Elements and Performance Criteria

Clients may include but are not limited to:
new or regular clients with routine or special needs.

Acrylic nail enhancement service must include:
tips
overlays
French refill
refill
sculptured nails
French tips.

Acrylic nail enhancement service may include:
fibreglass/silk wrap
temporary tips
odourless acrylics
UV gel coating over acrylic
UV acrylic.

Relevant legislation may include but is not limited to:
Federal, State and local health and hygiene regulations
Occupational Health and Safety legislation
industry Codes of Practice.

Workplace policies and procedures may include but are not limited to:
health and hygiene
workplace product range and manufacturer instructions
workplace time frame allocated for the performance of the service
methods of venting air
temperature and air currents within treatment area.

Treatment plan may include but is not limited to:
required service
areas requiring special treatment
products
tools and equipment
follow-up procedures.

Maintenance requirements may include but are not limited to:
removal of loose acrylic
repair damaged, chipped or broken nails (natural or artificial)
blend regrowth lines
repolish (colour/French polish)
filing/buffing
shortening
reshaping
reapplying new nail
rebalancing stress curve
correction to side walls of extension.

Contra-indications may include but are not limited to:
bacterial, viral, or fungal infections
warts
inflamed skin
visible non-normal nails
rashes
blisters/corns/calluses
heel fissures
bunions
hammer toes
circulatory problems.

Appropriate professional may include but is not limited to:
medical practitioner
complementary therapist.

Acrylic nail products may include but are not limited to:
acid or non acid primer
adhesive (thin and gel)
tips (various styles)
acrylic powder (polymer)
acrylic liquid (monomer)
dehydrator
hand/nail sanitisers
fibreglass/silk wrap
resin
activator (spray, brush)
artificial nail remover.

Equipment may include but is not limited to:
electric file
buffers
table with air venting facility/chair
hand/nail sanitiser
desk lamp
desk mats
desk towels
dappen dishes
brushes for application of artificial nails, primer brushes
emery boards/files/buffers
tip cutters/acrylic clippers
sculpting forms
cuticle pushers.

Aftercare advice may include but is not limited to:
maintenance requirements
protective advice.

Product recommendations may include but are not limited to:
buffers/files
cuticle oil
polish
polish remover
hand/cuticle cream
jewellery.

Protective equipment may include:
face masks
goggles
gloves.

Waste may include but is not limited to:
filing dust
desk mats
excess product.

Critical aspects of evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Knowledge and consistent application of workplace policies and procedures and safe work practices in regard to the application of acrylic nail enhancement.
Knowledge and consistent application of Federal, State and local health and hygiene regulations.
Recognising and managing contra-indications and adverse effects.
Knowledge of the transmission routes of infectious conditions and skills in the application of standard infection control precautions.

Recognising and managing specific treatment complications, including:

product reaction
natural nail separation
discolouring of product
lifting of product (acrylic)
water mould (pseudomonas)
damage to natural nail due to trauma to artificial nail.

Analysing the client's nails and skin and designing a treatment plan to meet the client's needs including:

type of artificial nails procedure/product
product application techniques
areas requiring corrective/remedial services.

Knowledge and skill in the application of artificial acrylic nail services including:

artificial nail removal
application and refill of artificial nails
polish/varnish application.
Knowledge and skill in the application of a variety of acrylic nail products.
Reading, accurately interpreting and consistently applying manufacturer instructions for products, tools and equipment.
Consistently using effective questioning and active listening techniques to consult, reassure and negotiate with clients while maintaining discretion, tact and confidentiality.
Evidence of the ability and skill to consistently use time effectively and to control product waste.
Evaluating an artificial acrylic nail service and advising the client on future treatments, homecare and complementary products.

Context of assessment
For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, competency should be consistently demonstrated over a period of time and observed by the assessor and/or the technical expert working in partnership with the assessor. The technical expert may include the beauty therapist and/or an experienced person at the workplace.
Competency should be demonstrated in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment in a range of situations which may include client interruptions and involvement in other related activities normally expected in the workplace. For further guidance on the use of an appropriate simulated environment, refer to page 32 of the Assessment Guidelines in this Training Package.

Relationship to other units
In the context of an assessment-only and/or a training delivery and assessment pathway, this unit requires an assessment outcome which includes evidence of the application of nail science as it is specifically identified in the required knowledge for this unit.
This unit of competency is identified as a co-requisite
WRBCS204A Apply knowledge of nail science to nail services.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:


observation of the learner performing a range of tasks in an actual or simulated work environment, over sufficient time to demonstrate his/her handling of a range of contingencies. Tasks may include:

advising clients on advantages/disadvantages and maintenance requirements of various types of acrylic nails
selecting nail products according to treatment plan
disposing of waste according to policies and procedures.
written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding of the provision of acrylic nail enhancement services, including application and maintenance of acrylic nails and relevant legislation. Questions will be asked in a manner appropriate to the language and literacy level of the learner.
completing workplace documentation relevant to the provision of acrylic nail enhancement services.
third party reports from experienced beauty professionals in the workplace.
completion of self-paced learning materials, including personal reflection and feedback from trainer/coach/supervisor.

Evidence required for demonstration of consistent performance
For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, evidence should be gathered through a range of methods to indicate consistent performance.
It can be gathered from assessment of the unit of competency alone, through an integrated assessment activity or through a combination of both.
Evidence should be gathered as part of the learning process.

Required skills and knowledge to achieve the performance criteria
Recognising and responding to contra-indications and adverse effects.
Analysing the client's nails and skin and designing a treatment plan.
Removing, applying and maintaining a range of acrylic nails.
Evaluating the service and advising clients on methods and procedures for homecare and complementary products after application or removal of artificial nails.

Communication techniques including:

using open and/or closed questions
speaking clearly and concisely
using appropriate language
non-verbal communication
written communication.
Language, literacy and numeracy skills relevant to the role and workplace requirements.
The provisions of relevant health and hygiene regulations.
The provisions of relevant Occupational Health and Safety regulations/requirements.
Knowledge of infection control procedures and the application of universal precautions.
Workplace policies and procedures in regard to the performance of an acrylic nail enhancement service.
The effects of changes created by complementary nail shapes and colour polish/varnish application.
The gross anatomy of the skin and nails and the shape, function and growth of nails and the effects on the artificial nail.
The structure and function of the hands, lower arms, bones, muscles and circulation.
The effects of health and disease on nails and nail growth and maintenance of artificial nails.
The workplace product range.
The effects and benefits of a defined range of artificial nail products.
Cosmetic chemistry/ingredients in relevant treatment products particularly in regard to their likely effects on the nail and possible contra-indications in combination with other products or circumstances.
Maintenance, care and cleaning requirements for artificial nail implements and service area.
The appearance of contra-indications and adverse effects.
Methods of venting air.
Structural requirements for acrylic nails.
The effect of artificial nail removal on underlying natural nail.
Procedures and recording of trial nail reaction testing.

Specific resources required for assessment

Relevant documentation, such as:

workplace policy and procedures manuals.
Access to a range of clients with different requirements.
A range of equipment and products appropriate to the beauty workplace.
Product labels and sources of product information.
A qualified workplace assessor or assessment team.

Communicating ideas and information
Advising client on homecare and complementary products will require the communication of ideas and information. (1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Advising clients of maintenance requirements and advantages and disadvantages of various products will require information to be collected, analysed and organised. (1)

Planning and organising activities
Selecting and sequentially applying artificial nail products will require activities to be planned and organised. (1)

Working with others and in teams
Maintaining knowledge of workplace procedures and relevant legislation will require reporting to other staff members. (1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Preparing products to minimise wastage will require the use of mathematical ideas and techniques. (1)

Solving problems
Identifying contra-indications and taking appropriate action will require problem solving skills. (1)

Using technology
Using nail products and equipment may require the use of technology. (1)