• Home
  • Courses by Subject
      • Accounting
      • Bookkeeping
      • Compliance & Risk
      • Finance
      • Financial Planning
      • MYOB
      • Payroll
      • Xero
      • Animal Care
      • Animal Science
      • Pet Grooming
      • Veterinary Nursing
      • Arts
      • Dance
      • Graphic Design
      • Interior Design
      • Photography
      • Web Design
      • Building & Construction
      • Plumbing
      • Real Estate
      • Business
      • Business Administration
      • Business Development
      • Business Operations
      • Change Management
      • Customer Engagement
      • Entrepreneurship
      • Human Resources
      • Leadership & Management
      • Logistics
      • Management
      • PMBOK
      • PRINCE2
      • Project Management
      • Quality Management
      • Supply Chain Operations
      • Aged Care
      • Alcohol & Other Drugs
      • Community Services
      • Disability
      • Individual Support
      • Youth Work
      • Child Care
      • Education
      • Education Support
      • Manufacturing
      • Health Sciences
      • Horticulture
      • Science
      • Beauty Therapy
      • Hairdressing
      • Makeup
      • Nail Technology
      • Allied Health
      • Counselling
      • Dental Assisting
      • Health
      • Health Admin
      • Health Services Assistance
      • Life Coaching
      • Massage Therapy
      • Mental Health
      • Natural Therapies
      • Naturopathy
      • Nursing
      • Nutrition
      • Practice Management
      • Psychology
      • Sports & Fitness
      • Celebrancy
      • Culinary Arts
      • Event Management
      • Hospitality
      • Travel & Tourism
      • Agile
      • Cloud Computing
      • Coding
      • Cyber Security
      • Data Science & Analytics
      • IT
      • Microsoft
      • Networking
      • Programming
      • Systems Administration
      • Web Development
      • Government
      • Legal
      • Work Health & Safety
      • Advertising
      • Digital Marketing
      • Digital Media
      • Marketing
      • Retail
      • Social Media Marketing
    • Blended
    • In-class
    • Online
    • Virtual
    • ACT
    • New South Wales
    • Northern Territory
    • South Australia
    • Tasmania
    • Victoria
    • Western Australia
    • Queensland
    • Certificate
    • Certificate II
    • Certificate III
    • Certificate IV
    • Short
    • Diploma
    • Advanced Diploma
    • Associate Degree
    • Bachelor
    • Graduate Certificate
    • Graduate Diploma
    • Masters
    • Postgraduate Certificate
    • Postgraduate Diploma
  • Resources
  • Workforce Training
  • Contact us
  • Advertise With Us
  • Affiliates
  • About us
Homepage 
ResourcesCareers in AustraliaEducation in AustraliaHow to StudyStudy in AustraliaTAFE in Australia
  1. Home
  2. Resources
  3. Study Tips
  4. Free vs Paid Nail Technician Courses: The Difference Explained
Published 6 Aug 2023

Free vs Paid Nail Technician Courses: The Difference Explained

Avatar photo Rebecca Fox

Nail Technology

So, you want to be a nail technician.

You’ve got the artistic flair, attention to detail, and a love of working with people. You feel ready to begin an exciting career that could lead to self-employment, but you’re not quite sure where to start. You’ll obviously want to undertake some training, but should you splurge on a paid course, or enrol in a free one? To help you make the most informed decision, let’s explore the benefits and downfalls of both free and paid nail technology courses. That way, you can ensure you know what you’re signing up for and can make the best choice.

Free Nail Technology Course


THE BENEFITS

A free nail technician course can provide you with the knowledge of what it is to be involved in working as a nail technician, such as:

  • Applying nail art
  • Providing manicures and pedicures
  • Advising on nail services for clients

And many more.

A free course is a great place to start to gather all the information and basic knowledge about the industry you wish to enter. They are flexible in their study options with learning materials progressing as you do.


THE DOWNSIDES

The main drawback for free nail technician courses is that at the completion of these courses, you will most likely not receive a formal qualification or certificate.

Also, given the flexibility of online courses, the rate of learning entirely depends on the individual.

Paid Nail Technology Course


THE BENEFITS

Paid Nail technician courses offer a certificate or accompanying qualification on completion of the course. In this case, a standard qualification is SHB30315 Certificate III in Nail Technology. 

The perks of this include:

  • This qualification is industry recognised and meets professional work practice standards.
  • You will be able to market yourself better or apply for work if you’re backed by a qualification.
  • Paid nail technician courses offer support from industry experts.
  • A paid course will likely provide deeper learning, with quality recourses and proven assessments to aid in your understanding of salon services.

Some paid courses will also teach you skills in starting and running your own salon, which is a great investment if you’ve got an entrepreneurial mindset. They will also explicitly teach industry required health and safety.

The desire to study and learn is more prominent when you pay for a course to get the most out of it, unlike a free online course. 

Finally, if you choose to enrol in a paid nail technician course, the Australian government may offer discounts on course fees through funding or Student VET help loans for industry recognised courses.


THE DOWNSIDES

Since nail technician professionals with industry experience deliver these courses and provide ongoing support to students, they cost money to make. Therefore, the students are paying course fees for the quality of the course and the teachings that they receive.

Due to the structured learning program and ongoing feedback, paid nail technician courses usually run a set schedule or timeframe to teach the course material. These nail technician courses can take up to an average of 6 months or sometimes 12 months to complete, whether undertaken on a part-time or full-time basis. It can also depend on educational providers.

Why Study a Nail Technology Course?

Nail technicians have expertly honed skills in giving their clients aesthetic, high-quality nail services. For clients, getting their nails done the way they like is a fun and exciting experience – an affordable luxury to indulge in.

However, the difference between an expert nail technician and a poorly-trained one is blatantly evident, and can be instantly seen in the outcome of a client’s nails. The consequences of offering sub-par services to clients are extensive, and can range from unhappy clientele, an inability to find a job, and even severe, long-term damage to clients’ nails.

Undertaking a nail technology course is the best way to ensure you have the skills and knowledge to avoid these problems. These courses can teach you how to provide manicure and pedicure services, including the application of artificial nails, nail polish, nail art, gel nail and acrylic nail enhancements. A good course will also teach client consultation skills, and health and safety.

As a nail technician with the relevant training and skills, you’ll have a range of work options available to you, including in nail salons and self-employment.

So, if you want to make a name for yourself as a nail tech, what kind of course will give you the skills you need? This article highlights the pros and cons of free nail technician courses vs paid nail technician courses, so you can make the best decision.

Browse Nail Technology Courses
Avatar photo
Rebecca Fox
Rebecca Fox

Navigator Illustration

You've Read All About it... Now Time for Action?

Use the NaviGator to discover a personalised list of courses for you. Commitment free.

Try the Navigator

Latest Articles


Should I Study a Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance?

The healthcare sector is experiencing rapid growth in employment opportunities, prompting many peopl...

Avatar photo
Kristen Michaelides
Nov 28, 2023
Read More

Best Allied Health Courses for Every Passion

Suggested course: Certificate IV in Mental Health Suggested course: Diploma of Counselling With so m...

Avatar photo
Kristen Michaelides
Nov 28, 2023
Read More

Most Popular Allied Health Assistant Jobs

Numerous opportunities exist for allied health assistant roles, encompassing a wide spectrum of prof...

Guy Clennett
Nov 27, 2023
Read More

Want to Read More?


5 Tips On How To Study Smarter, Not Harder

But do not fear, because we are here to give you tips on how to study that will mean less working an...

Claudia Reiners
Apr 30, 2019
Read More

Dental Assistance Qualifications: What’s the Difference Between a Cert III vs IV?

A role in dental assistance is not only a worthwhile pathway into a great career, but it’s rew...

Avatar photo
Rebecca Fox
Aug 9, 2023
Read More

The Advantages of Studying at an RTO — Your Questions Answered

Today’s work environment can be more competitive, fast-moving and quickly evolving than ever b...

Avatar photo
Candlefox
May 10, 2022
Read More

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get expert advice, insights, and explainers on tricky topics — designed to help you navigate your learning journey with confidence.

By submitting this enquiry I accept the "Privacy Policy" and "Terms of Use"
  • chevron-left
  • Popular Subjects
  • Study Locations
  • Qualification Type
  • Popular Blogs
  • chevron-right
  • Accounting
  • Allied Health
  • Bookkeeping
  • Business Admin
  • Community Services
  • Counselling
  • Education
  • Fitness
  • Healthcare
  • Mental Health
  • Nutrition
  • Small Business Management
  • View More
  • New South Wales
  • Queensland
  • South Australia
  • Victoria
  • Western Australia
  • View More
  • Advanced Diploma
  • Bachelor
  • Certificate
  • Certificate III
  • Certificate IV
  • Diploma
  • Masters
  • Short
  • Graduate Certificate
  • Graduate Diploma
  • Undergraduate Degree
  • View More
  • 5 Low-Stress Jobs: Create Your Perfect Work-Life Balance — No Degree Needed
  • 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Australia Without a Degree: Earn Big Bucks Without Big Debt
  • 12 Best Side Hustles in Australia: Passion Projects & Money Makers (+80 Great Side Hustle Ideas)
  • 12 of the Most Fun Jobs: What Are The Most Enjoyable Careers?
  • 22 Best Jobs That Don't Require Experience: Learn While You Earn
  • TAFE, VET and AQF – Acronyms in Australian Learning
  • Changing Careers Over 50: The Best Decision You’ll Ever Make
  • Government Funded Courses and Subsidised Training
  • Never Too Late: Studying at TAFE as a Mature Age Student
  • Study at TAFE | Guide to TAFE Courses in Australia
  • 35 Profitable (and Fun) Home Business Ideas You Can Start Today
  • The Top Careers Where You Can Earn Over $100K Without a Degree
  • Top 10 High Income Skills of 2023 (Based on Real Data)
  • What is TAFE (Technical and Further Education) and How Can It Benefit You?
  • View More

Newsletter sign up

We'll email you updates on job trends, career advice, study tips, news and more.
Courses
  • All subjects
  • Online courses
About Us
  • About tafecourses.com.au
Contact us
  • Contact
  • Advertise your course
  • Become an affiliate
Resources
  • Our blog
  • Workforce training
Privacy Policy Terms of Use
Tafecourses Facebook Tafecourses Instagram
Australian Aboriginal flag Torres Strait Islander flag
In the spirit of reconciliation, tafecourses.com.au acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
Copyright © 2023 Tafecourses.com.au
All Rights Reserved.

Newsletter Sign Up

We’ll email you updates on job trends, career advice, study tips, news and more.

By downloading this template I accept the "Privacy Policy" and "Terms of Use"
Back to Top