Every state that licenses nail technicians tests them, but the details vary. Here is what most candidates can expect, and how to find your own state's specifics.
Written and practical
Most states use a written (theory) exam, and many add a practical exam in which you perform services on a model or mannequin while an examiner watches. In some states you take the practical first; in others the written test comes first; a few have no practical at all. Your state's candidate bulletin says which.
Who delivers the exam
States contract the exam to a testing vendor. Of the states we cover, most use PSI and a few use Pearson VUE. The vendor's candidate bulletin is the document to read first: it lists the content outline with its weights, the number of questions, the time allowed, the passing score, fees, ID rules and what to bring to a practical.
What the written exam emphasizes
Infection control dominates. In PSI's outline for Alabama, for example, safety and infection control is 50% of the exam: cleaning and disinfection, exposure incidents, single-use and multi-use items, safety data sheets, prohibited substances, federal rules and ventilation. The rest covers client consultation and nail analysis, skin care (including massage and callus removal) and nail care services.
How to prepare
- Learn your state's infection control rules word for word. Questions test the rules as written, not general good practice.
- Know when to refer a client. Recognizing disorders you must not service is a reliable source of questions.
- Rehearse the practical in full, including setup and disinfection, if your state has one.
- Take timed mock exams before test day.
Our state articles list each state's real question count, time and passing score from its bulletin. Find yours on the Nail Technician guides page.