
HKQF - Certificate in Nail Technology (QF Level 3)
[This is a course based on the Specification of Competency Standards - Beauty & Hairdressing Industry]
[This course is included in the list of reimbursable courses under the Continuing Education Fund (CEF)]
This course, Certificate in Nail Technology, is recognised under the Qualifications Framework (QF Level 3)
QF Level: 3
QF Credits: 15
Institution Code: 854
CEF Course Code: 74C162539
QR Registration No.: 25/000362/L3
Registration Validity Period: 01/03/2025 to 28/02/2027
[Course Objective]
This HKQF CEF Certificate in Nail Technology aims to enable learners to correctly use various nail tools and apply techniques such as UV gel nail extension, nail art, electric filing and embedding, as well as hand and foot care, to provide nail care services for clients based on their needs in a beauty-related workplace.
[Course Content]
- (Module 1) Understanding Basic Nail Care, Hand & Foot Care Techniques and Common Problems
+ Basic hand & foot care knowledge, procedures, and contraindications (e.g., scrubbing, hand & foot massage)
+ Basic nail care, procedures, and contraindications (e.g., nail trimming, cuticle oil application)
+ Types of fingernails/toenails and finishing techniques
+ Basic hand & foot massage techniques, benefits, and contraindications (e.g., stroking, kneading, friction, tapping, vibration)
+ Common problems in nail and hand/foot care (e.g., eczema, psoriasis, fungal nails)
- (Module 2) Using Various Nail Extension Tools
+ Uses of various nail extension tools (e.g., basic nail trimming tools, different types of nail files, manual buffers, nail polisher, nail forms, electric file, etc.)
+ Types and uses of nail tips (e.g., half tips, full tips)
+ Characteristics of various nail decorations and methods/steps for application
+ Understanding materials/components used for different nail tips/extensions
+ Understanding various disinfection methods and procedures (e.g., alcohol disinfection, UV, boiling, steam, etc.)
+ Pre-care preparations (e.g., preparing required products, cleaning tools and hands)
+ Techniques for using various nail extension tools
+ Selection of suitable extension materials
+ Maintenance and repair methods for nail extensions and precautions
- (Module 3) Performing UV Gel Nail Extension
+ Nail structure (e.g., nail plate, nail bed, nail root, lunula, cuticle, eponychium, lateral nail fold, free edge)
+ Types, ingredients, and functions of UV gel products
+ Basic design concepts and techniques for UV gel nail extension
+ Colour matching concepts
+ Uses of UV gel tools and supplies
+ Differences between UV gel and acrylic nails
+ Advantages and disadvantages of UV gel nails, adverse reactions, and contraindications
+ Pre-care preparations
+ Techniques for UV gel application
+ Applying UV gel
+ Using materials for nail extension
+ Classic French UV gel nails
+ Sculpting different nail shapes and colours
+ Electric filing and buffing techniques for UV gel nails
+ 2D and 3D design techniques for UV gel nails
+ Steps and techniques for repairing and removing UV gel nails
+ Aftercare methods for UV gel nails
- (Module 4) Mastering Basic Nail Art Techniques for Fingernails/Toenails
+ Types of nail art
+ History of nail art painting
+ Placement and techniques for drawing basic patterns
+ Methods for drawing basic patterns
+ 2D painting techniques
+ Factors to consider in nail art design (e.g., age, season, occasion, coordination with clothing/accessories)
+ Techniques for using painting tools and supplies (e.g., stamping plates, stencils, specialised watercolour paints, specialised brushes, etc.)
+ Principles of colour matching
+ Pre-care preparations (e.g., disinfecting tools and hands, performing basic nail care)
+ Steps, methods, and techniques for applying nail art
+ Press-on nail design
+ Post-care precautions and nail art maintenance
- (Module 5) Mastering Electric Filing and Embedding Techniques for Nails
+ Basic operational knowledge of electric filing
+ Various electric file bits, accessories, and their usage
+ Techniques for using different shaped bits
+ Basic knowledge of embedding (nail decoration/rivets)
+ Tools and accessories required for embedding
+ Embedding procedures, methods, and techniques
+ Pre-care preparations
+ Operating the electric file
+ Nail filing techniques
+ Embedding techniques
+ Aftercare methods for filed/embedded nails and precautions
+ Adverse reactions and remedial measures
[Entry Requirements]
- Completion of Form 3 (Grade 9) or equivalent level of education; and
- Three or more years of work experience in the beauty industry; OR completion of any QF Level 2 beauty course or equivalent qualification.
(For advice on meeting the entry requirements for the Certificate in Nail Technology, please contact us.)
[Study Period]
[Course Hours]
- 66.5 hours (classroom + assessment)
[Tuition Fee]
- Total fee: HK$14,800
**Course duration: 3 months
Monthly instalments: HK$4,930, HK$4,930, HK$4,940
Number of instalments: 3
Maximum reimbursable amount under CEF: HK$11,380, making the net course fee as low as HK$3,420. The maximum reimbursable amount is calculated based on the assumption that the learner has never claimed from CEF before. The actual subsidy amount depends on the amount previously claimed by the learner.
**Course tools for in-class practice are included in the fee. No additional payment required.
[Assessment Fee]
[Required Documents for Enrolment]
- Copy of Hong Kong Identity Card
- Copy of Qualification Proof (provide one of the following)
- Form 3 (Grade 9) or above academic transcript or equivalent qualification (e.g., from China, Taiwan, Macau, USA, Canada, UK, Korea, Japan, or other countries) OR
- Form 3 (Grade 9) or above graduation certificate or equivalent qualification (e.g., from China, Taiwan, Macau, USA, Canada, UK, Korea, Japan, or other countries) OR
- Public examination results (HKCEE / A-Level / DSE) OR
- Tertiary/university academic transcript OR
- Tertiary/university graduation certificate
- Original proof of beauty-related work experience (provide one of the following)
- Three or more years of company employment proof (with company stamp and signature) OR
- MPF contribution records OR
- Qualification certificate issued by a trade association / chamber of commerce OR
- Completion of any QF Level 2 make-up course or equivalent qualification
- First instalment payment
(For advice on meeting the entry requirements for the Certificate in Nail Technology, please contact us.)
[Professional Recognition]
Upon course completion, graduates may take other professional examinations (at their own expense) to obtain additional international qualifications:
- UK iTEC Diploma in Nail Technology Level 3 (+HK$4,800)
- UK iTEC Award in Infection Prevention (COVID-19) for Beauty Therapy and Nail Services Level 2 (+HK$800)
- Hong Kong IQA Certificate in Nail Technology Level 3
- Korea IFBC Certificate in Nail Art
- Korea SISA Certificate in Nail Art
- Korea SISA Vice-Chairman
- Korea BHL Certificate in Nail Technology
- Hong Kong IAEA Certificate in Nail Technology
- Graduates may conduct training courses and issue certificates recognised by various organisations
- Graduates may take other VTCT iTEC international skills assessments










[Enrolment & Enquiries]
Address: Shop C, G/F, Wing Shing Building, 21-35 Castle Peak Road, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 3583 1687
Whatsapp: (852) 9548 8600
Website: https://lbacademy.com.hk
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