COURSE GUIDE

Certificate III in Nail Technology SHB30321

Introduction

The nationally recognised SHB30321 Certificate III in Nail Technology is designed to provide you with the tools to become an in-demand nail technician.  You’ll learn how to perform manicures and pedicures, nail art, nail enhancement and gain knowledge in starting a business.

Course Breakdown

E1404

SHB30321 Certificate III in Nail Technology

Course duration: Self-paced - maximum of 12 months

Recommended hours per week: 18h

Delivery method: Online with Work Placement

Qualification level: Certificate III

Awarded by: Open Colleges Pty Ltd (Provider number: 90796)

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Industry Overview

According to the Australian Government Job Outlook, the number of beauty therapists (including nail technicians) has expanded over the past five years and is expected to grow strongly from 37,800 in 2021 to 42,400 by 2026.

Is this course for you?

The SHB30321 Certificate III in Nail Technology is perfect for those either new to the beauty/nail industry, or those wanting to improve on their existing industry skills.   

If you are an existing worker or have experience in the related industry, please inform our enrolment consultants during your enrolment conversation. You may be eligible to enrol into an RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) pathway, and complete your studies faster. Please note - limitations do apply. 

What you will learn

During your studies, you will learn how to:

  • Perform manicure and pedicure treatments 
  • Perform gel, dip-powder and acrylic nail enhancements 
  • Design and apply a wide variety of nail art  
  • Maintain strict infection control procedures 
  • Provide exceptional customer service to clients 
  • Design treatment plans for clients 

Learning Material

Your learning materials are accessed through our online platform OpenSpace. These learning materials include 

  • Learning content (online and downloadable: videos, links, handouts, PowerPoints, e-books) 
  • Pre-recorded webinars 
  • Learning activities  
  • Self-checks

Your trainer

Ellena Frisina
Ellena has over 15 years' experience in the beauty and cosmetic industry, which started after achieving a Diploma of Beauty Therapy, working in salons, cosmetic clinics, running her own beauty business (specialising in brow-shaping, nails and tanning), supervising work placement students, as well as lecturing experience.
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Academic Information

Open Colleges may make changes to the course from time to time to reflect changes introduced to the relevant Training Package or other regulatory requirements.

Certificate III in Nail Technology

SHBBRES003
Research and apply beauty industry information
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  • Source and use information on beauty industry
  • Source and apply information on legal and ethical issues for the beauty industry
  • Update knowledge of beauty industry and product
SHBXWHS003
Apply safe hygiene, health and work practices
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  • Protect self from infection risks
  • Apply organisational safety procedures
  • Use electricity safely
  • Minimise infection risks in the salon environment
  • Follow infection control procedures
  • Follow procedures for emergency situations
  • Clean salon
SHBBINF002
Maintain infection control standards
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  • Comply with infection control regulations and guidelines and related legal obligations
  • Monitor hygiene of premises
  • Maintain infection control for skin penetration treatments
  • Sterilise equipment and maintain steriliser
  • Maintain awareness of clinic design for control of infection risks
SHBBNLS011
Use electric file equipment for nail services
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  • Establish client priorities
  • Prepare for nail service
  • Provide nail service
  • Review service
  • Clean treatment area
SHBBNLS007
Provide manicure and pedicare services
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  • Establish client priorities
  • Prepare for nail service
  • Provide nail service
  • Review service
  • Clean treatment area
5/ modules
View All

Assessment Details

  • Multiple choice Quiz
  • Projects
  • Role plays
  • Video
  • Work Placement
  • Written assessments

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

We understand that you may already have many skills and areas of expertise that you have obtained in different ways and these are recognised through our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process.

Our Credit Transfer & Recognition of Prior Learning Policy, available in the Key Student Information section of our website, provides more information about our RPL process. Alternatively, you can contact an Enrolment Consultant to discuss your RPL options.

Course Duration

The duration for the course is self paced - maximum of 12 months. As a self-paced online course, the time it will take you to complete is flexible and dependent on ability and time available.

Entry Requirements

Recommended Local Entry Requirements

Students will need to be at least 18 years old. Students under 18 will need a parent or guardian to complete the parent or guardian declaration on the Enrolment Form.

Students are recommended to have the language, literacy, and numeracy skills that ensure the ability to read and comprehend technical terms and communicate effectively through email.

These skills are equivalent to:

  • Successfully completed Year 10 OR
  • ACSF Level 2

Tools, equipment, and skills required:

  • Students will need to purchase specific tools and equipment as part of this course for practice purposes and or if the hosting salon requires students to use their own products/equipment. As an Open Colleges student, you have access to purchase some discounted kits and tools for your course!  These kits include essential tools and products needed to perform a range of treatments required for your course- at a discounted rate. See this link for more information and brand suggestions. 
  • Access to up to 3 people to participate in role plays and assessments
  • Access to a device with audio & video capabilities to record simulated role-play tasks for submission
  • Tripod to provide a stable and secure platform to mount the digital recording device
  • Uniform - students may also be required to wear close-toed rubber-soled shoes and have their hair tied back. Some workplaces may also require a specific uniform
  • Basic computing skills
  • Access to a modern computer with high-speed internet
  • Access to Microsoft Office

Additional Requirements:

  • Students need to be able to sit for prolonged periods and maintain posture to minimise fatigue and risk of injury during treatment whilst performing treatments. Treatment timeframes vary from 15 minutes upwards
  • Some treatments require the learner to be able to physically massage the client
  • Students will need to purchase or have access to the tools and equipment required to complete assessments
  • Students may also be required to wear close-toed rubber-soled shoes and have their hair tied back. Some workplaces may also require a specific uniform

Students will be required to undertake manual handling tasks including:

  • Cleaning treatment rooms including lifting heavy pedicure spas full of water
  • Cleaning the retail area including unpacking stock and dusting high shelves
  • Assisting clients on to pedicure chair

SHBBNLS011 Use electric file equipment for nail services is a pre-requisite unit for:

  • SHBBNLS007 Provide manicure and pedicure services
  • SHBBNLS008 Apply gel and dip powder nail enhancements
  • SHBBNLS009 Apply acrylic nail enhancements
  • SHBBNLS010 Apply nail art
  • SHBBNLS012 Apply advanced nail art

To ensure that students are determined as competent in SHBBNLS011 first, students will complete SHBBNLS007, SHBBNLS008, & SHBBNLS011 as a cluster. Students will complete these units over 3 tasks.

SWL 1 - Portfolio 1 – Tasks 1 and 2

  • Task 1 – Students will provide manicure / pedicure services to 3 people incorporating the use of an E-file.

SWL 1 – Portfolio 2 – Task 2

  • Apply dip / gel enhancements to 3 people incorporating the use of an E-file.

SWL 2 – Portfolio 1 – Task 3

  • Complete the remaining manicures and pedicures and gel / dip. The use of the E-File is optional. This portfolio can only be marked once Portfolios 1 and 2 have been marked as satisfactory.
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Work Placement

This course contains a minimum of 250 hours of work placement.

What are the benefits?

  • By undertaking a work placement you’ll get a chance to put the knowledge you’ve learned on your course into practice.
  • You’ll also develop practical, on-the-job skills and could make contacts that could help you find a job once you graduate.
  • Work placement is often the most rewarding part of a student’s course. Working face-to-face with clients and colleagues in your chosen field makes a huge difference to your career confidence.

How do I find a work placement?

Focus on your studies while we handle your work placement. Through our partnership with SkilTrak, our Guaranteed Work Placement ensures you gain hands-on experience in your dream career—right in your local area. Learn more

How does Guaranteed Work Placement work?

  • Meet with SkilTrak – Their team will discuss your skills, goals, location, and travel preferences to arrange the best placement for you.
  • We’ll do the work – While you continue your coursework, we’ll be behind the scenes securing the perfect placement match.
  • Get the details – Have a quick chat with us to go over what to expect from your work placement experience.
  • Start your placement – Gain real-world experience while we check in along the way to ensure everything is running smoothly.
  • Complete your course – Once your placement is done, upload your workbooks, finish your final assessment, and receive your certificate.

Structured Workplace Learning (SWL)

The Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) will require a minimum of 250 hours in an appropriate workplace that provides nail treatments and has access to a full comprehensive range of professional products for each practical treatment, supervised by a qualified staff member.

The work placement hours will be split into two blocks:

Work placement block 1 : 216 hours and may be commenced after successful completion of Modules 1 – 7 and your work placement preparation activities.  

Work placement block 2 : 34 hours and may be commenced after successful completion of Modules 9 – 12 and your work placement preparation activities.

There will also be specific assessment tasks including a logbook and portfolios to be completed at the workplace.

Workplaces suitable to undertake SWL include:
• Nail Salon
• Beauty Salon that offers the required range of nail services

The Host Organisation must be a nail services environment in Australia operating under Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards, and industry codes of practice.

For students to be able to undertake the practical component of the course, approved workplaces must be able to provide students with the required equipment, environments, policies & procedures, documentation, appropriate supervisor, and clients. If host organisations are unable to provide the necessary equipment, resources, and access to clients the student may be required to undertake SWL within 2 (or more) organisations.

The workplace may require the student to meet workplace specific requirements. These will vary by state and by organisation. Some of the statutory checks and requirements the student may need to provide to commence work placement are:
• National Criminal Record Check
• Working with Children’s Check (WWCC) or state equivalent
• Code of Conduct
• Confidentiality Agreement
• Occupational Assessment, screening and vaccination against infectious disease

Immunisations

Please note that your host organisation may require you to provide an up to date immunisation history prior to the commencement of your work placement. Open Colleges has no control over this requirement so if you are unable to provide this, you will need to discuss it with your intended Host Organisation.

It should also be noted that some immunisations, such as Hepatitis B and COVID-19, need multiple injections to be administered over a specific time period before you are deemed immune. It is important that you consult with your GP as soon as possible to avoid delays in starting your work placement.

Supervisor Requirements

The workplace supervisor will need:

  • To hold Certificate III in Nail Technology or higher and
  • To have a minimum of 3 years relevant industry experience in a customer-facing role performing nail treatments

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Study and pay, your way

Payment Options

Week to week
Pay as you go
Save 3%
Pay in $200.00 today & then over 78 instalments
$75.64 Weekly
Total course cost: $6,100.00
Save $200.00
was $6,300.00
Fortnightly
Pay as you go
Save 17%
Pay in 78 instalments over the length of your course.
$67.04 Weekly
Total course cost: $5,229.00
Save $1,071.00
was $6,300.00
Pay Upfront
Save 40%
$3,780.00 Save $2,520.00
was $6,300.00
Full course breakdown
TBD

Studying online with Open Colleges

Flexibility - study at your own pace

When you study online with Open Colleges you’re in control.

You can choose to complete your course quickly, or keep to a steady pace. Learning is fully flexible so you can fit your everyday commitments around your studies.

Everything you need to study is online so you can study wherever you like – but that doesn’t mean you’re on your own.

OpenSpace is our online learning platform. It’s where you’ll go to access your learning materials, contact your expert trainers and assessors and upload your assessments.

What is OpenSpace?

It’s important to us that we deliver a superior, online learning platform that meets our students’ needs. That’s why we have upgraded to our brand new, custom-designed learning platform, OpenSpace.

OpenSpace provides you with a user-friendly interface, that is mobile responsive. This means that you can complete your coursework using your laptop, iPad, or mobile device. All coursework is automatically saved, providing you with the flexibility you need to complete your studies anywhere, anytime.

How to get support?

Learning Support

The learning support team will be with you every step of the way, from enrolment to graduation. They’re here to help you get the most out of your online course. They can assist by providing non-academic support - like helping you craft an achievable study plan so that you can graduate in a realistic timeframe. If you’re finding it tough to stay motivated throughout your course, they’ll be there to help keep you on track.

Student support

The Student Support team is your one-stop service centre for all student administrative issues – including enrolment, change of contact details, OpenSpace support, assessment results and certification. You can access the Student Support team by email or phone.

Trainer Support

Studying online doesn’t mean you’re on your own. Our trainers are here to help — whether you want to book a chat, send an email, join a webinar, or take part in a discussion forum. We’ve made it easy for you. Each study area has dedicated booking links and contact details, all available in OpenSpace account, so you can quickly connect with your trainer or ask a question when you need support.

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How would you like to pay for your course?
  • Payment Plan

    Deposit Required

    Upfront Cost

    $200.00 due today
    and $75.64 pay weekly

    • Pay in 78 instalments
    • Save 3%
    • Total course cost: $6,100.00 was $6,300.00
  • View more details View less details
  • Enrol now, Pay Later

    No Deposit Required

    Upfront Cost

    $0 due today
    and $67.04 pay fortnightly

    • Pay in 78 instalments interest free
    • Save 17%
    • Total course cost: $5,229.00 was $6,300.00
    • Paid fortnightly, over the length of your course with
    • You or partner can apply, full or part time employment required
  • View more details View less details
  • Pay Upfront

    Best Value

    Upfront Cost

    $3,780.00 $6,300.00

    • One off payment
    • Save 40%
    • Total course cost: $3,780.00 was $6,300.00
    • Get the best value when you pay upfront
    • Pay in 4 with
    • Visa
    • Mastercard
    • Apple Pay
    • American Express
    • PayPal
  • View more details View less details

Speak with an advisor to discuss other payment options. Call 1300 853 033.

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Ellena Frisina

Beauty & Retail
Ellena has over 15 years' experience in the beauty and cosmetic industry, which started after achieving a Diploma of Beauty Therapy, working in salons, cosmetic clinics, running her own beauty business (specialising in brow-shaping, nails and tanning), supervising work placement students, as well as lecturing experience.
Ellena is motivated by helping others to feel better about themselves, being able to pass on her knowledge to students (and seeing them develop and enhance their confidence and skills), and being part of an industry that is continuing to grow and allow therapists to have flexible work arrangements.

Her favourite treatments to teach includes stone therapy massage, nail treatments, brow shaping, lash treatments (including extensions), and tanning.