Certificate III in Nail Technology SHB30321

The SHB30321 Certificate III in Nail Technology is perfect for those already working in the nail industry who want to improve their skills, product and business knowledge, safety protocols and customer service skills; and those who have no experience at all and want to start from scratch.

If you are an existing worker or have experience in the related industry, please inform our enrolment consultants during your enrolment conversation. You may be eligible to enrol as an existing worker and complete your studies faster. Please note - limitations do apply.

During your studies, you will learn how to:

• Perform manicure and pedicure treatments
• Work skillfully and efficiently to carry-out acrylic and gel nail services
• Design and apply a wide variety of nail art
• Various forms of nail enhancements
• Maintain strict infection control procedures
• Identify the needs of a nail services micro business

The duration for the course is self paced - maximum of 12 months. As a self-paced online course, the time it will take you to complete is flexible and dependent on ability and time available.

Entry Requirements

Mandatory Local Entry Requirements

There are no mandated education entry requirements for this qualification, per the SHB Hairdressing and Beauty Services Training Package. There are no mandatory Open Colleges entry requirements.

Recommended Local Entry Requirements

• Are 18 years old (students under 18 will need permission from a parent or guardian to enrol)
• Have language, literacy and numeracy skills that ensure the ability to read and comprehend industry terminology, work independently with assistance from a support person where required, extract information from simple text,  and communicate with trainers via email. These skills are equivalent to those that would be required to successfully complete Year 10 or ACSF Level 2
• Access to a modern computer with high-speed internet
• Access to Microsoft Office or equivalent
• Basic computing skills including the ability to make a short video

Minimum age

You will need to be at least 18 years old.

Physical Requirements

Students will be required to physically massage the client during a treatment

Equipment and tools

This course requires you to have access to specific tools, equipment, and resources.   

Tools and equipment 

Students will need to purchase specific tools and equipment as part of this course. A full list of materials, equipment and tools required for this course can be found here.  

Access to others 

Students will need to work with one or two other people to participate in video or audio roleplays. It is the responsibility of the student to find their own suitable participants for role-plays. 

Language, Literacy and Numeracy

Our free online assessment tool can help give you an idea of the language, literacy and numeracy skills needed to study a VET course. This tool can also help you determine your learning level and help you plan your future studies. You can access the Language, Literacy and Numeracy tool here.

• By undertaking a work placement you’ll get a chance to put the knowledge you’ve learned on your course into practice.
• You’ll also develop practical, on-the-job skills and could make contacts that could help you find a job once you graduate.
• Work placement is often the most rewarding part of a student’s course. Working face-to-face with clients and colleagues in your chosen field makes a huge difference to your career confidence.

You’ll need to find a work placement yourself and ensure it’s approved by Open Colleges. When looking for a suitable work placement host organisation, have a think about the following:

• Are you already working or volunteering in the industry your course is related to? You could potentially do your work placement at your current place of work or have contacts that could recommend a suitable work place. Ask around!
• If you’re entering a new industry, do some research and start thinking about organisations you could approach. We have plenty of resources available to help with approaching and finding a suitable work placement organisation.

All costs of work placement, including any placement fees charged by the host organisation (whether to the student or Open Colleges), cost of statutory checks and vaccinations, travel, accommodation, and uniforms are the responsibility of the student. These fees will vary and are dependent on your location within Australia.

• Costs for statutory checks will range between $50 - $250 dependent on the type of check you select and your state.
• Costs for vaccinations will very between practitioners, please refer to your GP for approximate costs.
• Placement fees will vary, please discuss this with your intended host organisation for approximate costs.

Your Work Placement will need to be conducted in an appropriate work place that provides nail treatments and has access to a full comprehensive range of professional products for each practical treatment, supervised by a qualified staff member. You will need to secure your own Work Placement; however Open Colleges can provide advice and direction through our Work Placement Support Team. There are a number of statutory checks that may be required by workplaces, such as a National Police Check, Working with Children Check (or state equivalent), a First Aid Certificate and signing of a Confidentiality Agreement and Code of Conduct. These may vary by state. In addition, individual workplaces may impose additional requirements on students undertaking work placement. You will be responsible for the costs of any such checks or requirements.

You will need to undertake work placement to successfully complete the units of competency in this course. As such, a Statement of Attainment cannot be issued for part completion of the qualification unless work placement is completed. Your work placement will need to be completed in Australia, and you will be responsible for the costs of any travel, accommodation, statutory checks or other requirements related to your work placement. You may be required to complete work placement in multiple salons if your chosen salon does not provide all of the required services. More information can be found in the Workplace Assessment Guide

This course contains a minimum of 250 hours of work placement which will be split into two blocks 

Work placement block 1 – 216 hours and may be commenced after successful completion of Modules 1 – 7 and your work placement preparation activities. 

Work placement block 2 – 34 hours and may be commenced after successful completion of Modules 9 – 12 and your work placement preparation activities. 

Please note that your host organisation may require you to provide an up to date immunisation history prior to the commencement of your work placement. Open Colleges has no control over this requirement so if you are unable to provide this, you will need to discuss it with your intended Host Organisation.

It should also be noted that some immunisations, such as Hepatitis B and COVID-19, need multiple injections to be administered over a specific time period before you are deemed immune. It is important that you consult with your GP as soon as possible to avoid delays in starting your work placement.

The supervisor needs to have a qualification in nail technology or beauty therapy and have a minimum of three years’ of industry experience working in a customer facing role performing nail treatments.