All You Need To Know About Nail Technician Test

The nail industry is still booming in the US, particularly in California, Texas, and New York! Success in this industry requires you to be a highly skilled nail technician with a wealth of knowledge, skills, and experience. In particular, to be eligible to become a professional Nail Technician, the first step is to have a valid license. The article provides information about nail exams in the US, the exam structure and types of questions, the scores you need to pass, and everything you need to register for the exam.

To become a licensed nail technician, you must take the compulsory licensing exam of your state. This is usually a National Interstate Council (NIC) exam or an exam approved by the State Council. Some states only require written exams, while others require both written and practical exams. Each state has its own rules about scores. Students who have completed a vocational course must still pass their state exam to gain field practice.

Requirements When Registering for the Nail Exam 

Some states have their requirements for candidates when applying for the nail exam. However, there are general caveats as follows:

• Registration age: no less than 16 or 17 years old.
• Education level: High school graduate or at least completed 10th-grade program.
• Have a certificate of completion of the course in HIV/AIDS
• Social Security card

Nail Technician Registration

Each state has its own rules for receiving applications for nail exams. You can contact the cosmetology board in your residence to find out where to go to register for the exam.

Some things to note:

• Fees for registration and licensing are different in each state.
• The required number of hours of training from an accredited school to sit for the National Nail Technology Theory exam is also different in each state.e  

Nail Technician Test Outline

The nail exam is divided into two sections: Scientific Concepts and Nail Technology Procedures. There are 110 questions to be completed in around 90 minutes.

Figure 01. Nail Technician Test Outline and Complete Content.

Scientific Concepts

The Scientific Concepts section is a written test of 44 multiple-choice questions.

This section is divided into four subsections.

 Infection Control and Safety Measures

• Identify how diseases and infections are likely to be caused or communicated.d
• Identify principles of infection control, including control levels and processes (such as product dispensing and material disposal)
• Know how to apply blood contact procedures
• Identify adverse reactions to any product or process used
• Know and use Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
• Know the methods used to prevent work injuries, such as proper ventilation and ergonomics

 Basic Knowledge of Human Physiology and Anatomy 

• Identify the functions, parts, and structures of the skin and nails
• Identify both skin and nail disorders and diseases
• Identify bones in human hands, feet, arms, and legs
• Identify the muscles of the hands, arms, legs, and feet, along with their function

Nail Anatomy and Physiology

• Identify the parts of the nail.
• Determine the function of the structures of the nail.
• Distinguish the signs and symptoms of nail conditions.

Basic Chemical Knowledge of Nail Products

• Know the purpose and effects of ingredients in nail products.
• Know the possible interactions between the ingredients of a nail product.
• Identify chemical reactions.
• Be aware of physical changes.

Nail Technology Procedures

The Nail Technology Procedures section requires you to perform various procedures; this is not a written exam in some states. In this section, your proctor will instruct you on what to do and the order of the work. Do not start before your proctor has completed their instruction.

This test is divided into six parts.

Client Advice and Documentation

• Identify the elements of a client consultation.
• Assess the client's nail and skin condition.
• Be aware of conditions that may prohibit service.
• Identify the service or product. She maintained customer records.

Manicure Tools

• Identify the functions and effects of the tools.
• Manicure equipment (table, lamp, electric file, pedicure sink, etc.).
• Manicure tools (e.g., nail clippers, cuticle pushers).
• Nail supplies, products, and materials (cotton, lotion, towels, etc.).
• Follow practices for the safe use of tools.

Nail Service Preparation

• Set up a workstation/service area that follows infection control procedures.
• Perform hand and foot sterilization for customers and technicians.

Manicure and Pedicure Services

• Perform standard procedures for manicures and basic pedicures
• Nail shaping 
• Detailed cuticles
• Clean nails
• Nail polish
• Kill death cell
• Perform basic massage
• Identify the purpose and process for additional services
• Paraffin
• Hot oil/lotion
• Mask
• Washing gel

Application, Maintenance, and Removal Process for Nail Enhancement Services

• Nail tip
• Acrylics
• Light healing gel

Post-service Procedures Follow the Infection Control Principles

Nail Technician Test Passing Score

• To pass the nail exam, you must score 75% or higher on the test. This is the score you need for both theory and practice.
• You may know your score immediately after the practice test; it can take up to 14 days to receive a final score for your written test.

You will be recognized as a Manicurist if you complete the exam and get your license.

FAQ

How Many Questions Are There in the Nail Exam?

There are 110 items in the Nail exam.

How Long is the Nail Exam?

The manicuring license exam has a time limit of 90 minutes (1.5 hours).

Visit our Nail Exam Website to learn more about the Nail Technician Tests and get advice on how to pass them and get your Nail Technician License.

With our Nail Exam App, which offers a range of exam-like and state-specific Nail practice tests, be ready for the Nail Technician Exam.