1. A written programme before booking
A good school sends the hourly breakdown, topics and scope of practice before you pay. A vague programme, or one 'set on the day', is a warning sign.
2. Hours of real hands-on practice
Ask directly: how long do you work on a model yourself, and how long is lecture and demonstration. Practice measured in minutes is not the same as practice measured in hours.
3. Models
Check how many models the course includes, which areas, and whether they are confirmed in the programme. A course with no model work will not prepare you for an independent treatment.
4. Equipment
It is best to learn on a device close to a salon setup, or on your own. Working only on a demo unit of a different class limits how useful the training is.
5. Who runs it
Check who actually teaches and what practical experience they have with the technology — not just the brand name of the organiser.
6. Materials and protocols
Good training leaves you with written protocols, documentation templates and notes you can return to during rollout.
7. A certificate you can verify
The certificate should state the topic and number of hours and allow verification (for example by number). Be wary of promises of 'state authorisation' after a short course.
8. Post-course support
Ask whether, and to what extent, you can ask a question after the course once you start working with clients. Agree it before, not after.
Summary
Compare schools by the written programme, hours of practice, models, equipment and certificate verification — not by price or brand name alone. OG Academy's approach is described on the 'How we teach' page.