Every state licenses nail technicians a little differently. Training runs from 100 hours to 750, a few states skip the exam entirely, and the license might be called manicurist, nail technician or nail technologist depending on where you live.
This guide puts all 50 states and Washington, DC side by side: the school hours, minimum age, exams, apprenticeship options and renewal rules, with a direct link to each state’s licensing board. We checked every figure against the board’s own pages and state law on October 2, 2026, and we flag the places where a state’s own pages disagree.
Training hours required
Nail tech school hours, state by state
- Up to 200 hours
- 201 to 350
- 351 to 450
- 451 to 600
- More than 600
Tap a state to jump to its requirements. Alaska shows its basic license (12 hours); its Advanced Endorsement takes 250.
Compare nail tech license requirements in every state
Search for your state or sort by any column. The state name jumps to its full card, with the board link and sources.
| State | License name | School hours | Min. age | Exam | Apprenticeship |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Manicurist | 750 | 16 | Written + practical | 1,200 hours |
| Alaska | Manicurist | 12 | Not stated | Written only | No |
| Arizona | Nail Technician | 600 | 16 | Written + practical | Allowed |
| Arkansas | Manicurist | 480 | 16 | Written + practical | Not stated |
| California | Manicurist | 400 | 17 | Written only | No |
| Colorado | Nail Technician | 600 | 16 | Written + practical | Not stated |
| Connecticut | Nail Technician | 100 | Not stated | No state exam | No |
| Delaware | Nail Technician | 300 | Not stated | Written + practical | 600 hours |
| District of Columbia | Manicurist | 350 | 18 | Written + practical | Not stated |
| Florida | Nail Specialist | 180 | 16 | No state exam | No |
| Georgia | Nail Technician | 525 | Not stated | Written + practical | 1,050 hours |
| Hawaii | Beauty Operator | 350 | 16 | Written | 700 hours |
| Idaho | Nail Technician | 400 | 16½ | Written + practical | 800 hours |
| Illinois | Nail Technician | 350 | 16 | Written | No |
| Indiana | Manicurist | 450 | 18 | Written + practical | Allowed |
| Iowa | Nail Technologist | 325 | Not stated | Written | Allowed |
| Kansas | Manicurist | 350 | 17 | Written + practical | No |
| Kentucky | Nail Technician | 450 | 18 | Written + practical | No |
| Louisiana | Manicurist | 500 | 16 | Written + practical | No |
| Maine | Nail Technician | 200 | Not stated | Written + practical | 400 hours |
| Maryland | Limited Nail Technician | 250 | 17 | Written + practical | Allowed |
| Massachusetts | Manicurist | 100 | Not stated | Written | No |
| Michigan | Manicurist | 600 | 17 | Written + practical | 600 hours |
| Minnesota | Nail Technician | 350 | 17 | Written + practical | No |
| Mississippi | Nail Technician | 350 | 16 | Written | 700 hours |
| Missouri | Manicurist | 400 | 17 | Practical | 800 hours |
| Montana | Manicurist | 400 | 18 | Written + practical | No |
| Nebraska | Nail Technician | 300 | 17 | Written only | No |
| Nevada | Nail Technologist | 600 | 18 | Written + practical | 1,200 hours |
| New Hampshire | Manicurist | 300 | Not stated | Written + practical | 600 hours |
| New Jersey | Manicurist | 300 | 17 | Written | No |
| New Mexico | Manicurist/Pedicurist | 400 | 17 | Written + practical | No |
| New York | Nail Specialty | 250 | 17 | Written + practical | Allowed |
| North Carolina | Manicurist | 300 | Not stated | Written + practical | No |
| North Dakota | Manicurist | 350 | 16 | Written + practical | 2,000 hours |
| Ohio | Manicurist | 200 | 16 | Written + practical | No |
| Oklahoma | Manicurist/Nail Technician | 600 | 16 | Written + practical | 1,200 hours |
| Oregon | Nail Technologist | 281 | Not stated | Written + practical | No |
| Pennsylvania | Nail Technician | 200 | 16 | Written + practical | No |
| Rhode Island | Manicurist | 300 | 18 | Written + practical | No |
| South Carolina | Nail Technician | 300 | 16 | Written + practical | Not stated |
| South Dakota | Nail Technician | 400 | 18 | Written | 400 hours |
| Tennessee | Manicurist | 600 | 16 | Written + practical | Allowed |
| Texas | Manicurist | 600 | 17 | Written + practical | Not stated |
| Utah | Nail Technology License | 300 | Not stated | Written + practical | 300 hours |
| Vermont | Nail Technician | 200 | Not stated | Written + practical | 300 hours |
| Virginia | Nail Technician | 150 | Not stated | Written + practical | Allowed |
| Washington | Manicurist | 600 | 17 | Written + practical | 2,000 hours |
| West Virginia | Nail Technician | 400 | 18 | Written + practical | No |
| Wisconsin | Manicurist | 300 | Not stated | Written + practical | Not stated |
| Wyoming | Nail Technician | 400 | 16 | Written + practical | No |
Click a column to sort. “Not stated” means the state doesn’t print that detail on an official page we could find.
What changed in 2026
Licensing rules move more than you’d expect. These changes took effect this year or are on the way:
Utah overhauled licensing on January 1: 300 hours by school or apprenticeship, with online-only applications.
Hawaii moved its exam from Prometric to PSI on January 1.
Maryland added a 6-hour continuing education requirement on January 1.
Mississippi updated its law on April 1, adding continuing education on human trafficking and domestic violence awareness.
Washington switched its exam vendor to Prov on May 1.
Washington, DC added a combined Full Wax and Nails Technician license in May.
Idaho began moving to two-year licenses on July 1.
Kentucky moved to two-year renewals; current licenses expire July 31, 2028.
Illinois adds a 700-hour nail apprenticeship on January 1, 2027, and ends the option to test after 280 hours.
Nail tech license requirements, state by state
Each card lists the official requirements and links to the state board. Where a state doesn’t print a detail, we say so rather than guess. Before you enroll, confirm the current rules with the board: they can change between our checks.
AlabamaManicurist license
- School hours
- 750
- Minimum age
- 16
- Exam
- Written + practical
- Apprenticeship
- 1,200 hours
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
- Continuing ed
- Not stated
Education: Completed at least 10 grades in secondary school (or equivalent); proof via diploma, transcript, or GED.Exam details: PSI.
AlaskaManicurist license
- School hours
- 12
- Minimum age
- Not stated
- Exam
- Written only
- Apprenticeship
- No
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
- Continuing ed
- Not stated
Two tiers. The basic Manicurist license needs a 12-hour safety and sanitation course. The optional Advanced Endorsement needs 250 hours and the national nail theory exam.
Exam details: Basic Manicurist: written test given by the licensed school at the end of the 12-hour safety/sanitation course. Manicurist with Advanced Endorsement: NIC National Nail Technology theory written exam scheduled through Prov.
ArizonaNail Technician license
- School hours
- 600
- Minimum age
- 16
- Exam
- Written + practical
- Apprenticeship
- Allowed
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
- Continuing ed
- Not stated
The cosmetology board merged into the Arizona Barbering and Cosmetology Board, so old boc.az.gov links now redirect to bcb.az.gov.
Education: Two years of high school or equivalent (10 high school credits, homeschool affidavit, or GED) with proof of age 16; OR proof of being at least 18 (no education requirement at 18+).Exam details: NIC national exams administered by Professional Credential Services (PCS / Virtual Inc.).
ArkansasManicurist license
- School hours
- 480
- Minimum age
- 16
- Exam
- Written + practical
- Apprenticeship
- Not stated
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
- Continuing ed
- Not stated
A 2025 law sets 480 hours, but the board's rule and transfer forms still list 600. Confirm with the Arkansas Cosmetology Section before you enroll.
Education: Two years of high school (10th grade) or its equivalent.Exam details: Written: NIC National Nail Technology Theory exam administered by Prov, Inc.; Arkansas state law exam also required. Practical: scheduled through an Arkansas cosmetology school (per the department's reciprocity-hours instructions).
CaliforniaManicurist license
- School hours
- 400
- Minimum age
- 17
- Exam
- Written only
- Apprenticeship
- No
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
- Continuing ed
- None
Education: Completed 10th grade in California public schools or its equivalent.Exam details: PSI (national examination developed by PSI).
ColoradoNail Technician license
- School hours
- 600
- Minimum age
- 16
- Exam
- Written + practical
- Apprenticeship
- Not stated
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
- Continuing ed
- Not stated
Exam details: PSI.
ConnecticutNail Technician license
- School hours
- 100
- Minimum age
- Not stated
- Exam
- No state exam
- Apprenticeship
- No
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
- Continuing ed
- None
One of the lightest requirements in the country: 100 hours and no licensing exam.
DelawareNail Technician license
- School hours
- 300
- Minimum age
- Not stated
- Exam
- Written + practical
- Apprenticeship
- 600 hours
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
- Continuing ed
- None
Education: Education equivalent to a 10th grade education (certified high school transcript or other reliable proof).Exam details: NIC written theory and practical exams administered through Prometric.
District of ColumbiaManicurist license
- School hours
- 350
- Minimum age
- 18
- Exam
- Written + practical
- Apprenticeship
- Not stated
- Renewal
- Not stated
- Continuing ed
- Required
A May 2026 reform added a combined Full Wax and Nails Technician license.
Education: Completed the 10th grade or higher.Exam details: Written/theory: NIC theory exam administered by Prov (provexam.com); Prov took over DC theory exams in May 2026. Practical: held at Bennett Career Institute, scheduled through the board's exam coordinator.
FloridaNail Specialist license
- School hours
- 180
- Minimum age
- 16
- Exam
- No state exam
- Apprenticeship
- No
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
- Continuing ed
- Required
Florida issues a nail specialist registration, not an exam-based license: 180 hours and no state exam.
Education: At least 16 years of age OR a high school diploma (F.S. 477.0201(1)(a)); no grade-level requirement otherwise.
GeorgiaNail Technician license
- School hours
- 525
- Minimum age
- Not stated
- Exam
- Written + practical
- Apprenticeship
- 1,050 hours
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
- Continuing ed
- Required
Exam details: PSI (NIC Candidate Information Bulletins for Georgia).
HawaiiBeauty Operator license
- School hours
- 350
- Minimum age
- 16
- Exam
- Written
- Apprenticeship
- 700 hours
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
- Continuing ed
- None
Nail technicians are licensed as Beauty Operators in the nail category. The exam moved from Prometric to PSI on January 1, 2026.
Education: High school graduate or equivalent (FAQ: 1 year of experience as a licensed beauty operator also satisfies the general education requirement).Written exam: Nail Technology Theory examination (NIC), administered by PSI Services LLC (vendor changed from Prometric effective January 1, 2026).Given by: PSI Services LLC (test-takers.psiexams.com/hitrade).
IdahoNail Technician license
- School hours
- 400
- Minimum age
- 16½
- Exam
- Written + practical
- Apprenticeship
- 800 hours
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
- Continuing ed
- Not stated
Idaho is moving to two-year licenses starting July 1, 2026.
Education: At least two years of high school (10th grade) or equivalent education as determined by the board.Written exam: NIC written (theory) examination.Practical exam: NIC practical examination (statute requires both a practical demonstration and a written test).Given by: ProV, Inc. (schools/instructors register candidates; out-of-state applicants contact ProV after receiving a Verification of Eligibility).
IllinoisNail Technician license
- School hours
- 350
- Minimum age
- 16
- Exam
- Written
- Apprenticeship
- No
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
- Continuing ed
- Required
From January 1, 2027, Illinois adds a 700-hour nail apprenticeship, and the option to test after 280 hours ends.
Education: Beyond the age of compulsory school attendance, or a high school diploma or recognized equivalent.Written exam: Illinois Nail Technician Examination (exam 169): computer-administered, 65 questions, 90 minutes; passing score 75. Offered in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese.Given by: Continental Testing Services, Inc. (applications) with testing delivered through PSI; exam fee $190.
IndianaManicurist license
- School hours
- 450
- Minimum age
- 18
- Exam
- Written + practical
- Apprenticeship
- Allowed
- Renewal
- Every 4 years
- Continuing ed
- Not stated
Education: 8th grade education or equivalent.Written exam: State written examination administered through PSI (may be taken before graduation).Practical exam: Final practical demonstration examination administered by the applicant's beauty culture school (or by the apprenticeship program sponsor/employer), not by the state.Given by: PSI (written); school or apprenticeship sponsor (practical).
IowaNail Technologist license
- School hours
- 325
- Minimum age
- Not stated
- Exam
- Written
- Apprenticeship
- Allowed
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
- Continuing ed
- Required
Education: High school graduate or equivalent (Iowa Code 157.3).Written exam: NIC national theory nail technology exam (or other national theory nail exam); passing score 75% or higher.Given by: NIC exam; DIAL links the candidate bulletin at ProV (provexam.com).
KansasManicurist license
- School hours
- 350
- Minimum age
- 17
- Exam
- Written + practical
- Apprenticeship
- No
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
- Continuing ed
- Not stated
Education: Graduate of an accredited high school or equivalent.Written exam: Board written (theory) exam, $75.Practical exam: Board practical exam, $75.Given by: Ergometrics (cosmetologykansas.com).
KentuckyNail Technician license
- School hours
- 450
- Minimum age
- 18
- Exam
- Written + practical
- Apprenticeship
- No
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
- Continuing ed
- Not stated
Renewals are now every two years; current licenses expire July 31, 2028.
Education: High school diploma or certified testing documents proving grade 12 equivalency.Written exam: Written examination (PSI).Practical exam: Practical examination; effective June 1, 2026 all practicals are held onsite at PSI's Lexington, KY testing center.Given by: PSI; exam fee $85 (retake $85).
LouisianaManicurist license
- School hours
- 500
- Minimum age
- 16
- Exam
- Written + practical
- Apprenticeship
- No
- Renewal
- Every year
- Continuing ed
- Not stated
The 500-hour figure comes from the board's FAQ; the rule book is published as scanned images.
Education: 10th grade (equivalent of completing the tenth grade at an approved high school) at the time schooling is completed, or a high school diploma equivalent from a nonpublic school.Written exam: National (NIC) manicurist theory exam plus a Louisiana state written exam on laws and rules (Gold Book); state theory exam fee $25 by statute; board FAQ lists the national exam at $83 via IQT (iqttesting.com).Practical exam: State practical exam, $25 (scheduled through the school).Given by: Board examination team (state written and practical); national theory exam via IQT per board FAQ.
MaineNail Technician license
- School hours
- 200
- Minimum age
- Not stated
- Exam
- Written + practical
- Apprenticeship
- 400 hours
- Renewal
- Every year
- Continuing ed
- Not stated
Maine repealed its minimum age and education requirements in 2019.
Education: None in statute (the age and education requirements in 32 MRSA §14229 were repealed by PL 2019, c. 373).Written exam: NIC Nail Technology written exam, $99 (also offered in Korean, Russian, Spanish, Vietnamese).Practical exam: NIC Nail Technology practical exam, administered remotely, $149.Given by: ProV, Inc. (provexam.com); passing score 75 on each.
MarylandLimited Nail Technician license
- School hours
- 250
- Minimum age
- 17
- Exam
- Written + practical
- Apprenticeship
- Allowed
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
- Continuing ed
- Required
A 6-hour continuing education requirement took effect January 1, 2026. Apprenticeships are measured in months (8 months at 20+ hours a week), not hours.
Education: Completed 9th grade or GED.Written exam: Nail Technician theory exam (PSI), $47 alone.Practical exam: Nail Technician practical exam (PSI), $47 alone; $77 for practical and theory together.Given by: PSI Services (online application required since 3/31/2025).
MassachusettsManicurist license
- School hours
- 100
- Minimum age
- Not stated
- Exam
- Written
- Apprenticeship
- No
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
- Continuing ed
- Not stated
Written exam: Written theory exam.Given by: PSI.
MichiganManicurist license
- School hours
- 600
- Minimum age
- 17
- Exam
- Written + practical
- Apprenticeship
- 600 hours
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
- Continuing ed
- None
600 hours applies if you started training on or after July 1, 2024; earlier students needed 400.
Education: Education equivalent to completion of the 9th grade.Written exam: NBCP theory exam.Practical exam: NBCP practical exam.Given by: PSI.
MinnesotaNail Technician license
- School hours
- 350
- Minimum age
- 17
- Exam
- Written + practical
- Apprenticeship
- No
- Renewal
- Every 3 years
- Continuing ed
- Required
Written exam: General theory test; Written practical test; Minnesota laws and rules test.Practical exam: Practical Skills Test (taken at the school; results on the Course Completion Certificate).Given by: PSI, Minnesota cosmetology school.
MississippiNail Technician license
- School hours
- 350
- Minimum age
- 16
- Exam
- Written
- Apprenticeship
- 700 hours
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
- Continuing ed
- Required
The law was updated April 1, 2026. Renewal includes continuing education on human trafficking and domestic violence awareness.
Education: Completed 10th grade (or enrolled in a community college, state institution of higher learning, or college/university).Written exam: NIC Nail Technology theory exam.Given by: Board online portal.
MissouriManicurist license
- School hours
- 400
- Minimum age
- 17
- Exam
- Practical
- Apprenticeship
- 800 hours
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
- Continuing ed
- Not stated
Education: Education equivalent to successful completion of the 10th grade.Practical exam: Practical exam.Given by: Prov, Inc., Board.
MontanaManicurist license
- School hours
- 400
- Minimum age
- 18
- Exam
- Written + practical
- Apprenticeship
- No
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
- Continuing ed
- Not stated
Education: High school diploma or equivalent (Board may grant an exception by rule).Written exam: NIC Nail Technology theory exam (75% to pass).Practical exam: NIC Nail Technology practical exam (75% to pass).Given by: Prov.
NebraskaNail Technician license
- School hours
- 300
- Minimum age
- 17
- Exam
- Written only
- Apprenticeship
- No
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
- Continuing ed
- Required
The license covers artificial nails. Manicures and pedicures on natural nails don't need a nail technician license. One written exam, no hands-on practical.
Education: Graduated from a U.S. high school or its equivalent (GED).Written exam: NIC written exam (satisfies both written and practical requirements; no hands-on practical).Given by: PSI.
NevadaNail Technologist license
- School hours
- 600
- Minimum age
- 18
- Exam
- Written + practical
- Apprenticeship
- 1,200 hours
- Renewal
- Every 4 years
- Continuing ed
- None
Apprenticeship (1,200 hours) is only an option where the salon is 60 or more miles from the nearest school. Licenses run two or four years.
Education: Completed 10th grade or its equivalent.Written exam: Theory exam.Practical exam: Practical exam (Nevada school graduates take it at their school).Given by: Pearson VUE, Board / school.
New HampshireManicurist license
- School hours
- 300
- Minimum age
- Not stated
- Exam
- Written + practical
- Apprenticeship
- 600 hours
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
- Continuing ed
- None
Education: High school or its equivalent.Written exam: NIC Nail Technology written exam.Practical exam: NIC Nail Technology practical exam.Given by: Prov.
New JerseyManicurist license
- School hours
- 300
- Minimum age
- 17
- Exam
- Written
- Apprenticeship
- No
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
- Continuing ed
- Not stated
No reciprocity for manicurists: licensed nail techs from other states take the New Jersey exam.
Education: High school or its equivalent.Written exam: Written licensing exam.Given by: Prometric.
New MexicoManicurist/Pedicurist license
- School hours
- 400
- Minimum age
- 17
- Exam
- Written + practical
- Apprenticeship
- No
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
- Continuing ed
- Not stated
Written exam: National theory written exam plus state law written exam.Practical exam: National practical exam.Given by: Professional Credentialing Services (PCS).
New YorkNail Specialty license
- School hours
- 250
- Minimum age
- 17
- Exam
- Written + practical
- Apprenticeship
- Allowed
- Renewal
- Every 4 years
- Continuing ed
- None
Written exam: NYS written exam (multiple choice, 2.5 hours), $15.Practical exam: NYS practical exam at designated sites, $15.Given by: New York State Division of Licensing Services.
North CarolinaManicurist license
- School hours
- 300
- Minimum age
- Not stated
- Exam
- Written + practical
- Apprenticeship
- No
- Renewal
- Every year
- Continuing ed
- Required
The board has flagged Senate Bill 808, which may change license requirements. Nothing is final yet.
Written exam: State Board exam (written), 75% or higher.Practical exam: State Board exam (practical).Given by: Prov (provexam.com).
North DakotaManicurist license
- School hours
- 350
- Minimum age
- 16
- Exam
- Written + practical
- Apprenticeship
- 2,000 hours
- Renewal
- Every year
- Continuing ed
- Required
Age 16 and tenth grade are the requirements to register as a student.
Education: 10th grade or equivalent (student registration, N.D.C.C. 43-11-19).Written exam: NIC written (theory) exam plus North Dakota law and rules exam.Practical exam: NIC practical exam.Given by: Prov (provexam.com) for written exams; practical scheduled through the board.
OhioManicurist license
- School hours
- 200
- Minimum age
- 16
- Exam
- Written + practical
- Apprenticeship
- No
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
- Continuing ed
- Required
Education: Equivalent of an Ohio public school 10th grade education.Written exam: Manicure theory exam.Practical exam: Manicuring practical exam.Given by: Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board (apply via elicense.ohio.gov).
OklahomaManicurist/Nail Technician license
- School hours
- 600
- Minimum age
- 16
- Exam
- Written + practical
- Apprenticeship
- 1,200 hours
- Renewal
- Every year
- Continuing ed
- None
Education: 8th grade or equivalency (or ability-to-benefit exam).Written exam: NIC theory exam (Prov).Practical exam: State practical exam.Given by: Prov (written); practical by the board.
OregonNail Technologist license
- School hours
- 281
- Minimum age
- Not stated
- Exam
- Written + practical
- Apprenticeship
- No
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
- Continuing ed
- Not stated
281 hours = 241 hours of nail technology + 20 hours of Oregon laws and rules + 20 hours of career development.
Written exam: Nail technology written exam and Oregon Laws and Rules written exam, taken walk-in at HLO in Salem ($45 each).Practical exam: Board-approved practical exam passed through the Oregon school (scores valid 5 years).Given by: Health Licensing Office (written); Oregon school (practical).
PennsylvaniaNail Technician license
- School hours
- 200
- Minimum age
- 16
- Exam
- Written + practical
- Apprenticeship
- No
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
- Continuing ed
- None
Education: 10th grade or equivalent (or training through the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation); waived for veterans and applicants 35 or older.Written exam: Theory exam (may be taken after 150 hours).Practical exam: Practical/procedural exam.Given by: Pearson VUE.
Rhode IslandManicurist license
- School hours
- 300
- Minimum age
- 18
- Exam
- Written + practical
- Apprenticeship
- No
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
- Continuing ed
- None
Education: High school diploma or equivalent (or 25+ years of prior experience).Written exam: NIC Nail Technician Theory exam, 70% to pass.Practical exam: Practical exam approved by the Department.Given by: PSI (written).
South CarolinaNail Technician license
- School hours
- 300
- Minimum age
- 16
- Exam
- Written + practical
- Apprenticeship
- Not stated
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
- Continuing ed
- Required
Education: 10th grade or equivalency.Written exam: NIC theory.Practical exam: NIC practical.Given by: Prov (provexam.com).
South DakotaNail Technician license
- School hours
- 400
- Minimum age
- 18
- Exam
- Written
- Apprenticeship
- 400 hours
- Renewal
- Every year
- Continuing ed
- None
Written exam: NIC national written theory exam.Given by: Prov (provexam.com).
TennesseeManicurist license
- School hours
- 600
- Minimum age
- 16
- Exam
- Written + practical
- Apprenticeship
- Allowed
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
- Continuing ed
- None
Written exam: Theory exam (National Exam content).Practical exam: Practical exam.Given by: PSI (psiexams.com).
TexasManicurist license
- School hours
- 600
- Minimum age
- 17
- Exam
- Written + practical
- Apprenticeship
- Not stated
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
- Continuing ed
- Required
Written exam: Written exam.Practical exam: Practical exam.Given by: PSI.
UtahNail Technology License license
- School hours
- 300
- Minimum age
- Not stated
- Exam
- Written + practical
- Apprenticeship
- 300 hours
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
- Continuing ed
- Not stated
Utah overhauled its licensing on January 1, 2026: 300 hours by school or apprenticeship, and applications are online only.
Written exam: NIC theory exam.Practical exam: NIC practical exam.Given by: Prov.
VermontNail Technician license
- School hours
- 200
- Minimum age
- Not stated
- Exam
- Written + practical
- Apprenticeship
- 300 hours
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
- Continuing ed
- None
Education: None for nail technicians (the high school diploma/GED upload 'Does not apply to Nail Technicians').Written exam: Written (theory) nail technician exam.Practical exam: Practical nail technician exam.Given by: Prometric (NIC exams).
VirginiaNail Technician license
- School hours
- 150
- Minimum age
- Not stated
- Exam
- Written + practical
- Apprenticeship
- Allowed
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
- Continuing ed
- Not stated
The nail curriculum changed December 1, 2025 and stays at 150 hours. Virginia has joined the multistate Cosmetology Compact.
Written exam: Theory exam.Practical exam: Practical exam.Given by: Prov.
WashingtonManicurist license
- School hours
- 600
- Minimum age
- 17
- Exam
- Written + practical
- Apprenticeship
- 2,000 hours
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
- Continuing ed
- Not stated
The exam vendor changed to Prov on May 1, 2026.
Written exam: State-approved written exam.Practical exam: State-approved practical exam.Given by: Prov (since May 1, 2026).
West VirginiaNail Technician license
- School hours
- 400
- Minimum age
- 18
- Exam
- Written + practical
- Apprenticeship
- No
- Renewal
- Every year
- Continuing ed
- None
West Virginia dropped continuing education for renewals in 2022.
Education: High school diploma, GED, or passing the U.S. Department of Education 'ability to benefit' test.Written exam: NIC written exam.Practical exam: NIC practical exam.Given by: Prov (provexam.com).
WisconsinManicurist license
- School hours
- 300
- Minimum age
- Not stated
- Exam
- Written + practical
- Apprenticeship
- Not stated
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
- Continuing ed
- None
The state's license web page lists 1,550 hours, which matches the cosmetologist license. Wisconsin statute 454.06(6) sets 300 hours for manicurists.
Education: High school graduation or equivalency; or participation in a board-approved program; or age 18+ and meeting the federal ability-to-benefit rule (Wis. Stat. 454.06(1)(c)).Written exam: Written state board exam.Practical exam: Practical state board exam.Given by: DL Roope Administrations Inc.
WyomingNail Technician license
- School hours
- 400
- Minimum age
- 16
- Exam
- Written + practical
- Apprenticeship
- No
- Renewal
- Not stated
- Continuing ed
- Not stated
Age 16 and tenth grade are the requirements to enroll as a student.
Education: At least a tenth-grade education or its equivalent (to enroll as a student).Written exam: NIC theory exam.Practical exam: NIC written-practical exam.Given by: Prov.
How we checked these requirements
We only used official sources: each state’s licensing board or agency website, its published rules, and state statutes, plus the exam vendor’s candidate information where the board points to it. Third-party license sites were never used as a source. Every value was checked twice, and the source links sit on each state’s card.
When a state’s own pages disagree (Arkansas and Wisconsin both do), we report the figure in current law and note the conflict. If you spot something out of date, email hello@polishedandprettynails.com and we’ll recheck it.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours does it take to become a nail tech? It depends on the state. Most require between 200 and 600 hours of nail technology training, and the median is 350 hours. Connecticut and Massachusetts ask for 100. The highest is Alabama at 750 hours, and 9 states require 600 or more. Alaska's basic manicurist license needs only a 12-hour safety course, though its Advanced Endorsement takes 250.
Which states don't require a nail tech exam? Connecticut and Florida. Connecticut licenses nail technicians after 100 hours of training with no licensing exam, and Florida issues a nail specialist registration after 180 hours. Every other state and DC requires at least a written exam.
Can I become a nail tech through an apprenticeship instead of school? In some states. 24 of the 51 allow an apprenticeship route, including Alabama, Arizona, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa and others. Apprenticeships usually take about twice the school hours, and some states limit them (Nevada only allows one where the salon is 60 or more miles from a school). Check each state's card above.
How old do you have to be to get a nail tech license? Where states print a minimum age, it ranges from 16 to 18. Several states, including Maine, Connecticut and Virginia, don't print a minimum age for the license on any official page.
Does a nail tech license transfer to another state? Often, but not automatically. Most boards license out-of-state nail techs by endorsement or reciprocity if their training meets the new state's hours; some ask for extra hours or an exam. New Jersey offers no reciprocity for manicurists. Virginia has joined the multistate Cosmetology Compact, which aims to make moving easier once it's active.
Is a manicurist license the same as a nail technician license? Yes. States use different names for the same nail license: manicurist, nail technician, nail technologist, nail specialist or nail specialty. Hawaii licenses nail techs as Beauty Operators in the nail category. The name is listed on each state's card.