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District of Columbia Nail Technology — Requirements & Free Practice

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Manicurist

Specialty cosmetology license for manicuring and pedicuring.

Licensing authority: District of Columbia Board of Barber and Cosmetology · Application information

Licensed cosmetologist seeking the manicuring specialty

All of the following:

Application
Submit the Board-prescribed application, the required supporting records, and fees; the Department must approve eligibility before Prov scheduling.
Cosmetologist Qualification
Hold the cosmetologist license and have passed the cosmetologist examination before taking the specialty examination under § 3703.6; the cosmetologist examination is an examination of another profession and is a condition.
English Competency
Under 17 DCMR § 3707.12, applicants whose first language is not English must submit evidence satisfactory to the Board of English competency. Language-proficiency evidence is a condition, not an exam leaf.
General Education
Complete tenth grade or higher unless otherwise indicated, and provide verification under 17 DCMR § 3703.1.
Minimum Age
D.C. Code § 47-2853.12(a)(2) permits an applicant under § 47-2853.82 to apply at age 17. The lower-ranked 17 DCMR § 3703.1 states: "Be at least eighteen (18) years of age;"; the Board rule demand is shown for the applicant, without overriding the statutory age.
Passing Scores
Pass the NIC written theory examination and the Department-administered practical examination; § 3707.15 sets a 70% specialty-operator passing standard, and the April 2026 DC bulletin states 70.00 scaled for the written examination.
Specialty Qualifications
The applicant must satisfy the applicable manicurist training/experience requirements. Section 3703.6 permits specialty examination after the cosmetologist examination; it does not itself state a waiver of § 3703.15.
Testing Window
Under § 3707.11, student applicants take the examination within two years after graduation or completion of the approved school program.
Initial licensure by examination — U.S. licensed equivalent training and experience

All of the following:

Application
Submit the Board-prescribed application, the required supporting records, and fees; the Department must approve eligibility before Prov scheduling.
English Competency
Under 17 DCMR § 3707.12, applicants whose first language is not English must submit evidence satisfactory to the Board of English competency. Language-proficiency evidence is a condition, not an exam leaf.
General Education
Complete tenth grade or higher unless otherwise indicated, and provide verification under 17 DCMR § 3703.1.
Minimum Age
D.C. Code § 47-2853.12(a)(2) permits an applicant under § 47-2853.82 to apply at age 17. The lower-ranked 17 DCMR § 3703.1 states: "Be at least eighteen (18) years of age;"; the Board rule demand is shown for the applicant, without overriding the statutory age.
Other Jurisdiction License
Hold a license in a U.S. jurisdiction and demonstrate 350 hours of combined training and experience satisfactory to the Board under §§ 3703.15(b)-3703.16.
Passing Scores
Pass the NIC written theory examination and the Department-administered practical examination; § 3707.15 sets a 70% specialty-operator passing standard, and the April 2026 DC bulletin states 70.00 scaled for the written examination.
Testing Window
Under § 3707.11, student applicants take the examination within two years after graduation or completion of the approved school program.
Initial licensure — foreign education or comparable specialty training

All of the following:

Application
Submit the Board-prescribed application, the required supporting records, and fees; the Department must approve eligibility before Prov scheduling.
Board Interview
The Board may interview the applicant about education, training and character under § 3712.3.
English Competency
Under 17 DCMR § 3707.12, applicants whose first language is not English must submit evidence satisfactory to the Board of English competency. Language-proficiency evidence is a condition, not an exam leaf.
Foreign Education
Provide the official transcript or notarized degree, diploma or certificate, or comparable specialty experience/training under § 3712.1(a); establish equivalency to District requirements under D.C. Code § 47-2853.12(g).
General Education
Complete tenth grade or higher unless otherwise indicated, and provide verification under 17 DCMR § 3703.1.
Minimum Age
D.C. Code § 47-2853.12(a)(2) permits an applicant under § 47-2853.82 to apply at age 17. The lower-ranked 17 DCMR § 3703.1 states: "Be at least eighteen (18) years of age;"; the Board rule demand is shown for the applicant, without overriding the statutory age.
Passing Scores
Pass the NIC written theory examination and the Department-administered practical examination; § 3707.15 sets a 70% specialty-operator passing standard, and the April 2026 DC bulletin states 70.00 scaled for the written examination.
Testing Window
Under § 3707.11, student applicants take the examination within two years after graduation or completion of the approved school program.
Translation
Documents not in English require a Board-acceptable translation service, translator official stationery, signature and date, at the applicant’s expense under § 3712.2.
Late renewal within sixty days
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Provide six Board-approved CE hours per cycle (two health/safety/welfare and four approved electives), with first renewal exempt under § 3730.1; provide requested verification.
Late Period
Apply within sixty days after expiration, provide required CE proof and pay the late fee. Upon accepted renewal the Board deems the license valid during the intervening period.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New licensure after failure to seek reinstatement within five years

All of the following:

Application
Submit the Board-prescribed application, the required supporting records, and fees; the Department must approve eligibility before Prov scheduling.
English Competency
Under 17 DCMR § 3707.12, applicants whose first language is not English must submit evidence satisfactory to the Board of English competency. Language-proficiency evidence is a condition, not an exam leaf.
General Education
Complete tenth grade or higher unless otherwise indicated, and provide verification under 17 DCMR § 3703.1.
Initial Qualifications
Satisfy the current manicurist school/equivalent/foreign-education qualifications, as applicable.
Minimum Age
D.C. Code § 47-2853.12(a)(2) permits an applicant under § 47-2853.82 to apply at age 17. The lower-ranked 17 DCMR § 3703.1 states: "Be at least eighteen (18) years of age;"; the Board rule demand is shown for the applicant, without overriding the statutory age.
Passing Scores
Pass the NIC written theory examination and the Department-administered practical examination; § 3707.15 sets a 70% specialty-operator passing standard, and the April 2026 DC bulletin states 70.00 scaled for the written examination.
Prior License
Previously held this District license; now meet the current initial-issuance qualifications.
Testing Window
Under § 3707.11, student applicants take the examination within two years after graduation or completion of the approved school program.
Time Threshold
Failed to seek reinstatement within five years after expiration.
New licensure after at least five years on inactive status

All of the following:

Application
Submit the Board-prescribed application, the required supporting records, and fees; the Department must approve eligibility before Prov scheduling.
Board Discretion
The Board may excuse treatment as a new applicant where failure to renew was due to reasonable cause or excusable neglect under § 47-2853.14(d).
English Competency
Under 17 DCMR § 3707.12, applicants whose first language is not English must submit evidence satisfactory to the Board of English competency. Language-proficiency evidence is a condition, not an exam leaf.
General Education
Complete tenth grade or higher unless otherwise indicated, and provide verification under 17 DCMR § 3703.1.
Initial Qualifications
Satisfy the current manicurist school/equivalent/foreign-education qualifications, as applicable.
Minimum Age
D.C. Code § 47-2853.12(a)(2) permits an applicant under § 47-2853.82 to apply at age 17. The lower-ranked 17 DCMR § 3703.1 states: "Be at least eighteen (18) years of age;"; the Board rule demand is shown for the applicant, without overriding the statutory age.
Passing Scores
Pass the NIC written theory examination and the Department-administered practical examination; § 3707.15 sets a 70% specialty-operator passing standard, and the April 2026 DC bulletin states 70.00 scaled for the written examination.
Prior License
Previously held this District license; now meet the current initial-issuance qualifications.
Testing Window
Under § 3707.11, student applicants take the examination within two years after graduation or completion of the approved school program.
Time Threshold
Inactive status for at least five years
Return from inactive status of less than five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Provide six Board-approved CE hours per cycle (two health/safety/welfare and four approved electives), with first renewal exempt under § 3730.1; provide requested verification.
Inactive Period
Be on inactive status less than five years; pay the reactivation fee, comply with CE in effect at application and meet current renewal requirements. Inactive status itself does not authorize practice.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by reciprocity / out of state license endorsement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Active Practice
Prove active practice in the other jurisdiction under § 3711.4.
Board Review
The Board may interview the applicant and may deny an application for relevant discipline or disqualification under §§ 3711.2-3711.3.
Board Terminology
The current Board application page calls its out-of-state-license route "License by Endorsement" and states "If you are licensed in another state, you can apply for a DC license by endorsement (exam waiver)." It requests a current license and certification sent directly by the licensing authority. The governing reciprocal-equivalence criteria of D.C. Code § 47-2853.12(b)(1) are retained.
Law Examination Discretion
D.C. Code § 47-2853.12(c)(1) permits a Board-required examination demonstrating knowledge of District laws or procedures. Neither that statute nor § 3711 identifies a particular nail examination for this discretionary slot; it remains a condition and does not create an exam identity.
Other License
Present proof of current good-standing licensure in the same or substantially similar profession in a jurisdiction whose standards were at least as high at issuance and which admits District licensees in a like manner; provide a letter of good standing and pay fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of expired license within five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Provide six Board-approved CE hours per cycle (two health/safety/welfare and four approved electives), with first renewal exempt under § 3730.1; provide requested verification.
Fitness
Submit evidence satisfactory to the Board of current competency, relevant District/federal law knowledge, character and fitness; the Board considers practice history, lapse length and violations and may prescribe education or training.
Missed Continuing Education
Under § 3730.7, supply all CE credits that would have been required for missed licensing cycles where applicable.
Time Limit
Apply for reinstatement within five years after expiration and pay the reinstatement fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Regular renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit timely renewal, pay the required renewal fee, and remain eligible under D.C. Code § 47-2853.13(b).
Continuing Education
Provide six Board-approved CE hours per cycle (two health/safety/welfare and four approved electives), with first renewal exempt under § 3730.1; provide requested verification.
Expiration
Cosmetology and specialty licenses expire at midnight April 15 in each even-numbered year under § 3706.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration of suspended or revoked license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Provide six Board-approved CE hours per cycle (two health/safety/welfare and four approved electives), with first renewal exempt under § 3730.1; provide requested verification.
Fitness
Demonstrate integrity, competency, law knowledge and fitness under § 3309.3; the Board may require education or training and applicable missed-cycle CE. No generally identified examination is added by these restoration provisions.
Order Conditions
Restoration is governed by the suspension/revocation order or final review judgment, not an unrestricted entitlement; every case-specific order condition remains an applicant condition.
Waiting Period
For revocation or denied reinstatement, wait one year unless the order provides otherwise under § 3309.1.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure by examination — approved school training

All of the following:

Application
Submit the Board-prescribed application, the required supporting records, and fees; the Department must approve eligibility before Prov scheduling.
English Competency
Under 17 DCMR § 3707.12, applicants whose first language is not English must submit evidence satisfactory to the Board of English competency. Language-proficiency evidence is a condition, not an exam leaf.
General Education
Complete tenth grade or higher unless otherwise indicated, and provide verification under 17 DCMR § 3703.1.
Minimum Age
D.C. Code § 47-2853.12(a)(2) permits an applicant under § 47-2853.82 to apply at age 17. The lower-ranked 17 DCMR § 3703.1 states: "Be at least eighteen (18) years of age;"; the Board rule demand is shown for the applicant, without overriding the statutory age.
Passing Scores
Pass the NIC written theory examination and the Department-administered practical examination; § 3707.15 sets a 70% specialty-operator passing standard, and the April 2026 DC bulletin states 70.00 scaled for the written examination.
Testing Window
Under § 3707.11, student applicants take the examination within two years after graduation or completion of the approved school program.
Training
Successfully complete 350 hours at a licensed or Board-acceptable school, including the complete § 3703.15(a) curriculum; submit proof satisfactory to the Board.
Initial licensure with applicant prelicensure supervised practice

All of the following:

Application
Submit the Board-prescribed application, the required supporting records, and fees; the Department must approve eligibility before Prov scheduling.
English Competency
Under 17 DCMR § 3707.12, applicants whose first language is not English must submit evidence satisfactory to the Board of English competency. Language-proficiency evidence is a condition, not an exam leaf.
Examination Timing
Take the first examination offered after applying, or the next one after a good-cause waiver; failing the licensure exam ends this prelicensure practice permission.
General Education
Complete tenth grade or higher unless otherwise indicated, and provide verification under 17 DCMR § 3703.1.
Minimum Age
D.C. Code § 47-2853.12(a)(2) permits an applicant under § 47-2853.82 to apply at age 17. The lower-ranked 17 DCMR § 3703.1 states: "Be at least eighteen (18) years of age;"; the Board rule demand is shown for the applicant, without overriding the statutory age.
Passing Scores
Pass the NIC written theory examination and the Department-administered practical examination; § 3707.15 sets a 70% specialty-operator passing standard, and the April 2026 DC bulletin states 70.00 scaled for the written examination.
Practice Limits
Wear the Board-acceptable student/applicant nametag; accept no customer compensation apart from salary based on hours under supervision; assume no management or supervisory responsibility.
Supervised Authorization
Meet all licensure qualifications except sitting for the exam, file a complete accurate application and obtain a Board letter authorizing supervised practice.
Supervisor
Practice only in a licensed school, salon or shop under immediate supervision of a licensed instructor; the supervisor is responsible for the practice.
Testing Window
Under § 3707.11, student applicants take the examination within two years after graduation or completion of the approved school program.

District of Columbia Manicurist Practical Examination

This assessment does not have a question bank.

Provider
DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection
Format
Practical examination
Passing score
70%
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