Manicure Course

Add Professional Manicures To What You Offer

The Manicure Course is for anyone who wants to give a proper professional manicure and have the training to back it up — whether you already work in beauty and want to add the treatment clients book most often, or you have been doing nails informally and want structured training, assessment and an accredited diploma.

You learn online at your own pace, and your practical work is assessed by a tutor rather than by a quiz alone.

What You’ll Be Able To Do

• Give a full professional manicure — standard, spa and luxury, so you can offer a treatment menu rather than one fixed service.
• Shape, buff and condition nails and work safely around the cuticle.
• Understand nail structure and health, recognise common conditions and know when a treatment is not appropriate.
• Add a hand and arm massage so the treatment feels like a premium service.
• Consult properly and advise on aftercare, so clients know how to look after their nails between appointments.
• Choose and use the right products and tools for each client.
• Work to professional hygiene and safety standards.

How The Course Works

When you enrol, your login details arrive by email. The learning platform works on a computer, tablet or phone.

• Each unit has tutorial videos and an eBook covering the theory.
• Multiple-choice assessments check your knowledge as you go, and you can retake them as often as you need.
• You submit case studies of your practical work for your tutor to assess, and you get written feedback.
• If your tutor asks for changes you can resubmit — as many times as you need, at no extra cost.
• Your course materials stay available for life, so you can go back over anything later.

Most students complete their training within a few weeks to a few months, fitting it around work and family.

What You’ll Need To Practise

You can use your own products and tools, or buy our Manicure Kit if you would rather have everything supplied in one go. The kit is optional — it is not needed to complete the course or to be assessed.

Your Certificate

When you finish, you can download your accredited diploma certificate straight away. Our nail courses are accredited by ABT, IPHM and IGCT, and are recognised by insurers including Towergate, Radius, Insync and Balens. Insurers set their own requirements, so it is worth checking the cover you need with your chosen provider. The certificate is an accredited diploma rather than an Ofqual-regulated Level 2 or Level 3 qualification.

Who You’ll Be Learning From

Victoria Arpels founded Next Step Beauty in 2008 and demonstrates the techniques in the nail course videos herself. She holds a BA (Hons) and Cert Ed, trained in beauty therapy, worked in a busy spa and lectured in further education before starting the company. Victoria and the tutor team give the feedback on your case studies, and every course includes business training and access to our private student group.

Manicure Course FAQs

Do I need any experience?

No. The course starts with nail structure and health and builds up to a full professional manicure. If you already do nails, the structured assessment and tutor feedback are usually the parts that add most.

How long does it take?

You work at your own pace and there is no deadline. Most students complete their training within a few weeks to a few months.

Do I have to buy the kit?

No. You can use your own products and tools. The Manicure Kit is there if you would prefer everything supplied.

How is my practical work assessed?

You submit case studies for your tutor to assess and you get written feedback. If anything needs improving you can resubmit as many times as you need, at no extra cost.

Is the course accredited?

Yes — by ABT, IPHM and IGCT. You receive an accredited diploma certificate, which is not the same as an Ofqual-regulated Level 2 or Level 3 qualification.

Will I be able to get insurance?

Our accreditations are recognised by insurers including Towergate, Radius, Insync and Balens. Insurers set their own requirements, so check with your provider before you start taking clients.

Can I pay in instalments?

Yes. You can spread the cost over three interest-free payments with Klarna or EziPay at the checkout.

Can I study on my phone?

Yes. The learning platform works on a computer, tablet or phone, so you can watch the videos and read the theory wherever you are.

If You Want The Full Nail Skill Set

Manicure is one of the five skills in the Complete Nail Technician Course, alongside gel polish, gel extensions, acrylic and Builder in a Bottle. If you think you will want those too, the package costs less than buying the five courses separately.

View All Our Nail Courses