New Zealand Certificate in Nail Technology
Beauty & Personal Care
A course by
UCOL
Gain the skills to work professionally in nail technology including manicures, pedicures, acrylic and gel nail application, nail sculpture and 3D nail art with practical experience in UCOL's purpose-built nail salon.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
UCOL Manawatū, Palmerston North
It will take a total of 40 weeks
This course requires 35 hours per week
Core skills this course teaches
Perform professional nail technology services
Develop competence to perform manicures, pedicures, acrylic and gel nail applications, nail sculpture, and 3D nail art to industry standards.
Understand nail technology science
Gain theoretical knowledge of microbiology, nail diseases, anatomy, nail structure, and chemistry relevant to nail technology services.
Apply professional workplace standards
Demonstrate understanding of health and safety, first aid, professional standards, client consultation, and workplace expectations.
What You're Signing Up For
The UCOL New Zealand Certificate in Nail Technology Level 4 equips learners to perform manicures, pedicures, acrylic and gel nail application, nail sculpture, and 3D nail art to a professional standard. The programme combines theoretical knowledge with practical client experience in UCOL's nail salons. The qualification comprises 120 credits over a duration of 40 weeks, including study of professional workplace standards, nail technology science, business practice, natural nail services, acrylic and gel enhancements, and nail art services. Entry requires NCEA Level 2 or equivalent, with English language proficiency for international students. There are options for full-time or part-time study. Additional costs include a required nail student kit, uniform, and stationery. The programme is NZQA approved and delivered by UCOL in Palmerston North.
Course Content
- Professional Workplace Standards (15 Credits) covering first aid, health and safety, professional standards, client consultation and needs analysis
- Nail Technology Science (20 Credits) covering microbiology, nail diseases and disorders, anatomy of arm and leg, nail structure and function, and chemistry of products
- Business Practice (15 Credits) covering business types, planning, regulations, staffing, taxation, financial records, stock control, marketing, legislation, customer service, and booking systems
- Natural Nail Services (15 Credits, 20 Practicum Hours) including manicure and pedicure techniques, nail and skin analysis, gel polish application, hygiene and safety, client positioning and aftercare
- Nail Augmentation Acrylic Enhancements (20 Credits, 20 Practicum Hours) including tip and overlay enhancements, sculptured nails, rebalance, repair and removal, trends and standards
- Nail Augmentation Gel Enhancements (20 Credits, 20 Practicum Hours) including gel tips, overlays, sculptured nails and maintenance
- Nail Art Services (15 Credits, 15 Practicum Hours) teaching custom nail art design and application using various media
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Beauty Industry
Personal Care Services
Future employment opportunities might be
Nail technician
Nail artist
Brand or product company representative