【Lifelong Learning】Aromatherapist, Yoga Instructor, Fitness Trainer... An Overview of 10 Popular Courses and License Application Methods

Enhancing oneself is a lifelong endeavor! Whether you want to learn an additional skill or change your career path, you can always continue to educate yourself and enroll in various courses, obtain relevant qualifications, and licenses. Below is a summary of ten professions popular among women, along with related courses and how to apply. Let's see if any of these are suitable for you!

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‍Aromatherapist

With Hong Kong's aging population and the increasing stress of urban life, the demand for aromatherapy is on the rise. If you are also interested in the functions and applications of essential oils, consider taking an aromatherapy course! Among the various courses, those certified by IFA (International Federation of Aromatherapists) and NAHA (National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy) are the most recognized.

NAHA Professional Aromatherapy Certificate Course

Key points of the introductory course:

Course fee: HK$5,500 (for reference only)

Teaching method: Online course + 3 hours of optional offline class

Registration link: https://www.aromatree.com.hk/NAHA-Aromatherapy-Course/Naha_Level_1

IFA Aromatherapy Course

Course fee: HK$9,800 (HK$1,000 to be paid upon registration, the balance to be paid on the first day of class)

Other fees:

IFA student membership registration fee: HK$350

IFA prescribed textbook: HK$450

British IFA assessment fee: HK$1,500-1,800

Other material fees

Teaching method:

Based on the IFA curriculum, the course combines theory and practical skills

In-school practical assessment

British IFA practical assessment

Registration link: https://www.aromatree.com.hk/IFA-Aromacare-Course

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Yoga Instructor

In recent years, Hong Kong has seen a surge in yoga, and if you want to become a yoga instructor, consider obtaining a certification from the RYT - 200 training course recognized by the Yoga Alliance USA. This certificate is widely recognized in the yoga community and is not only valid in the United States but also serves as an international yoga teacher qualification certificate. There are many yoga instructor training schools out there, so make sure to check that the institution you are enrolling in is a RYS (Registered Yoga School) recognized by the Yoga Alliance USA.

HKU Space RYT- 200 Training Course

Course content: Techniques of asanas, human anatomy and exercise physiology, yoga philosophy and lifestyle concepts, and the ethics of instructors, etc.; students with 100% attendance who complete the course and obtain the certificate can apply to register as RYT 200 instructors with the Yoga Alliance at their own expense

Course fee: HK$33,000 (for reference only)

Teaching method: Face-to-face

Registration link: https://hkuspace.hku.hk/cht/prog/cert-in-yoga-teacher-training

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Sound Healing Practitioner with Singing Bowls

It is said that singing bowls can improve physical problems caused by stress, such as insomnia, imbalances in the digestive system, poor circulation, and discomfort during menstruation. If you want to learn more about this sound healing tool or even become a singing bowl practitioner, consider taking a singing bowl therapy practitioner certificate course.

Singing Bowl Therapy Practitioner Certificate Course

Course content: Learn to use a set of 7 chakra singing bowls to adjust the vibrational frequencies of the body's various organs, fully understand the flow of energy in the human body, and return to a state of harmony and comfort; upon completion of the course, participants receive a certificate recognized by the International Association of Therapists (IAOTH)

Course fee: HK$6,480 (for reference only)

Teaching method: Face-to-face

Registration link: https://mettawellness.hk/professional-sound-practitioner-course/

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Tarot Card Course

The application of modern tarot cards is no longer limited to foretelling the future; it has developed into a tool for inspiring thinking, stimulating creativity, and self-healing. Even counselors and psychotherapists abroad use tarot cards to deal with traumatic events and explore psychological issues. Although the industry has huge potential for development, there is currently no strict licensing system in Hong Kong to manage tarot card readers, nor is a certificate required to join the profession; however, obtaining a professional certificate can still help in developing a personal brand.

London School of Astrology Tarot Beginner Course

Course content: Learn to understand the 78 tarot cards, use various layouts, and analyze for clients in a practical and intuitive way.

Course fee: £299 (for reference only)

Teaching method: Online pre-recorded course + live online Q&A

Registration link: https://www.londonschoolofastrology.com/courses/tarot-beginners

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Postnatal Belly Binding Specialist

Postnatal recovery is a topic of interest for many mothers, and "postnatal belly binding" is particularly popular in Southeast Asia. It can help mothers eliminate edema, tighten postpartum abdominal muscles, restore their figure, and reduce postpartum stretch marks. If you want to learn this skill or even turn it into a profession, consider the following course.

British TQUK Postnatal Body Contouring Abdominal Massage Certificate Course (Belly Binding Specialist Level 2)

Course content: Belly binding techniques, postnatal abdominal massage techniques, etc.; after passing the exam, you can obtain an internationally recognized certificate; you can also apply for the American IAPC certificate at your own expense

Course fee: HK$4,800 (including exam fee, for reference only)

Teaching method: Face-to-face

Registration link: https://www.momcarehk.com/bellybindingcourse

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Fitness Trainer

If you want to become a fitness trainer at a local gym or work as a freelance PT, you don't necessarily need a qualification or license; but if you want to become a fitness trainer at gyms under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, you must have a recognized coaching course certificate. One of the recognized courses is the Equipment Fitness Instructor Certificate offered by the Hong Kong Confederation of Physical Fitness and Athletics (HKCPFA).

Equipment Fitness Instructor Certificate

Application qualifications:

A valid adult CPR certificate or equivalent;

Pass the "PFA Fitness Comprehensive Ability Assessment Program" test by HKCPFA (need to register separately)

Course fee: HK$4,110 (including exam fee, for reference only)

Teaching method: Face-to-face / Zoom

Application method: Download the form from the website, attach a crossed cheque (or pay via EPS) and other supporting document copies, and submit in person or by mail to the Hong Kong Confederation of Physical Fitness and Athletics office

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Swimming Pool Activity Instructor or Lifeguard

If you love water sports and want to join the ranks of instructors, teaching your skills to others, or become a lifeguard to contribute to society, start with the Bronze Medallion! After successfully obtaining the Bronze Medallion, you can choose to take the Swimming Pool Activity Instructor Rescue Medallion or the Comprehensive Lifesaving Certificate to continue your studies and enhance yourself, aiming for the ultimate goal of becoming a watersports instructor.

Bronze Medallion

Participation qualifications:

At least thirteen years old (on the day of the admission water test);

Swim 200 meters (any forward stroke) within five minutes;

Tread water for three minutes

Course fee:

Pool: HK$220 (including first exam fee)

Beach: HK$320 (including first exam fee)

Teaching method: Face-to-face

Application method: Download the application form from the website, along with a self-addressed envelope and a crossed cheque, and send it to the Hong Kong Life Saving Association office

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Barista

In Hong Kong, there is no so-called professional license for baristas. As long as a company is willing to hire you, you can become a barista. That being said, there are indeed some certifications within the industry that are more authoritative and widely recognized, such as the SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) certificate. If you choose to enroll in a barista course, it's worth checking if the institution is SCA certified.

SCA BREWING Gold Cup Course Foundation

Course content: Learn how to use different brewing equipment and understand the impact of each variable on coffee brewing, including the effects of grind size, roast level, and water temperature.

Course fee: HK$2,280 (for reference only)

Teaching method: Face-to-face / Online

Registration link: https://www.tasse-coffee.com/products/sca-brewing

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Tour Leader

All tour leaders for overseas travel must hold a valid "Tour Leader License" to lead travel groups abroad. Let's take a look at how to obtain the relevant license!

Tour Leader Certificate Examination Course

Course content: Teaches basic tour leading skills and knowledge, and assists candidates in preparing for the "Tour Leader License Examination."

Course fee: HK$3,500 (for reference only), with additional fees for the license examination to be taken separately.

Teaching method: Face-to-face

Registration link: https://elearning.tichk.org/course-details?lang=zh_HK&cuuid=1eeace0d-c4c3-413d-9503-d7cf9f3f419a&

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Pet Groomer

In Hong Kong, there is no licensing system for pet grooming, but to prove your skills, obtaining an internationally recognized certificate is undoubtedly the most convincing method.

NASH Pet Grooming Diploma Certificate Course

Course content: The only internationally recognized pet grooming certificate in Hong Kong, also recognized abroad; includes basic theory and practice of animal grooming, as well as relevant business and entrepreneurship skills.

Course fee: Starting from HK$688 (for reference only, please inquire with the school for details)

Teaching method: Face-to-face

Registration link: https://iptga.petpetgroup.com.hk/contact-iptga/

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