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Mississippi Nail Technology — Requirements & Free Practice

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Nail Technician License

Practitioner license for nail technology under section 73-7-21; senior, inactive and optional master continuing-education status remain forms or designations of this license.

Licensing authority: Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering · Application information

Licensure by examination: apprenticeship
National Nail Technology Theory Examination
Age
At least 16 years old.
Application
Submit the completed Board application, fee, two recent passport-style photographs required by the statute, two current IDs (one government photo ID) required by the application, and the certified training transcript. Documents must be in English or include certified English translation.
General Education
Section 73-7-21(1)(a) accepts completion of tenth grade or successful enrollment in a community college, state institution of higher learning, or public or private college or university. Rule 5.3 and the V.4.2026 application ask for completed tenth grade; that implementing demand is disclosed here.
Passing Score
At least 70 scaled score on the written examination; a passing score is retained for up to three years.
Retake
At least 14 days between failed testing and retesting; after three failed attempts complete the remedial education required by Rule 6.5 before each further attempt.
Training
Complete at least 700 hours in a Board-certified apprenticeship program with the prescribed curriculum and approved mentor; the mentor must hold an instructor license in nail technology or have at least 15 years as a nail technician. Obtain at least a 70 course grade.
Experienced licensee restoration through December 2026
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Complete the one-time human-trafficking and domestic-violence courses before July 1, 2029 and provide the required proof with renewal under Rule 7.6.
Eligibility
At least ten years of licensed experience and license expired for no more than ten years.
Payment
Pay required renewal fees and adjudicated fines; the statute waives retesting and the Rule 5.11 temporary provision describes renewal without late fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22 through 2026-12-31.

Renewal requiring retesting
National Nail Technology Theory Examination
Age
At least 16 years old.
Application
Submit the completed Board application, fee, two recent passport-style photographs required by the statute, two current IDs (one government photo ID) required by the application, and the certified training transcript. Documents must be in English or include certified English translation.
Eligibility
License expired three years or more and not eligible for the ten-year-experience exception. Section 73-7-19 requires examination after three years; Rule 5.11 applies at three or more years and this Board timing statement is disclosed.
General Education
Section 73-7-21(1)(a) accepts completion of tenth grade or successful enrollment in a community college, state institution of higher learning, or public or private college or university. Rule 5.3 and the V.4.2026 application ask for completed tenth grade; that implementing demand is disclosed here.
Passing Score
At least 70 scaled score on the written examination; a passing score is retained for up to three years.
Retake
At least 14 days between failed testing and retesting; after three failed attempts complete the remedial education required by Rule 6.5 before each further attempt.
Training Evidence
V.4.2026 practitioner testing application accepts copies of former Mississippi licenses instead of tenth-grade and training transcripts.
Election of inactive license status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
At renewal submit the Inactive Licensure Status Request and the applicable fee.
Eligibility
Hold an active license in good standing but do not actively practice in Mississippi.
Practice
Inactive status does not authorize active practice.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Delinquent renewal without examination
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Complete the one-time human-trafficking and domestic-violence courses before July 1, 2029 and provide the required proof with renewal under Rule 7.6.
Eligibility
License expired beyond 60 days but less than three years; the three-year boundary is reserved for the retesting pathway.
Payment
Pay renewal and delinquent fees and all fines; submit required documents.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Master Continuing Education Designation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Submit eight Board-approved CE hours within nail technology and resubmit each renewal cycle. A holder of multiple practitioner licenses may receive the designation on only one.
Former Master License
The former master-license authorization in section 73-7-14 was repealed April 1, 2026. Current Rule 7.5 instead provides the optional Master Continuing Education Designation.
License
Hold a practitioner license; this is an optional notation on that license, not an independent examination or a new master-license issuance.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military Family Freedom Act: licensed
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Decision
The Board must issue or deny within 120 days of application.
Examination Discretion
Section 73-50-1(5) permits a jurisprudential examination slot without identifying a particular examination. Rule 5.7 and the Board military application do not exercise that permission by naming or imposing an examination; this unnamed statutory slot remains an applicant condition.
Fitness
Satisfy section 73-50-1(3)(c)-(f): good standing, no disqualifying conduct or criminal record, no misconduct-related surrender or unresolved investigation except as permitted, and applicable fees.
Implementation Notice
The Board Military Application asks for a one-year out-of-state/territorial/military license, although the statute also permits military training and unlicensed work-experience pathways. It states there is no application fee and requests recent photographs, two IDs, license copies, good-standing verification, relationship proof and relocation orders.
Military Relationship
Be a military member, spouse or dependent under the Military Family Freedom Act; the implementing application asks for active membership and service orders requesting relocation.
Qualification Evidence
Hold a current and valid occupational license from another state with similar scope, held for at least one year.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military Family Freedom Act: military training
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Decision
The Board must issue or deny within 120 days of application.
Examination Discretion
Section 73-50-1(5) permits a jurisprudential examination slot without identifying a particular examination. Rule 5.7 and the Board military application do not exercise that permission by naming or imposing an examination; this unnamed statutory slot remains an applicant condition.
Fitness
Satisfy section 73-50-1(3)(c)-(f): good standing, no disqualifying conduct or criminal record, no misconduct-related surrender or unresolved investigation except as permitted, and applicable fees.
Implementation Notice
The Board Military Application asks for a one-year out-of-state/territorial/military license, although the statute also permits military training and unlicensed work-experience pathways. It states there is no application fee and requests recent photographs, two IDs, license copies, good-standing verification, relationship proof and relocation orders.
Military Relationship
Be a military member, spouse or dependent under the Military Family Freedom Act; the implementing application asks for active membership and service orders requesting relocation.
Qualification Evidence
Have the military occupational specialty, completed military training, testing or equivalent training and experience, and performed in that specialty under section 73-50-1(3)(a). Military testing is qualification evidence, not a registered nail examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal after federal active duty extension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Complete the one-time human-trafficking and domestic-violence courses before July 1, 2029 and provide the required proof with renewal under Rule 7.6.
Deadline
License does not expire during that duty and is extended for up to 90 days following return; submit military orders or commanding-officer verification before the end of that period.
Military Service
Mississippi National Guard or US Armed Forces Reserve member serving on federal active duty.
Payment
Normal renewal activities and fees apply without additional late or delinquent costs.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military Family Freedom Act: work experience
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Decision
The Board must issue or deny within 120 days of application.
Examination Discretion
Section 73-50-1(5) permits a jurisprudential examination slot without identifying a particular examination. Rule 5.7 and the Board military application do not exercise that permission by naming or imposing an examination; this unnamed statutory slot remains an applicant condition.
Fitness
Satisfy section 73-50-1(3)(c)-(f): good standing, no disqualifying conduct or criminal record, no misconduct-related surrender or unresolved investigation except as permitted, and applicable fees.
Implementation Notice
The Board Military Application asks for a one-year out-of-state/territorial/military license, although the statute also permits military training and unlicensed work-experience pathways. It states there is no application fee and requests recent photographs, two IDs, license copies, good-standing verification, relationship proof and relocation orders.
Military Relationship
Be a military member, spouse or dependent under the Military Family Freedom Act; the implementing application asks for active membership and service orders requesting relocation.
Qualification Evidence
Have at least three years of work in a state that does not license the occupation where Mississippi licenses an occupation with similar scope, under section 73-50-1(4).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Return from inactive to active license status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Complete Removal of Inactive License Status with fee and required documents.
Eligibility
Hold an inactive license.
Instructor CE
Instructor applicants must supply 12 hours of continuing education; the current rule specifies no retesting for this status change.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by reciprocity
National Nail Technology Theory Examination
Application
Pay the reciprocity and license fees, provide two recent photographs required by statute and the required IDs and Board application.
Education
Meet the comparable education and training requirements of section 73-7-23 and Rule 5.5.
Examination Waiver
Rule 5.5 permits a reciprocal applicant who passed a nationally developed written/theory examination in the home licensing jurisdiction to request a license without resitting the Chapter 6 examination after application approval. The currently offered NIC nail theory examination remains the route leaf; prior passage and eligibility for waiver are applicant conditions.
Implementation Notice
The V.4.2026 reciprocity application states that licensees licensed in 2025 or later from some jurisdictions may proceed without the Mississippi theory examination. Applicants with earlier licensure or whose jurisdiction is not listed must contact the Board; this is a condition, not adoption inferred from another jurisdiction.
License
Hold a practitioner license in good standing from another state or US territory with similar education and nail training requirements; provide all license copies and certified practice/good-standing verifications.
Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Complete the one-time human-trafficking and domestic-violence courses before July 1, 2029 and provide the required proof with renewal under Rule 7.6.
Eligibility
Renew a current license or within the 60-day grace period.
Payment
Pay required renewal fees and all assessed fines; submit the Board renewal form and required documents.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by examination: school training
National Nail Technology Theory Examination
Age
At least 16 years old.
Application
Submit the completed Board application, fee, two recent passport-style photographs required by the statute, two current IDs (one government photo ID) required by the application, and the certified training transcript. Documents must be in English or include certified English translation.
General Education
Section 73-7-21(1)(a) accepts completion of tenth grade or successful enrollment in a community college, state institution of higher learning, or public or private college or university. Rule 5.3 and the V.4.2026 application ask for completed tenth grade; that implementing demand is disclosed here.
Passing Score
At least 70 scaled score on the written examination; a passing score is retained for up to three years.
Retake
At least 14 days between failed testing and retesting; after three failed attempts complete the remedial education required by Rule 6.5 before each further attempt.
Training
Complete at least 350 hours of practice and related theory over at least nine weeks in a licensed nail-technology school, and obtain at least a 70 course grade.
Senior licensure renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Complete the one-time human-trafficking and domestic-violence courses before July 1, 2029 and provide the required proof with renewal under Rule 7.6.
Eligibility
At least age 70 at renewal, holding an active Mississippi license in good standing.
Payment
Submit biennial renewal without renewal fee; late fees may apply if renewed late.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement following a child support court order
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
License suspended by a court under section 93-11-163.
Restoration
Court may order reinstatement when delinquency is purged; licensing entities treat the suspension under section 93-11-157 and applicable administrative reinstatement fees remain payable.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after child support compliance notification
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
License suspended for child-support noncompliance.
Restoration
The licensing entity immediately reinstates when the division notifies it in writing that arrears are cleared or a stipulated agreement and agreed judgment have been entered; applicable reinstatement fees are conditions.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Universal recognition: licensed
Nail Technology UROLA Law & Sanitation (practice unavailable)
Application
Complete the universal application and provide government photo identification and the required documents.
Fitness
No disqualifying acts or criminal record, no surrender for negligence or intentional misconduct, and no unresolved complaint, allegation or investigation except as section 73-50-2(3)(e) permits. Pay applicable fees.
Recognition Evidence
Hold a current, valid license in good standing in another state in an occupation with similar scope at the same practice level, held at least one year; that authority must verify that its minimum education and applicable work, examination and supervision requirements were met.
Residency
Establish Mississippi residence with the proof accepted under section 73-50-2(6).
Study Resource
The Board links a study compilation explicitly labelled as rules effective March 25 through October 21, 2025. Its historical label is retained; it is not used as current licensing law.
Time Window
Pass the Mississippi Laws and Sanitation Examination within one year of application approval under Rule 5.6. The temporary permit allows practice pending passage for 365 days, is nontransferable and cannot be renewed or extended; a repeat application after failure does not obtain another permit.
Universal recognition: work experience
Nail Technology UROLA Law & Sanitation (practice unavailable)
Application
Complete the universal application and provide government photo identification and the required documents.
Fitness
No disqualifying acts or criminal record, no surrender for negligence or intentional misconduct, and no unresolved complaint, allegation or investigation except as section 73-50-2(3)(e) permits. Pay applicable fees.
Recognition Evidence
Under section 73-50-2(4), demonstrate at least three years of work in an occupation not licensed by the other state but licensed with similar scope in Mississippi. The V.4.2026 Board application asks for a one-year out-of-state license; this narrower implementing request is disclosed, and the statute controls eligibility.
Residency
Establish Mississippi residence with the proof accepted under section 73-50-2(6).
Study Resource
The Board links a study compilation explicitly labelled as rules effective March 25 through October 21, 2025. Its historical label is retained; it is not used as current licensing law.
Time Window
Pass the Mississippi Laws and Sanitation Examination within one year of application approval under Rule 5.6. The temporary permit allows practice pending passage for 365 days, is nontransferable and cannot be renewed or extended; a repeat application after failure does not obtain another permit.

Nail Technology UROLA Law & Sanitation

Practice scope

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

  • Mississippi Code Title 73, Chapter 7 — Cosmetologists
  • Mississippi Code Title 73, Chapter 50, sections 73-50-1 and 73-50-2
  • Title 30, Part 2101, Chapter 3: Declaratory Opinions
  • Title 30, Part 2101, Chapter 5: Licensure and Permits
  • Title 30, Part 2101, Chapter 7: Continuing Education
  • Title 30, Part 2101, Chapter 8: Schools
  • Title 30, Part 2101, Chapter 9: Apprenticeship
  • Title 30, Part 2101, Chapter 10: Establishments: Salons/Shops
  • Title 30, Part 2101, Chapter 11: Health and Safety
  • Title 30, Part 2101, Chapter 12: Hearings and Discipline
  • Title 30, Part 2101, Chapter 13: Establishments: Mobile Salon / Barber Shop
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