Who Sets Nail Tech Licensing Requirements
Each state has its own licensing requirements. Specifically, the state board of cosmetology or health is usually the governing body that sets the regulations. Programming and licensing requirements can change over the years, so its important to remain current on your states guidelines.
Common license stipulations include:
Minimum age and education requirements to enter a program.Many programs require attendees be at least 16 years old and possess a high school diploma or GED.
Training requirements.Most states require a combination of training hours and a written and/or practical exam.
Instructor license guidelines.Licensure usually requires a specific number of classroom hours, years of professional experience, and that you pass an exam.
Renewal requirements.Based on which state you live in, you may have to renew your license regularly, and pay a fee.
Reciprocity guidelines.Typically, to transfer your license to another state, you need to have fulfilled similar training hour and license requirements. Some states also require that you pass an exam, pay a fee, and been working professionally for a certain number of years.
CEU requirements.Some states require that you take a few continuing education units each year.
Recommended Reading: What Color Should I Get My Nails
Connecticut State Department Of Public Health
COVID-19 Community Levels Map Update, August 26, 2022: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has listed New Haven, Fairfield, Litchfield, Hartford, Tolland, Windham, and Middlesex Counties in the Medium/Yellow category as part of its COVID-19 Community Levels Map. New London County is listed in the Low/Green category. Visit the CDC COVID-19 Community Levels Map for updates.
Monkeypox: Please visit our monkeypox webpage for the latest updates.
Donât Miss: Where Can I Buy Opi Gel Nail Polish
Add Social Security Number
Are your social security details up to date? Please note that you must have a social security number to renew your license online. You can ensure this by emailing the TDLR about any recent changes. When doing so, do not forget to include:
- A copy of your social security card,
- Your current license number,
- A copy of a government-issued ID. Examples include passports and drivers licenses.
Also Check: How Do I Make My Nails Stronger
Check Youre Eligible To Take The Texas Manicurist Exams
Before you think about scheduling your exams, its important to check that you meet the TDLRs eligibility requirements.
So, in order to take your Manicurist exams, you must:
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent qualification OR
- Have taken an ability-to-benefit test administered by a certified testing agency AND
- Be at least 17 years old AND
- Have Completed 600 hours of instruction in a beauty school
Once you have completed 600 hours, your school will contact the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation on your behalf.
You will then receive an email advising you that your exams may be scheduled, along with an ID number .
Cosmetology Nail Technology Certificate Level I
Return to: Degrees & Certificates
The Cosmetology Nail Technology Program is 600 clock hours in length as prescribed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation and the State Legislature. NOTE: A criminal background clearance may be required before acceptance into any cosmetology program.
Students taking classes to become a Cosmetologist, Nail Tech, Esthetician or a Cosmetology Instructor must take and pass the exam given by the TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATIONS to get their license. A license issued by the state of Texas is required before a student can work in the field of Cosmetology.
Gainful Employment
The US Department of Education requires colleges to disclose a variety of information for any financial aid eligible program that prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation. Howard College is committed to creating an educated workforce by offering occupational programs that lead to gainful employment.
Gainful Employment Information forCosmetology Nail Technology, Certificate Level I
Recommended Reading: Where To Buy Acrylic Nail Kit
Complete The Nail Technician Program
In order to obtain your nail technician license in the state of Texas, you must first complete a nail technician program. The program must be at least 600 hours in length and cover topics such as manicures, pedicures, nail art, salon operations, and state laws and regulations. You can find a list of approved programs on the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation website.
In addition to completing the program, you must also pass a written exam administered by the TDLR. The exam covers topics such as safety, sanitation, anatomy, chemistry, bacteriology, mycology, disorders and diseases of the skin, nails, and hair. Once you have passed the written exam, you will be issued your nail technician license.
Complete A Nail Technician Program At A Licensed Cosmetology School
To become a licensed nail technician in Texas, you must be at least 16 years of age and must have completed a nail technician program at a licensed cosmetology school. The program must include at least 600 hours of study, which covers topics such as:
-Manicuring-Nail art-Salon management
After completing the educational requirements, you will need to pass both a written and practical exam in order to receive your license. Once you have your license, you will need to renew it every two years.
Don’t Miss: What Is The Best Nail Strengthener
Take Your Practical Exam
After you have signed in and put away any prohibited items , its time to take your practical exam!
Inside your examination room, there will be:
- an examiner and
- one or more Rater.
The Rater job is to assess and score your work. Because of this, they are not allowed to speak to candidates.
Your examiner, on the other hand, is there to facilitate your exam. They will welcome you to your exam and will give you verbal instructions before your test begins.
The examiner will also be able to answer questions you have about the exam in general . But, they cannot give you any practical help with scored items.
After your examiner has welcomed you to your exam room, you will be given 1 hour and 21 minutes to complete your examination.
As your exam begins, you will be given 10 minutes to set-up and disinfect your workspace.
Then, you will be asked to demonstrate the following:
- Manicure Time Allowed: 15 minutes
- Tip Application on One Nail Time Allowed: 12 minutes
- Nail Enhancement with Form Time Allowed: 22 minutes
- Blood Exposure Incident Time Allowed: 12 minutes
- End of Examination Disinfection Time Allowed: 10 minutes
Before each stage of the exam begins, your examiner will read detailed instructions telling you what you must demonstrate. They will also let you know when your time for each task is running out.
If you would like to read about each task in more detail, a full breakdown can be found here.
What If You Fail To Get A License
We dont mean to scare you! As 50% of the students fail the written exam, we just wanted to help you out. What happens when you fail the exam? Is it the end?
No, its not the end. You can always apply again for the licensure exam. There is no limit, you can take as many tests as you want. As long as you attend the written and practical exam in the same year. And give it your best shot.
Also Check: How To Stop Nail Fungus
Successfully Complete An Approved Manicurist Program
Your road to becoming a licensed manicurist in California begins with the completion of a manicurist program that has been approved by the Board. You can view a list of approved schools here. Most manicurist programs are completed in a cosmetology school, although there are also a number of dedicated nail technology schools in California.
According to industry statistics published by NAILS Magazine, 80 percent of all nail technicians in California are Vietnamese. As such, there are a number of nail technician programs in California aimed at Vietnamese immigrants. Many of these programs do not require students to speak any English.
An approved nail technology program in California must consist of at least 400 hours of technical instruction and practical training. Instruction must include the following:
- Technical instruction and practical training in nail care
- Manicures and pedicures
- Disinfection and sanitation
- Bacteriology, anatomy, and physiology
The Board also recommends that nail technology programs provide training in professional ethics, salesmanship, record-keeping, decorum, client service record cards, and basic tax responsibilities.
Note: There are currently no apprenticeship programs for manicurist licensure in California.
Must Have A High School Diploma Or Ged
In order to become a licensed nail technician in the state of Texas, you must first complete a nail technology program at a cosmetology school that is approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation .
Once you have completed your schooling, you will then need to pass two exams in order to get your license. The first exam is a written exam administered by PSI, which covers topics such as sanitation, infections control, anatomy, and more. The second exam is a practical exam administered by the TDLR, which tests your skills in performing manicures and pedicures.
Once you have passed both exams and paid the required fees, you will be issued a nail technician license from the TDLR. Congrats! You can now start your career as a professional nail technician in Texas.
Also Check: How To Treat Fingernail Fungus Caused By Acrylic Nails
Salary Information For Manicurists And Pedicurists
Manicurists and pedicurists earned a median annual salary of $22,150 in 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. On the low end, manicurists and pedicurists earned a 25th percentile salary of $19,910, meaning 75 percent earned more than this amount. The 75th percentile salary is $26,440, meaning 25 percent earn more. In 2016, 126,300 people were employed in the U.S. as manicurists and pedicurists.
References
How To Become A Manicurist In Texas
- 600 education hours are required to become licensed.
- You must renew your license every 2 years.
- 4 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
- The average salary for manicurists in Texas is $25,890 . This is higher than the national average of $25,770 .
- There is a predicted 18% job increase between 20162026 for manicurists. This is higher than the expected national growth of 10%.
Nail technicians in Texas must meet these standards:
Texas also offers a dual license called an “esthetician/manicurist” license. To earn this license, you need to complete 1,200 hours of esthetician/manicurist education or 750 hours of esthetician and 600 hours of manicurist instruction.
If you already hold separate esthetician and manicurist licenses, you can upgrade to the esthetician/manicurist license by completing the other subject’s training and submitting an application and a $50 fee.
Read Also: How To Apply Gel Nail Polish
Notice To Instructors On Renewals
House Bill 1560 was passed during the 87th Texas Legislative Session and signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 15, 2021. Section 3 of the bill eliminates barber and cosmetology instructor licenses no later than September 1, 2023. TDLR will provide advance notice of the date for transitioning instructors to new license types at renewal. Until this transition occurs, licensed instructors who are eligible for renewal should continue to renew their instructor licenses. Please to be notified when this transition will take place.
Miami / Fort Lauderdale Fl
The Miami / Fort Lauderdale area is often party central, and who doesnât want to look their best going out for a night on the town? Many find this kind of environment a great fit for beginning a nail technician career at salons like Luv Nail Shop and Moon & Stars Spa + Nails .
The mean salary for nail technicians in Miami / Fort Lauderdale is $25,700 .
You May Like: How To Remove Nails At Home
Check Youre Eligible For A Florida Nail Specialist License
In order to apply for a Florida Nail Specialist license you must have:
- Graduated from a Florida Nail Specialist program AND
- Worked a minimum of 240 practical hours OR
- Have a Nail Specialist license in another state whose requirements for licensure are comparable or more stringent than Florida requirements. AND
- Have worked a minimum of 240 practical hours
If you meet these requirements, you can move on to the next step.
You May Like: Ring Nailer
How To Get A Nail Technicians License In California
Complete the Initial Manicure Exam and License Application After successfully completing a nail technology program from a board-approved sponsor, you must complete and submit an Application for a Nail Master Initial Exam and License Application, as well as an Initial License and an Exam Fee of $ 110.
Also Check: How To Apply Acrylic Nails
How To Get A Texas Cosmetology License
Cosmetologists are respected professionals who work in the field of beauty. They beautify skin, hair, makeup, and nails. Some choose to specialize, while others become a Jane of all trades, seeking to learn a bit about everything. In order to establish themselves in their field, cosmetologists study, hone their craft, and become licensed professionals who can design their own careers. Here are the steps you need to take to get a Texas cosmetology license and get started on your beauty career.
Cosmetologists help people feel great about themselves.
Step 1: Plan Your Education
In order to obtain a Texas cosmetology license, you must be at least 17 years old and have a high school diploma or its equivalency. Beyond that, you need to plan your education according to what you ultimately want to do as a cosmetologist. To earn an operator license, you need to have 1,500 hours of beauty school. The same amount of hours are required for a barber license, while fewer hours of schooling are required for esthetician licenses and nail technician licenses.
Step 2: Enroll in School
Cosmetologists must learn people skills along the way, too.
Step 3: Learn All You Can
Step 4: Complete All Required Courses
In order to take the test to receive your Texas cosmetology license, you need to have at completed 1,500 hours. Make sure that you have done so with your beauty school.
Step 5: Take the Licensing Exam
What Classes Do I Need To Take To Become A Nail Tech
The first step to starting your career as a nail technician is choosing an accredited beauty school. Many cosmetology schools will include the materials necessary for the course, along with the tuition. There are a few factors to consider when choosing the school for you: flexibility of the schedule, location, tuition costs, payment plans, as well as, the attention and care of the students. If you are considering a local school, tour the campus to meet the teachers and students and learn more about the payment plans offered.
During your beauty school classes, you will learn how to treat and beautify hands and feet. You will also learn general skin anatomy, gel manicures, nail art, airbrushing, sculptured nails, manicure and pedicure.
You May Like: How To Take Out Ingrown Nail
Register For Your Exams And Licensure
You will need to pass a written and practical examination to be eligible for a manicurist license. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has contracted the administration of these examinations to the testing company PSI.
To apply for these exams you will need to submit a Cosmetology License by Examination Application, indicating the Manicurist Specialty. You also have the option of applying for these exams online under the heading Cosmetology Manicurist.
Option for a Temporary Nail Technician Permit
To be eligible for a temporary permit, you must apply online and pay for a temporary manicurist permit. As soon as you pass your manicurist practical exam you are eligible for a temporary permit to begin practicing immediately. This is valid for 21 days and will allow you to work as a manicurist while the Department processes your full two-year license.
Option for an Esthetician-Manicurist Specialty License
Texas offers a unique license for those who are interested in combining the fields of esthetics and manicuring with its Esthetician-Manicurist Specialty License. The esthetician-manicurist job description would allow you to do your clients make-up and apply beauty creams while also permitting you to perform normal nail technician procedures. You can apply for this type of license using the same forms and procedures as a normal manicurist, however you will encounter a few additional requirements:
Out-of-State Manicurists
Examining Salary Differences In Texas By Location
Salaries in virtually any service industry will vary based on where you work. In Texas, your best bet for a competitive salary are in the metro areas of Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, Amarillo, and Killeen-Temple-Fort Hood, and San Antonio.
Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos
- Median: $18,210
2017 salary data provided by the U.S. Department of Labor-Sponsored resource CareerOneStop . State and MSA data includes estheticians at all levels of education and experience. This data does not represent starting salaries. Employment conditions in your area may vary.
2016 job growth data provided by the U.S. Department of Labor-Sponsored resource Projections Central .
All data accessed June 2019.
Recommended Reading: What Is The Best Glue For Acrylic Nails
What Does A Nail Technician Do
Theres a lot more to a nail technician than just painting nails. Technicians also need to have skills in safety and sanitation, sales, and customer service. Here are a few tasks nail techs are responsible for while on the job:
- Maintaining a sanitary work environment
- Sharing information on available services
- Promoting and selling nail and skin care products
- Keeping management informed about product needs
To be successful, youll need to develop your nail artistry abilities while honing top-notch interpersonal and customer service skills. Most of your time will be spent interacting with clients in person. As with any job, there are pros and cons to consider.
Pros:
- Its a growing industry.
- Training programs are generally affordable and quick to complete
- You can learn about the industry and eventually use that knowledge to open your own business or continue your education
- Flexible scheduling and work environments
Cons:
sponsored content, school availability varies by location
