NPA Hand and Foot Care and Nail Art SCQF level 5

• Current
• Lapsing

A variety of assessment methods will be used for this qualification. You will be required to produce evidence to demonstrate your knowledge and skills. Knowledge may be assessed, for example, by written, oral or electronic methods. Assessment of practical skills will be observed, and it will be supported by observation records and accurately completed consultation records.

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Centres will require a suitable realistic working environment in which learners can perform practical activities in conditions that reflect a real work environment. Simulation is not acceptable for any of the units within this qualification. The realistic working environment will require sufficient equipment, products, consumables and client base to give learners plenty of opportunity for practise to become assessment ready, and assessment of each unit contained within the NPA in Hand and Foot Care and Nail Art. Learners should have access to ICT, a variety of current publications and online resources to encourage and support a level of independent study.

The assessor and internal verifier must be occupationally competent. They should:

• hold an appropriate professional/technical qualification which demonstrates an in-depth technical knowledge of the qualification and/or its units and the standard of competencies required, for example National Certificate (NC) in Beauty Care at SCQF level 6, Scottish Vocational qualification (SVQ) in Beauty at SCQF level 6, Higher National Certificate (HNC)/Higher National Diploma (HND) in Beauty Therapy or equivalent.
• be able to interpret current working practices, technologies and products within the area of work and be committed to upholding the integrity of the qualification and/or its units.
• demonstrate competence in assessment and/or internal verification of the subject.
• have access to and engage with, continuous professional development activities, to keep up to date with developments and any issues relevant to the qualification and/or its units.

Learners should have access to ICT, a variety of current publications and online resources to encourage and support a level of independent study.

The NPA in Hand and Foot Care and Nail Art is designed for a wide range of learners, including:

• school leavers
• adults returning to education

You will develop skills in manicure and pedicure, including filing, buffing, cuticle work, exfoliation, massage and polish application. Polish types include light, dark, French and gel. You will learn about preparing the nail plate for nail art treatment — filing, cuticle work, removal of product from the nail plate — and performing nail art treatments — base coat, application of nail art design, topcoat. Techniques include stamping, dotting, striping, foiling, application of gems, glitter and transfers.

You will also develop important employability skills such as time keeping, treatment timing, customer care and personal presentation. There will also be the opportunity to consider good citizenship through recycling products and consumables, waste control measures and having an appreciation of the sustainability of product brands used.

Access

Entry is at the discretion of the centre. However, due to health and safety considerations, it is recommended that the minimum age for this qualification is 16 years of age at the time of registration. The following information on prior knowledge, skills, experience or qualifications that provide suitable preparation for this qualification has been provided by the Qualification Design Team (QDT) as guidance only.

Learners would benefit from having attained the skills, knowledge and understanding required by one or more of the following or equivalent qualifications and/or experience:

• NPA in Beauty and Hairstyling at SCQF level 4 (new)
• NPA in Cosmetology (G8GX 44) (lapsing)
• NPA in Beauty Skills (GF7F 44) (lapsing)

You could use this level 5 award to progress to:

• Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) in Beauty Therapy at SCQF level 5
• NC in Beauty Therapy Skills at SCQF level 5 (new)
• NC in Beauty Care and Make-up at SCQF level 5 (lapsing)
• other NPA awards or further study
• junior level employment with training

• Current
• Lapsing

Learners should have access to ICT, a variety of current publications and online resources to encourage and support a level of independent study.