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National code: SHB30321

Certificate III in Nail Technology

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Overview About this course

Acquire the skills to become a qualified nail technician as you learn how to make people feel their polished best. Express your creativity using your new nail art techniques and skills in a beauty salon or apply them to starting your own business.

Outcomes What you'll gain

Learning outcomes

Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:

  • Provide manicure and pedicure services for clients

  • Apply nail art techniques and hand-painted designs

  • Apply gel and acrylic nail enhancements

  • Consult with clients about nail care products and services

  • Use electric nail file equipment

  • Use safe hygiene, health and work practices

  • Research and apply beauty industry information

Course outcomes

Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.

  • Long-lasting, trusting relationships with your client base

  • The knowledge to provide self-care and aftercare solutions, and follow-up consultations

  • Professional skills to work as a freelance nail technician as part of a retail brand, or in a related hair and beauty business

  • The skills to provide nail services such as manicures and pedicures and apply gel and acrylic nails

  • Knowledge to ensure you implement the correct work health and safety protocols

  • Strong pathways to continue your study and enhance your career opportunities

Suitability Is this course right for you?

Entry requirements

Some courses require evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol

  • There are no entry requirements for this qualification. You can enrol today.

Entry recommendations

To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:

  • Comfort practising your skills on your peers and members of the public, and having your peers practise their skills on you

  • Comfort touching hands and feet for manicures and pedicures

  • Professional integrity

  • The ability to manage your time

  • Safe, hygienic practices and a high level of personal presentation

  • A willingness to work with a range of chemicals used in acrylics and gels

  • Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) at a Year 10 high school level

  • TAFE NSW may ask you to complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills test.

  • This skills test helps us to understand your individual study needs, to design an individualised plan that supports your study success and ensures your LLN skills match the demands of the course.

TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.

Pathways Future career and study options

Career pathways

Our graduates go onto roles like: nail technician, nail artist, nail technical or sales advisor, beauty retail cosmetic consultant, business owner/operator and franchise owner/operator.

Study pathways

Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:

Previous study 0 Courses

Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.

The Certificate III in Nail Technology does not have any pre-requisite courses.

Further study 1 Course

Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

Related study 0 Courses

Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.

The Certificate III in Nail Technology does not have any related courses.

Your experience counts

At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.

Units Units taught in this course

Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Certificate III in Nail Technology qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 15 units of competency, including 10 core and 5 speciality units.

Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.

Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.

  • Advise on beauty products and services SHBBCCS005

  • Provide manicure and pedicare services SHBBNLS007

  • Apply acrylic nail enhancements SHBBNLS009

  • Apply nail art SHBBNLS010

TAFE NSW services Facilities and support

TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.

  • TAFE NSW Disability Support Service

  • TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support

  • TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)

  • TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service

  • TAFE NSW Libraries

  • Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential

  • Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home

  • LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills

  • Student associations – get social with our student community

Study options Find a location to enrol

Choose from the below study options and locations to discover what works with your lifestyle. Heart your favourites and compare courses.