Comparison

Nail Academy vs Nail Tech Prep

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Nail Academy

Master nail artistry with this app's exclusive online courses. Learn everything from manicures to sculpting through theory, practical demos, and quizzes. Gain confidence and skills with high-quality videos and downloadable workbooks.

Highlights
  • Exclusive online courses
  • Manicure to sculpting topics
  • Theory lessons and practical demos
  • Downloadable workbooks
  • Quizzes for learning
  • 4K/HD quality videos
  • Certificate of completion
Features
Read full description

Become a better Nail Technician with the Nail Academy app! Access exclusive courses in a convenient online platform. Topics from manicure to sculpturing. Our extensive course programs cover everything you need to know. Online classes include theory lessons, practical demonstrations, and customized downloadable workbooks, quiz to help your learning, support and a certificate. You'll gain the knowledge and confidence to provide unique services. Benefit from 4K/HD quality videos and detailed macro photography to see every detail. Save time and money with effective time management techniques. Join the Nail Academy app today and unlock your potential as a Nail Technician!

About

Nail Tech Prep

Features
Read full description

NAIL TECH PREP: PASS YOUR STATE BOARD WRITTEN EXAM FIRST TRY The nail technician state board written exam has a first-attempt pass rate of approximately 50 percent. Candidates who fail most often struggle with the chemistry behind nail enhancements, infection control procedures, and identifying nail disorders. This app is built around all three. NAIL SHAPE GUIDE Square: straight free edge at 90 degrees. Squoval: square with slightly rounded corners, most universally flattering. Round: follows the natural curve of the fingertip. Oval: elongated round with tapered sides. Almond: tapered to a narrow rounded point. Coffin or ballerina: long tapered sides with flat squared tip. Stiletto: tapered to a sharp point. Lipstick or slant: filed diagonally for an angular look. Mountain peak: V-shaped center dip. Flare or duck: widens at the tip. For each shape: filing direction (always one direction only, never sawing), best nail length, best hand and finger types, and common mistakes that cause breakage. OVERLAY COMPARISON CHART Acrylic: monomer and polymer powder, strongest system, acetone removal. Gel: UV or LED cure, more flexible, soaks off. Dip powder: activator and colored powder, no UV lamp, soaks off. Gel polish: thin soak-off coating, 2 to 3 week wear. Nail wraps (silk or fiberglass): weakest system, used for repairs. Builder gel (BIAB): thick self-leveling UV or LED gel, strengthens natural nail. For each system: chemistry, curing method, wear time, removal method, lifting causes, and contraindications. SANITATION CHECKLIST Non-porous metal implements: clean, then submerge in EPA-registered disinfectant for 10 minutes minimum. Porous implements (foam files, buffers, wooden sticks): single-use only, discard after each client. Electric file bits: same as metal implements. Foot spas: drain, clean, and disinfect after every client, flush lines at end of each day. When to refuse service: open wounds, fungal infection (onychomycosis), bacterial infection (paronychia, greenies), warts, inflamed tissue. 1,000+ PRACTICE QUESTIONS INFECTION CONTROL AND SANITATION (30%): Disinfection levels, quaternary ammonium compounds and contact time, single-use vs multi-use implements, foot spa disinfection, nail disorder contraindications and when to refuse service. NAIL SCIENCES AND DISORDERS (25%): Nail anatomy (plate, bed, matrix, lunula, cuticle, hyponychium, eponychium), growth rate, nail disorders (onychomycosis, paronychia, pseudomonas greenie, onycholysis, beau's lines, leukonychia, pterygium), conditions requiring physician referral. MANICURE AND PEDICURE PROCEDURES (20%): Correct service order, cuticle care, massage movements, paraffin application, callus removal limitations. NAIL ENHANCEMENTS (15%): Acrylic chemistry (exothermic reaction, bead consistency, application zones), gel curing requirements, dip activator chemistry, removal procedures, lifting causes, fill and rebalance technique. STATE LAWS AND REGULATIONS (10%): Licensing hours and renewal, scope of practice, salon requirements, client record-keeping, health inspection standards. Every question includes a detailed explanation. FREE: 5 questions per day, 5 nail shapes, disinfection reference card. No account required. MONTHLY ($9.99/month): All 1,000+ questions, all 10 nail shapes, full Overlay Comparison Chart, complete Sanitation Checklist, reference library, exam simulator, 3-day free trial. ANNUAL ($24.99/year): Everything in Monthly. Save over 55 percent. Best value. LIFETIME ($49.99): One payment. Permanent access. PASS PROMISE: Complete all questions with 80% or higher average, hold active subscription for 3 months, still do not pass. We extend your access by 4 months at no charge. voltexam.com/pass-promise Not affiliated with any state cosmetology board, NIC, or PSI Services. Privacy Policy: https://www.voltexam.com/privacy Terms of Service: https://www.voltexam.com/terms

Screenshots

Nail Academy3 screens
Nail Tech Prep4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Nail Academy at none against Nail Tech Prep's 3. Nail Academy also leads on device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (14.0 vs 17.0). Nail Tech Prep's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Nail Tech Prep sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Nail Academy asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Nail Academy ships an update every 6 months, Nail Tech Prep every 4 months. Both last shipped on October 3, 2026.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Nail Academy versus Nail Tech Prep: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterNail AcademyNail Tech Prep
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 6 monthsEvery 4 months — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationAd-supported—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone
Requires iOS14.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size36 MB7 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperOlena OezmanDeeun Inc.

In-app purchases

None

Nail Academy

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

Nail Tech Prep

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly Access3 Days trial$9.991 Month
  • Annual Access$24.991 Year
One-time1
  • Nail Tech - Lifetime Pro$49.99

Questions

Is Nail Academy free?
Nail Academy is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Nail Tech Prep free?
Nail Tech Prep is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Nail Academy or Nail Tech Prep have ads?
Nail Academy shows ads; Nail Tech Prep does not.
Which is updated more often, Nail Academy or Nail Tech Prep?
Nail Academy ships an update every 6 months, and Nail Tech Prep every 4 months. Most recently, Nail Academy was updated on October 3, 2026 and Nail Tech Prep on October 3, 2026.

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