In this modern, internet-led age there are countless ways to become a qualified nail technician. Whether you’d like to learn from home, college or a dedicated educational facility, you’ve got an array of options to choose from.
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Recognised nail technician qualifications in the UK
Proper education and training are essential for anyone looking to become a nail technician. Not only does this help you provide the best possible service for clients, but it also helps you further your career by giving you access to more opportunities and potential customers. But which qualifications do you need? Let’s explore all the options so you know exactly how to become a nail tech, the proper way.
There are many routes you can take to learn how to become a nail technician, but qualifications can vary significantly between providers. The type of qualification you choose will depend on where you’d like to work (salon, mobile or from home) and the type of work you’d like to do (gel, acrylic, nail art etc.) Some of the key recognised nail technician qualifications in the UK include the following:
NVQs and SVQs
NVQ stands for National Vocational Qualification, whereas SVQs are Scottish Vocational Qualifications. These qualifications include hands-on, practical tasks and examinations, making them ideal for those who want to get in-depth, first-hand nail tech experience. They’re also recognised throughout the UK and are often a requirement to work in a spa, salon or nail shop.
Some of the main nail technician NVQs and SVQs include the following:
- Level 2 Diploma in Nail Services
- Level 3 Diploma in Nail Services
- SVQ Nail Services SCQF Level 5
- SVQ Nail Services SCQF Level 6
You don’t necessarily need to meet specific entry requirements to complete an NVQ or SVQ. But it’s important to note that you have to be in full-time employment, or you must be a college or school student undertaking a work placement or part-time work. This is so you develop the necessary nail technician skills.
The level you choose will also depend on the experience you currently have. For example, level 1 courses are usually for complete beginners, whereas level 2 nail technician courses are for those who have already completed a level 1 qualification.
VTCTs
VTCT stands for Vocational Training Charitable Trust which is a charity dedicated to providing vocational and technical qualifications that offer a direct line to employment. There are countless VTCT nail tech qualifications to choose from and these are recognised internationally, as well as within the UK.
This includes:
- VTCT Level 1 Award in Nail Treatments
- VTCT Level 1 Award in Nail Art Application
- Level 2 Certificate in Nail Technology
- Level 3 Diploma in Nail Technology
Here’s an insight into what a VTCT Level 3 Nail Technology Course may look like (video from Ray Cochrane Beauty Aesthetics Academy):
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships differ from the other qualifications on the list because they include paid employment, whereas you may need to pay to enrol on an NVQ, SVQ or VTCT nail tech course. However, they’re like the others because they also include hands-on, practical training, coursework and assessments.
There are different entry requirements for nail technician and beautician apprenticeships. I.e. you may need certain GCSEs before applying. Some of the nail-related apprenticeships you can undertake include:
Depending on the level of the apprenticeship you choose, you’ll be able to gain a nationally recognised qualification that’s equivalent to GCSEs, A-Levels and Batchelor/Masters degrees. You can learn more about these levels here.
Accredited online courses
Online nail courses are becoming increasingly popular due to their ease of access and affordability. However, it’s essential to do your research and select the right course to help you start your nail tech career on the right foot. That’s where accredited online courses come in.
If an online course is accredited, it’s been reviewed, assessed, and approved by a professional body. They’re held to a certain standard, and it ensures the course content is of high quality.
In the UK and globally, there are countless accreditations to choose from when it comes to training to become a nail technician. Some of the more common ones include:
If this seems like the option for you, there are a few key considerations you must make before enrolling on a course:
- Not all accreditations are internationally recognised. For example, CPD accreditations are recognised internationally, but Professional Beauty qualifications are only recognised in the UK.
- Not all nail salons and workplaces accept online nail training. So, you may need to complete an NVQ/VTCT/apprenticeship to further your career.
- Course content can vary significantly between providers, so you’ll need to check that the content matches your specific requirements.
Can you become a nail technician without qualifications?
Yes, technically you don’t need any qualifications to become a nail technician, but this is a risky route to take. Undertaking the right qualifications will help you to provide a better service for your clients, keep them and yourself safe and further your career.
Some of the key benefits of nail technician training include:
- Increasing your chances of securing a nail tech role
- Protecting the health and safety of yourself and your clientele
- Gives you access to a larger pool of clients
- Gives you the chance to practice on models before moving on to clients
- You can learn additional soft skills such as customer service, social media marketing and administration with the right training course
- Allows you to build your portfolio whilst you become qualified
- You’ll get hands-on support from experienced professionals
- You may get high-quality nail supplies as part of your course
Don’t forget to read our blogs all about how to become a nail tech in the UK for more guidance. We also have a guide on nail technician course costs to find out how much you need to invest to kickstart your nail career…
