The beauty industry continues to evolve with creativity at its core—and nail art is one of its fastest-growing specialties. The ICTQual Level 2 Award in Nail Art offers aspiring nail technicians, beauty therapists, and creative enthusiasts a focused, Ofqual-regulated qualification designed to master the fundamentals and trends of professional nail art.
Whether you aim to work in a salon, run your own mobile nail business, or enhance your existing nail services, this certification provides the technical skills, design knowledge, and creative confidence to turn nail art into a thriving career path.
The ICTQual Level 2 Award in Nail Art is a practical and creative qualification that teaches learners how to design and apply various nail art techniques, including freehand painting, embellishments, color blending, and advanced polish application. This course is ideal for those who want to combine artistry with technical expertise in a professional nail care setting.
Fully Ofqual-regulated and globally accepted, this course is 100% assignment-based—with no written exams—making it a flexible and hands-on learning experience for both beginners and beauty professionals.
This course offers a structured introduction to nail art services and client interaction while allowing learners to explore creativity through a variety of decorative techniques. It focuses on both aesthetic design and client satisfaction, ensuring treatments are not only visually appealing but also safe and hygienic.
The ICTQual Level 2 Award in Nail Art is the perfect way to express your creativity, gain industry-recognized skills, and stand out in the competitive beauty market. With hands-on learning, international recognition, and flexible study options, this qualification opens doors to both career and artistic growth.
ICTQual Level 2 Award in Nail Art
To achieve the ICTQual Level 2 Award in Nail Art: Candidates must complete the following 3 Mandatory units of Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 90 Hours and Guided Learning Hours (GLH) of 60 Hours.
- Upholding Health and Safety Standards in a Salon Environment
- Conducting Comprehensive Client Consultations as a Beauty Professional
- Offering Basic Nail Art Services with Precision and Creativity Treatments (Credits: 2)
- Conducting Initial Client Consultations (Credits: 12)
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 Nail Art:
Upholding Health and Safety Standards in a Salon Environment
- Maintain a safe and hygienic salon environment by adhering to health and safety regulations.
- Implement proper cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization protocols for tools, equipment, and workspaces.
- Identify potential risks and take proactive measures to ensure the safety of clients and staff.
Conducting Comprehensive Client Consultations as a Beauty Professional
- Perform in-depth consultations to understand client needs, preferences, and expectations for beauty treatments.
- Provide clear guidance on treatment options, potential outcomes, and aftercare practices.
- Establish a professional rapport with clients to ensure personalized and satisfactory service.
Offering Basic Nail Art Services with Precision and Creativity
- Apply basic nail art techniques to create visually appealing designs tailored to client preferences.
- Use appropriate tools and materials to ensure precision and durability in nail art applications.
- Incorporate creativity while maintaining professional standards to deliver unique and personalized nail art services.
Benefits of the ICTQual Level 2 Award in Nail Art
1. Globally Recognized and Ofqual-Regulated
This qualification is regulated by Ofqual (UK government regulator) and accepted worldwide, giving you a trusted and professional edge in beauty salons, spas, or freelance work across the globe.
2. 100% Assignment-Based – No Exams
Ideal for practical learners, the course is entirely assignment-based, allowing you to showcase your skills through hands-on projects without the stress of formal exams.
3. Hands-On, Creative Skill Development
Master a range of professional nail art techniques—including freehand painting, rhinestone application, glitter work, and ombre blending—while building your artistic confidence and attention to detail.
4. Flexible Study Options
Offered via online or blended learning, the course can be completed at your own pace, making it perfect for those balancing education with work or family commitments.
5. Enhances Your Beauty Portfolio
Whether you’re just starting out or already a qualified technician, this course helps you stand out by adding unique and in-demand nail art services to your offerings.
6. Boosts Career Opportunities
With rising demand for nail artistry in salons, fashion, media, and events, this qualification positions you to take on roles as a nail artist, salon technician, or mobile beauty service provider.
7. Pathway to Advanced Qualifications
Completing this course opens doors to further study, including the ICTQual Level 3 Diploma in Nail Technology, advanced nail design workshops, or even business management in the beauty sector.
8. Ideal for Beginners and Professionals
Whether you’re new to beauty or looking to expand your skills, this course provides the perfect foundation for creative and career-oriented individuals.
9. Builds a Professional Portfolio
Through your assignments and practical work, you’ll develop a visual portfolio of nail designs that can be used to impress clients or potential employers.
10. Entrepreneurial Opportunities
This qualification can empower you to start your own nail art business, offering bespoke services in a growing and visually-driven market.
Who Is This Course Best For?
The ICTQual Level 2 Award in Nail Art is ideal for individuals who are passionate about beauty, creativity, and hands-on work. This course is a perfect fit for:
- Aspiring Nail Technicians
Individuals looking to enter the beauty industry with a specialized skill in nail art and design. - Current Beauty and Nail Professionals
Practicing therapists and technicians who want to expand their service offerings and attract more clients with high-demand nail art services. - Freelancers and Mobile Technicians
Beauty professionals who wish to offer personalized, on-the-go nail art services as part of their business. - Beauty Students and Salon Assistants
Learners or entry-level staff looking to enhance their qualifications and gain industry-relevant, artistic expertise. - Creative Enthusiasts and Hobbyists
Individuals with a creative flair and love for nail design who want to formalize their talent into a recognized, professional certification.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or building on your existing skills, this course provides the artistic foundation and professional polish to thrive in the modern beauty industry.
Entry Requirements
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Qualification Process
Qualification Process for the ICTQual Level 2 Award in Nail Art
- 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 Nail Art.
