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SHB30321

Certificate III in Nail Technology

Kick start your career in nail technology. This course is an essential minimum requirement to work as a nail technician in Australia.

Apply now
STUDY LOCATIONS Greater Brisbane Sunshine Coast Darling Downs and South West Wide Bay Burnett
WAYS TO STUDY On campus Apprenticeships and traineeships
NEXT INTAKE Start date: 28 Jan 2025 Duration: 1 year View all intakes
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Subsidised

There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

$840
Full Fee

This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

$5,115
Eligibility calculator

Course overview

Establish yourself as a qualified nail technician to gain employment in the thriving beauty industry. This course is an essential minimum requirement to work as a nail technician in Australia.

According to the Australian Government, the beauty therapy industry is currently experiencing very strong growth with around 25,000 job openings expected over the next five years. Employers are looking for qualified candidates who are reliable, well presented, and interact well with others.  

During this course you will learn the technical skills required to apply gel and acrylic nail enhancements, provide manicure and pedicure services and you will learn to operate electrical equipment for nail services. You will develop a broad range of knowledge relating to the beauty industry, retail sales, merchandising and customer service.

Upon successful completion of this course you will have developed the technical skills to gain employment in nail and beauty salons. This course also provides you will the necessary qualification to work as a self-employed nail technician.

What can I do?

  • Nail Technician

Course outcome:

SHB30321 Certificate III in Nail Technology

Industry-standard facilities

Train at TAFE Queensland and gain access to an extensive range of industry-standard nail technology resources including electronic files, nail tables and manicure and pedicure stations. You'll graduate with confidence, knowing you have all the skills you need to get right to work.

Diversify your skills

Many health and beauty providers are looking to expand their services offering consumers an all-inclusive package including nails, skin, hair and beauty. Enhance your qualifications and job prospects by completing a related qualification in beauty, massage or hairdressing at TAFE Queensland. 

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 5 elective units from the list below.

  • UNIT CODE
  • UNIT NAME

  • UNIT CODE
  • SHBBCCS005
    Advise on beauty products and services
    UNIT CODE :
    SHBBCCS005
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to advise clients on a range of professional beauty products and services.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Advise on beauty products and services

  • UNIT CODE
  • SHBBNLS007
    Provide manicure and pedicare services
    UNIT CODE :
    SHBBNLS007
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to provide services and advice to clients requiring hand, foot and nail care.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    SHBBNLS011
  • UNIT NAME
  • Provide manicure and pedicare services

  • UNIT CODE
  • SHBBNLS009
    Apply acrylic nail enhancements
    UNIT CODE :
    SHBBNLS009
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to apply, maintain and remove acrylic nails.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    SHBBNLS011
  • UNIT NAME
  • Apply acrylic nail enhancements

  • UNIT CODE
  • SHBBNLS010
    Apply nail art
    UNIT CODE :
    SHBBNLS010
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to apply a range of nail art designs.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    SHBBNLS011
  • UNIT NAME
  • Apply nail art

  • UNIT CODE
  • SHBBNLS011
    Use electric file equipment for nail services
    UNIT CODE :
    SHBBNLS011
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to use electric file equipment in conjunction with artificial nail applications.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Use electric file equipment for nail services

  • UNIT CODE
  • SHBBRES003
    Research and apply beauty industry information
    UNIT CODE :
    SHBBRES003
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to access information and update knowledge of the beauty industry and relevant industry legislation.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Research and apply beauty industry information

  • UNIT CODE
  • SHBXCCS007
    Conduct salon financial transactions
    UNIT CODE :
    SHBXCCS007
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to conduct financial transactions for the sale of products and services within a personal services environment.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Conduct salon financial transactions

  • UNIT CODE
  • SHBXCCS008
    Provide salon services to clients
    UNIT CODE :
    SHBXCCS008
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to provide a complete customer salon service experience.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Provide salon services to clients

  • UNIT CODE
  • SHBXIND003
    Comply with organisational requirements within a personal services environment
    UNIT CODE :
    SHBXIND003
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to work in a personal services environment by integrating knowledge of workplace rights and responsibilities and organisational policies and procedures, and by using effective team and individual work practices to plan and organise daily work activities.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Comply with organisational requirements within a personal services environment

  • UNIT CODE
  • SHBXWHS003
    Apply safe hygiene, health and work practices
    UNIT CODE :
    SHBXWHS003
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to follow safe practices to minimise risks to self, client and colleagues in a salon environment.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Apply safe hygiene, health and work practices

  • You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more

  • You’ll primarily learn face to face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces such as a classroom or simulated workplace environment. Some of your training may also take place via video or Zoom. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
  • You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
  • You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Ipswich
On campus with some online
28 Jan 2025
6 months
Full time 3 days per week and self-directed learning
  • Subsidised: $840

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $5,115

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

demo

Ipswich

On campus with some online

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    20%
  • On Campus Time
    80%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

28 Jan 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

6 months
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time 3 days per week and self-directed learning
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Subsidised: $840

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $5,115

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

Yes
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

Online, On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
Ipswich
On Campus
28 Jan 2025
1 year
Part time 2 nights per week plus self-directed learning
  • Subsidised: $840

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $5,115

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

demo

Ipswich

On Campus

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    0%
  • On Campus Time
    100%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

28 Jan 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

1 year
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Part time 2 nights per week plus self-directed learning
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Subsidised: $840

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $5,115

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
Ipswich
On campus with some online
14 Jul 2025
6 months
Full time 3 days per week plus self-directed learning
  • Subsidised: $840

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $5,115

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

demo

Ipswich

On campus with some online

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    20%
  • On Campus Time
    80%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

14 Jul 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

6 months
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time 3 days per week plus self-directed learning
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Subsidised: $840

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $5,115

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

Yes
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

Online, On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
Ipswich
On Campus
14 Jul 2025
1 year
Part time 2 nights per week plus self-directed learning
  • Subsidised: $840

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $5,115

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

demo

Ipswich

On Campus

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    0%
  • On Campus Time
    100%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

14 Jul 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

1 year
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Part time 2 nights per week plus self-directed learning
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Subsidised: $840

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $5,115

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Mooloolaba
On Campus
28 Jan 2025
6 months
Full time 3 days per week
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
  • Subsidised: $840

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $5,115

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

demo

Mooloolaba

On Campus

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    0%
  • On Campus Time
    100%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

28 Jan 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

6 months
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time 3 days per week
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Subsidised: $840

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $5,115

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Hervey Bay
On Campus
14 Jul 2025
6 months
Full time 3 days per week
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
  • Subsidised: $840

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $5,115

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

demo

Hervey Bay

On Campus

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    0%
  • On Campus Time
    100%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

14 Jul 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

6 months
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time 3 days per week
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Subsidised: $840

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $5,115

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
CAMPUS APPRENTICESHIP / TRAINEESHIPS DELIVERY MODE
Ipswich
Traineeship
  • WORKPLACE

    Workplace

  • DROP IN DAYS

    Drop in days

  • BLOCK TRAINING

    Block training

  • DAY RELEASE

    Day release

  • MOBILE VAN

    Mobile van

  • Online

    Online

CAMPUS APPRENTICESHIP / TRAINEESHIPS DELIVERY MODE
Toowoomba
Traineeship
  • WORKPLACE

    Workplace

  • DROP IN DAYS

    Drop in days

  • BLOCK TRAINING

    Block training

  • DAY RELEASE

    Day release

  • MOBILE VAN

    Mobile van

  • Online

    Online

Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help. 

Payment plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

Learn more
Upfront payment

This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.

Learn more

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

Selection criteria

It is highly recommended that students have basic literacy, numeracy and computer skills or equivalent to Year 10, turned 16 or have relevant experience and/or qualifications that indicate likely success in completing the course.

Traineeship pathway
To study a traineeship program you must be indentured as a trainee with your employer.

Employers need to be able to provide necessary human and physical resources to qualify for a trainee.

Find out more on how to become an apprentice or trainee

Resources required

It is recommended that you have access to a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader. This equipment and software is available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations.

You are responsible for meeting the minimum standard of dress. This includes having access to and wearing a black shirt, black pants (no leggings or jeans), and enclosed shoes.

You may also be required to purchase a nail kit. More details will be provided at enrolment or during orientation. Please note: the purchase of these items may incur additional costs of up to $350.

Important information

You should be comfortable with both providing and receiving treatments from other students during the course.

Assessment methods

Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.

Pathways

University pathways

If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.

Learn more about University Pathways

  • James Cook University
  • Southern Cross University
  • University of Canberra
  • Griffith University
  • Queensland University of Technology
  • University of Southern Queensland

How to apply

Direct application

If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online. 

Course disclaimer

All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.

Learn more