New Zealand Certificate in Nail Technology

Work to become a fully qualified nail technician. Learn how to perform manicures and pedicures, acrylic and gel nail application, nail sculpture, and 3D nail art to professional standards.

Practical experience: Regular client days are incorporated into the learning process at UCOL’s Nail Salon in Manawatū, providing you with real industry experience, and an opportunity to hone your professionalism, relationship-building skills, and teamwork. 

This programme runs for 40 weeks, including 6 holiday weeks.

Per week, your learning will include approximately:

Class Time

18 hrs

Lectures, tutorials and/or online recordings, salon practicals, timetable set by your lecturer.

Industry Experience

2hrs

Practicum, work experience in a beauty clinic.

Study Time

15hrs

Study in your own time.

You can also choose to study part-time, or possibly by paper. Talk to us about your options with this programme.

This programme comprises 120 credits.

Professional Workplace Standards (15 Credits)

Develop an understanding of the knowledge and skills required to work as a professional nail technician. The course covers:

• First aid

• Health and safety

• Professional standards and expectations

• In-depth consultation and needs analysis for nail technology services

Nail Technology Science (20 Credits)

Acquire the theoretical knowledge required to safely and independently offer nail technology services. The course covers:

• The types of micro-organisms and methods of control within the nail salon

• Contagious and non-contagious nail diseases and disorders, highlighting appropriate treatment plans and/or referral

• The anatomy of bones and muscles of the lower arm and lower leg relevant to nail technology

• The structure and function of the nail, relevant to nail technology

• The chemistry of products used in relation to nail technology

Business Practice (15 Credits)

Develop the skills and knowledge required to successfully establish and operate a small nail technology business. The course covers:

• Types of businesses

• Business plans and start-up costs

• Council regulations for setting up a small nail technology business

• Employing staff

• Tax requirements

• Keeping financial records

• Stock control and ordering

• Market research

• Understanding the market

• Promoting a business

• Legislation relating to the selling of goods and services

• Customer service

• Communication methods

• Taking payments

• Re-booking and retailing

• Booking systems and technology

• Cashing up/close of day procedures

Natural Nail Services (15 Credits) (20 Practicum Hours)

Learn to provide a range of natural nail services to meet industry expectations and standards. The course covers:

• Anatomy related to natural nail services

• Products, tools and equipment used for nail services

• Massage techniques for hands and feet

• Manicure and pedicure techniques and processes

• Nail shapes

• Nail and skin analysis

• Gel polish theory and application methods

• Consultation techniques

• Hygiene, health and safety in relation to nail services

• Client positioning

• Treatment aftercare and home care recommendations and advice

• Referring clients

• Specialist treatment and nail enhancements

Nail Augmentation Acrylic Enhancements (20 Credits) (20 Practicum Hours)

Learn to work to industry professional standards with the liquid and powder acrylic enhancement materials. The course covers:

• Tip and overlay enhancement services including in-depth consultation

• Sculptured nail enhancement services to meet client expectations

• Rebalance, repair and removal services to meet client expectations

• Current and emerging industry trends in relation to liquid and powder acrylic nail services

Nail Augmentation Gel Enhancements (20 Credits) (20 Practicum Hours)

Learn to provide gel enhancement services to industry standards, inclusive of tips and overlays, sculptured nails and maintenance.

Nail Art Services (15 Credits) (15 Practicum Hours)

Learn to design and provide custom nail art services, using a variety of art media, to meet industry requirements.

Previous Related Programmes

The New Zealand Certificate in Nail Technology supersedes and takes the best from the following programme of study, which is no longer offered:

• National Certificate in Beauty Services (Nail Technology)

Learners will use the skills they have learned to practice on real clients at the UCOL purpose-built nail salon.

NCEA Level 2

OR

Equivalent academic achievement

OR

On a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Executive Dean.

English language proficiency

If English is not your first language, you must also demonstrate English language skills equivalent to an IELTS overall band score (academic or general) of 5.5 with no band score less than 5 (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible).

In addition to the Domestic Entry Requirements, the following applies to international learner applicants.

English language proficiency

International learner applicants whose first language is not English must have an IELTS Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5 (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible).

Under 20 years of age

International applicants under 20 years of age must have NCEA equivalency.

The programme is approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority under the provisions of the Education and Training Act 2020, and Universal College of Learning is accredited to teach it.

Education pathway

Graduates of this qualification may be employed or contracted in positions such as:

• Nail technician

• Nail artist

• Brand or product company representative.

Excellent personal presentation is required on this programme at all times. A uniform is provided for learners and this must be worn for all practical classes and clinics.

Learners need to be aware of the physical requirements in meeting industry standards in the nail technology workplace.

As First Aid is a component of this programme learners need to be aware of the demands of carrying out basic First Aid procedures.

Good eyesight, with or without corrective lenses, is required in order to effectively carry out nail technology treatments.

Learners are required to put any special needs or requirements in writing and advise the programme leader prior to the programme start date.

In order to achieve the written components of the programme learners will need to have basic numeracy and literacy skills. To optimise chances of success, 100 per cent attendance is strongly recommended.

Recognition of prior learning

Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning, including Cross Credit, Credit Transfer and Assessment of Prior Learning may be made on the Recognition of Prior Learning Form where a student believes all learning outcomes for a course have already been met. Applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the UCOL Academic Statute and other relevant policies and procedures.

Application checklist

It will make the process easier if you prepare the following before you apply:

• National Student Number (NSN) (If you don't have a NSN, you may request one from NZQA, or you can supply a verified copy of your birth certificate, passport or Whakapapa statement.)

• Evidence of your highest level of academic achievement (and evidence of prior learning, if applicable)

• Evidence that you meet the entry requirements of the programme

• Check if you're eligible for additional support or a scholarship. If you're 19 years or younger, you may be eligible to enrol in one of our free Youth Transition programmes.

Note that you will need to provide any verified documents in person, via post or email (not via the online application form).

Required Kit

• Nail student kit, full acrylic and gel kit

Learners will be able to purchase this through UCOL.

Uniform

• UCOL provides learners with a tunic to wear to all practical classes (approximately $90)

• One or two pairs of black, 3/4 or full-length pants (approximately $50 a pair)

• One pair of flat, black, enclosed shoes ( approximately $50)

Stationery (approximately $30)

• Ring binder/s

• Refill

• Subject dividers

• Pens/pencils

• Highlighters

• Pen drive