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Learn professional manicure treatments, online and in the Academy
Our Manicure 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 manicure 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 and care for the hands and nails, carry out professional manicure techniques, apply nail polish finishes and provide appropriate client aftercare advice.
Whether you're completely new to the beauty industry, looking to develop a new skill or hoping to expand your existing treatment offering, this course provides an excellent introduction to professional manicure 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 Manicure theory course at your own pace. The online learning covers the essential underpinning knowledge required to carry out manicure treatments safely and professionally, including a multiple-choice knowledge assessment.
- Anatomy of the hands and nails, including nail structure and function.
- Common nail conditions and contraindications.
- Health, safety, hygiene and infection prevention.
- Client consultation and nail analysis.
- Professional manicure tools, equipment and products.
- The stages of a professional manicure treatment.
- Client aftercare and home maintenance advice.
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 manicure 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 and equipment.
- Conducting client consultations and nail assessments.
- Professional nail shaping and filing techniques.
- Cuticle care and treatment.
- Hand and arm massage techniques.
- Nail buffing and preparation.
- Application of light, dark and French polish finishes.
- Completing a full professional manicure treatment.
- Providing appropriate aftercare advice.
Everything you need to know at a glance
Upcoming practical training dates
Bookings close Tuesday 24th November 2026
Bookings close Tuesday 12th January 2027
Is this course right for you?
This course is suitable for:
- Beginners with no previous beauty therapy experience.
- Individuals looking to start a career in the beauty or nail industry.
- Existing beauty professionals wishing to develop or refresh their manicure skills.
- Anyone interested in learning professional manicure techniques.
No previous qualifications or experience are required.
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 manicure skills through an observed practical assessment, including the required nail polish finishes.
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 Manicure Certificate.
This course is accredited by the Associated Beauty Therapists (ABT), enabling learners to work towards professional recognition and insurance (subject to individual provider requirements).
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 manicure treatments.
- Suitable for complete beginners, with no entry requirements.
- 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.
- No previous qualifications or beauty therapy experience are 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 Manicure 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
Do I need any experience to book?+
No. The Manicure course is suitable for complete beginners, with no previous qualifications or beauty therapy experience required. Learners must be aged 18 or above. Once qualified, you could progress onto our Pedicure or Gel Polish Techniques courses.
How does the blended learning format work?+
You complete approximately 3 hours of online theory, the Principles of Manicure 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 1st December 2026 and Tuesday 19th 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 Manicure 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, shape and file nails, provide cuticle care and hand and arm massage, buff the nails and apply light, dark and French polish finishes, completing a full professional manicure treatment.
Ready to start your nail journey?
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
