How to Become a Certified Nail Technician in Texas

The personal care and beauty industry is growing; according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of workers in salons and spas was expected to grow by almost 20 percent from 2008 to 2018. With that in mind, many people are choosing to become licensed nail technicians, or manicurists. Texas requires manicurists to be trained and licensed by the Department of Licensing and Regulation. These requirements help ensure that nail technicians adhere to the laws and procedures established by the state to keep customers safe and healthy.

Instructions

1. Meet the age requirement. All nail technicians in Texas must be at least 17 years old.

2. Complete the education requirements. Texas requires a high school diploma or the equivalent, or the successful completion of a test indicating that you are ready for instruction.

3. Complete manicurist training at an approved beauty school. You must complete at least 600 hours of training to earn your license.

4. Submit the application for licensure with the applicable fee using the online service. As of 2010, the fee for a nail technician or manicurist license is $53.

5. Register for the manicurist exam. PSI offers the exam on a regular basis at locations around the state. The exam includes both written and practical segments; you must pass the written portion before you can take the practical portion.

6. Complete continuing education requirements to keep your license current. You must complete at least six hours of additional training in approved subjects every two years to maintain a valid license.

Tips & Warnings

• The written portion of the nail technician exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 70 percent of the questions correctly to pass. The written exam covers basic nail techniques, sanitation and licensing rules.

• The practical portion of the exam requires candidates to demonstrate manicure techniques on a live model. You are responsible for bringing your own tools to the exam.

• In certain circumstances, applicants with criminal convictions will have their license applications denied. In general, anyone who has committed a crime involving sexual offenses, crimes where a child was the victim, or crimes involving homicide, kidnapping or assault are not eligible to be licensed nail technicians.

References

• Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation: Cosmetology Administrative Rules
• Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation: Manicurist License Examination Candidate Information Bulletin
• Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation: Criminal Conviction Guidelines
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Barbers, Cosmetologists, and Other Personal Appearance Workers

Resources

• Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation Online Licensing Services