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N1

SAQA Qualification · 121670

QCTO Compliant

Nail Therapist

Credits
47
NQF
NQF Level 4
Seta
SERVICES SETA

R52 350

(Once-off Institutional License Fee)

Professional Role & Capability Blueprint


Target Designation
Certified Nail Therapist Practitioner
Competency Focus
Master specialised practical applications, safety criteria, and regulatory mandates required of a qualified Nail Therapist.
Academic Weight
Full national recognition at NQF Level 4 yielding 47 credits upon successful PoE verification.

Strategic Institutional Purpose


Audit Objective
Formulated to systematically bridge operational skills deficits under the governing SERVICES SETA quality matrix.
Value Proposition
Equips your workforce with measurable, legally compliant skills to optimise productivity, satisfy Workplace Skills Plans (WSP), and unlock maximum B-BBEE scorecard weight.

Who is this for


Who should enrol? Individuals with some work experience or prior learning who wish to formalise their skills and advance their careers. The Nail Therapist welcomes learners from diverse backgrounds, including those with limited formal education but relevant practical experience. The flexible learning approach ensures that everyone can progress at their own pace while achieving the same high standard of competence.

Qualification Rules · Module Matrix


Official SAQA module breakdown parsed from the qualification's registered rules.

Knowledge Modules (KM)

32 cr

Theory · 5 modules

  • 514201-001-00-KM-015 cr

    Cosmetic Chemistry

    NQF Level 4

  • 514201-001-00-KM-0210 cr

    Professionalism and Business Principles

    NQF Level 4

  • 514201-001-00-KM-037 cr

    Setting up a Salon Business Plan

    NQF Level 4

  • 514201-001-00-KM-045 cr

    Integumentary System

    NQF Level 4

  • 514201-001-00-KM-055 cr

    Human Anatomy

    NQF Level 4

Practical Skill Modules (PM)

12 cr

Applied · 1 module

  • 514201-001-00-PM-0412 cr

    Provide a Manicure and Pedicure Service

    NQF Level 4

Work Experience Modules (WM)

3 cr

Site · 1 module

  • 514201-001-00-WM-023 cr

    Processes and Procedures for a Manicure and Pedicure Treatment

    NQF Level 4

Total Credits (SAQA)47

Official SAQA Curriculum


Source of truth · SAQA ID 121670 · Field 11 - Services › Personal Care

Min Credits
47
Registered
2024-01-30
Re-registration
2029-01-30
Purpose

The purpose of this part qualification is to prepare a learner to function as a Nail Therapist. A Nail Therapist provides a nail grooming service in accordance with industry standards. A qualified learner will be able to: • Apply and advise on finger and toenails treatment to clients. • Set up and run a sustainable salon. • Apply and uphold OHS provisions in the salon. A qualified learner will demonstrate the following key attributes: • Customer Care. • Communication. • Professionalism. • Reliability. • Ethical.

Rationale

The demand for Nail Therapists is consistently on the rise in the beauty and cosmetology industry. It holds industry recognition as it directly aligns with employment opportunities. These skilled professionals offer manual skincare services. In the twenty-first century, the skills offered by Nail Therapists are in high demand within the beauty and cosmetology sector, reflecting the ever-increasing need for their expertise. There are no similar qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework. This part qualification provides a well-structured framework for learners to develop essential competencies in Nail Therapy, a crucial skill within the Beauty and Cosmetology industry. Successfully completing this part qualification also opens doors to a wide range of job opportunities within the Beauty and Cosmetology sector. Additionally, qualified learners have the option to establish their own businesses, thereby making valuable contributions to their communities. Nail Therapists play a pivotal role in enhancing individuals' self-image, resulting in a more positive outlook and improved performance in both the job market and society. The Beauty and Cosmetology sector stands to gain significantly from the availability of skilled Nail Therapists capable of meeting the diverse needs of their clientele. Competent Nail Therapists have the potential to establish a strong local presence, characterised by service excellence. This part qualification places a strong emphasis on nurturing a culture of professionalism and service excellence within the Beauty and Cosmetology industry. The global beauty landscape is currently experiencing a transformative shift, reflecting the evolving awareness of beauty consumers' needs and desires. The Beauty and Ccosmetology industries are in a phase of growth and development, driven by factors such as the rise of local beauty brands, the economic activity of the current generation, and the influence of digital technology and connectivity. Notably, the increasing impact of blogging and social media influencers is playing a significant role in shaping these industries. The typical learners are the school leavers, unemployed persons, employed and self-employed persons. This part qualification was developed in consultation with the relevant Professional Body in the Beauty and Cosmetology industry to secure the competency requirements. Typical occupations in which the qualifying learner will operate include Nail Therapy, Cosmetic Advisory Services in retail outlets, Salon Management or Entrepreneurship. Learners qualifying this part-qualification may become Nail Therapists, provide cosmetic advice in retail outlets, become Salon Managers or Entrepreneurs. There is collaboration with relevant stakeholders such as TVET Colleges, Private Training Providers in the Beauty and Cosmetology Industry and Practising Beauty Therapists. Typical professions in which the qualifying learner will operate include Advance Aesthetic Therapist, Beauty Technologist, Nail Technician, Beauty Therapist and Somatologist.

Learning Assumed to be in Place & RPL

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for Access to Training: Learners may use the RPL process to gain access to training opportunities for a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme if they do not meet the formal, minimum entry requirements for admission. RPL assessment provides an alternative access route into a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme. Such an RPL assessment may be developed, moderated, and conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider which offers that specific qualification/part qualification/skills programme. Such an assessment must ensure that the learner is able to display the equivalent level of competencies required for access, based on the NQF level descriptors. For exemption from modules through RPL, learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded. RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA): Learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded. A valid Statement of Results is required for admission to the EISA in which confirmation of achievement is provided that all internal assessment criteria for all modules in the related curriculum document have been achieved. For a Skills Programme, the accredited Skills Development Provider (SDP) must ensure all modular competency requirements are met prior to the FISA and keep record of such evidence. Upon successful completion of the EISA/FISA, RPL learners will be issued with the QCTO certificate for the qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme. Quality Partners are responsible for ensuring the RPL mechanism and process for qualifications and part-qualification is approved by the QCTO. Entry Requirements: An NQF Level 3 qualification with Mathematical Literacy.

Exit Level Outcomes
  • Provide a nail grooming service in a professional and ethical manner in accordance with occupational standards.
  • Establish and manage a sustainable and compliant establishment in the beauty and cosmetology industry.
  • Apply integumentary system and human anatomy as applicable to the specific area under treatment.
  • Apply cosmetic chemistry as applicable to beauty therapy treatment.
QCTO & SERVICES SETA AlignedSAQA 121670

Qualification 121670 · Curriculum Architecture

Occupational Certificate: Nail Therapist · NQF Level 4 (47 Credits)

Filter View
§ 01

Three Curriculum Pillars

32
Credits

Knowledge Modules

Classroom & E-Learning

KM-01 to KM-05 · 5 modules
  • Facilitated lectures & self-study
  • Written question banks
  • Formative comprehension checks
12
Credits

Practical Skill Modules

Simulated Line Tasks

PM-01 to PM-01 · 1 modules
  • Simulated line tasks
  • Observation rubrics
  • Structured task sheets
3
Credits

Work Experience Modules

On-the-Job Production

WM-01 to WM-01 · 1 modules
  • On-the-job rotation
  • Mentor logbooks
  • Workplace sign-offs
§ 02

Evidence & Audit Pipeline

Learner Portfolio of Evidence (PoE)
Owner · Candidate
1
Admin & Registration

ID, learner contract, induction pack, POPIA consent.

2
Knowledge Evidence

Written assessments & question banks — KM-01 to KM-07.

3
Practical Evidence

Task sheets, observation rubrics, assessor photos.

4
Workplace Evidence

Logbooks, mentor sign-offs, supervisor letters.

Assessor Master File
Owner · Registered Assessor
5
Assessment Reports

Judgements, learner feedback, remediation agreements, appeals log.

Internal Moderation & Quality File
Owner · Moderator / SDP
6
Moderation Evidence

10% sampling matrix, HACCP/LOTO compliance sheets, SDP sign-off.

§ 03

Final Accreditation Gateway

Step 1
Statement of Results

Issued by the accredited Skills Development Provider once internal moderation is signed off.

Step 2
EISA Readiness Declaration

Provider submits declaration + PoE to the Assessment Quality Partner (AQP).

Step 3
National Qualification Certificate

QCTO awards the SAQA-registered certificate on successful EISA outcome.

Learner Certified · Uploaded to National Learner Records Database (NLRD)

Learning Material Stack


Learner Guide
Facilitator Guide
Assessment Instruments
SETA Alignment Matrix

Start-to-Exit Moderation Timeline


  1. 1

    Pre-Delivery Setup

    Facilitator induction, learner enrolment forms, baseline assessment, PoE folder issue. Alignment matrix stamped.

  2. 2

    Delivery & Formative Moderation

    Modular rollout with formative assessments per KM/PM. Internal moderator reviews evidence weekly; feedback loop before summatives.

  3. 3

    Summative & External Moderation

    Summative assessments captured, PoE finalised, submitted for external moderation. Certification uploaded to the SETA/QCTO.

Bespoke QMS Build


We author your Quality Management System — policies, procedures, records, matrices — mapped to your accreditation scope. From R18,500.

Talk QMS on WhatsApp

Moderation Consultation


External moderation dry-run on your PoE + delivery pack. Written report with fixes before your real audit. From R4,900.

Book Moderation Session

Classroom Transformation Blueprint


7 Modules · 47 Credits · SERVICES SETA

Broken Standard

  • 📄Photocopied guides with mismatched outcomes
  • Missing formative/summative assessments
  • ⚠️No SETA alignment matrix — audit fails
  • 🎲Facilitators improvise Nail Therapist delivery
  • 🕳️PoE gaps flagged in moderation
i2Graduates Transform

i2Graduates Transformation

  • 5 KM + 1 PM + 1 WM modules mapped to NQF Level 4
  • Pre-validated assessment bank per module
  • SERVICES SETA alignment matrix included
  • Facilitator scripts + learner activities per credit
  • PoE templates that survive external moderation

The i2Graduates Quality Guarantee


Every page of this bundle is meticulously checked for sequence and structural perfection — no missing pages, no stolen content, no shortcuts. You get pre-validated assessment instruments ready to survive rigorous compliance moderation, wrapped in an engaging curriculum your facilitators will love teaching.