Cert III Nail Technology
SHB30321 Certificate III in Nail Technology
More study resources
Cheat sheet
Keep the key ideas within reach.
ExploreKey terms
Get comfortable with the vocabulary.
ExploreStudy plan
Give each week a clear focus.
ExploreCommon mistakes
Understand the traps and how to avoid them.
ExploreCase studies
Put your knowledge to work in context.
ExploreExam-day guide
Prepare for the day ahead.
ExploreAbout this exam
SHB30321 Certificate III in Nail Technology is an Australian nationally recognised qualification listed on the National Training Register, first released on 16 December 2021 and currently at Release 1. It supersedes SHB30315 and is not equivalent to it, because the packaging rules, core units and elective units changed. The qualification reflects the role of individuals employed as nail technicians providing manicure and pedicare services, including nail art and acrylic and gel nail enhancements. It suits people who already work, or intend to work, in nail and beauty salons, and also self-employed technicians managing their own nail station. Holders are expected to exercise discretion and judgement, take responsibility for their own outputs, and consult clients on nail care products and services. To be awarded the qualification, 15 units must be completed: 10 core units and 5 elective units, made up of 1 unit from Group A (infection control), at least 2 units from Group B (general electives), and up to 2 units from the listed electives or elsewhere in the SHB Training Package or any other current Training Package or accredited course. There are no entry requirements, and no occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply at the time of publication. The register also notes that skills must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. Preparation should focus on the core technical units, infection control, and salon and workplace compliance units, because assessment typically combines knowledge evidence with observed practical tasks.
What you'll study
About Cert III Nail Technology preparation
How many units do I need to complete for SHB30321?
Fifteen units in total: 10 core units and 5 elective units. The electives break down as 1 unit from Group A (infection control), at least 2 units from Group B (general electives), and up to 2 units chosen from the listed electives or elsewhere in the SHB Training Package or any other current Training Package or accredited course.
Are there any entry requirements for this qualification?
No. The National Training Register states there are no entry requirements for SHB30321. However, some individual units carry prerequisites, and units marked with an asterisk in the packaging rules include one or more prerequisite units. Check each unit's own details before enrolling so your study order does not leave a prerequisite uncompleted.
Do I need a licence to work as a nail technician after finishing?
The register states that no occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication. That said, the skills must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice, so check your own state or territory rules and any local council requirements.
What does the qualification actually cover?
It reflects the role of employed nail technicians providing manicure and pedicare services, nail art, and acrylic and gel nail enhancements. Core units cover advising on beauty products and services, manicure and pedicare, acrylic enhancements, nail art, electric file equipment, industry research, salon financial transactions, client service, organisational compliance and safe hygiene, health and work practices.
Which infection control elective should I choose?
Group A offers two options: HLTINF005 Maintain infection prevention for skin penetration treatments, or SHBBINF002 Maintain infection control standards. You need exactly 1 unit from this group. Choose based on the job outcome you are seeking, local industry requirements and the complexity of skills appropriate to the AQF level, and confirm the choice with your training provider.
Can I choose electives outside the nail technology list?
Yes, within limits. Up to 2 units may be selected from the listed electives or elsewhere in the SHB Training Package, or any other current Training Package or accredited course. The remaining Group B requirement is at least 2 units from the general elective list, and Group A must still be satisfied with 1 infection control unit.
Which release of the qualification is current?
Release 1 is the current release, with a release date of 16 December 2021. It supersedes SHB30315 Certificate III in Nail Technology, and the mapping notes that the change is non-equivalent because the packaging rules, core units and elective units have been changed. If you hold the older qualification, ask a registered training organisation about credit transfer.
How should I plan my study order?
Start with units that carry no prerequisites, such as safe hygiene, health and work practices, organisational compliance, client service and salon financial transactions. Then attempt the technical units marked with an asterisk, since these depend on prerequisite units. Confirm the exact prerequisite chains with your registered training organisation before you enrol in each unit.
Where can I find a provider approved to deliver this qualification?
The National Training Register lists registered training organisations approved to deliver and assess SHB30321, showing each provider's scope start and end dates and the states and territories where delivery is notified. Always confirm the provider's current scope before enrolling, and check that the specific elective units you want are within their scope.