In today’s fast-paced beauty industry, gel polish treatments have become a client favorite due to their durability, shine, and salon-quality finish. If you’re looking to build or enhance your career in the nail and beauty sector, the ICTQual Level 2 Award in Gel Polish Treatments provides the practical training and professional recognition you need to deliver expert services.
This Ofqual-regulated, globally accepted qualification is designed to equip aspiring and existing nail technicians with the knowledge and hands-on skills required to confidently apply and remove gel polish, while maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and client care.
The ICTQual Level 2 Award in Gel Polish Treatments is a focused, practical qualification for individuals aiming to specialize in one of the most in-demand nail services today. This course teaches safe and effective application and removal techniques, product knowledge, and client consultation best practices — ensuring you can deliver a premium service from the very first session.
Whether you’re new to the beauty industry or already a practicing technician seeking to expand your service menu, this qualification enhances your professional profile and improves client satisfaction.
This course provides an essential foundation in gel polish application, removal, and maintenance techniques. It also emphasizes health, safety, and hygiene, preparing learners for real-world salon or freelance work.
The ICTQual Level 2 Award in Gel Polish Treatments is more than just a certificate — it’s a fast, flexible, and professional pathway into one of the most profitable beauty services in today’s market. With Ofqual regulation, international recognition, and hands-on learning, you’ll be ready to provide gel polish services that clients trust and love.
Whether you’re just starting out or enhancing your existing skill set, this course delivers the training and confidence you need to succeed in the competitive beauty industry.
ICTQual Level 2 Award in Gel Polish Treatments
To achieve the ICTQual Level 2 Award in Gel Polish Treatments: Candidates must complete the following 3 Mandatory units of Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 90 Hours and Guided Learning Hours (GLH) of 60 Hours.
- Ensuring Health and Safety Standards in a Salon Environment
- Conducting Effective Client Consultations as a Beauty Professional
- Administering UV or Gel Polish Treatments with Precision
Optional Units – Candidates must complete at least one unit in this group.
- Foundations and Techniques of Cosmetic Micropigmentation (Credits: 10)
- Manual Microblading for Eyebrow Enhancement (Credits: 10)
- Scalp Micropigmentation: Principles and Practices (Credits: 8)
- Body Micropigmentation: Techniques and Applications (Credits: 8)
GLH (Guided Learning Hours) and TQT (Total Qualification Time) are terms commonly used in vocational qualifications to help define the amount of time a learner is expected to spend on their studies.
1. GLH (Guided Learning Hours)
GLH refers to the number of hours a learner spends being directly taught, supervised, or supported during their course. This includes the time spent in activities such as:
- Classroom instruction
- Practical workshops
- One-on-one tutoring or mentoring sessions
- Online learning sessions with tutor support
In other words, GLH represents the time that learners are actively engaged with their instructors or learning activities.
2. TQT (Total Qualification Time)
TQT represents the total amount of time a learner is expected to invest in completing a qualification, including:
- GLH (Guided Learning Hours): Time spent on direct learning, as explained above.
- Self-Directed Learning: This includes time spent on independent study, research, assignment completion, preparation for exams, and any other work the learner does outside of direct teaching hours.
TQT is a broader measure that includes all the time required to achieve the qualification. It helps learners and employers understand the overall commitment required for the qualification.
Key Differences Between GLH and TQT:
- GLH focuses on direct learning with guidance or supervision.
- TQT includes GLH as well as independent study time and other learning-related activities.
Example:
If a qualification has a TQT of 600 hours and a GLH of 250 hours, it means the learner should spend 250 hours in direct learning (classroom, online, or tutor-led sessions) and 350 hours on independent study or research.
Learning Outcomes of the ICTQual Level 2 Award in Gel Polish Treatments:
Ensuring Health and Safety Standards in a Salon Environment
- Follow health and safety regulations to maintain a safe and hygienic salon environment.
- Implement cleaning, sterilization, and disinfection protocols for tools, equipment, and work areas.
- Identify and address potential risks to ensure the safety of clients and staff throughout the service.
Conducting Effective Client Consultations as a Beauty Professional
- Conduct thorough consultations to assess client needs, preferences, and suitability for specific beauty treatments.
- Provide clear information about available treatments, outcomes, and aftercare instructions.
- Build strong client relationships by offering personalized recommendations and professional service.
Administering UV or Gel Polish Treatments with Precision
- Apply UV or gel polish techniques with precision to achieve long-lasting, smooth, and flawless results.
- Ensure proper preparation of nails and use of appropriate products to prevent damage and ensure durability.
- Provide aftercare guidance to clients to maintain the longevity and appearance of the gel polish.
Benefits of the ICTQual Level 2 Award in Gel Polish Treatments
Globally Recognized and Ofqual-Regulated
This qualification is awarded by ICTQual and regulated by Ofqual, the official qualifications regulator in the UK. It ensures your certification meets international education standards and is recognized worldwide, giving you credibility wherever you choose to work.
100% Assignment-Based – No Exams
Perfect for practical learners, the course is entirely assignment-based with no formal exams. You’ll demonstrate your skills through real-world tasks and case studies, making the qualification both accessible and career-relevant.
In-Demand Skill Set
Gel polish is one of the most popular and high-demand treatments in salons today. Mastering this service allows you to increase client bookings and offer long-lasting manicures that keep customers coming back.
Enhances Professional Reputation
Holding a certified qualification shows your commitment to quality and professionalism. Clients are more likely to trust and return to technicians who are trained and certified in safe, long-lasting nail treatments.
Boosts Income Potential
Adding gel polish treatments to your service list opens up immediate earning opportunities, especially since clients are willing to pay more for durable, salon-grade results.
Ideal for Freelancers and Salon Professionals
Whether you’re just starting a mobile nail business or working in a salon, this course equips you with the skills and confidence to offer gel services professionally and stand out in a competitive market.
Quick, Flexible Learning
With a short completion time and flexible online or blended learning options, this course allows you to study at your own pace, making it ideal for part-time learners or working professionals.
Strong Foundation for Future Progression
This course acts as a stepping stone to more advanced beauty or nail qualifications, such as nail enhancement services, nail technician diplomas, or Level 3 beauty therapy.
Improves Client Satisfaction
You’ll learn techniques that help deliver chip-resistant, glossy finishes that clients love, leading to better reviews, referrals, and repeat appointments.
Affordable Path to Professional Growth
The ICTQual Level 2 Award in Gel Polish Treatments offers a cost-effective way to gain a valuable skill and enhance your beauty career without needing to invest in long-term education programs.
Who Is This Course Best For?
The ICTQual Level 2 Award in Gel Polish Treatments is ideal for individuals seeking to build a strong foundation in nail care and add one of the most in-demand services to their professional offering. This course is best suited for:
1. Aspiring Nail Technicians
Those new to the beauty industry who want to begin their career with a specialized, salon-ready skill.
2. Beauty Therapists and Salon Staff
Professionals looking to upgrade their service menu with gel polish treatments to meet increasing client demand.
3. Freelancers and Mobile Beauty Providers
Independent practitioners or home-based beauticians aiming to offer long-lasting gel manicure services to attract more clients and increase income.
4. Beauty Students or Recent Graduates
Learners enrolled in broader beauty courses who want to specialize in nails or gain a certified qualification to enhance employability.
5. Career Changers and Hobbyists
Individuals passionate about nails and considering a career switch into the beauty industry, starting with a focused and practical qualification.
6. International Candidates
Learners outside the UK seeking a UK Ofqual-regulated qualification that is globally respected and can enhance their CV for international salon work or freelance business.
If you’re passionate about nails and want to learn professional-level gel polish application techniques in a short, flexible, and fully certified course, then this qualification is the perfect fit for your goals.
Entry Requirements
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Qualification Process
Qualification Process for the ICTQual Level 2 Award in Gel Polish Treatments
- Self-Assessment:
Begin by evaluating your eligibility to ensure you meet the qualification requirements, including work experience, knowledge, and language proficiency. - Registration:
Complete your registration by submitting the required documents, including a scanned copy of a valid ID, and paying the registration fee. - Induction:
An assessor will conduct an induction to confirm your eligibility for the course and explain the evidence requirements. If you do not meet the criteria, your registration will be canceled, and the fee will be refunded. - Assignmnets & Evidence Submission:
Provide all assignmnets and the necessary evidence based on the assessment criteria outlined in the course. If you are unsure of the required evidence, consult with the assessor for guidance on the type and nature of evidence needed. - Feedback and Revision:
The assessor will review your submitted evidence and provide feedback. Evidence that meets the criteria will be marked as “Criteria Met,” while any gaps will be identified. You will be asked to revise and resubmit if needed. - Competence Evidence:
Submit final evidence demonstrating that all learning outcomes have been met. This evidence will be marked as “Criteria Met” by the assessor once it is satisfactory. - Internal Quality Assurance (IQA):
The Internal Quality Assurance Verifier (IQA) will review your evidence to ensure consistency, quality, and compliance with standards. - External Verification:
The IQA will submit your portfolio to ICTQUAL AB External Quality Assurance Verifiers (EQA) for final confirmation. The EQA may contact you directly to verify the authenticity of your evidence. - Certification:
Upon successful completion of all checks, ICTQUAL AB will issue your official certificate, confirming that you have attained the ICTQual Level 2 Award in Gel Polish Treatments.
