Cosmetic Physicians College of Australasia
Shaping the future of cosmetic medicine in Australia
As a member-led organisation, the CPCA supports doctors through structured pathways committed to clinical excellence, ethical practice, and lifelong learning. With a strong emphasis on safety, accountability, and continued education, the College fosters a forward-thinking community of practitioners committed to raising the bar in the industry.
Build patient trust with recognised credentials
In cosmetic medicine, credentials are the foundation of trust. Patients want proof that their doctor is qualified, trained, and accountable. But with so many unverified claims in the market, that proof isn’t always easy to find.
The industry has changed, but standards of excellence must not. Giving patients a clear way to verify your credentials is one of the most effective ways to earn lasting trust. When your qualifications are visible, it’s a quiet signal that gives patients confidence before they even meet you.
Certificate of Competency (Theory & Application) Cosmetic Injectables
Certificate of Competency (Theory) Use of Energy-based and NIRD & Cosmeceuticals
Find a CPCA qualified doctor
Find a CPCA-qualified cosmetic physician who is just right for you. Let’s help you find a selection of doctors for you to contact, nearby
What it means to see a CPCA-qualified cosmetic physician?
CPCA-certified doctors bring with them extensive training and experience in the field, ensuring patients receive care that is safe, informed, and aligned with best medical practice:
5+ years of experience
Your cosmetic physician has completed six years of medical school and at least two years in public hospitals. Many of our cosmetic physicians have also gone on to work in emergency departments, ICU, psychiatry, and all-in general medicine before deciding on a pathway to cosmetic medicine. The work of a cosmetic physician requires a broad-brush stroke of experience with human conditions. We commonly come across skin cancers, undiagnosed thyroid deficiencies, and other issues that sometimes masquerade as the cause of premature aging. Cosmetic injections and energy-based skin treatments do not come without risk, so it is essential to choose a cosmetic physician who is trained and experienced when considering a cosmetic medical treatment.
Fellowship-level training qualified
The pathway to Fellowship of the College is arduous. Only the most skilful and knowledgeable candidates succeed in Fellowship of the College. Our examiners look for a strong commitment to patient safety, excellent communication skills, and a passion to help patients soften the approach to the aging process. We believe that looking better, not different, is what our patients strive for, and of course, this is the sensible approach. Most of all, we understand the sensitive barriers that patients are faced with when the earliest signs of aging begin to appear. We understand the courage it takes to make those first steps.
Wide-ranging experience
Magazines and social media are full of ‘what’s new’, and ‘the best treatment ever’ type articles. When it comes to cosmetic medicine, new is not always better, yet scientific breakthroughs are important. Your cosmetic physician will know the difference. Your cosmetic physician will examine your specific concerns in person because we know that a face-to-face consultation is Best Practice. We know choosing a cosmetic physician is personal, and there is no substitute for developing that special understanding and trust between patient and cosmetic physician.
The Cosmetic Physicians College of Australasia acknowledges and addresses the challenges of the following principles of medical practice
Charter of Cosmetic Physicians College of Australasia. Click on the links below for more information.
The Cosmetic Physicians College of Australasia
Establishing and maintaining high standards of learning, skills and conduct among doctors working in cosmetic medicine.
Welcome to the Cosmetic Physicians College of Australasia. The College was incorporated in October 2014 and grew from an earlier organisation: Cosmetic Physicians Society of Australasia Inc. The CPSA was founded in 1997, incorporated in 1998, and was the largest and longest-serving group in Australia representing registered medical practitioners who practise cosmetic medicine.
More CPCA education and training opportunities
Access more pathways to expand your skills, stay current with best practices, and uphold the standards patients deserve.
52900WA Graduate Certificate in Cosmetic Medicine
The Graduate Certificate in Cosmetic Medicine (GCCM) is the first Australian Nationally Accredited Qualification in cosmetic medicine. The comprehensive training provides medical professionals with the knowledge and skills to successfully fulfil the role as a cosmetic physician, achieving best practice standards for cosmetic treatments and meeting all requirements as stipulated by Ahpra. Lecture and assessment content focus on the delivery and promotion of cosmetic services, scope of practice, patient communication and assessment, cosmetic dermatology, facial aesthetics and anatomy, and in-depth knowledge and skills in cosmetic injectables. The course is tailored for both new and practising cosmetic doctors across Australia.
Laser Safety Officer Course (Flexible Online Learning Course)
This theory-based course offered by Cosmetic Physicians College of Australasia focuses on the clinical aspects of light and laser treatments, covering the essential safety standards outlined in the Radiation Safety Act. It provides the foundational knowledge required for obtaining a laser licence and ensuring safe, compliant practise in cosmetic medicine.
Recognised by QLD Radiation Health and the Radiological Council of WA, this course serves as an official Radiation/Laser Safety Officer’s Certificate, meeting the key requirements set by Australia’s leading laser authorities.
Registrar Training Program (Backed by AQTF Level 8 Standards)
The CPCA’s Registrar Training Program has been specifically developed by cosmetic medical practitioners for cosmetic medical practice in Australia, and it has been designed to align with The Training Accreditation Council’s Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) at Level 8. The CPCA’s Registrar Training Program (RTP) will represent the College’s pathway to Fellowship in the near future.
This training program commences with 52900WA Graduate Certificate in Cosmetic Medicine (GCCM) and will soon include a Graduate Diploma in Cosmetic Medicine (GDCM) (under development). The Graduate Certificate in Cosmetic Medicine (GCCM) is available for immediate enrolment, and full course details, along with the application button, can be found below.
Preliminary Essentials in Cosmetic Medicine Flexible Online Course
This entry-level course provides the underpinning knowledge to prepare the doctor for cosmetic practice as a cosmetic physician. There is a focus on multi-disciplinary practice examining the scope of practice for each cosmetic professional, including allied health workers who further support cosmetic patients.
Lectures encompass the governance surrounding cosmetic practice with attention to appropriate marketing strategies, medical indemnity, and the cosmetic physician’s role in a supervisory capacity. This course is ideal for doctors considering expanding their scope of practice to cosmetic medicine.
Know you’re in the right hands for your cosmetic procedures
Today’s cosmetic medicine market is complex and confusing. Consumers are overwhelmed by choice. They may be misinformed about a cosmetic practitioner’s skills and training, unaware of potential risks or lured by cheap deals. The industry has changed but standards of excellence must not.
Be part of the community who believe in better practice, better care, and better outcomes
Connect with doctors who take the work seriously, want to keep learning, and believe standards matter. Stay grounded in the kind of practice you can stand behind, even when the industry shifts around you.
Be the first to know about standards, policy, and training
Stay informed as cosmetic medicine evolves. Join the CPCA mailing list to receive monthly updates with the very latest in CPCA and industry news. We only send information that helps you stay prepared, credible, and informed.
Frequently asked questions about CPCA
What is the CPCA, and what does it do?
The Cosmetic Physicians College of Australasia (CPCA) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to raising standards in the field of cosmetic medicine in Australia. It provides structure, support, and guidance for qualified doctors who practise cosmetic procedures. The CPCA promotes ongoing education, ethical conduct, and high levels of clinical skill. Its primary aim is to ensure that patients receive care from doctors who are properly trained, competent, and up to date with the latest advancements in the industry. The College also represents the interests of its members while advocating for responsible, safe, and evidence-based cosmetic medicine.
Who can become a member of the CPCA?
Membership is open to registered medical practitioners in Australia who are actively involved in cosmetic medicine. Doctors must meet strict entry criteria, including appropriate qualifications, current AHPRA registration, and ongoing clinical experience in non-surgical cosmetic procedures. In addition, they are expected to participate in regular professional development to stay informed about the latest techniques, safety practices, and ethical standards. The CPCA offers various membership levels, allowing doctors at different stages of their careers to access support and education tailored to their experience.
Why is CPCA membership important for doctors in cosmetic medicine?
Being a CPCA member signals a doctor’s commitment to professionalism, patient safety, and continuous learning. The College sets clear expectations for clinical practice, ethics, and patient communication. It also provides structured training opportunities, peer support, and guidance on regulatory matters. Membership helps doctors stay accountable through education and compliance with the College’s Code of Conduct. For patients, choosing a CPCA-accredited doctor offers reassurance that the practitioner meets recognised industry standards and is actively working to maintain those standards over time.
How does the CPCA support continuing education and professional development?
The CPCA runs a wide range of professional development activities throughout the year. This includes accredited workshops, clinical masterclasses, peer-reviewed case studies, webinars, and scientific conferences. Doctors are encouraged to engage in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) as part of their ethical and professional responsibility. The College monitors and verifies participation in these activities to ensure members are actively updating their knowledge and refining their clinical skills. By providing high-quality educational content, CPCA helps doctors deliver safer, more effective treatments to their patients.
Does the CPCA regulate cosmetic procedures in Australia?
The CPCA does not act as a government regulator, but it does play an influential role in helping shape industry standards and best practices. It works alongside regulatory bodies such as AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) and the Medical Board of Australia to promote high standards of care. While CPCA cannot enforce legislation, it strongly encourages ethical conduct and holds its members accountable to strict codes of practice. Through education, policy guidance, and professional advocacy, it contributes to a safer, more transparent cosmetic medicine landscape in Australia.
What types of procedures do CPCA members typically perform?
CPCA members are medical doctors who focus on non-surgical cosmetic treatments. These include procedures such as anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers, laser treatments, chemical peels, skin rejuvenation therapies, and medical-grade skincare. Members are trained to understand the science behind facial anatomy, skin health, and safe injecting techniques. While these procedures are often minimally invasive, they still carry risks, so CPCA emphasises the importance of clinical skill, informed consent, and evidence-based treatment planning in every case.
How does CPCA help ensure patient safety?
Patient safety is a core value of the CPCA. The College supports high-quality education, ethical decision-making, and clinical oversight to reduce the risk of complications or poor outcomes. CPCA members must follow clear guidelines around patient consultations, medical record-keeping, treatment protocols, and emergency preparedness. The College also promotes transparent communication so patients fully understand the risks, benefits, and alternatives before proceeding with treatment. By raising the bar for medical practice in the cosmetic sector, CPCA helps patients feel more confident and protected.
How can patients check if a doctor is a CPCA member?
Patients can visit the official CPCA website, where a searchable list of accredited members is available. Each listed doctor has met the College’s standards for experience, training, and ethical conduct. When consulting a cosmetic doctor, patients are encouraged to ask directly about their qualifications, training background, and whether they are a CPCA member. Choosing a CPCA-accredited doctor is one way to ensure that you’re being treated by someone who has invested in proper education and is committed to maintaining a high standard of care.
What is the CPCA’s role in public awareness and advocacy?
The CPCA actively works to raise public awareness about the importance of choosing qualified doctors for cosmetic treatments. It provides educational resources, issues safety warnings, and offers commentary on industry trends and concerns. The College also engages with media, government, and healthcare stakeholders to advocate for better protections for patients and clearer regulatory frameworks. Through these efforts, CPCA helps improve understanding of what safe cosmetic medicine looks like and why proper medical training matters.
How can doctors join the CPCA or learn more about membership?
Doctors interested in joining the CPCA can visit the College’s official website for full membership criteria, application forms, and information about ongoing professional development. The site outlines different membership levels and the documents required to apply. Potential members are encouraged to contact the College directly with questions about eligibility, training pathways, or how the CPCA can support their journey in cosmetic medicine. More than credentials, joining the College is a commitment to maintaining high standards and putting patient safety first.
