Beauty and Nails Services

VTCT Skills Level 3 Diploma in Nail Technology

Become a qualified nail technician with VTCTโ€™s Level 3 Diploma, youโ€™ll learn nail enhancements, manicures, pedicures, salon skills and client care to start working in salons or as freelance pro.

Start Your Learning Journey Today

Course Details

Overview

About this course

The VTCT Skills Level 3 Diploma in Nail Technology equips you with the practical skills and knowledge to work confidently as a professional nail technician. Youโ€™ll learn acrylic and gel enhancements, manicures, pedicures, nail art, client care, health and safety, and salon management.

  • Credits: 51
  • Guided Learning Hours (GLH): 414

This blended course combines online theory with hands-on practical sessions in a realistic salon environment, ensuring you gain both knowledge and real-world experience.

Who is it suitable for?

  • You if youโ€™re 16 or older and want to begin a career as a nail technician.

  • Individuals wanting to upskill from general beauty therapy or start fresh.

  • Those aiming at salon work, freelance nail styling, or greater creative & career flexibility.

Course modules

Mandatory Units

  1. Provide manicure treatments
  2. Provide pedicure treatments
  3. Apply and maintain nail enhancements (acrylic/gel)
  4. Client care and communication in beauty-related industries
  5. Monitor and maintain health and safety practice in the salon
  6. Maintaining personal health and wellbeing

Optional Units

  • Nail art design and application
  • Use of electric filing systems
  • Airbrush or creative nail techniques
  • Promote products and services to clients
  • Salon business & retail operations

Assessment

Youโ€™ll be assessed through practical demonstrations, written assignments, and a portfolio of evidence, all internally marked and quality assured.

Placement requirements

We provide practical sessions in a realistic salon environment so you can gain hands-on experience and develop professional competence.

Entry requirements

  • Age 16+

  • Good communication and English skills

  • No previous qualifications required

Certification on completion

VTCT Logo

VTCT

Awarding body

VTCT (Vocational Training Charitable Trust) is a UK-recognised awarding organisation with over 60 years of experience in the beauty, hair, and complementary therapy sectors. VTCT qualifications are trusted by employers nationwide and provide learners with the skills and standards required to succeed in the industry.

Fees

Self-Funding Fee: ยฃ2,300 (Pay upfront or in instalments)

Funding options

  • Self-funding fee: ยฃ2,300 with flexible payment options available.

  • Some learners may be eligible for government funding or employer sponsorship; contact us to discuss your options.

Career opportunity

Graduates can work as:

  • Nail Technician / Nail Enhancement Specialist

  • Salon or Nail Bar Technician

  • Freelance or Mobile Nail Artist

  • Beauty Spa or Hotel Nail Technician

  • Salon retail or client consultant

You can also progress to higher-level beauty or nail technology courses, or specialise in advanced nail art.

How to Enrol in 4 Simple Steps

Getting started with London Cactus College is quick, simple, and fully supported. Hereโ€™s how it works:

01

Browse and Choose a Course

Explore our range of fully accredited courses and pick the one that matches your goals.

02

Fill Out the Application Form

Complete a quick form, weโ€™ll check your eligibility and guide you through funding options like the Advanced Learner Loan

03

Start Learning

Once approved, get instant access to your course materials and start learning at your own pace with expert tutor support.

04

Get Certified!

Complete the course, pass your assessments, and earn a nationally recognised qualification.

Why Choose London Cactus College

Nationally Recognised Qualification

All our courses are fully accredited by NCFE CACHE, VTCT, and more.

1:1 Personal Tutor Support

Get guidance, feedback, and ongoing support tailored to you throughout your course.

Flexible Learning

Study anytime, anywhere. Choose online, blended, or self-paced options that suit your lifestyle.

Funding & Loan Support

We offer full support with Advanced Learner Loan applications

Learn from Industry Experts

Study with professionals who bring hands-on experience into every lesson.

Ongoing Career Support

From enrolment to employment, weโ€™re with you every step.

Need Help?

FAQs

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from our learners. Learn more about course details, enrolment, funding, and support, or get in touch if you need further assistance.

What are the entry requirements?

Most courses require you to be aged 19 or over and a UK resident for the past 3 years. Many have open entry, so no formal qualifications are needed.

Courses are delivered flexibly: online, blended, or self-paced, so you can learn when and where it suits you.

Yes, many learners use the Advanced Learner Loan, a government-backed option that covers course fees with no upfront cost.

Duration varies by course but generally ranges from 6 months to 1 year. Self-paced learning lets you progress at your own speed.

You will earn a nationally recognised qualification accredited by respected awarding bodies like NCFE CACHE, VTCT, etc.

Youโ€™ll get dedicated tutor support, learning resources, and help with funding applications throughout your course.

Yes, we support both individual and bulk staff enrolments, and offer bulk enrolment options to easily upskill your team with flexible learning and dedicated support.

We assist with funding applications, provide individual tutor support for each learner, and offer progress tracking to ensure successful outcomes.

Partners & Accreditations

Ready to Take the Next Step in Your Career?

Gain a recognised qualification with expert support, flexible learning, and funding guidance, weโ€™ll help you every step of the way.