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K–12 Standards

Nail Technician III (2025)

Other Maryland CTE Programs of Study sets

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS. This course is recommended for students in Grades 10-12.1

  • 1

    GENERAL REQUIREMENTS. This course is recommended for students in Grades 10-12.1

INTRODUCTION2

  • A

    Career and Technical Education (CTE) instruction provides content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills for students to further their education and succeed in current or emerging professions.2.A

  • B

    The Healthcare and Human Services Career Cluster encompasses careers for in-home and personal care support and offer esthetics and wellness services such as hairdressing, nail care, skincare, fitness, and massage therapy. Professionals in this field focus on enhancing personal appearance and promoting relaxation and well-being while remaining grounded in a thorough understanding of health and safety practices.2.B

  • C

    The Careers in Nail Technician Services Program is a comprehensive sequence of courses designed to prepare students for careers in the nail technology industry and success on Maryland's Limited Nail Technician licensing exam. Students begin with foundational knowledge in health and safety practices, nail and skin anatomy, and basic manicuring and pedicuring techniques. As they progress, students develop advanced skills in nail enhancements, intricate nail art, and therapeutic spa services while gaining expertise in client consultation and troubleshooting. The program integrates academic concepts, professional communication, and business practices, culminating in mastery of salon management and entrepreneurship. With a focus on Maryland-specific regulations and extensive hands-on practice, this program equips students with the technical proficiency, professional knowledge, and confidence needed to excel as licensed nail technicians.2.C

  • D

    Nail Technician III emphasizes salon management, entrepreneurship, and legal compliance, including developing a comprehensive business plan. Students will complete mock exams, review Maryland-specific regulations, and demonstrate readiness for the Maryland Limited Nail Technician licensing exam. This course equips students for success in professional nail technology careers.2.D

  • E

    Students will participate in at least two Career-Connected Education and Work-Based Learning experiences in this course, which might include informational interviews or job shadowing relevant to the program of study.2.E

  • F

    Students are encouraged to participate in extended learning experiences through aligned Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs). CTSOs are a cocurricular requirement in the Carl D. Perkins Act, and alignment to CTSO activities is an expectation for CTE programs in the state of Maryland.2.F

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS3

  • A

    The student demonstrates the necessary skills for career development, maintenance of employability, and successful completion of course outcomes. The student is expected to:3.A

    1. 1

      Identify and demonstrate positive work behaviors that enhance employability and job advancement, such as regular attendance, promptness, proper attire, maintenance of a clean and safe work environment, and pride in work.3.A.1

    2. 2

      Demonstrate positive personal qualities such as flexibility, open-mindedness, initiative, active listening, and a willingness to learn.3.A.2

    3. 3

      Employ effective reading, writing, and technical documentation skills.3.A.3

    4. 4

      Solve problems using critical thinking techniques and structured troubleshooting methodologies.3.A.4

    5. 5

      Demonstrate leadership skills and collaborate effectively as a team member.3.A.5

    6. 6

      Implement safety procedures, including proper use of software and following privacy guidelines.3.A.6

    7. 7

      Exhibit an understanding of legal and ethical responsibilities in the personal services field, following copyright laws and regulations.3.A.7

    8. 8

      Demonstrate time-management skills and the ability to prioritize tasks in a technical setting.3.A.8

  • B

    The student identifies various career pathways in the personal care service field. The student is expected to:3.B

    1. 1

      Develop a career plan that includes the necessary education, certifications, job skills, and experience for specific roles in nail technician services.3.B.1

    2. 2

      Create a professional resume and portfolio that reflect skills, projects, certifications, and recommendations.3.B.2

    3. 3

      Demonstrate effective interview skills for roles in personal care service fields.3.B.3

  • C

    The student develops technology and digital literacy skills. The student is expected to:3.C

    1. 1

      Use technology as a tool for research, organization, communication, and problem-solving.3.C.1

    2. 2

      Use digital tools, including computers, mobile devices, collaboration platforms, and cloud services, to access, manage, and create information.3.C.2

    3. 3

      Demonstrate proficiency in using emerging and industry-standard technologies, including nail technician skills and applying creative techniques to create healthy and visually appealing hairstyles.3.C.3

    4. 4

      Understand ethical and legal considerations for technology use, including the principles of data protection, copyright, and responsible technology use.3.C.4

  • D

    The student integrates core academic skills into nail technician services. The student is expected to:3.D

    1. 1

      Develop professional portfolios, including service documentation, client feedback, and photos of work.3.D.1

    2. 2

      Write detailed responses for mock exams to prepare for Maryland’s Limited Nail Technician licensing exam.3.D.2

    3. 3

      Research and present findings on industry trends and innovations.3.D.3

    4. 4

      Create financial projections for a salon business, including startup costs and profit margins.3.D.4

    5. 5

      Calculate advanced service pricing models, incorporating labor and material costs.3.D.5

    6. 6

      Design and execute mathematically precise nail art and structural enhancements.3.D.6

    7. 7

      Explore advanced techniques for nail restoration and repair using scientific principles.3.D.7

    8. 8

      Understand the impact of prolonged chemical exposure on technicians and clients.3.D.8

    9. 9

      Implement sustainability practices in salon management, such as eco-friendly product choices.3.D.9

  • E

    The student demonstrates mastery of nail technology knowledge and skills necessary for professional practice and licensing. The student is expected to:3.E

    1. 1

      Apply advanced infection control techniques, including creating and maintaining a comprehensive salon sanitation plan that adheres to Maryland’s Code of Regulations for Nail Technician Services.3.E.1

    2. 2

      Evaluate complex nail and skin conditions to recommend and perform appropriate treatments or refer clients to healthcare professionals as required by Maryland regulations.3.E.2

    3. 3

      Demonstrate mastery of advanced manicuring and pedicuring services, focusing on precision, efficiency, and client satisfaction.3.E.3

    4. 4

      Conduct comprehensive client consultations to create individualized service plans, addressing health, aesthetic goals, and contraindications.3.E.4

  • F

    The student performs advanced nail enhancements and specialty services to meet professional standards. The student is expected to:3.F

    1. 1

      Execute advanced nail enhancement techniques, including custom sculpting, rebalancing, and repair of acrylics, gels, and other materials.3.F.1

    2. 2

      Create intricate and innovative nail art designs, utilizing advanced tools and techniques to reflect current industry trends.3.F.2

    3. 3

      Troubleshoot and resolve complex service issues, such as enhancement lifting, cracking, or improper adhesion, ensuring high-quality results.3.F.3

    4. 4

      Provide advanced spa and therapeutic pedicure treatments, incorporating relaxation techniques and high-end services.3.F.4

  • G

    The student integrates academic and professional communication skills into advanced nail technician practices. The student is expected to:3.G

    1. 1

      Document detailed client records, including service history, product usage, and post-service care recommendations, in accordance with Maryland regulations.3.G.1

    2. 2

      Use advanced mathematical concepts to calculate cost analysis for services and inventory control.3.G.2

    3. 3

      Exhibit exceptional customer service and interpersonal communication skills, including managing difficult client interactions professionally.3.G.3

  • H

    The student demonstrates advanced salon management and entrepreneurial skills. The student is expected to:3.H

    1. 1

      Develop a business plan for a nail salon, including budgeting, marketing, and operational strategies.3.H.1

    2. 2

      Explore advanced client retention strategies, such as loyalty programs, service packaging, and referral incentives.3.H.2

    3. 3

      Analyze legal and regulatory considerations for opening and operating a salon in Maryland, including licensing, insurance, and workplace safety requirements.3.H.3

  • I

    The student demonstrates readiness for Maryland’s Limited Nail Technician licensing exam. The student is expected to:3.I

    1. 1

      Review and apply all theory and practical skills required for the licensing exam, ensuring proficiency in Maryland-specific regulations and practices.3.I.1

    2. 2

      Complete timed mock exams that simulate the licensing test environment, focusing on accuracy, efficiency, and compliance with exam protocols.3.I.2

    3. 3

      Reflect on and refine performance through feedback from mock exam evaluations to ensure readiness for professional licensure.3.I.3

Frequently asked questions

What grade levels do these standards cover?
Grade 10, Grade 11, and Grade 12
Where can I read the official document?
Nail Technician

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