Master Makeup Artistry course and the SFX Course and I LOVE them. The tutors are helpful and I haven’t had any issues so far!

  • Brianna Booker says:

    i am super excited to become a certified makeup professional! I have been enrolled in the master makeup artist course for a few months and am pretty close to completion, and then I will be enrolling in the pro course right after. This far it has been an amazing experience!

  • Nicky Beauclaire says:

    really enjoying the Master Makeup Artistry course!!!

  • Nina says:

    thank you for all of this valuable information!

  • Sara Ahmed says:

    Just signed up yesterday for the Master Makeup Artist program and I am thrilled to begin learning! Once I get myself accommodated with the course, I want to feature my work and QC Academy on my blog and social media platforms!

  • Elena Belenska says:

    Nearly finished my course and I loved everything so far ❤️

  • Ebony Williams says:

    I enrolled in the course on May 23, 2018 and I’ve already completed Unit A!!! I’m so elated to embark on adding this feature to my already established event and wedding planning career that I obtained certification through QC.

  • Brittany Francis says:

    I am so glad that I signed up for the pro makeup course & master makeup course! I’m in love!!

  • Elena says:

    Love my experience with the academy so much ❤️

  • Lee-Ann Forbes says:

    Currently enrolled in Master Make Up and Special FX. Can’t wait become certified and get started on my makeup artistry career!

  • Jamie says:

    Amazing courses. Loving the variety of different techniques and skills you can gain !

  • Krishaina says:

    Im currently enrolled in master makeup artistry and pro makeup artistry courses im thoroughly happt so far with everything is a invredible experience so far! I can wait to finish and start the special fx course! And many other ones there so fun! ❤??

  • hollie c schoonover says:

    I just visited an aesthetics school today in my area and I am happy to say I think I am going to choose QC Makeup Academy. I can enroll in 5 classes for half the cost of the tuition at the aesthetics school and I get to choose the material I want to learn through QC Makeup Academy!

  • claudia says:

    I feel the blog provides great information. All my questions was asked. I really do love the QC Academy and hope to one day enroll after i graduate.

  • Ngoc Lan says:

    I am enrolled in Master Makeup Artistry Course and I feel like QC has been amazing so far! The resources are so helpful as well. Thank you!

  • Joshalynn Barton-Carr says:

    Im so excited to have started my Special FX classes

  • Martika-Faye Figueroa says:

    I am enrolled into three courses through QC and it’s the best decision I have made. I don’t feel rushed when studying and can take my time 🙂

  • Danielle August says:

    Don’t feel overwhelmed finding an online makeup course. simply google QC Makeup Academy in your search engine, view your courses, enroll and get certified!!!??

  • Emily Barber says:

    It’s my dream to enroll with QC. It seems so amazing here and I can’t wait to follow my dreams with you guys.

    • Catherine Hammond says:

      That’s great Emily! We hope to welcome you to the school! Don’t hesitate to get in contact with us if you have any questions 🙂

  • Wow the QC Makeup Academy is very unique and i read all the comments and it was awesome. I want to enroll to

  • Alex says:

    I’m currently enrolled into the Master Makeup Artist and Special Effects Course. The tutors are fantastic and so is all the staff at QC. Truly loving being able to expand and learn new skills.

  • Francesca Tremblay says:

    Im curently enrolled in Master Makeup Artistry and Pro Master Makeup and will eventually enroll in Skincare and special fx! I love QC Makeup Academy I just wsnt to learn all of the courses. The tutors are amazing. Love how we can do it at our own pace ♡

  • Jenny-Lee says:

    I am taking the Skin Care program, as well as Hair Styling, in High School I was highly criticized for my bad skin that was oily and acne prone, I had no idea how to fix my hair, this was the day the internet wasn’t even the go-to for quick and easy tutorials, my age is 32 with 5 kids, and I think I can turn this into something big. Especially since I am recovering from depression, I have now created a goal.

  • Danielle August says:

    I recently enrolled and so excited to start this new chapter in my life. The student portal is very user friendly!

  • Amber says:

    I have already enrolled in a few courses. The next one I’d like to take is Airbrush 🙂

  • I am currently enrolled in the Master Makeup Artistry course. My tutor is amazing and I’m absolutely loving it.
    I will be enrolling in SFX and the skin care course very soon, this has taught me so much throughout the course and I’m excited to learn more.

  • Cyril Lidede says:

    I been frustrated several times looking for a ‘Perfect’ online make up course in vain. I found a number of live classes buh when I landed on QC I could feel it… Relaxed- eventually finding what I was exactly looking for amazing course content and recognized certification… All yoh courses are super!!! Definitely enrolling soon.

  • I am currently enrolled in the makeup artistry and hair styling essentials courses. I am loving it so far. I love that you can go at your own pace and everyone is so helpful. I have been recommending QC Academy to my friends who are interested. I did not have confidence applying makeup before attending this academy, but I am gaining that confidence. I am even in talks with someone to do their makeup for their wedding. I am so glad I was introduced to the QC Academy by my husband who is also attending.

  • Danielle Standridge says:

    I am a total makeup addict so I am extremely interested in learning as much as I can and possibly turning my love into a career.

    • Catherine Hammond says:

      That sounds great Danielle. Feel free to contact our Student Support Staff if you have any questions about QC 🙂

  • Angelica says:

    I am looking into enrolling and decided I will be a future qc makeup academy student! I can’t wait!

    • Catherine Hammond says:

      Hi Angelica, we can’t wait to welcome you to the school! Please get in touch if you have any questions about enrollment

  • Vicki Garlick says:

    This site is so informative without even joining up for any courses yet…its awesome. So much great advise and makeup hairstyle ideas, for anyone in a beauty career or wanting to start one this is the blog to read for sure.

  • Leddie says:

    This school is beyond impressive! I’ve had nothing but the best time going through the course materials in my Master Makeup Artistry and Pro Makeup Workshop classes! <3 this school so much!

  • Yum says:

    What an amazing post, it contains a lot o for helpful information about the available courses. Thank you

  • Rachel Derksen says:

    I am currently enrolled in the Master Makeup Artistry and Pro Makeup Workshop courses. These are so easy to follow, and Tutors are super helpful!!

  • Allison says:

    Whats the best combination of courses to be a freelance makeup artist?

    • Catherine Hammond says:

      Hey Allison! We recommend our Master Makeup Artistry course to anyone who hasn’t had formal makeup training before. It’s our most popular course! We also have our Makeup Artistry course, which is a shorter course and covers less than our Master Makeup Artistry, but also costs a bit less. From there, we have a ton of speciality courses, like Airbrush Makeup, Portfolio Development, or Special Effects. These speciality programs are a great way to build on the skills you learn in Master Makeup Artistry and focus on a specific area in the industry. Don’t hesitate to contact us with any other questions! Our Student Support Staff would be happy to help 🙂

  • Patsy says:

    I can’t wait to finally become a makeup artist! This class is amazing, to be able to do it all online and on your own paste. I have a child so that is really helpful to me

    • Catherine Hammond says:

      That’s great! Our self-paced courses are great for managing a busy life (which I’m sure you have as a parent!). Let us know if you have any questions!

  • Vicki garlick says:

    An amazing informative site…..

  • Sheena says:

    I absolutely love all the blogs and this school. I can’t wait to get started!

  • Eden says:

    I am currently enrolled in the master makeup course and enjoying it so much! Looking forward to the next course, any recommendations?

  • Janet says:

    I have just enrolled and so excited to get started!

  • Huda Fathima says:

    I would like to know if the makeup artistry course is still available.

  • I can’t wait to start my career as an MIMP ❤️ Super excited!

  • Ashley says:

    the scavenger hunt was fun!

  • Rachel R says:

    I’m really interested in the Global Beauty Workshop because it comes with the Henna paste. Does that course teach ways to use the henna paste?

    • Catherine Hammond says:

      Hi Rachel! Our Global Beauty Workshop is great! And yes, in the fourth and final unit, you cover extensively how to work with henna! You can see an outline of what will be covered in the course here. Feel free to contact us with any other questions!

  • Vanessa Odoudey says:

    I would like to take the makeup artistry class and combine it with the hair styling course. But I would like to be able to do makeup for all skin colo, especially darker skins. I don’t know if you have any suggestions for me. Thanks

    • Catherine Hammond says:

      Hi Vanessa! We do recommend starting out with Master Makeup Artistry, especially if you haven’t had any formal makeup training before. Hair Styling is a great addition to your makeup certification too! As for doing makeup on various skin tones, we have our Global Beauty Workshop, which covers a variety of skin tones as well as cultural makeup for weddings, etc. So I would totally recommend the Global Beauty Workshop if you want to go further into working on various skin tones! Don’t hesitate to contact us with any other questions Vanessa!

  • Tanya Mayberry says:

    Leaving a comment for the scavenger hunt!!! ❤️ It!!!! Had trouble linking my tweet URL on a phone though wouldn’t let me do it but I just copied and pasted the written content to the link on twitter I received instead ? hope that was ok!
    ❤️ These games it’s sooo much fun!!! ??????????

  • Michelle Weir says:

    Just enrolled for the Master Makeup and Pro Makeup course can’t wait to get that certificate…
    The perfect way to study when you have teens who are growing up and away…
    Thank you QC Academy for the quick response and excellent service ❤️

    • Catherine Hammond says:

      Thank you for the wonderful response Michelle! We wish you the best in your makeup career! Feel free to get in contact with any concerns or questions!

  • Heather L Warner says:

    This sounds so Amazing I cannot wait to get started in a Professional Makeup career!!

  • Carrie says:

    So excited to get started!

  • Caitlyn Pederson says:

    How old do I need to be to enroll? and do I need pre-requisutes to enroll?

    • Catherine Hammond says:

      Hey Caitlyn! If you are under 18, you will need permission of a guardian or parent. And we are glad to say there are no prerequisites to our courses! We recommend Master Makeup Artistry for those who have never done any formal makeup training before. The course covers the basics that will help you if you wish to take any of our specialty courses. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about the school or the courses!

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