How to Become A Nail Tech? All You Need to Know

Embarking on a career in the beauty industry can be both exciting and fulfilling. Among the various paths available, becoming a nail technician offers a blend of creativity, technical skill, and customer interaction. If you’ve ever wondered “how to become a nail tech?”, you’re in the right place.

This guide will break down the steps, training, and certifications needed to jumpstart your journey!

Looking to make nail art your career or a fun side job? We have all the tips you need to begin.

Nail Technician Job Description

Nail technicians offer nail services at salons, spas, and barber shops, with some running their own ventures. 

They clean and fix nails, advise clients on treatments like fake nails or hand and foot care, and suggest extra services and products.

How to Become A Nail Tech?

Figure 01. Six requirements to become a nail tech.

Graduate High School

To enter cosmetology programs and qualify for licensure, one needs a high school diploma or GED. While pre-preparation isn't mandatory, emphasizing coursework in biology, anatomy, art, or business may be beneficial. Some vocational high schools offer nail tech training. This can help students take state exams without needing more cosmetology education.

Complete A Nail Course

After high school, join a nail course to learn about nail art, care, customer service, and cleanliness. 

Courses usually run for 4 to 8 months. They cover topics like anatomy, chemistry, cleanliness, fake nail application, and customer service, depending on state rules.

Obtain Nail Certificate

Upon finishing your cosmetology program, you can take the exams for licensure. Age requirements start at 16 but might be higher in some states. The National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology's (NIC) exam is vital.

This exam consists of a written section, covering nail care, technology, and safety, and a practical section, where you display skills like manicure techniques. Passing is essential to become a licensed nail technician.

Engage in Ongoing Educational Pursuits

Keep your cosmetology license up-to-date. Renewal frequency varies by state, possibly every one to two years. To maintain your license, you might need continuing education credits, which can encompass topics such as sanitation, health, or advanced nail methods. Always consult your state licensing board's guidelines to avoid license expiration.

Improve Skills

Nail technicians possess both hard and soft skills. Beyond their technical know-how, like safely working with chemicals, they have essential soft skills such as communication, creativity, observation, customer service, willingness to learn, and flexibility.

Acquire Experience

Once licensed, you can seek your initial job as a nail technician at places like spas, beauty parlors, and hotels. This job helps you hone your skills and build confidence. With experience, you might progress to managerial roles or even start your own salon.

Do You Need A License to Do Nails?

Whether you need a license to do nails varies by jurisdiction. Here’s a summarized breakdown:

• United States: In the US, nail technicians typically need to obtain a license from the state in which they plan to work. Licensing requirements often include completing a state-approved cosmetology or nail technician program and passing a state licensing exam.
• United Kingdom: There’s no legal requirement for nail technicians to have a formal qualification. However, if you’re self-employed or work from home, you may need a special treatment license from your local council. Additionally, to be insured, you typically need a recognized qualification.
• Canada: Licensing requirements vary by province, but most provinces require nail technicians to complete a course from a recognized school and, in some cases, pass an exam to become licensed.
• Australia: Nail technicians are not required to have a license, but many employers prefer or require formal training.
• Other Countries: Requirements can vary widely. Some countries have strict regulations, requiring schooling and exams, while others may have no formal requirements.

Even if a license isn’t required, formal training can boost skills, appeal to employers, and build trust with clients.

Becoming a professional nail tech involves more than just self-taught practice. Professional programs and  nail tech certification provides: 

• Skills for diverse applications and services.
• Insight into nail anatomy, structure, and disorders.
• Knowledge of essential disinfection and safety regulations for running an independent business.
• A portfolio to showcase to potential clients.

How to Get A Nail Tech License?

After finishing nail tech school programs, the licensing process is similar across most states: pass an exam, apply for a license, and pay a fee, with some states also requiring passport-sized photos and meeting certain age or educational criteria. 

Licenses typically need renewal every 2 years, often necessitating some hours of ongoing education or event participation, like nail conferences. Several states offer reciprocity, allowing nail techs educated and licensed elsewhere to practice after presenting their original license and paying a fee.

Acquiring a nail tech license varies by state. Here are the typical rules for several states:

Alabama:

• Apply with the Alabama State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering.
• Show proof of a completed education or apprenticeship.
• Register for and pass the state exam to get a manicurist license.

Arizona:

• Finish educational program.
• Supply passport photos and pay a $40 application fee.
• Schedule the $177 state exam which includes written and practical tests.

California:

• No apprenticeship is allowed.
• Complete an educational program.
• Apply for a license and pay the $110 fee.
• Must be 17 and have finished 10th grade.
• Expect around a 3-month wait for your exam schedule.
• Both written and practical exams are conducted on the same day.

Georgia:

• Finish an educational program or apprenticeship.
• Apply for state licensure exams ($109 total for both practical and theory).
• After passing, apply for licensure with a $30 fee, proof of citizenship, and a notarized application.

Minnesota:

• Take the state exam ($60) before applying for licensure.
• Apply with the Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners for a $139 fee.
• Provide educational proofs and test scores.

New York:

• Apply for licensure before the exam.
• Send an application, an affidavit from your educational program, and a $50 permit fee.
• Work legally with a temporary permit while awaiting the exam.
• After passing both exam sections, you will receive a permanent license.

Pennsylvania:

• Combined exam and license application process.
• Obtain a temporary permit after education.
• Take an online combined theory and practical exam for a permanent license.

How Long Does It Take to Become A Nail Tech?

The duration to acquire a nail technician license varies by state due to different criteria set by state cosmetology boards. Most states endorse specific nail tech or beauty school programs. A snapshot of some state requirements includes:

• Alabama: 750 hours in school or 1,200 apprenticeship hours.
• Arizona: 500 hours.
• California: 400 hours.
• Georgia: 525 hours or an alternative of 1,050 apprenticeship hours.
• Minnesota: 350 hours.
• New York: 250 hours.
• Pennsylvania: 200 hours.

Finishing a dedicated nail tech course generally takes between 4 to 6 months if pursued full-time.

How Much Is Nail Tech School?

The American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS) states that nail tech training programs typically range from $3,000 to $15,000 with many averaging between $1,000 to $5,000, inclusive of tuition, fees, and materials. Costs vary based on program length and curriculum, with pricier programs often covering business training.

Additional costs include initial licensing fees of $100 to $200. Nail tech certification, which most states mandate to be renewed biennially, range from $25 to $100. 

Financial assistance is available at many schools, and AACS member institutions provide scholarships and grants.

Nail Tech Jobs

The average yearly income for nail technicians is $56,838. However, earnings can differ based on work setting (e.g., boutique, cruise ship, mall, beauty salon), education, experience, and location. 

Figure 02. The prediction of nail tech jobs in 2030.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a 33% job growth for manicurists and pedicurists by 2030, leading to about 18,800 new jobs annually, driven by the rising demand for nail and grooming services.

Visit the Nail Exams Website to learn more about the Nail Technician Exam and get advice on how to pass the exams and get your Nail Technician License. 

With the Nail Test App, we provide a series of state-by-state and exam-like tests that will prepare you for the Nail Technician Exam.