Certificate in Manicure & Pedicure — 3-Month Syllabus

Unit 1: Fundamentals of Nail, Hand & Foot Care

Theory

1. Introduction to manicure and pedicure
2. Basic nail anatomy and nail growth
3. Types of nails and common nail concerns
4. Basic hand and foot anatomy
5. Nail shapes and suitable shapes for clients
6. Hygiene, sanitation and sterilization
7. Tools, equipment and product knowledge
8. Contraindications and safety precautions

Practical

1. Setting up the manicure and pedicure workstation
2. Sanitizing tools and equipment
3. Client consultation and nail assessment
4. Hand and foot preparation
5. Nail length and shape selection
6. Safe handling of manicure and pedicure tools
7. Basic nail cleaning and preparation

Unit 2: Professional Manicure

Theory

1. Purpose and benefits of manicure
2. Types of manicure
3. Nail shaping and filing techniques
4. Cuticle care
5. Hand exfoliation
6. Hand massage techniques
7. Masks, creams and moisturizers
8. Basic nail polish knowledge

Practical

1. Client consultation and preparation
2. Nail polish removal
3. Nail trimming and shaping
4. Cuticle softening and care
5. Cuticle cleaning techniques
6. Hand scrub application
7. Hand and arm massage
8. Hand mask application
9. Base coat, colour and top coat application
10. Complete professional manicure

Unit 3: Professional Pedicure

Theory

1. Purpose and benefits of pedicure
2. Types of pedicure
3. Foot and toenail care
4. Nail shaping and filing
5. Cuticle care for toenails
6. Foot exfoliation and dead-skin care
7. Foot massage techniques
8. Foot hygiene and safety precautions

Practical

1. Client consultation and foot assessment
2. Foot soak and preparation
3. Toenail trimming and shaping
4. Cuticle care
5. Heel and rough-skin care
6. Foot scrub application
7. Foot and leg massage
8. Foot mask treatment
9. Toenail polish application
10. Complete professional pedicure

Unit 4: Advanced Nail & Spa Treatments

Theory

1. Introduction to advanced manicure and pedicure
2. Spa manicure and spa pedicure
3. Paraffin wax treatment
4. Hot oil treatment
5. Nail strengthening and conditioning
6. Callus and rough-skin management
7. Basic nail art concepts
8. Product selection for different nail and skin types
9. Contraindications for advanced treatments
10. Aftercare and home-care advice

Practical

1. Spa manicure procedure
2. Spa pedicure procedure
3. Paraffin wax hand treatment
4. Paraffin wax foot treatment
5. Hot oil manicure
6. Nail strengthening treatment
7. Safe callus-care techniques
8. Exfoliation and moisturizing treatment
9. Basic decorative nail art
10. Customized hand and foot spa treatment

Unit 5: Professional Practice, Nail Art & Client Management

Theory

1. Complete manicure and pedicure procedures
2. Professional client consultation
3. Treatment planning
4. Basic nail art theory
5. Colour combination and design selection
6. Salon hygiene and infection control
7. Client communication and customer service
8. Record keeping and treatment documentation
9. Aftercare and maintenance advice
10. Career opportunities and professional conduct

Practical

1. Complete client consultation
2. Nail and skin assessment
3. Customized manicure
4. Customized pedicure
5. French manicure technique
6. Basic nail art designs
7. Glitter, dots, lines and simple patterns
8. Professional polish application
9. Complete hand and foot spa treatment
10. Final practical assessment

3-Month Course Progression

Month 1 — Foundation & Manicure

• Unit 1: Fundamentals of Nail, Hand & Foot Care
• Unit 2: Professional Manicure
• Theory classes + demonstrations + supervised practical training

Month 2 — Pedicure & Spa Treatments

• Unit 3: Professional Pedicure
• Unit 4: Advanced Nail & Spa Treatments
• Hands-on practice + treatment procedures + client safety

Month 3 — Professional Skills & Assessment

• Unit 5: Professional Practice, Nail Art & Client Management
• Manicure and pedicure case practice
• Basic nail art practice
• Client consultation and treatment planning
• Full-service practical sessions
• Theory revision
• Final theory examination
• Final practical examination

Final Practical Assessment

Students should demonstrate a complete professional service from client consultation → nail/skin assessment → preparation → nail shaping → cuticle care → exfoliation → massage → mask/spa treatment → polish application → finishing → aftercare advice.