How To Become A Nail Tech And How Long It Takes

Updated February 2025

A nail tech, or nail technician, is a specialist beautician who works on the design and upkeep of nails through manicures. The Courses for Success Online Nail Technician Course requires only 20 hours of study, which can take as little as 2 weeks.

If you’re considering launching your career as a nail tech, this guide will give you everything you need to know. 

How to become a nail tech

Once you’ve decided to become a nail tech, the next step is to start your training. Here’s what you need to do.

Step 1: Find a course

To be certified to practice as a nail tech in all states, you will need to get accreditation with a course. At Courses for Success, we have a wide range of courses available to help you build the skills you need to get started. Browse our nail tech courses to see what’s on offer. 

Step 2: Enrol and get accredited

Once you’ve found the course for you, you need to sign up and complete all of the modules required. Once you’ve completed your program, you’ll be ready to start work. You may decide to either join a salon or go into business yourself.

Step 3: Buy your equipment

You need to ensure you have all the materials you need before you begin, including polishes, files, and practice nails. You will want to get options for a range of nail colors and styles, including French manicures.

Step 4: Practise

A part of this stage is finding out what particular style you would like to specialize in. You can practice on fake nails or yourself or even offer free trials to friends and family as you begin to establish your business. 

Practice a range of nail ideas and nail lengths; just make sure you have nail polish remover to hand!

Step 5: Start your business

Once you have decided what type of nail tech you would like to be and perfected your craft, it’s time to advertise your services. You could use social media, Google, or even local notice boards to get your name out there.

Nail tech vs nail salon​ 

All people who deliver manicures are nail techs, whether in a salon or not. Some independent contractors are mobile, and these are just straightforwardly called nail techs. Nail salons just house a number of nail techs in-house.

If you want to start your own independent business without paying overheads to a salon, advertising yourself as a nail tech is the way to go.

What are the different types of manicures​?

Not all manicures are the same — there are several different types of manicures that you can learn to deliver, from regular nail polish options to other nail technologies.

1. Natural nail manicure

A natural nail manicure involves applying traditional nail polishes and learning how to apply the French tip design. Classic manicures involve the shaping and buffing of nails, the trimming of nails and cuticles, and then the application of regular polish.

Some people just want to get their nails filed with a clear top coat!

2. Acrylic application

Acrylic nails are long-lasting manicures — strong, false nails glued onto the original nail base. Our acrylic application course focuses on all aspects of application and artistry, as well as looking at nail health so acrylic manicures do not damage nails. 

3. Gel nails

Gel nail technicians apply a special, thick polish to the nail itself, which is built and placed under a UV light to treat it. Gel manicures typically last up to 14 days or more, so they are popular for their longevity. There are both soft gel manicures and hard gel.

Within this, a new popular choice is the BIAB gel application, which is designed to help build the strength of the original nail and, for nail extension, gel infills.

4. Nail art

Nail art is one for the more creative technician. It focuses on various designs, such as patterns and images, teaching you everything you need to know to deliver bespoke manicure options, such as dip powder manicures.

Is it hard to become a nail technician? 

As with any job, the more you practice, the better you get. Starting out as a nail technician can seem like a long path to begin with, but putting in the training hours can help you build confidence. 

Many find that hours of training in low-stakes situations, gaining practical experience with friends and family, or specially purchased practice nails can make all the difference in speeding up the path to proficiency.

Technically speaking, the UCLA Institute for Research on Labor and Employment notes one of the main barriers to gaining accreditation is the language barrier, which can prohibit some immigrants from being able to take the necessary exams. Another major factor is struggling to discover how to get a license.

What are the key areas of study for becoming a nail tech?  

Since the nail is a part of the body, the anatomy of the hand is one of the core units you will begin with. Nail techs are always focused on promoting the health of their clients’ hands, so it is important to understand how they work so good nail care can be assured.

Within this, you will learn about nail growth and common nail conditions. This will prepare you for anything you might face, ensure you know which nail treatments can help, and teach you about the importance of regular maintenance. 

Then, you learn about the practical skills needed for nail work, including setting and equipment, so you can ensure you are prepared for every appointment and can adhere to common hygiene standards.

Next, you dive into technique, where you will learn the precise steps you need to follow when giving a manicure, including filing into shape, cleaning the nails, and applying polish. 

What nail tech courses are available to study? 

Courses for Success has a range of training programs that you can choose from:

Our core course is the Nail Technician Certificate Course, which will teach you all the basics and cover the core principles of being a nail technician. With over 50,000 positive customer reviews, this is a surefire bet to start your journey.

Our Manicures and Pedicures Course is perfect for those who are looking to learn how to treat all nails, both hands and feet. Manicuring and pedicuring are similar but not identical arts, so if you want to specialize in both, you will benefit from this course.

Our Natural Nail Manicure Course is another popular option for working with regular nail polish. It offers lessons on all the necessary protocols as well as business advice.

Our Gel Nail Online Course has been described by many reviewers as highly informative on the process of this applied and cured polish. If this is an area of expertise you wish to develop, this course is perfect for you!

Courses for Success also teaches nail art for a range of design techniques that will make your work stand out. If you want to develop as an acrylic technician, our much-loved 20 hour course is filled with informative videos that our customers have loved.  

How long does it take to become a nail tech 

Depending on what type of nail tech you would like to qualify for, you will find course lengths vary. The shortest course from Courses for Success is the Nail Technician Online Certificate Course, which takes only 20 hours to complete and can be broken down as follows depending on your study schedule:

However, depending on your state, it could take longer to gain your nail tech license or certificate. You can check your state’s regulations and training requirements, as they can vary in different states.

For example, for the California State Board, 400 hours of study are required before a licensing exam, whereas in Colorado, 20 hours is the minimum.

Career insights  

Here are a few more points to consider:

• Maintain your licensing: It can be a long road to becoming a licensed nail technician. Keep up your licensing requirements to ensure you don’t need to retake any certifications.

• Keep on top of industry developments: Whether you like powdered polymer and press-on nails or prefer classic manicures, it is always a good idea to keep abreast of nail trends that your competition may be offering. The world of beauty can move quickly!

• Perfect the basics: Learning things like cleaning, shaping, and the components of classic manicures is important before leaping ahead to the more complex aspects of nail technology, like intricate designs. Perfect your basic manicures first. 

Nail tech equipment 

One thing you will notice about any nail tech is how much gear they have on them at any time; manicures require a lot of kit. Before you set up your business, you will need to ensure you have the following:

• Nail polishes.

• Nail brushes.

• Emery boards.

• Nail buffers.

• Scissors.

• Cuticle sticks.

• Sanitizing equipment and fluid.

Then if you are looking to specialise, say in gel nails, you will need specific equipment such as a UV or LED lamp.

Summing up 

If you are looking to start your career as a nail tech, there are many courses you can take to begin and then improve on your craft. Depending on your state, you could get started in as little as 20 hours if you complete the required training.

Explore your nail tech options with Courses for Success today and take your first step toward your new beauty career. We are a leading online continuing education platform with courses in a range of topics.

FAQs

Will I receive a certificate of completion?

Yes, once you have passed our multiple choice exam, you can receive a certificate of completion to show you have been educated and trained by Courses for Success.

Will the course teach me business skills as well?

The final module of our nail tech program focuses on business skills, including working with clients.

Do you offer other cosmetology programs?

We don’t just do manicuring courses; we have a wide range of other beauty programs for those who wish to become more rounded beauty professionals, such as in make-up application and hair removal. We also offer courses on massage therapy as well as a range of other practical education courses.

What is the standard salary for nail technicians?

While your salary can vary depending on your state and specialism, it has been reported that the average salary of a nail technician is $34,250. If you have a passion for nail care, it can easily be monetized!

Is it easy to begin on this course?

It is very easy to enroll in our nail technology courses. You need only set up your account, complete your application and pay the fee. As soon as that is done, you can start to learn to manicure at home with our online training modules.