OverviewAbout 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.
OutcomesWhat 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
SuitabilityIs 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.
Completion requirements
During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
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.
PathwaysFuture 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 study0 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 study0 Courses
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
The Certificate III in Nail Technology does not have any post-graduate courses.
Related study0 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.
UnitsUnits 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 servicesSHBBCCS005
Provide manicure and pedicare servicesSHBBNLS007
Apply acrylic nail enhancementsSHBBNLS009
Apply nail artSHBBNLS010
TAFE NSW servicesFacilities 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
Info sessionsWant to know more?
There are a total of 15 information sessions planned for this course. They'll take place at different locations across the state.
You can select a study option below to see the sessions available. Or you can view all sessions related to Hair and Beauty