How to Become a Certified Nail Technician

Is your passion for nails so great that you hate to see a man's nails out of shape? When you see that woman with chipped nail polish, chewed fingernails and crooked toenails, does your instinct say, "Grab the file and get to work"? Before you move so quickly to assist those who are breaking every nail law in the book, make sure you are not breaking the law by doing nails without being a certified nail technician.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

How to Become a Certified Nail Technician

1. Find out the specific certification requirements for nail technicians in your state. One state may require that you have 400 hours of schooling, another might require 500, and another might accept internship as hours toward your nail technician schooling.

2. Apply for and get accepted into an accredited school of cosmetology. Most cosmetology schools require that you be at least 17 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. See the resources below for a list of cosmetology schools in your area.

3. Submit an application to your state board of cosmetology to take the examination to become a certified nail technician. Include all appropriate fees with your application. You will be given an admission notice from your state board of cosmetology.

4. Study for the examination. Get plenty of rest the night before. Arrive early. Bring photo identification, along with your admission notice to the examination. Without your admission notice, you will not be admitted into the examination room. Some states may provide you with your test results immediately, while other states may mail your results to you.

References

• GinaWallace.Com
• Manicure.Com

Resources

• Locate cosmetology schools
• State-specific board of cosmetology requirements
• Milady Online licensing preparation

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Earn your degree from industry experts at University of Phoenix. Take the next step in your career.