

Board Certification Categories
The American Council of Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery (ACAMS) offers competency-based Board Certification and Professional Certification across medical and allied aesthetic professions, aligned with defined scopes of practice and training pathways.
Board Certification in Aesthetic Medicine (For Medical Doctors)
Scope Includes:
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Non-surgical aesthetic procedures
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Facial injectables and energy-based treatments
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Skin rejuvenation and anti-aging therapies
Eligible Professionals:
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Medical doctors with formal aesthetic medicine training
Board Certification in Aesthetic Surgery (For Qualified Surgeons)
Scope Includes:
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Surgical aesthetic procedures
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Surgical safety and ethics
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Pre- and post-operative care
Eligible Professionals:
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Surgeons with recognized surgical qualifications and experience
Board Certification in Facial Aesthetics (Medical & Dental)
Scope Includes:
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Facial anatomy and assessment
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Injectables, threads, facial contouring
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Complication prevention and management
Eligible Professionals:
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Medical and dental professionals with facial aesthetics training
Board Certification in Hair Restoration (Medical)
Scope Includes:
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Hair loss assessment
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Medical and surgical hair restoration
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Patient safety and aftercare
Eligible Professionals:
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Medical professionals trained in hair restoration
Board Certification in Regenerative & Anti-Aging Medicine (Medical)
Scope Includes:
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Regenerative and anti-aging therapies (within legal scope)
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Longevity and wellness medicine
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Ethical and evidence-based practice
Eligible Professionals:
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Medical professionals with relevant training
Professional Certification in Aesthetic Nursing (Non-Physician Track) (For Qualified Surgeons)
Scope Includes:
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Assisting in aesthetic procedures
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Patient preparation and aftercare
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Device handling under supervision
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Infection control and safety protocols
Eligible Professionals:
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Registered nurses or equivalent, subject to local laws
Professional Certification for Aesthetic Assistants
(Assistant / Diploma Track)
Scope Includes:
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Clinical assistance in aesthetic procedures
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Patient coordination and support
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Equipment preparation and maintenance
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Documentation and clinic workflow support
Eligible Professionals:
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Trained aesthetic assistants
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Diploma or certificate holders
Professional Certification in Hair Transplant Assistance (Non-Medical)
Scope Includes:
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Graft handling and preparation
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Procedure assistance under medical supervision
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Post-procedure patient care
Eligible Professionals:
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Hair transplant assistants and technicians
Professional Certification in Laser & Device Operations (Non-Medical / Allied)
Scope Includes:
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Operation of aesthetic devices
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Safety protocols and patient positioning
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Device-based treatment assistance
Eligible Professionals:
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Trained technicians operating under licensed supervision
Certified Aesthetic Trainer (CAT – Medical) (For Medical Professionals)
Scope Includes:
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Teaching aesthetic medicine or surgical techniques
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Curriculum delivery and skill-based training
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Clinical mentorship and supervised instruction
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Ethical training practices and learner safety
Eligible Professionals:
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Board-certified or experienced medical professionals
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Minimum clinical experience (defined by ACAMS policy)
Certified Aesthetic Trainer – Allied Professionals (Nursing / Assistants / Technicians)
Scope Includes:
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Training nurses, assistants, and technicians
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Teaching safety protocols and procedural assistance
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Device handling and clinical workflow education
Eligible Professionals:
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Certified aesthetic nurses or senior assistants
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Demonstrated training and supervisory experience
Certified Clinical Skills Trainer (CCST) (Hands-on & Skills-Based Education Track)
Scope Includes:
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Practical skills training workshops
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Simulation-based teaching
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Competency assessment and learner evaluation
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Skill validation under supervised environments
Eligible Professionals:
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Medical or allied professionals with advanced procedural experience
Medical & Allied Professional Competency Recognition
Certification Scope & Representation
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Medical certifications = Board Certification
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Non-medical tracks = Professional / Diploma Certification
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All certifications are voluntary, non-governmental, and non-licensing
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Practice scope is governed strictly by local laws and supervising authorities
Trainer Certification Principles
All trainer certifications:
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Recognize teaching competency, not institutional authority
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Do not authorize independent training institute operations
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Do not confer university or degree-awarding status
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Must operate under accredited institutions or compliant frameworks
Representation & Usage Guidelines
Trainer-certified individuals may:
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Use the ACAMS Trainer designation
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Teach within their scope of competence
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Deliver training under accredited or compliant institutions
Trainer credentials must not be represented as:
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Government-recognized teaching licenses
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University faculty appointments
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Statutory educator authority
Important Clarification
ACAMS certifications:
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Do not grant independent practice rights
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Do not replace medical or nursing licenses
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Must not be represented as statutory qualifications