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Arkansas Nail Technology — Requirements & Free Practice

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Manicurist License

Individual licensing for manicuring.

Licensing authority: Arkansas Department of Health, Cosmetology Section · Application information

Automatic occupational licensure — unlicensed jurisdiction experience
Arkansas State Law examination (practice unavailable)
Application
Submit the automatic-licensure application, residency evidence, licensing or experience verification, identity documents and fee.
Discipline
No disqualifying criminal offense and no complaint, allegation or investigation pending in occupational activity.
Law Examination Waiver
The Department may waive State Law when education, training and experience sufficiently substitute and waiver does not harm public health, safety or welfare.
Qualifying Experience
Worked in the occupation for at least three years in a United States jurisdiction that does not license it.
Residency
Establish Arkansas residency.
Automatic occupational licensure — out of state license
Arkansas State Law examination (practice unavailable)
Application
Submit the automatic-licensure application, residency evidence, licensing or experience verification, identity documents and fee.
Discipline
No disqualifying criminal offense and no complaint, allegation or investigation pending in occupational activity.
Law Examination Waiver
The Department may waive State Law when education, training and experience sufficiently substitute and waiver does not harm public health, safety or welfare.
Qualifying Experience
Hold similar-scope occupational licensure in good standing for at least one year from another United States state, territory or district.
Residency
Establish Arkansas residency.
Licensure by examination — Arkansas training

All of the following:

Application
Submit a completed application, fee, photographic identification and required certified training; no financial obligation to the Department may remain unpaid.
Domestic Violence Training
The school curriculum includes one hour of domestic violence and sexual assault awareness training.
Education
Complete two years of high school or equivalent; at least age 16 under § 17-26-304.
Passing Scores
Written theory and State Law: 70; practical demonstration: 75.
Training
Ark. Code § 17-26-304 requires 480 hours of manicure training. The current 17 CAR § 54-207(n)(1) school curriculum states 600 hours: (n) Manicure curriculum for schools of cosmetology or postsecondary schools of cosmetology. (1) A total of six hundred (600) hours in manicure training shall consist of the following subjects and hours: (A) Health, Sanitation, and Infection Control, seventy-five (75) hours; (B) Health Related Science, seventy-five (75) hours; (C) Manicuring and Pedicuring, two hundred (200) hours; (D) Advance Nail Technology, two hundred (200) hours; (E) Career Development, forty-nine (49) hours; and (F) One (1) hour of domestic violence and sexual assault training as set forth in Arkansas Code § 17-26-205(a), etc.
Reinstatement after five years without renewal
Arkansas State Law examination (practice unavailable)
Application
Submit completed lapsed-license form, government identification, social security card and former licence if available.
Assessment
Pass the Arkansas State Law examination required by the current Department form.
Lapse
Licence not renewed for five years is lapsed and non-renewable by ordinary renewal.
Reinstatement following suspension for legal incompetence
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Restored Capacity
Provide proof of restoration to a mental condition permitting compliance with Chapter 26; reinstatement is prohibited until that proof is supplied.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Automatic licensure for uniformed service members, veterans and spouses
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Documentation
Provide the military application and service, licence, identification and licensure certification documents.
Eligibility
Uniformed service member stationed in Arkansas; veteran residing in or establishing Arkansas residency; or eligible spouse, including the assigned-tour and surviving-spouse categories stated in 17 CAR § 54-113(a).
Form Currency
The older military form names a one-year discharge limit and an Arkansas law/written exam language preference. Current rule § 54-113 and Act 135 establish automatic licensure, and the one-year former § 17-1-106 provision was repealed. The language preference is not a requirement to sit an examination.
Licensure
Hold occupational licensure in good standing with similar scope issued by another United States state, territory or district; pay the licensure fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by examination — completed out of state training

All of the following:

Age
At least age 21 for an instructor or age 18 for a manicurist under 17 CAR § 54-204.
Application
Submit a completed application, fee, photographic identification and required certified training; no financial obligation to the Department may remain unpaid.
Domestic Violence Training
The school curriculum includes one hour of domestic violence and sexual assault awareness training.
Education
Complete two years of high school or equivalent; at least age 16 under § 17-26-304.
Out Of State Training
Certified training and an affidavit must be received from the licensing entity or other required evidence. Completed required hours under the laws of another state.
Passing Scores
Written theory and State Law: 70; practical demonstration: 75.
Training
Ark. Code § 17-26-304 requires 480 hours of manicure training. The current 17 CAR § 54-207(n)(1) school curriculum states 600 hours: (n) Manicure curriculum for schools of cosmetology or postsecondary schools of cosmetology. (1) A total of six hundred (600) hours in manicure training shall consist of the following subjects and hours: (A) Health, Sanitation, and Infection Control, seventy-five (75) hours; (B) Health Related Science, seventy-five (75) hours; (C) Manicuring and Pedicuring, two hundred (200) hours; (D) Advance Nail Technology, two hundred (200) hours; (E) Career Development, forty-nine (49) hours; and (F) One (1) hour of domestic violence and sexual assault training as set forth in Arkansas Code § 17-26-205(a), etc.
Licensure by examination — partial out of state training

All of the following:

Age
At least age 21 for an instructor or age 18 for a manicurist under 17 CAR § 54-204.
Application
Submit a completed application, fee, photographic identification and required certified training; no financial obligation to the Department may remain unpaid.
Domestic Violence Training
The school curriculum includes one hour of domestic violence and sexual assault awareness training.
Education
Complete two years of high school or equivalent; at least age 16 under § 17-26-304.
Out Of State Training
Certified training and an affidavit must be received from the licensing entity or other required evidence. Complete remaining hours required by the Department.
Passing Scores
Written theory and State Law: 70; practical demonstration: 75.
Training
Ark. Code § 17-26-304 requires 480 hours of manicure training. The current 17 CAR § 54-207(n)(1) school curriculum states 600 hours: (n) Manicure curriculum for schools of cosmetology or postsecondary schools of cosmetology. (1) A total of six hundred (600) hours in manicure training shall consist of the following subjects and hours: (A) Health, Sanitation, and Infection Control, seventy-five (75) hours; (B) Health Related Science, seventy-five (75) hours; (C) Manicuring and Pedicuring, two hundred (200) hours; (D) Advance Nail Technology, two hundred (200) hours; (E) Career Development, forty-nine (49) hours; and (F) One (1) hour of domestic violence and sexual assault training as set forth in Arkansas Code § 17-26-205(a), etc.
Licensure by reciprocity
Arkansas State Law examination (practice unavailable)
Age
At least 21 for instructors; at least 18 for manicurists.
Application
Submit the official out-of-state application, required fee, matching identification and social security card.
Board Application Demand
Ark. Code § 17-26-315 identifies the Arkansas law examination and prior comparable examination; the lower-ranked Department October 2024 application additionally demands a written examination for less than one year of licensure: Have you been licensed for one (1) year or more in the license you are applying for? Yes No (If no, you will be required to pass a written and Arkansas state law examination before a license is issued. If yes, you will be required to pass an Arkansas state law examination before a license is issued.)
Comparable Examination
Previously passed an examination comparable to the Arkansas examination. The statute identifies no particular currently offered examination for that prior comparable slot; its name and verification remain applicant evidence.
Experience
Out-of-state licensure held less than one year.
Licensure
Hold a current valid licence from another state of no greater scope; provide a certified licence and licensing affidavit or other evidence the Department requires.
Licensure by reciprocity
Arkansas State Law examination (practice unavailable)
Age
At least 21 for instructors; at least 18 for manicurists.
Application
Submit the official out-of-state application, required fee, matching identification and social security card.
Comparable Examination
Previously passed an examination comparable to the Arkansas examination. The statute identifies no particular currently offered examination for that prior comparable slot; its name and verification remain applicant evidence.
Experience
Out-of-state licensure held at least one year.
Licensure
Hold a current valid licence from another state of no greater scope; provide a certified licence and licensing affidavit or other evidence the Department requires.
Biennial renewal and late renewal within five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Renew and pay required fees on the biennial birthday cycle; application and fee are due within 30 days after expiry.
Late Renewal
Renewal remains available up to five years after expiry; working with an expired licence is prohibited.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reissuance or reinstatement following revocation

All of the following:

Discretion
The Board may exempt the applicant from examination and grant a new licence upon payment of the proper fee. The identified examinations remain leaves subject to that discretion.
Waiting Period
After one year from revocation or final disposition of an appeal, apply in the manner of the original application.
Renewal of a lapsed license held by a veteran of war
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply and pay the necessary fees; no examination or additional schooling is required under § 17-26-319(f).
Eligibility
Veteran of war who possessed the licence and permitted it to lapse.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary Manicurist License

Individual licensing for manicuring.

Licensing authority: Arkansas Department of Health, Cosmetology Section · Application information

Temporary licensure pending completion of documentation

All of the following:

Applicant Scope
The cross-reference to § 54-305 concerns body art; it is preserved as the rule states and is not treated as a separate body-art examination for a manicuring applicant.
Documentation
Immediate issuance upon application, fee and documentation required by § 54-202; remaining documentation may follow.
Examination Relationship
Section 54-114 expressly refers to § 54-202, whose subsection (d) requires the written and school practical examinations. Those examinations and State Law remain involved in the route; immediate temporary issuance does not assert an examination waiver.
Term
Effective for 160 days; revoked immediately if requirements of 17 CAR §§ 54-204 and 54-305 are not met, as the rule states.

Arkansas State Law examination

Provider
Arkansas Department of Health, Cosmetology Section
Format
Written state-law examination; independent retakes are delivered through a Department link
Passing score
70
Practice scope

Inferred from the examination name; the authority has not published an examination outline.

  • Arkansas Code Title 17, Chapter 26 — Cosmetology and Related Occupations
  • 17 CAR Part 54 — Rules for Cosmetology and Body Art in Arkansas
Examination sources

Arkansas practical licensing examination (manicuring)

This assessment does not have a question bank.

Examination sources

National Nail Technology Theory Examination

Provider
Developed by the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC); computer-based testing administered by test administration companies and states upon approval and authorization of NIC
Format
Multiple-choice theory examination; each question is followed by four answer options, only one of which is correct
Exam questions
110 items, of which 100 items are weighted and contribute to the final score
Time limit
90 minutes
Examination outline
  • I. Scientific Concepts - Infection Control and Safety Practices (15%) (15%)
    • A. Identify how disease and infection are caused and transmitted
    • B. Recognize and utilize infection control principles — 1. Levels of infection control
    • B. Recognize and utilize infection control principles — 2. Process of infection control (e.g., dispensing products, disposal of materials, use of single- or multi-use implements)
    • C. Apply blood exposure procedures
    • D. Identify adverse reactions to products or services
    • E. Recognize safe handling and storage of chemicals
    • F. Utilize Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
    • G. Identify ways to prevent work injuries (e.g., ventilation, ergonomics)
  • II. Scientific Concepts - Anatomy and Physiology (15%) (15%)
    • A. Identify functions, parts, and structure of the: 1. nails
    • A. Identify functions, parts, and structure of the: 2. skin
    • B. Identify functions and structure (e.g., bones, muscles, and joints) of the: 1. arms and hands
    • B. Identify functions and structure (e.g., bones, muscles, and joints) of the: 2. legs and feet
    • C. Recognize signs, symptoms, and cause of disorders, diseases, and conditions of the: 1. nails
    • C. Recognize signs, symptoms, and cause of disorders, diseases, and conditions of the: 2. skin
  • III. Scientific Concepts - Chemistry of Nail Products (10%) (10%)
    • A. Explain purpose and effects of product ingredients
    • B. Recognize interaction between chemicals
    • C. Recognize physical changes
    • D. Recognize chemical reactions
    • E. Identify common ingredients that may cause harm
  • IV. Nail Technology Procedures- Pre-service process (5%) (5%)
    • A. Client consultation — 1. Identify elements of a client consultation and documentation
    • A. Client consultation — 2. Analyze condition of client’s nails and skin
    • A. Client consultation — 3. Recognize conditions that would prohibit service (contraindications)
    • A. Client consultation — 4. Determine services or products
    • B. Work area preparation — 1. Perform set-up of work station service area
    • B. Work area preparation — 2. Perform client and practitioner sanitation
  • V. Nail Technology Procedures - Nail Service Tools (13%) (13%)
    • A. Identify purpose and function of: 1. Nail equipment (e.g., electric file, pedicure basin)
    • A. Identify purpose and function of: 2. Nail implements (e.g., nail clippers, cuticle pusher)
    • A. Identify purpose and function of: 3. Nail supplies and materials (e.g., cotton, buffer)
    • A. Identify purpose and function of: 4. Nail products (e.g., polish, lotion)
    • B. Follow practices for safe use of tools, supplies, and equipment
  • VI. Nail Technology Procedures - Manicure and Pedicure Services (18%) (18%)
    • A. Perform procedures for basic manicure and/or pedicure service — 1. Trim and shape nails
    • A. Perform procedures for basic manicure and/or pedicure service — 2. Soak
    • A. Perform procedures for basic manicure and/or pedicure service — 3. Cuticle maintenance
    • A. Perform procedures for basic manicure and/or pedicure service — 4. Cleanse nails
    • A. Perform procedures for basic manicure and/or pedicure service — 5. Buff nails
    • A. Perform procedures for basic manicure and/or pedicure service — 6. Demonstrate knowledge of basic massage procedures — a. Knowledge of safe application of massage manipulation
    • A. Perform procedures for basic manicure and/or pedicure service — 6. Demonstrate knowledge of basic massage procedures — b. Recognize mechanics and effects of massage types — i. Effleurage
    • A. Perform procedures for basic manicure and/or pedicure service — 6. Demonstrate knowledge of basic massage procedures — b. Recognize mechanics and effects of massage types — ii. Petrissage
    • A. Perform procedures for basic manicure and/or pedicure service — 6. Demonstrate knowledge of basic massage procedures — b. Recognize mechanics and effects of massage types — iii. Friction
    • A. Perform procedures for basic manicure and/or pedicure service — 6. Demonstrate knowledge of basic massage procedures — b. Recognize mechanics and effects of massage types — iv. Tapotement
    • A. Perform procedures for basic manicure and/or pedicure service — 7. Remove massage product
    • A. Perform procedures for basic manicure and/or pedicure service — 8. Polish nails
    • A. Perform procedures for basic manicure and/or pedicure service — 9. Completion of service
    • B. Perform procedures for add-on services — 1. Paraffin
    • B. Perform procedures for add-on services — 2. Exfoliate
    • B. Perform procedures for add-on services — 3. Thermal (e.g., stone, towel)
  • VII. Nail Technology Procedures - Perform Application Maintenance and Removal Procedures for Nail Enhancement Services (20%) (20%)
    • A. Nail tip
    • B. Acrylics
    • C. Soft, hard, hybrid gels
    • D. Powder dip
  • VIII. Nail Technology Procedures - Perform Post-Service Procedures (4%) (4%)
    • A. After care and client education
    • B. Cleaning and disinfection
Examination sources