- Category
- Education & Training
VTCT (Vocational Training Charitable Trust) is one of the awarding bodies for vocational beauty, hairdressing, and therapy qualifications.
The Level 3 Diploma in Nail Technology is a higher-level vocational qualification intended for people who want to become fully competent nail technicians, capable of offering advanced treatments, managing tasks in a salon, and run their own business.
It builds on the foundations from Level 2 (or equivalent) and extends into more advanced skills, art, business, client care, and technical enhancements.
The VTCT Skills Level 3 Diploma in Nail Technology is a qualification that has been specifically designed to develop practical skills in how to provide manicure and pedicure treatments and how to apply and maintain nail enhancements.
To further enhance your practical skills, you will have the opportunity to study the following practical units:
enhancing nails using electrical files
application and design of nail art
how to display retail stock to promote sales in the salon
how to promote both products and services to salon clients.
Underpinning this qualification you will develop a sound knowledge of health and safety practice in a salon environment, how to promote client care and communication in beauty related industries and how maintain personal health and wellbeing when working with nail technology.
You will also develop an underpinning knowledge and understanding of the practical skills learned throughout this qualification.
The purpose of this qualification is to develop your skills in beauty therapy to a high level of occupational ability, to enable you to perform your own salon services or gain employment in the beauty sector as a senior technician.
The legislations referred to within this qualification apply to UK learners. For learners outside of the UK, you should familiarise yourself with legislations that may apply to you.
Prerequisite
There are no formal prerequisite qualifications that you must have prior to undertaking this qualification. You must be 16 yo and above.
Sector: Beauty Therapy, Make-Up and Nails
VTCT Product Code: AB30130
Qualification Number: 500/8966/3
Level: 3
Credits: 51
Age Restriction: 16
Qualification structure and guided learning hours
1. Provide manicure treatments 48hrs
2. Provide pedicure treatments 48hrs
3. Apply and maintain nail enhancements 111hrs
4. Client care and communication in beauty related industries 28hrs
5. Monitor and maintain health and safety practice in the salon 29hrs
6. Maintain personal health and wellbeing 60hrs
Optional units:
1. Display stock to promote sales in the salon 24hrs
2. Promote products and services to clients in a salon 28hrs
3. Enhance nails using electric files 29hrs
4. Design and apply nail art 39hrs
Module / Topic
What You’ll Learn
Health & Safety / Salon Safety
How to maintain hygiene, safe working practices, regulations in a salon environment.
Client Care & Communication
How to consult, communicate, manage expectations, and aftercare advice.
Anatomy & Physiology (for nail technologists)
The structure of skin, nails, and related body systems relevant to nail work.
Manicure & Pedicure Treatments
Advanced techniques, maintenance, spa pedicure, care for hands and feet.
Nail Enhancements (Gel, Acrylic / Liquid & Powder)
How to apply, maintain, remove, and repair enhancements. Builder gel application, maintenance and removal.
Electric File / E-Files
Using e-files safely for shaping, finishing, refining enhancements.
Nail Art & Decorative Techniques
3D nail art, embedding ornaments, applying creative effects.
Business / Retail & Promotion
Promoting services, product sales, stock display, contributing to business.
Self-care / Wellbeing
Maintaining personal health (hands, posture, skin) as part of professional standards.
Entry Requirements
- Age: 16+ years.
- Some prior qualification: None required.
- Adequate English (reading, writing) to complete theory modules & assessments.
- Interview or selection process, in some cases, to check suitability and commitment.
- Practical skills, dexterity, and a professional attitude are beneficial.
Duration & Structure
This is a fast-track course over 9 weeks.
Attendance is Monday to Friday, 9.30am till 2.30pm.
Minimum 90% attendance will be required to gain your practical hours.
Assessment & Qualification
- Assessment is a mix: practical assessments, observations, assignments, portfolio of evidence, and 7 online exams (multiple choice) for the theoretical parts.
- The practical work will be done on models or real clients (in a realistic salon environment run at the academy).
- On successful completion, you are awarded the VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Nail Technology) which is nationally recognised.
What You Can Do and Progression
- Work as a senior nail technician in salons, nail bars, spas, mobile or home-based business settings.
- Offer advanced services (gel, acrylic, art, enhancements) that a Level 2 qualification might not allow you to do.
- Be eligible for professional associations’ membership (e.g., BABTAC) which can help with credibility and getting insurance.
- Progress to further study, such as Level 4 qualifications, management courses, or beauty therapy / aesthetic courses that incorporate more holistic treatments.
- Potential to become a trainer or tutor in nail technology (after further qualifications).
- Combine with other beauty / therapy skills (e.g. complement with facial, waxing, etc.) to broaden service offerings.
It is ideal for
- Aspiring nail professionals
People who want to work in salons, spas, or nail bars offering the full range of nail services (manicures, pedicures, acrylics, gels, e-file, and nail art). - Those who already hold a Level 2
Learners with a Level 2 in Nail Services or Beauty Therapy who want to progress to more advanced technical skills. - Career changers
Adults looking to retrain and enter the nail/beauty industry with a recognised, insurable qualification. - Freelancers / entrepreneurs
Those who want to run a mobile or home-based nail business and need a regulated qualification for insurance and credibility. - Salon workers seeking advancement
Professionals already working in beauty but wanting to add nails as a specialist service. - Creative individuals
People with an interest in design, precision, and trends who want to learn nail artistry and advanced decorative techniques.
Enrolment & Course Guide
Enrolment Process
Course registration and non-refundable deposit of £345 is due to secure your place.
The deposit can be paid any time prior the course start date.
- Complete the Course Booking Form
- Fill in the booking form and email it to: hello@nailtrainingacademy.com
- Once we receive your form, we’ll register you and issue your invoice for payment.
- Once we receive your first payment, you will receive course enrolment confirmation letter with course details.
Course Duration & Practical Training
- You will have 9 weeks to complete the full qualification. Days are Mondays to Fridays, 9.30am till 2.30pm.
- The theoretical part is studied both at home and academy and includes assignments submission. Online guidance for assignment submission for all units is available.
- The practical training runs for 9 consecutive weeks at our INTA training academy in Bournemouth, working with real clients under supervision.
Practical Training Details
- Schedule: Monday – Friday, 9:30am – 2:30pm
- Lunch Break: 30 min
- Attendance: min 90% attendance is required to complete practical hours
- Dress code: Professional apron will be provided. You are required to purchase professional tunic.
Training at the academy
- Our academy is learner-focused, with no more than 5–6 students per cohort, making places highly sought after.
- Homework will also be allocated during your time at the academy (including weekends), so please ensure you are fully available and free from distractions throughout the course duration to receive the most from your training.
- You will gain hands-on experience by working with real clients, carrying out treatments appropriate to their needs. Our academy is very busy with a large client waiting list, ensuring you have plenty of practice opportunities to develop your skills. However, we do require learners to promote the services and bring their models as well as part of the qualification requirements. The learners should be able to start advertising and promoting the services so they are fully competent in promoting their services after completion.
- The academy provides access to the latest equipment and products, giving learners the chance to trial different tools and technologies. All products for training will be supplied by the academy.
- The learners will receive student kits worth £400 including most necessary products and tools necessary to deliver the services after qualification completion. The kit will be given to the learners before completing the qualification.
Ongoing Support
- Learners will have access to online practical content for 2 months after completing clinic training, offering additional guidance and support.
- This includes templates, resources, and practical demonstrations, all designed to help graduates build confidence and feel fully supported as they begin their careers.
- Many of our graduates find this invaluable during the early stages of setting up their new businesses.
Student Kit
The academy provides each learner with a comprehensive starter kit, containing essential tools and products for beginning practice, including:
- Metal tools and nippers
- Nail files and burrs
- Liquid and powder and gel products
- Sculpting nail forms and other tools necessary to deliver the nail services
- Nail brushes and sculpting brushes and many other nail products including nail art etc…
- Kart Podology aftercare products
- Catalogues and additional starter resources
While at the academy, you will not be required to use the products from your kit. All tools and products for training will be provided by the academy.
Certification
- Upon completing the course, you will be issued an official confirmation letter for professional bodies and insurance providers, enabling you to begin practicing.
- Your final certificate will be issued within up to 2 months the latest, following the awarding body’s internal and external verification process.
- Learners will be notified as soon as certificates are approved and ready. The learner portfolio folders will also be returned to learners.
Payment schedule:
We offer various payment options and interest free instalments.
Full course fee is £3,345
Registration fee/ non-refundable deposit is required to secure the space £345
Payment option 1 Full Payment £3000
Payment option 2 / 3 months payment £1000
Payment option 3 / 6 months payment £500 (most popular)
Payment option 4 / 12 months payment £250
Payment option 5 / 18 months payment £166
Payment option 6 / 24 months payments £125
Important Information
- You may complete the course while continuing to pay instalments.
- Your Diploma will be issued once full payment has been received.
- After completing the course, you will be issued a qualification completion letter, which enables you to begin practicing and arrange professional insurance while awaiting your official Diploma.
- Please note: the academy does not offer government funding as Advanced learner Loan to the students. This qualification is available for privately funded learners.
🎁 INTA Student Bonuses
As an INTA graduate, you’ll enjoy a range of exclusive benefits designed to support your professional growth and career development:
✅ CPD Discounts & Membership
- 10% discount on all INTA CPD courses.
- Complimentary Institute of CPD membership for your first year.
✅ Events & Workshops
- Access to academy-led events and workshops, keeping your skills and knowledge up to date.
✅ Furniture & Equipment Discounts
- 10% discount on clinic furniture and equipment, including efiles and other electrical tools.
- Flexible payment options available to help you invest in setting up your own salon
🎉 FREE Enrolment Bonus
When you enrol, you’ll also receive:
- Kart Pedicure Intermediate Level (worth £150) – completely free!
This course is accredited by CPD Standards Office CPDSO which is globally recognised. Whilst based in the UK, the CPD Standards accreditation operates internationally and meets the CPD requirements and expectations for all professional bodies, regulators and membership organisations across the globe. This means that a professional attending an accredited CPD training activity will receive a CPD Certificate of Attendance, which can then be used towards their national CPD requirements.
The Kart Pedicure Intermediate Level Course is designed for both trained professionals and complete beginners, as it also includes the Kart Pedicure Foundation Level programme. This is the next step towards becoming a fully qualified Kart Pedicure trained professional.
✨ What you get:
- 90 days access to complete the online programme
- Additional live practical session at the academy working with real clients
- 20% trade discount on Kart retail products
- Access to the full professional product range
- Accredited by the CPD Standards Office (CPDSO) – recognised in the UK, Europe, and globally
- On completion, you’ll receive a CPDSO certificate with the official CPD logo, verifying your professional competence and CPD hours gained
What you’ll learn:
- In-depth knowledge of skin layers, contraindications, contra-actions, and legal responsibilities
- Correct application techniques and client recommendations
- Detailed training on the Kart Professional & Feeto Care ranges
- Theory including skin types, structure, and skin pH
- Professional use of Kart pedicure products and correct aftercare protocols
Covers the most popular pedicure protocols:
- Kart Classic Pedicure
- Kart Pedicure for Pregnant Women & Athletes
- Kart Spa Pedicure
- Kart Pedicure for Hydrous Skin Type with Hyperkeratosis (inc. E-file work)
- Kart Hydrous Skin Type Pedicure Protocol (with foot file)
- Kart Hyperkeratosis Pedicure Protocol
- Kart Pedicure for hard skin
- Working with Toenails
Learn more about the treatments and products on our website
www.kartpodology.com
Don’t miss your opportunity to train with Olga Clapcott.
A nail and foot care professional, and industry leading specialist.
Olga is a recognised educator, vocational tutor and assessor, as well as a quality assurer.
A nail professional and foot practitioner with over 17 years experience, multi Award winner, Scratch Stars Finalist and Nailympics Medallist, owner of the Tigerlilly Nail Salons which won 3 consecutive Professional Beauty Awards Nail Salon of the Year, Founder of the Tigerlilly Award Winning Salons and INTA Training Academy.
Olga Clapcott BA(Hons) DipFH
Olga is one of the World’s leading Educators.
Parking Information
- There is no on-site parking at the academy.
- Nearby parking options include:
Paid Parking
- The Libertine Car Park (Westbourne) – Closest option.
- Maximum stay: 4 hours
- You can move your car and re-park during the lunch break.
Free Parking
- West Overcliff Drive Road – Around a 10-minute walk from the academy.
🚆 Travel
- The coach station is just a 1-minute walk from the academy.
- The nearest airports are Bournemouth and Southampton.
- The nearest train station is Branksome, approximately a 15-minute walk away.
- Alternatively, you can take the M1 or M2 bus, which run every 2–4 minutes.
- The academy is just 3 stops away, followed by a 1-minute walk from the Westbourne bus stop.
🏨 Where to Stay
- There are plenty of B&Bs and guesthouses in the Westbourne area.
- The academy is located only 15 minutes from the beach, making it a pleasant area to stay.
- The closest hotel is the Premier Inn, Poole Road which ia around 10min walk from the academy.
- Academy postcode: BH4 9AE (use this when booking nearby accommodation).
📩 Contact Us
Tel: 01202 884404
Email: hello@nailtrainingacademy.com
Location: Bournemouth, UK BH4 9AE
www.nailtrainingacademy.com
www.kartpodology.com
www.foothealthcarepractitioner.com
