About this course

The VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Nail Technology is a substantial vocational qualification that will prepare you for a career as a nail technician. This qualification is designed for learners aged 19 years or over and will support you to gain employment as a nail technician, as the units contained in this qualification cover all the skills and knowledge required for this role. Entry onto this qualification can be via previous attainment of a Level 2 qualification in beauty therapy and/or a successful skills test and interview.

This is a vocational qualification and includes all the required elements to work effectively as a nail technician including, mandatory units covering the following: providing manicures and pedicures, applying and maintaining nail enhancements, maintaining personal health and well-being, health and safety and client care.

You will also have the opportunity to further develop your understanding and skills by selecting a number of optional specialist units which include: designing and applying nail art, air brush designs, enhancing nails with electric files, promoting products and displaying stock to promote sales. The structure of this qualification provides you with the flexibility to develop your knowledge, understanding and skills required to become a nail technician.

Throughout this qualification you will develop your knowledge and understanding of relevant anatomy and physiology, health and safety, client care and nail products and equipment. You will develop a range of technical skills enabling you to provide a variety of nail enhancement treatments using different techniques. You will also develop interpersonal skills that will assist you to communicate effectively with clients.

What could this qualification lead to?

This qualification will prepare you for employment as a nail technician. You will also be eligible to join a professional association and gain insurance as a nail technician. Career opportunities as a nail technician exist in a variety of contexts, including:

– Working in a commercial nail salon
– Working in a retail concession ‘nail bar’
– Working independently/self-employed/mobile/home-based settings

This is one of two VTCT qualifications in nail services at Level 3. Whilst both qualifications qualify you to become a nail technician, this qualification allows you to gather evidence in a realistic working environment or real working environment without the need for fee paying clients.

In contrast, the VTCT Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Nail Services has a purpose of confirming competence in a specific job role, rather than preparing you to enter the sector. The VTCT Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Nail Services also requires you to work in a commercial salon whereby assessments must be carried out on real paying clients in line with commercial service times.