Image 1 of 1
Learn professional gel polish application, online and in the Academy
Our Gel Polish Techniques Blended Learning Short Course at Cedars Training Academy is designed to provide learners with the essential knowledge, practical skills and confidence to carry out professional gel polish treatments.
Combining the flexibility of online learning with hands-on practical training, this course allows you to complete the underpinning theory at your own pace before attending our Academy for a focused, tutor-led practical session.
You'll learn how to prepare the natural nails, carry out professional gel polish application techniques, maintain appropriate hygiene and safety standards and provide clients with advice on maintaining their gel polish treatments.
Whether you're new to gel polish, looking to develop a new skill or hoping to expand your existing treatment offering, this course provides an excellent introduction to professional gel polish services.
Start with the theory, at your own pace
You'll be provided with access to our online learning platform, where you'll complete the Principles of Gel Polish Techniques theory course at your own pace. The online learning covers the essential underpinning knowledge required to carry out gel polish techniques treatments safely and professionally, including a multiple-choice knowledge assessment.
- Introduction to gel polish treatments, their features and benefits.
- Professional standards and codes of practice.
- Health, safety, hygiene and infection prevention.
- Anatomy and physiology of the hands, skin and nails.
- Natural nail structure, growth and common nail conditions.
- Client consultation, nail analysis and record keeping.
- Identifying contraindications and contra-actions.
- Professional nail preparation and gel polish application procedures.
- Client aftercare, maintenance and safe gel polish removal.
Important: All online theory and the knowledge assessment must be completed before attending your practical training day.
Then build your technique with a tutor
Once you've completed your online theory, you'll attend Cedars Training Academy for your practical training session, delivered by one of our experienced tutors. During this session, you'll observe professional demonstrations, practise gel polish application techniques and complete a practical assessment to demonstrate your skills. Our small-group approach provides opportunities for individual guidance, feedback and support throughout the session.
- Preparing your workstation, tools and equipment.
- Conducting client consultations and nail assessments.
- Preparing the natural nails for gel polish application.
- Performing a dry manicure as part of nail preparation.
- Applying gel polish using professional techniques.
- Refining application techniques to achieve a neat, professional finish.
- Completing a full gel polish application treatment.
- Providing appropriate client aftercare and maintenance advice.
Everything you need to know at a glance
Upcoming practical training dates
Bookings close Tuesday 29th December 2026
Is this course right for you?
This course is suitable for:
- Learners new to gel polish who have completed a manicure qualification.
- Individuals looking to start a career in the nail and beauty industry.
- Existing beauty professionals wishing to develop or refresh their gel polish application skills.
- Anyone interested in learning professional gel polish techniques.
A manicure qualification is required before booking. No previous gel polish experience is needed. If you're starting out, begin with our Manicure course.
How you're assessed
To successfully complete the course, you'll be required to:
- Complete the online theory modules and multiple-choice knowledge assessment before attending the Academy.
- Participate in the practical training session.
- Demonstrate your gel polish application skills through an observed practical assessment, completing a professional gel polish treatment on a suitable model.
Your tutor will provide guidance and feedback throughout your practical session. Upon successful completion of both the online theory assessment and practical competency assessment, you'll receive an ABT Accredited Gel Polish Techniques Certificate.
This course is accredited by the Associated Beauty Therapists (ABT). The accreditation supports learners seeking professional recognition and appropriate treatment insurance, subject to the eligibility requirements and terms of their chosen insurance provider.
Why learn with us
- Flexible online theory learning that can be completed at your own pace.
- Just one half-day attendance required at the Academy.
- Hands-on practical training with an experienced tutor.
- Small-group learning with individual support and feedback.
- Develop confidence in delivering professional gel polish treatments.
- The ideal next step after completing your manicure training.
- Build a foundation for further training in nail technology and beauty therapy.
Model requirements
During the practical session, learners will usually have the opportunity to practise treatments on one another.
However, depending on group size and the suitability of learners practising on each other, you may be required to arrange your own model to attend the practical training session.
We'll confirm whether you need to provide a model ahead of your practical training date, allowing sufficient time for arrangements to be made.
Entry requirements and booking information
Entry requirements
- Learners must be aged 18 or above.
- Manicure qualification is required.
- A good level of written English is recommended to support completion of the online learning and assessment.
- Access to a computer or suitable digital device, an internet connection and basic IT skills are required.
- Learners must be able to complete the online theory and knowledge assessment before attending their practical training.
- Attendance at a four-hour practical training and assessment session at Cedars Training Academy, Gloucester, is compulsory.
Important booking information
- Online theory is compulsory and must be completed, including the knowledge assessment, before your practical training date.
- Allow approximately 3 hours to complete your online learning.
- Practical training takes place at Cedars Training Academy, Gloucester, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
- You may be required to provide your own model for the practical session, depending on group size and the suitability of learners practising on one another. We will confirm this in advance.
- Bookings close 7 days before the practical training date to allow sufficient time for completion of online learning and any necessary model arrangements.
We recommend completing your online theory as early as possible to ensure you're fully prepared for your practical training.
Please note: Learners must successfully complete their online theory and knowledge assessment before attending the practical session.
Training and career progression
Our Gel Polish Techniques Short Course provides an excellent foundation for anyone looking to begin their journey in the nail and beauty industry or expand their existing treatment offering.
Following successful completion, you may wish to progress onto further specialist training, including:
Where your practical training takes place
Questions we get asked most
Is there a prerequisite for Gel Polish Techniques?+
Yes. A manicure qualification is required before you book. If you don't hold one yet, start with our Manicure Blended Learning Course. Learners must also be aged 18 or above.
How does the blended learning format work?+
You complete approximately 3 hours of online theory, the Principles of Gel Polish Techniques course, at your own pace, including a multiple-choice knowledge assessment. You then attend a four-hour, tutor-led practical session at Cedars Training Academy in Gloucester from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, where you complete your observed practical assessment.
When are the practical training dates?+
Practical training for this course runs on Tuesday 5th January 2027, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Each session takes a maximum of six learners. You can see all of our blended courses on the Accredited Blended Learning Courses page.
When do bookings close?+
Bookings close 7 days before the practical training date. This allows sufficient time for completion of online learning and any necessary model arrangements.
Do I have to finish the online theory before the practical day?+
Yes. All online theory and the knowledge assessment must be completed before attending your practical training day. We recommend completing your online theory as early as possible to ensure you're fully prepared.
Will I need to bring a model?+
Learners will usually practise treatments on one another. Depending on group size and the suitability of learners practising on each other, you may be required to arrange your own model. We'll confirm this ahead of your practical training date.
What certificate will I receive?+
On successful completion of both the online theory assessment and practical competency assessment, you'll receive an ABT Accredited Gel Polish Techniques Certificate, worth 7 CPD points. The course is accredited by the Associated Beauty Therapists (ABT).
What will I learn on the practical day?+
You'll prepare your workstation, carry out consultations and nail assessments, prepare the natural nails including a dry manicure, then apply and refine gel polish to a neat, professional finish, completing a full gel polish application treatment.
Ready to offer gel polish treatments?
Complete your theory online, then join us in Gloucester for a half-day practical session with an experienced tutor. Bookings close 7 days before each practical date.
Book this course
