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Louisiana Nail Technology — Requirements & Free Practice

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Certificate of registration as a registered manicurist

Licensing authority: Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology

Reciprocity from another United States jurisdiction

All of the following:

Application documents
Submit the reciprocity application, supporting documents, fees and evidence of successful examination passage under LAC 46:XXXI.509.
Board packet
The current Board Manicurist reciprocity packet (pinned reciprocity-man.pdf, revised August 4, 2025 in its instructions) asks for an original license, identification, photograph, Social Security card, licensure certification and any NIC score; the Board determines individual testing obligations.
Current license
Hold the appropriate active manicuring license in the originating jurisdiction.
Examination credit
LAC 46:XXXI.509.C requires the Board national examination and/or Board practical examination when the applicant has not received a passing national score or passed a practical examination in the transferring jurisdiction. Accepted prior passes may excuse sitting those examinations again; they remain current examination leaves.
External examinations
A transferring jurisdiction’s own practical examination is an applicant qualification and is not a leaf of this Louisiana route.
Original course
Complete and pass the appropriate course at a school licensed in the issuing jurisdiction, under R.S. 37:582.C.
Licensure by examination

All of the following:

Criminal history
LAC 46:XXXI.1715 limits disqualification based on criminal convictions to cases authorized by R.S. 37:2950; Board eligibility review remains an applicant condition.
Fees
Pay the applicable statutory fees and school contractual debts before application; LAC 46:XXXI.309 provides the school-closure/lost-record certification exception.
General education
At completion of schooling, tenth-grade equivalent training from an approved high school or equivalent diploma from a nonpublic school not seeking state approval, under R.S. 37:582.A(2).
Manicuring course
Complete and pass the approved licensed-school manicuring course: at least 500 hours over at least three consecutive months, including at least 300 hours of practical application and lecture and 200 hours of library study or research, under R.S. 37:595.B(4); LAC 46:XXXI.305 and .309 prescribe the curriculum and examination eligibility.
Minimum age
At least sixteen years old under R.S. 37:582.A(1).
School and board clearance
School and Board clearance and the examination application, student registration, cumulative hours report and photograph are required by LAC 46:XXXI.309.
Reciprocity from a foreign jurisdiction

All of the following:

Application documents
Submit the reciprocity application, supporting documents, fees and evidence of successful examination passage under LAC 46:XXXI.509.
Board full exam instruction
The Board foreign packet states: “Foreign reciprocity applicants must take the complete exam. (National, State, and Practical)”. LAC 46:XXXI.509.B-C governs the examination-credit rule; this implementing demand is disclosed as the Board’s instruction.
Board packet
The current Board Manicurist reciprocity packet (pinned reciprocity-man.pdf, revised August 4, 2025 in its instructions) asks for an original license, identification, photograph, Social Security card, licensure certification and any NIC score; the Board determines individual testing obligations.
Current license
Hold the appropriate active manicuring license in the originating jurisdiction.
Examination credit
LAC 46:XXXI.509.C requires the Board national examination and/or Board practical examination when the applicant has not received a passing national score or passed a practical examination in the transferring jurisdiction. Accepted prior passes may excuse sitting those examinations again; they remain current examination leaves.
External examinations
A transferring jurisdiction’s own practical examination is an applicant qualification and is not a leaf of this Louisiana route.
Foreign credential evaluation
The pinned Board Foreign Reciprocity packet, pages 1–2, requires approved professional evaluation of the license and general evaluation of high-school education, sent directly to the Board; non-equivalent training goes before the Board.
Original course
Complete and pass the appropriate course at a school licensed in the issuing jurisdiction, under R.S. 37:582.C.
Renewal of an expired license without the restoration exam trigger
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Annual renewal
Renew on or before the licensee’s birthday; expires thirty days afterward if not renewed, under R.S. 37:590.A(2).
Existing registration
Existing registration continuing active practice.
Expiry period
License expired without exceeding the statutory three-year retirement threshold; the Board applies a restoration examination after more than three years (36 months) of expiry. Fees and Board renewal paperwork remain required.
Outside practice
R.S. 37:590.C treats a Louisiana registrant who maintains a license to practice outside Louisiana as maintaining active practice for that period.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military endorsement based on work experience
Manicurist State Exam (practice unavailable)
Good conduct
Meet the applicable criminal, revocation, surrender and pending-complaint conditions, pay fees and simultaneously apply for a permanent license as required by R.S. 37:3651.A.
Law examination
R.S. 37:3651.E permits the relevant state-law examination. The Board publishes a military reciprocity application that asks for a state-exam-and-permit fee; the Board law examination remains a leaf with applicant-specific discretion.
Military connection
Military/Defense Department employee assignment or Louisiana legal residence, or qualifying spouse/dependent status as defined in R.S. 37:3651; statutory exclusions for dishonorable discharge and other listed exclusions apply.
Permanent application
The statutory permit pending normal license terminates automatically if the applicant does not qualify after the permanent application is vetted.
Qualification
At least three years of work in a jurisdiction that does not regulate the occupation by occupational license or government certification, and the applicable R.S. 37:3651.A(6)–(10) conditions, under Subsection B.
Military endorsement based on an existing occupational license
Manicurist State Exam (practice unavailable)
Good conduct
Meet the applicable criminal, revocation, surrender and pending-complaint conditions, pay fees and simultaneously apply for a permanent license as required by R.S. 37:3651.A.
Law examination
R.S. 37:3651.E permits the relevant state-law examination. The Board publishes a military reciprocity application that asks for a state-exam-and-permit fee; the Board law examination remains a leaf with applicant-specific discretion.
Military connection
Military/Defense Department employee assignment or Louisiana legal residence, or qualifying spouse/dependent status as defined in R.S. 37:3651; statutory exclusions for dishonorable discharge and other listed exclusions apply.
Permanent application
The statutory permit pending normal license terminates automatically if the applicant does not qualify after the permanent application is vetted.
Qualification
Current valid similar-scope license in another jurisdiction for at least one year, examinations or education/training/experience required there, and good standing, under R.S. 37:3651.A.
Military endorsement based on private certification and experience
Manicurist State Exam (practice unavailable)
Good conduct
Meet the applicable criminal, revocation, surrender and pending-complaint conditions, pay fees and simultaneously apply for a permanent license as required by R.S. 37:3651.A.
Law examination
R.S. 37:3651.E permits the relevant state-law examination. The Board publishes a military reciprocity application that asks for a state-exam-and-permit fee; the Board law examination remains a leaf with applicant-specific discretion.
Military connection
Military/Defense Department employee assignment or Louisiana legal residence, or qualifying spouse/dependent status as defined in R.S. 37:3651; statutory exclusions for dishonorable discharge and other listed exclusions apply.
Permanent application
The statutory permit pending normal license terminates automatically if the applicant does not qualify after the permanent application is vetted.
Qualification
At least two years of work in an unregulated jurisdiction, a current valid private certification and good standing with that organization, plus R.S. 37:3651.A(6)–(10), under Subsection C.
Ordinary examination route with military training credit

All of the following:

Criminal history
LAC 46:XXXI.1715 limits disqualification based on criminal convictions to cases authorized by R.S. 37:2950; Board eligibility review remains an applicant condition.
Fees
Pay the applicable statutory fees and school contractual debts before application; LAC 46:XXXI.309 provides the school-closure/lost-record certification exception.
General education
At completion of schooling, tenth-grade equivalent training from an approved high school or equivalent diploma from a nonpublic school not seeking state approval, under R.S. 37:582.A(2).
Manicuring course
Complete and pass the approved licensed-school manicuring course: at least 500 hours over at least three consecutive months, including at least 300 hours of practical application and lecture and 200 hours of library study or research, under R.S. 37:595.B(4); LAC 46:XXXI.305 and .309 prescribe the curriculum and examination eligibility.
Military training credit
R.S. 37:3651.D permits the Board to find the education, training or experience requirements completely or partially satisfied by comparable military education, training or experience; the ordinary examination requirements remain.
Minimum age
At least sixteen years old under R.S. 37:582.A(1).
School and board clearance
School and Board clearance and the examination application, student registration, cumulative hours report and photograph are required by LAC 46:XXXI.309.
Annual renewal during active practice
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Annual renewal
Renew on or before the licensee’s birthday; expires thirty days afterward if not renewed, under R.S. 37:590.A(2).
Existing registration
Existing registration continuing active practice.
Outside practice
R.S. 37:590.C treats a Louisiana registrant who maintains a license to practice outside Louisiana as maintaining active practice for that period.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration after prolonged retirement or expiry
Restoration Exam (practice unavailable)
Board expiry threshold
The Board Restoration Exam page says licenses expired for a minimum of three years (36 months) require its exam; this includes the boundary at 36 months, whereas R.S. 37:590.B says more than three years. The examination is retained and the difference is disclosed.
Optional refresher
An approved-school brush-up course may facilitate restoration, with applicable fees, under R.S. 37:590.B.
Outside practice
Maintaining an outside-jurisdiction license is active practice under R.S. 37:590.C; this is an individual restoration qualification.
Retirement threshold
R.S. 37:590.B requires a short-form examination when authorized practice has been retired from for more than three years.
Welcome Home Act endorsement
Manicurist State Exam (practice unavailable)
Board application
The Board reciprocity page itself links the Welcome Home Act. The linked scanned WHA.pdf is an original 2024 bill, not the controlling enacted text; this route uses the current codified R.S. 37:52–54 and 58–59 instead.
Fees and residency
Applicable Louisiana fees and residency proved by one of the documents in R.S. 37:53; employment-based proof requires a further residency document after six months.
Good standing
Good standing, no disqualifying criminal record and no unresolved disciplinary action/investigation, subject to R.S. 37:52.A(6).
Law examination discretion
R.S. 37:54.A permits a jurisprudential examination when Louisiana normally requires one. The Board’s current Manicurist State Exam points to its laws and rules; the state-law examination is retained, with the applicant-specific exercise of discretion disclosed.
Out of state license
Current valid license/certification for a similar scope of practice, held for at least one year; originating jurisdiction required an examination or education, training or experience standards.
Technical exam exception
The notwithstanding-any-other-law endorsement entitlement in R.S. 37:52.A applies; R.S. 37:54 authorizes the state-law examination rather than importing the ordinary technical examination package.

Restoration Exam

Examination outline
  • General knowledge based on the curriculum of licensure
  • Subjects contained in the Administrative Rules Book (Gold Book)
Examination sources

Manicurist Practical Exam

This assessment does not have a question bank.

Examination sources

Manicurist State Exam

Practice scope

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

  • Louisiana Cosmetology Act — R.S. 37:561–607
  • LAC 46:XXXI, Chapter 1. General Provisions
  • LAC 46:XXXI, Chapter 3. Schools and Students
  • LAC 46:XXXI, Chapter 5. Licensees
  • LAC 46:XXXI, Chapter 7. Safety and Sanitation Requirements
  • LAC 46:XXXI, Chapter 9. Inspections
  • LAC 46:XXXI, Chapter 11. Special and Temporary Permits
  • LAC 46:XXXI, Chapter 12. Mobile Salons
  • LAC 46:XXXI, Chapter 13. Disciplinary Proceedings
  • LAC 46:XXXI, Chapter 17. Miscellaneous Provisions
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