This course is suitable for complete beginners to nails. No previous qualifications or experience are required.

Open to anyone aged 16 years or over. Note this course does not constitute compulsory full time education for those under 18.

This is an intensive course with lots to learn! Student will need to commit around 16-20 hours independent study per week at home to complete this qualification.

Students must have a good command of spoken and written English (grade C or above GCSE English or equivalent).

Students will need access basic IT skills, plus a desktop pc with camera, microphone, speakers and stable high speed internet connection to complete coursework and online exams.

Comprehensive learning resources are provided via our online student portal to support your studies, which can be accessed conveniently on desktop, tablet or mobile.

No kits are included in the course fee, but products are provided for use on your training day(s). On the training day, you’ll need to bring a hand and bath towel for your personal use, completed enrolment form and cold food for your lunch (e.g. sandwich/salad).

You will need nail products at home to complete your case studies and practical assessment days. Optional Starter Kits available to order here.

You will need a minimum of 8 models (of which 2 must be male models) to complete your nail treatments (24 treatments in total) upon at home to complete case studies. You’ll also need a different female model to attend with you for each day of your practical assessment days (3 models in all, 1 for each day). These can be friends / family / colleagues etc.

Students must give and receive treatments during training days, working with other students so will be required to remove nail extensions / gel polish before attending training days. If you have any medical conditions that may affect ability to receive treatments, please contact our team prior to booking to check course suitability.

Units covered within this qualification are:

• UV20399 Provide & Maintain Nail Enhancement

• UV20453 Client Care & Communication in Beauty-Related Industries
• UV20470 Provide Manicure
• UV20483 Follow Health & Safety Practice in the Salon

• UV20471 Provide Pedicure Treatments

You will need to complete all the following within your 12-month enrolment period to achieve this qualification. This should be completed within the following guideline timescales:

• Attend for 4 days of practical training at our centre. No models or kits required. Booked at time of enrolment. Training is broken down as follows: Manicure & Pedicure (1 day), UV Gel Nail Extensions (1 day), Acrylic Nail Extensions (1 day), and Builder Gel in a Bottle (1 day). Training days run from 10am – 4pm. Please arrive for 9.45am.
• Month 1-3: complete written coursework online, from home flexibly guided by a comprehensive e-textbook provided on our portal with up to 3 months to complete this.
• Month 1-6: Complete practical coursework (24 treatments in total) on friends/family at home, with up to 6 months to complete this.
• Month 7-9: Complete your multiple-choice written exams online from home via Zoom and the VTCT exam website. Usually booked 2-6 weeks ahead.
• Month 8-12: Complete your 3 days of practical assessment at our centre, bringing along a different female model each day (3 models required in total). You will also require basic products/tools for each day. Practical assessments are only available at our London Kings Cross, Birmingham & Manchester centres. Dates run twice per year at Birmingham and Manchester, and every 3 months at London Kings Cross only, subject to availability.
• Certification: Sent via the post once received from VTCT.

All courses enable you to start your own business both from home or mobile offering nail treatments. Once you’ve attended your training days to obtain your ABT Accredited Beauty Academy diplomas, you can gain insurance to start earning by offering treatments to paying clients.

Once you have completed your VTCT course in full to achieve your qualification certification, you can also get employed within the industry, including spas; hotels; salons and cruise-ships etc. You will have professional skills in a full range of nail treatments, making you an asset to any salon.

An advantage of completing this qualification is that it will give you the first steps to enable you to go onto further training at Level 3 either in advanced treatments or in teaching beauty. The career opportunities are vast!

The Beauty Academy offers an excellent, discounted insurance scheme with Balens; a Specialist Insurance Brokers aimed at Health and Well-Being Professionals, offering both Therapist and Student Therapist insurance for those who train with us as part of our Classroom based courses and/or VTCT qualifications. Read more about insurance options here or Get a quote online now.

Students may otherwise wish to consider the accrediting partner for our classroom courses for insurance. Purchase insurance from ABT quoting code ACADEMY99.

Established since 1990, our high-quality training is ABT accredited giving you the very best start to your beauty career. Fully recognised in the industry and insurable to get started offering your treatments.

Our training centres are permanent and exclusive to us, and they are always set-up ready to begin your training. We have 10 training centres nationwide all within easy reach of public transport. All centres have the very latest equipment and products required to adhere to industry standards and provide a great atmosphere to train in.

We pride ourselves on working with only qualified and industry experienced tutors who are friendly, welcoming and happy to go the extra mile to deliver the very best student experience possible. All courses are run as smaller groups than most other providers, allowing plenty of opportunity to ask questions or seek further support if required.

Our centres are regularly inspected by the awarding body (VTCT), which we provide qualifications through; to ensure we are giving you the best service for your money.

We have an expert support team in-house who are all beauty qualified professionals able to advise you on your treatment skills, sourcing products and getting started in the industry during your studies and beyond.