Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 4:52 AM AWST
23/07/2026 4:52 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Design and apply special make-up effects
Design and apply special make-up effects
Unit of competency
National Code
CUFMUP502A
CUFMUP502A
State Code
D1154
D1154
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
31/10/2008
Field of Education
110301 - Beauty Therapy
Original Release Date
31/10/2008
Nominal Hours
60
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to design and apply special make-up effects services for productions in the screen, media and entertainment industries.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
Interpret creative briefs and develop initial design concepts
- 1. Analyse production documentation to determine overall production requirements
- 2. Identify factors that may affect the design and implementation of special make-up effects, including special requirements for performers
- 3. Identify prosthetic requirements and factors that may affect the creation of prosthetics
- 4. Generate a range of ideas for the special make-up effects design that respond sympathetically to the brief and provide creative solutions to all design issues
- 5. Use appropriate research techniques to identify and source references to clarify aspects of specific make-up design projects
- 6. Organise and maintain currency of research materials, documentation and findings for use by relevant personnel
- 7. Critically analyse sources and references in the context of specific special make-up effects design projects
- 8. Use research findings to develop initial design concepts
Develop and document special make-up effects designs
- 9. Maximise input into the design process by evaluating initial design concepts in consultation with relevant personnel
- 10. Evaluate initial concepts and select the most appropriate ideas, taking into account production constraints
- 11. Hold ongoing discussions with relevant personnel to ensure additional or changed production requirements are incorporated into special make-up effects designs
- 12. Incorporate feedback from colleagues into final designs and ensure agreement is reached on a consistent interpretation of character and style
- 13. Prepare in an appropriate format and distribute copies to relevant personnel as required
- 14. Continuously reflect on and appraise creative ideas and solutions in the context of production constraints
Prepare, apply and maintain special make-up effects
- 15. Ensure make-up products and equipment are available according to production schedules
- 16. Inform performers fully of the special make-up effects application process and respond appropriately to their questions
- 17. Dress performers with required protective covering to protect hair and clothes and ensure they are protected from hazards
- 18. Test special make-up effects to be applied to performer's skin and scalp for adverse reactions
- 19. Apply special make-up effects according to make-up plan and health and hygiene requirements
- 20. Apply prosthetics using the appropriate materials, equipment and techniques
- 21. Check that final effects meet production requirements
- 22. Make required adjustments quickly and accurately at appropriate times during productions
Remove special make-up effects
- 23. If appropriate, brief or instruct performers on how to remove special make-up effects
- 24. Remove special make-up effects using appropriate products
- 25. Remove prosthetics carefully to minimise performers' discomfort
- 26. Ensure that performers' comfort is maintained during special make-up effects removal and that they are protected from hazards
- 27. Seek medical advice promptly in cases of skin irritation or other problems
- 28. Clean make-up equipment and ensure work area is left in the original or improved condition
- 29. Complete workplace documentation as required
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Production documentation may include:
budgets
call sheets
copyright of body paint designs
costume break-down lists
costume designs
costume plots
make-up plans
manufacturer guidelines
product labels
production schedules
research documents
running sheets
scripts
stock orders
synopsis break-down of characters
time sheets
workplace procedures manual or documentation.
Production requirements may include:
camera angles/shots, e.g.:
extreme close-up
close-up
mid shot
long shot
wide shot
high-angle
eye-level shot
low-angle
health and hygiene requirements
lighting effects
production schedule
specifications from designers and directors
venue requirements
other technical considerations.
Factors may include:
any medical condition that could preclude a performer having a cast taken
available personnel
budget
deadlines/timeline
dramatic characters, e.g.:
number
type
changes
locations, e.g.:
studio
interior
exterior
outside broadcast
day
night
sound stage
materials, e.g.:
type
availability
quantity
production values/style
public profile of performers
technical considerations
time span
weather.
Special make-up effects may include:
ageing
animatronics
blood
body or facial features
burns
cuts
digital applications
fluids and solids
perspiration
scars
skin disorders
tears
wounds.
Special requirements may include:
contagious skin disorders, e.g. infections:
bacterial
viral
fungal
duration of make-up application
duration of performance
contra-indications/precautions, e.g.:
sunburn
trauma
bruises
cosmetic and general surgery
other visible non-normal skin
non-contagious skin disorders, e.g.:
acne
dermatitis
eczema
allergies
performers' histories
skin type/condition, e.g.:
normal
dry
combination
sensitive
mature
pigmented
colour and tone
removal of body or facial hair
wearing of contact lenses.
Prosthetic requirements may include:
body parts
camera angles/shots
context, e.g.:
single appearance
location
dramatic considerations
lighting
full bodies
full face
full head
location, e.g.:
interior
exterior
studio
small prosthetic pieces, e.g.:
face parts
bald caps.
Research techniques may include:
contact with historical associations
reading newspapers, books and other references
talking and listening to experts
use of the internet
watching documentary films and videos.
Organisation may include the use of:
computer databases
library
manual files.
Relevant personnel may include:
continuity personnel
costume designer and wardrobe personnel
designer
director
director of photography
floor manager
hairdresser
lighting designer and lighting personnel
make-up supervisor/other make-up personnel
performers
producer
production manager
special make-up effects design and maker
technical director
other technical/specialist staff.
Production constraints may include:
budget
discussions
production schedule
reflection on the design brief
research findings.
Formats may include:
collage
coloured design illustrations
digital presentations
models
photographs
sketches.
Make-up products may include:
blush
cleanser
concealer
eyeshadow (matte/frosted)
fixative
foundation (liquid/solid)
glue/gum
latex
lipsticks/lip gloss
make-up grade
mascara (powder, liquid, wand or block)
moisturiser
pencil
powder
pre-make-up products and stabilisers
protective gel and cream
sunscreen
toner.
Make-up plans may include:
areas requiring correction/camouflage
colour design
continuity issues
details of special make-up effects
details of specialist services
face shape
highlighting/shading techniques
known allergies
make-up products, equipment and materials
product application procedures
prosthetic requirements
testing arrangements.
Health and hygiene requirements may include:
commonwealth, state and territory OHS regulations
regulations relating to cosmetics, e.g.:
sterilisation and sanitation procedures
storage and handling of hazardous substances
protective clothing and substances in the workplace.
Materials, equipment and techniques may include the use of:
equipment, e.g.:
moulds
make-up applicators
materials, e.g.:
foam latex
rubber
plaster
gums and glue
cleaning agents
sealers and release agents
techniques, e.g.:
merging prosthetics into performer's body, skin or hair
applying skin-compatible adhesives in positions that permit the required mobility and security of prosthetics
shading
padding.
Adjustments may be required due to:
adverse skin and scalp reactions
different shooting conditions
prosthetic pieces moving out of correct position.
Productions may include:
commercials
documentaries
feature films
filmed events or performances
live or pre-recorded television productions
live performances
music video
short films
television productions
theatrical productions.
Make-up equipment may include:
airbrushes
artificial lashes
bald caps
containers
cotton buds
eye make-up remover pads
hairclips and bands
lash curlers
latex
magnifying mirror
make-up box
moist towelettes
pallets or tiles
pencil sharpener
powder puffs
protective bibs and smocks
spatulas
sponges, brushes, applicators
supply of water
tissues
towels
trays
tweezers.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Production documentation may include:
budgets
call sheets
copyright of body paint designs
costume break-down lists
costume designs
costume plots
make-up plans
manufacturer guidelines
product labels
production schedules
research documents
running sheets
scripts
stock orders
synopsis break-down of characters
time sheets
workplace procedures manual or documentation.
Production requirements may include:
camera angles/shots, e.g.:
extreme close-up
close-up
mid shot
long shot
wide shot
high-angle
eye-level shot
low-angle
health and hygiene requirements
lighting effects
production schedule
specifications from designers and directors
venue requirements
other technical considerations.
Factors may include:
any medical condition that could preclude a performer having a cast taken
available personnel
budget
deadlines/timeline
dramatic characters, e.g.:
number
type
changes
locations, e.g.:
studio
interior
exterior
outside broadcast
day
night
sound stage
materials, e.g.:
type
availability
quantity
production values/style
public profile of performers
technical considerations
time span
weather.
Special make-up effects may include:
ageing
animatronics
blood
body or facial features
burns
cuts
digital applications
fluids and solids
perspiration
scars
skin disorders
tears
wounds.
Special requirements may include:
contagious skin disorders, e.g. infections:
bacterial
viral
fungal
duration of make-up application
duration of performance
contra-indications/precautions, e.g.:
sunburn
trauma
bruises
cosmetic and general surgery
other visible non-normal skin
non-contagious skin disorders, e.g.:
acne
dermatitis
eczema
allergies
performers' histories
skin type/condition, e.g.:
normal
dry
combination
sensitive
mature
pigmented
colour and tone
removal of body or facial hair
wearing of contact lenses.
Prosthetic requirements may include:
body parts
camera angles/shots
context, e.g.:
single appearance
location
dramatic considerations
lighting
full bodies
full face
full head
location, e.g.:
interior
exterior
studio
small prosthetic pieces, e.g.:
face parts
bald caps.
Research techniques may include:
contact with historical associations
reading newspapers, books and other references
talking and listening to experts
use of the internet
watching documentary films and videos.
Organisation may include the use of:
computer databases
library
manual files.
Relevant personnel may include:
continuity personnel
costume designer and wardrobe personnel
designer
director
director of photography
floor manager
hairdresser
lighting designer and lighting personnel
make-up supervisor/other make-up personnel
performers
producer
production manager
special make-up effects design and maker
technical director
other technical/specialist staff.
Production constraints may include:
budget
discussions
production schedule
reflection on the design brief
research findings.
Formats may include:
collage
coloured design illustrations
digital presentations
models
photographs
sketches.
Make-up products may include:
blush
cleanser
concealer
eyeshadow (matte/frosted)
fixative
foundation (liquid/solid)
glue/gum
latex
lipsticks/lip gloss
make-up grade
mascara (powder, liquid, wand or block)
moisturiser
pencil
powder
pre-make-up products and stabilisers
protective gel and cream
sunscreen
toner.
Make-up plans may include:
areas requiring correction/camouflage
colour design
continuity issues
details of special make-up effects
details of specialist services
face shape
highlighting/shading techniques
known allergies
make-up products, equipment and materials
product application procedures
prosthetic requirements
testing arrangements.
Health and hygiene requirements may include:
commonwealth, state and territory OHS regulations
regulations relating to cosmetics, e.g.:
sterilisation and sanitation procedures
storage and handling of hazardous substances
protective clothing and substances in the workplace.
Materials, equipment and techniques may include the use of:
equipment, e.g.:
moulds
make-up applicators
materials, e.g.:
foam latex
rubber
plaster
gums and glue
cleaning agents
sealers and release agents
techniques, e.g.:
merging prosthetics into performer's body, skin or hair
applying skin-compatible adhesives in positions that permit the required mobility and security of prosthetics
shading
padding.
Adjustments may be required due to:
adverse skin and scalp reactions
different shooting conditions
prosthetic pieces moving out of correct position.
Productions may include:
commercials
documentaries
feature films
filmed events or performances
live or pre-recorded television productions
live performances
music video
short films
television productions
theatrical productions.
Make-up equipment may include:
airbrushes
artificial lashes
bald caps
containers
cotton buds
eye make-up remover pads
hairclips and bands
lash curlers
latex
magnifying mirror
make-up box
moist towelettes
pallets or tiles
pencil sharpener
powder puffs
protective bibs and smocks
spatulas
sponges, brushes, applicators
supply of water
tissues
towels
trays
tweezers.
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
documented special make-up effects designs that demonstrate an ability to:
use special make-up effects to develop or enhance characterisation
select appropriate products and application techniques
incorporate colour design principles into make-up designs
take production environment into account when designing special make-up effects
meet production requirements
consistent application of local health and hygiene requirements/regulations in relation to special make-up effects services
consistent application of OHS practices in regard to the provision of make-up services
ability to apply special make-up effects, including the use of prosthetics
collaborative approach to work
ability to communicate effectively with performers/talent in relation to make-up application.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
practical demonstration of skills through a range of special make-up effects design and application tasks for at least two productions
access to a range of make-up products and equipment as listed in the range statement
access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required
use of culturally appropriate processes and techniques appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of learners and the work being performed.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance
evaluation of special make-up effects plans prepared by the candidate to determine whether production requirements have been met and correct procedures and make-up products have been identified
observation of the candidate applying special make-up effects in a production context
written or verbal questioning to test knowledge as listed in the required skills and knowledge section of this unit and to evaluate the processes used in developing and realising creative concepts.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
CUFMUP501A Design and apply specialised make-up
CUFMUP503A Create prosthetics for special make-up effects.
The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
documented special make-up effects designs that demonstrate an ability to:
use special make-up effects to develop or enhance characterisation
select appropriate products and application techniques
incorporate colour design principles into make-up designs
take production environment into account when designing special make-up effects
meet production requirements
consistent application of local health and hygiene requirements/regulations in relation to special make-up effects services
consistent application of OHS practices in regard to the provision of make-up services
ability to apply special make-up effects, including the use of prosthetics
collaborative approach to work
ability to communicate effectively with performers/talent in relation to make-up application.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
practical demonstration of skills through a range of special make-up effects design and application tasks for at least two productions
access to a range of make-up products and equipment as listed in the range statement
access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required
use of culturally appropriate processes and techniques appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of learners and the work being performed.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance
evaluation of special make-up effects plans prepared by the candidate to determine whether production requirements have been met and correct procedures and make-up products have been identified
observation of the candidate applying special make-up effects in a production context
written or verbal questioning to test knowledge as listed in the required skills and knowledge section of this unit and to evaluate the processes used in developing and realising creative concepts.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
CUFMUP501A Design and apply specialised make-up
CUFMUP503A Create prosthetics for special make-up effects.
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWH85 | CUAMUP503 | Design and apply special make-up effects | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D204 | CUF50407 | Diploma of Specialist Make-up Services | Qualification |