WTS Trichology Advancement Program (TAP)
The WTS Trichology Advancement Program (TAP) is a structured educational pathway created for qualified trichologists who completed their original trichology education outside the World Trichology Society.
Rather than requiring experienced professionals to begin their education again from the start, TAP recognizes their existing foundation and provides a pathway to build upon their previous education, strengthen their knowledge and clinical skills, and advance toward WTS Certification Standards.
The program combines structured online academic study with clinical training and is Continued Professional Development (CPD) Accredited by The CPD Group.
The total course hours is 160 hours.
Program Snapshot
Entry & Structure
Credential review followed by the WTS Trichology Entrance Examination.
Five Advanced Academic Studies Sections (80 hours) + Applied Clinical Practicum (80 hours).
Format & Duration
Preparatory clinical portfolio plus two-day live virtual practicum.
Twelve months completion period from admission.
Tuition & Fees
Program Tuition: $3,000 (separate from exam fee).
Entrance Examination Fee: $329 (nonrefundable, allows two attempts).
Credential Awarded
World Trichology Society Trichology Certification Certificate.
Accredited CPD Certificate issued through The CPD Group (580 Credit Hours).
The TAP Route
Step 1: Pre-Admission Eligibility Review
Submit completed application, CV, identity information, practice history, educational evidence, applicable insurance evidence, CPD evidence, and any required translations to [email protected].
Step 2: TAP Entrance Examination
Pay the nonrefundable $329 Entrance Examination fee and complete the exam covering required subject areas (14 subject-based tests; 180 questions total). Access is received via email after payment.
Requirement: Score at least 60% in every test and at least 70% overall across all 180 questions (minimum 126 correct answers) within 24 consecutive hours. A second attempt may be permitted subject to WTS policy.
Action Button: [ TAP Entrance Examination Checkout ($329) ]
Step 3: Enrollment & Agreement
Once the entrance exam is passed, complete TAP enrollment documents, sign the required agreement, and select your payment option ($3,000 tuition).
Action Link: [ View $3,000 Payment Options ]
Step 4: Advanced Academic Studies (80 Hours)
Complete Sections I through V with at least a 70% passing score in every section test.
Step 5: Applied Clinical Practicum (80 Hours)
Complete preparatory clinical portfolio, written reports, video consultation submission, and participate in the two-day live virtual practicum.
Step 6: Final Assessments & Certification
Pass the core 90-question multiple-choice exam (at least 70%) and pass the viva voce examination. Satisfy all professional, ethical, administrative, and financial requirements.
Advanced Academic Studies (80 Hours)
Section I: Trichological Anatomy & Physiology
- Part I: Anatomy & Physiology of the Hair: Hair structure, follicular anatomy, hair growth, normal physiological function.
- Part II: Anatomy & Physiology of the Skin: Skin structure and function in relation to scalp and hair-bearing environment.
- Part III: Anatomy & Physiology of the Scalp: Applying anatomical principles to scalp observation and assessment.
Section II: Trichological Lifestyle & General Health Influences
- Nutrition: Foundational nutritional influences (Part I-I) and extended nutritional understanding, clinical limitations, and referral (Part I-II).
- General Health & Medications: Relationships between health, medication history, hair/scalp presentation (Part II-I & II-II).
- Hormones: Hormonal influences and recognition of the need for medical investigation or referral (Part III).
Section III: Genetic Hair Loss for the Trichologist
- Male & Female Pattern Hair Loss: Presentation, history, differential considerations, clinical limitations, and referral requirements.
- Oral Minoxidil: Current evidence, safety, and prescribing boundaries (prescribing remains restricted to appropriately licensed healthcare professionals).
Section IV: Other Hair Loss, Hair Fiber & Hair Growth Disorders
- The Effluviums: Major effluvium presentations, relevant history, assessment, and referral.
- Alopecia Areata: Typical/atypical presentation, appropriate medical involvement, and structured application of SALT II severity assessment.
- Cicatricial (Scarring) Hair Loss & Trichotillomania: Timely medical referral features, risk of permanent follicular damage, sensitive communication, and multidisciplinary referral.
- Hair Fiber & Growth Disorders: Acquired, genetic/congenital shaft disorders, and recognition of less common growth disorders.
Section V: Trichological Scalp Conditions
- More Common Scalp Conditions: Recognition, advice, and referral thresholds for non-inflammatory and inflammatory problems.
- Less Common Scalp Disorders: Infection control, postponement, precautions, and differentiation of contagious/non-contagious scalp problems.
Applied Clinical Practicum & Evaluation
Learning-Platform Items & Live Component
📋 Lessons I-I to I-IV: Questions, history-taking, assessment, documentation, decision-making, treating hair loss of uncertain cause, and differential assessment.
📝 Lesson Tests & Workbooks: Lesson I Test (20 MCQs, min 75%) and Clinical Training Workbook activities.
📹 Consultation Video Submission: Recorded evidence of consultation structure, communication, consent, documentation, scope, and referral.
📑 Written Reports: Case analysis, differential considerations, recommendations, referral, and safety for hair-loss and scalp conditions.
💻 Two-Day Virtual Practicum: Live teaching, case discussion, presentations, participation, and directly observed clinical activity.
Final Assessment Requirements
✍️ Core Trichological MCQ Exam: 90 multiple-choice questions (minimum passing score: 70%).
🗣️ Viva Voce Examination: Individual defense of reasoning, safety, ethics, referral, scope, and professional judgment (Pass required).
Applied Clinical Practicum & Evaluation
🔬 Scientific Knowledge
Apply knowledge of hair/scalp anatomy, physiology, biology, and pathology to trichological practice.
🔍 Structured Assessment
Conduct structured consultations, document relevant history, and perform hair/scalp assessments within lawful scope.
📊 Information Interpretation
Interpret trichoscopic, photographic, and laboratory info without representing nonmedical practice as medical diagnosis.
🚨 Red Flags & Referrals
Formulate reasoned differential assessments, identify red flags, and make timely referrals to licensed healthcare professionals.
💡 Advisory Plans
Develop evidence-informed, individualized management plans within competence and jurisdictional limits.
💬 Professional Communication
Communicate findings, uncertainty, options, limitations, consent, and follow-up plans clearly.
📂 Legal Records
Maintain accurate, confidential, de-identified, and legally appropriate clinical records.
🛡️ Ethical Standards
Apply ethical principles, professional boundaries, inclusion, client safety, and reflective practice.
🎓 Clinical Defense
Present and defend clinical reasoning through written casework, observed evidence, and viva voce examination.
Ready to Advance Your Trichology Career?
Begin your application process today to obtain World Trichology Society Certification.
Step 1: Submit your Pre-Admission Eligibility portfolio to [email protected].
Step 2: Complete the TAP Entrance Examination.
Reach Out to Us
We’d love to hear from you! Whether you have questions about our courses, services, or how we can help you further your career in trichology, we’re here to assist. Reach out to start your journey!