If you've been browsing the Academy² course catalogue and found yourself wondering "which level is actually right for me?"  you're not alone. It's one of the most common questions we get, and honestly, it's a great one to ask before you book. Getting the level right means you'll get the most out of your time in the classroom, hit the ground running, and leave feeling genuinely confident rather than out of your depth (or bored because you already knew it all). 

What is a Beginner course? 

A Beginner course is designed for people who are completely new to a particular service — no prior experience needed. 

If you've never performed a gel polish service, built a set of acrylics, or applied nail enhancements professionally before, a Beginner course is your starting point. These courses take you right back to basics: the theory behind the product, the correct prep and application techniques, how to work safely, and how to deliver a consistent, professional result. 

Don't mistake "beginner" for "basic" though. These are full, ABT-accredited qualifications that give you everything you need to start taking paying clients and getting insured.  

Who it's for: Anyone brand new to that service, whether you're stepping into the industry for the first time or you're an established nail tech adding a completely new service to your menu. 

What is a Conversion course? 

A Conversion course is for qualified professionals who are already working with one brand or system and want to transfer their skills to a new one. 

Think of it this way: maybe you trained with a different brand of gel polish years ago and you now want to switch to CND™. You already understand the principles of application, curing andremoval but you need to learn the specific protocols, products, and techniques for the new system. That's exactly what a Conversion course covers. 

Conversion courses move faster than Beginner courses because they're built on the assumption that you already have a solid foundation. They focus on what's different — the product formulations, the brand-specific steps, and any nuances that matter when you're switching systems. 

Who it's for: Qualified nail techs who hold a certificate in the same service with a different brand and want to add or switch to a new brand or system. 

Important: You'll usually need to provide proof of your existing qualification to enrol on a Conversion course. This protects the integrity of the qualification and ensures you get the most from the class. 

What is an Advanced course? 

An Advanced course is for experienced, qualified professionals who want to take their skills to the next level — technically, creatively, or both. 

Once you've got your foundation qualification and you've been working with clients for a while, Advanced courses are where things get exciting. These might cover more complex techniques, intricate nail art, faster and more efficient working methods, or specialist services that command premium pricing. Advanced education is how you go from good to genuinely exceptional — and how you stand out in a crowded market. 

Who it's for: Qualified, practising nail techs who already hold the relevant beginner or intermediate qualification and are ready to push their skills further. 

How do I know which level I'm at? 

Here's a quick guide: 

If you...	You need...
Have never done this service before	Beginner
Are qualified in this service with a different brand	Conversion
Are qualified and working, want to deepen your skills	Advanced

Can I skip the Beginner course if I've been doing nails for years? 

Only if you have a formal qualification in that specific service. Self-taught experience, however impressive, doesn't count as a prerequisite for Conversion or Advanced courses. The qualifications exist to ensure every professional working on clients has been trained to a consistent, safe standard. 

If you've been doing nails for years without formal training, the Beginner course is still the right move. You'll likely fly through it, consolidate a lot of instinctive knowledge into proper technique, and come out the other side with a certificate that means you can get insured and work with confidence. 

Do I need to complete a Beginner course before I can do an Advanced one? 

Yes — you'll need to hold the relevant qualification before progressing to Advanced level. Academy² courses are structured so that each level builds on the last.  

What if I'm not sure which course to book? 

That's what we're here for. If you're unsure which level is right for you, our team is always happy to help you work it out. Give us a call on 0333 000 7000 and we'll point you in the right direction. 

You can also browse our full nail course catalogue at Academy² — each course listing includes details on prerequisites so you can check before you book. 

Beginner, Conversion, and Advanced courses each serve a very specific purpose — and choosing the right one makes all the difference to your experience and your results. Whether you're just starting out, switching systems, or pushing your craft to the next level, there's a place for you at Academy². The journey is yours to create. ? 

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