Missouri Nail Technology — Requirements & Free Practice
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Class MO — Apprentice License
Registration for supervised apprenticeship training in manicuring.
Licensing authority: Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners · Application information
Change course/location or extend apprentice registration
- Change
- A course or location change uses the change-of-status form, returned license and fee within three days; changing supervisors requires termination.
- Extension
- Apply anew to continue beyond expiration; the interim certificate is valid for 20 days.
Initial apprentice registration
- Age
- The apprentice-supervisor rule excludes enrollment below age 17.
- Application
- Submit the enrollment form and fee through the licensed establishment at least 14 days before training, with age/education proof, references, photographs and required signatures.
- Approval
- No hours count until Board approval and receipt/posting of the apprentice and supervisor licenses.
- Education
- Complete tenth grade or equivalent and meet the applicable student requirements.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- chapter329.html
RSMo 329.070
- csr-9.doc
20 CSR 2085-9.010 (1) Apprentice
Extend apprentice registration pending the first examination
All of the following:
- National Nail Technology Theory Examination
- National Nail Technology Practical Examination (assessment without a question bank)
- Extension
- The Board may extend registration for supervised work until ten days after the first available examination; return the registration on expiration.
- Passing score
- At least 75 in both portions; the examination application and fees must meet the scheduling and five-year limits.
- Training
- Complete 800-hour manicuring apprenticeship and provide transcript and registration.
Crossover Operator License — Barber and Class MO Manicurist
One crossover license authorizing barbering and the specified manicuring classification; barber examinations remain conditions as examinations of another profession.
Licensing authority: Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners · Application information
Crossover operator — licensed barber adds Class MO
All of the following:
- National Nail Technology Theory Examination
- National Nail Technology Practical Examination (assessment without a question bank)
- Age
- At least 17 years old when applying for examination; submit proof of age.
- Application
- Submit the sworn application, fees, required training/termination and contractual-fee certifications, and Board approval before scheduling.
- Barber license
- Hold an active Missouri barber license in good standing without disciplinary terms.
- Criminal history
- Disclose the required criminal history; the Board determines qualifications and may deny under RSMo 329.050(5).
- Education
- Successful completion of tenth grade or equivalent; furnish education documentation.
- Passing score
- A score of at least 75 is required on each written and practical examination.
- Training
- Meet all Class MO training, education, application and examination requirements; Class CA/CH reduced-hour concessions do not reduce Class MO training.
- Training currency
- Training and the examination application must satisfy the five-year limits in 20 CSR 2085-7.010 and the applicable enrollment rules.
Place crossover operator license on inactive status
- Affidavit
- Submit affidavit of no Missouri practice and inactive fee; inactive status does not authorize practice.
- Renewal
- Inactive licenses expire September 30 of odd-numbered years.
Initial crossover operator licensure including manicuring
All of the following:
- National Nail Technology Theory Examination
- National Nail Technology Practical Examination (assessment without a question bank)
- Age
- At least 17 years old when applying for examination; submit proof of age.
- Application
- Submit the sworn application, fees, required training/termination and contractual-fee certifications, and Board approval before scheduling.
- Barber
- Satisfy the barber license training, application and examination requirements separately. NIC Barber Styling written and practical examinations are examinations of another profession and are conditions, not nail-family requirement leaves.
- Criminal history
- Disclose the required criminal history; the Board determines qualifications and may deny under RSMo 329.050(5).
- Education
- Successful completion of tenth grade or equivalent; furnish education documentation.
- Passing score
- A score of at least 75 is required on each written and practical examination.
- Training
- Satisfy both professions; barber and cosmetology apprenticeships cannot run concurrently or cross-credit training.
- Training currency
- Training and the examination application must satisfy the five-year limits in 20 CSR 2085-7.010 and the applicable enrollment rules.
Reactivate inactive crossover operator license
- Application
- Complete reactivation application and submit current renewal fee.
- Board discretion
- The rule reserves discretion to direct an examination, but names no identifiable examination for that slot; it remains an applicant condition.
Crossover reciprocity and recognition
- Barber
- Satisfy the barber license training, application and examination requirements separately. NIC Barber Styling written and practical examinations are examinations of another profession and are conditions, not nail-family requirement leaves.
- Compact
- A license held pursuant to an interstate compact does not qualify; a Missouri recognition license cannot confer compact eligibility.
- Fees
- Required fees, bonds and insurance are not waived by 324.009 itself.
- Good standing
- Meet 324.009(4)-(5): current good-standing license, no disqualifying revocation, unresolved disciplinary matters, or disqualifying criminal history.
- Law test
- 324.009(3)(1) reserves the state-law test and the Board reciprocity rule and form exercise that authority with a 75 percent passing grade.
- Other license
- Hold a valid current license at the same occupation and practice level for at least one year in another state, United States territory, District of Columbia, or military branch/unit; provide verification.
- Qualifications
- The other oversight body must verify the minimum education and any experience/supervision requirements in effect when licensure was obtained.
- Reciprocity
- Meet reciprocity requirements for both barber and Class MO licenses; supply the corresponding current licenses and affidavits.
Renew crossover operator license
- Application
- Return the signed biennial renewal application and fee by September 30 of odd-numbered years.
- Single profession
- The applicant may renew only Class MO instead, surrendering the crossover license and satisfying individual-license renewal requirements.
Restore crossover operator license expired more than five years
All of the following:
- National Nail Technology Theory Examination
- National Nail Technology Practical Examination (assessment without a question bank)
- Age
- At least 17 years old when applying for examination; submit proof of age.
- Application
- Submit the sworn application, fees, required training/termination and contractual-fee certifications, and Board approval before scheduling.
- Barber
- Satisfy the barber license training, application and examination requirements separately. NIC Barber Styling written and practical examinations are examinations of another profession and are conditions, not nail-family requirement leaves.
- Criminal history
- Disclose the required criminal history; the Board determines qualifications and may deny under RSMo 329.050(5).
- Education
- Successful completion of tenth grade or equivalent; furnish education documentation.
- Expiration
- License has expired for more than five years.
- Passing score
- A score of at least 75 is required on each written and practical examination.
- Training
- Complete all training and examination requirements for a new crossover license.
- Training currency
- Training and the examination application must satisfy the five-year limits in 20 CSR 2085-7.010 and the applicable enrollment rules.
Restore crossover operator license expired more than two but less than five years
- Application
- Provide license number, fees, photographs and required scheduling notice.
- Barber
- Complete applicable barber practical assessment, an examination of another profession.
- Expiration
- License has expired for more than two but less than five years.
Restore crossover operator license within two years
- Application
- Submit the Board form, renewal and late fee within two years after expiry.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- chapter329.html
RSMo 329.120
- csr-13.doc
20 CSR 2085-13.100 (3) Reinstatement
Class MO — Manicurist
Individual license to practice manicuring and pedicuring; the broader Class CA cosmetology occupation is distinct. All Class MO issuance, renewal, restoration and conversion routes are included.
Licensing authority: Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners · Application information
Convert crossover license to individual Class MO license
- Application
- Apply at renewal or on the Board form with the individual fee; surrender the crossover license when the individual license is issued.
- License
- Hold a crossover license carrying the Class MO classification.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- csr-13.doc
20 CSR 2085-13.020 (4) License Conversion
Licensure by examination — Apprenticeship trained applicant
All of the following:
- National Nail Technology Theory Examination
- National Nail Technology Practical Examination (assessment without a question bank)
- Age
- At least 17 years old when applying for examination; submit proof of age.
- Application
- Submit the sworn application, fees, required training/termination and contractual-fee certifications, and Board approval before scheduling.
- Criminal history
- Disclose the required criminal history; the Board determines qualifications and may deny under RSMo 329.050(5).
- Education
- Successful completion of tenth grade or equivalent; furnish education documentation.
- Passing score
- A score of at least 75 is required on each written and practical examination.
- Training
- Complete at least 800 supervised apprenticeship hours; school and apprenticeship hours cannot be mixed.
- Training currency
- Training and the examination application must satisfy the five-year limits in 20 CSR 2085-7.010 and the applicable enrollment rules.
Licensure by examination — Training from a foreign country
All of the following:
- National Nail Technology Theory Examination
- National Nail Technology Practical Examination (assessment without a question bank)
- State Law Test (practice unavailable)
- Affidavit
- Provide training and license affidavits and the out-of-state examination application checklist.
- Age
- At least 17 years old when applying for examination; submit proof of age.
- Application
- Submit the sworn application, fees, required training/termination and contractual-fee certifications, and Board approval before scheduling.
- Criminal history
- Disclose the required criminal history; the Board determines qualifications and may deny under RSMo 329.050(5).
- Education
- Successful completion of tenth grade or equivalent; furnish education documentation.
- Law test
- The out-of-state checklist requires completion of the online State Law Test.
- Passing score
- A score of at least 75 is required on each written and practical examination.
- Training
- The Board determines substantial equivalency and credit for training outside Missouri; obtain any additional hours the Board specifies.
- Training currency
- Training and the examination application must satisfy the five-year limits in 20 CSR 2085-7.010 and the applicable enrollment rules.
- Translation
- Foreign or non-English documents must be certified by a Board-approved credential evaluation service; approved English translations may be required.
Licensure by examination — School trained applicant
All of the following:
- National Nail Technology Theory Examination
- National Nail Technology Practical Examination (assessment without a question bank)
- Age
- At least 17 years old when applying for examination; submit proof of age.
- Application
- Submit the sworn application, fees, required training/termination and contractual-fee certifications, and Board approval before scheduling.
- Criminal history
- Disclose the required criminal history; the Board determines qualifications and may deny under RSMo 329.050(5).
- Education
- Successful completion of tenth grade or equivalent; furnish education documentation.
- Passing score
- A score of at least 75 is required on each written and practical examination.
- Training
- Complete at least 400 hours or the statutory equivalent credits at a licensed school.
- Training currency
- Training and the examination application must satisfy the five-year limits in 20 CSR 2085-7.010 and the applicable enrollment rules.
Licensure by examination — Training from another United States jurisdiction
All of the following:
- National Nail Technology Theory Examination
- National Nail Technology Practical Examination (assessment without a question bank)
- State Law Test (practice unavailable)
- Affidavit
- Provide training and license affidavits and the out-of-state examination application checklist.
- Age
- At least 17 years old when applying for examination; submit proof of age.
- Application
- Submit the sworn application, fees, required training/termination and contractual-fee certifications, and Board approval before scheduling.
- Criminal history
- Disclose the required criminal history; the Board determines qualifications and may deny under RSMo 329.050(5).
- Education
- Successful completion of tenth grade or equivalent; furnish education documentation.
- Law test
- The out-of-state checklist requires completion of the online State Law Test.
- Passing score
- A score of at least 75 is required on each written and practical examination.
- Training
- The Board determines substantial equivalency and credit for training outside Missouri; obtain any additional hours the Board specifies.
- Training currency
- Training and the examination application must satisfy the five-year limits in 20 CSR 2085-7.010 and the applicable enrollment rules.
Reactivate an inactive manicurist license
- Application
- Return the original inactive license, properly completed reactivation form and current renewal fee.
- Disclosure
- Answer criminal-history and license-discipline questions and identify prospective employer/location when applicable.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- csr-7.doc
20 CSR 2085-7.040 (3) Inactive
- reactivate.pdf
Reactivate Inactive License, final issuance instruction
Reciprocity under RSMo 329.130 — equivalent
- Board form demand
- The Board reciprocity form also states: 4. State law test - must be completed online with a passing grade of 75%. (https://pr.mo.gov/cosbar-pin.asp#start_exam)
- Board rule demand
- RSMo 329.130 expressly grants the license without examination and controls this route. The lower-ranked 20 CSR 2085-7.030(3) nevertheless states: (3) Any reciprocity applicant requesting licensure will be required to complete an open book state law test, which will be included with the reciprocity application.
- Discipline
- Applicants currently under disciplinary action with another cosmetology board cannot use recognition under 324.009.
- Documentation
- Provide the licensing agency affidavit, photographs and proof of age required by the Board form.
- Eligibility
- Hold a current license in another United States jurisdiction with licensing requirements similar to Missouri.
- Fees
- Pay the applicable application and licensing fees.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- chapter329.html
RSMo 329.130
- csr-7.doc
20 CSR 2085-7.030 (1) Reciprocity
Reciprocity under RSMo 329.130 — experience
- Board form demand
- The Board reciprocity form also states: 4. State law test - must be completed online with a passing grade of 75%. (https://pr.mo.gov/cosbar-pin.asp#start_exam)
- Board rule demand
- RSMo 329.130 expressly grants the license without examination and controls this route. The lower-ranked 20 CSR 2085-7.030(3) nevertheless states: (3) Any reciprocity applicant requesting licensure will be required to complete an open book state law test, which will be included with the reciprocity application.
- Discipline
- Applicants currently under disciplinary action with another cosmetology board cannot use recognition under 324.009.
- Documentation
- Provide the licensing agency affidavit, photographs and proof of age required by the Board form.
- Eligibility
- Hold a current license and have practiced cosmetology for at least two consecutive years in another United States jurisdiction.
- Fees
- Pay the applicable application and licensing fees.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- chapter329.html
RSMo 329.130
- csr-7.doc
20 CSR 2085-7.030 (1) Reciprocity
Licensure by recognition under RSMo 324.009
- Compact
- A license held pursuant to an interstate compact does not qualify; a Missouri recognition license cannot confer compact eligibility.
- Fees
- Required fees, bonds and insurance are not waived by 324.009 itself.
- Good standing
- Meet 324.009(4)-(5): current good-standing license, no disqualifying revocation, unresolved disciplinary matters, or disqualifying criminal history.
- Law test
- 324.009(3)(1) reserves the state-law test and the Board reciprocity rule and form exercise that authority with a 75 percent passing grade.
- Other license
- Hold a valid current license at the same occupation and practice level for at least one year in another state, United States territory, District of Columbia, or military branch/unit; provide verification.
- Qualifications
- The other oversight body must verify the minimum education and any experience/supervision requirements in effect when licensure was obtained.
Biennial active license renewal
- Application
- Return the signed renewal application and fee by September 30 of each odd-numbered year.
- Practice
- A license that expires or becomes inactive does not authorize practice.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- chapter329.html
RSMo 329.120
- csr-7.doc
20 CSR 2085-7.040 (2) Renewals
Reinstate an expired license after more than two years
- Application
- Provide the license number, renewal/late fees, photographs and any other required information; schedule at least 14 days in advance.
- Exam
- The controlling reinstatement rule requires only the practical licensure examination; the notification form contains options for practical, theory, or both without changing that rule.
- Expiration
- The license has expired for more than two years.
Restore an expired license within two years
- Application
- Submit reinstatement application, renewal fee and late fee.
- Expiration
- The expired license must be within two years of expiration.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- chapter329.html
RSMo 329.120
- csr-7.doc
20 CSR 2085-7.050 (1) The holder
Licensure by examination score endorsement
All of the following:
- National Nail Technology Theory Examination
- National Nail Technology Practical Examination (assessment without a question bank)
- State Law Test (practice unavailable)
- Age
- At least 17 years old when applying for examination; submit proof of age.
- Application
- Submit the sworn application, fees, required training/termination and contractual-fee certifications, and Board approval before scheduling.
- Criminal history
- Disclose the required criminal history; the Board determines qualifications and may deny under RSMo 329.050(5).
- Education
- Successful completion of tenth grade or equivalent; furnish education documentation.
- Law test
- Complete the State Law Test with a passing grade of 75 percent.
- License
- Hold an active license in good standing in another United States jurisdiction.
- Passing score
- A score of at least 75 is required on each written and practical examination.
- Scores
- Submit licensing-agency verification of NIC written and NIC practical passing scores of at least 75 percent; the currently offered exams remain leaves even though passed before application.
- Training currency
- Training and the examination application must satisfy the five-year limits in 20 CSR 2085-7.010 and the applicable enrollment rules.
- Waiver
- Request Board waiver of retaking the examinations by score endorsement and pay the endorsement fee.
Expedited recognition — military or law enforcement spouse
- Board form demand
- The general Board form states: 4. State law test - must be completed online with a passing grade of 75%. (https://pr.mo.gov/cosbar-pin.asp#start_exam) The controlling spouse waiver is recorded separately.
- Compact
- A license held pursuant to an interstate compact does not qualify; a Missouri recognition license cannot confer compact eligibility.
- Fees
- Required fees, bonds and insurance are not waived by 324.009 itself.
- Good standing
- Meet 324.009(4)-(5): current good-standing license, no disqualifying revocation, unresolved disciplinary matters, or disqualifying criminal history.
- Law test
- 324.009(3)(1) reserves the state-law test and the Board reciprocity rule and form exercise that authority with a 75 percent passing grade.
- Other license
- Hold a valid current license at the same occupation and practice level for at least one year in another state, United States territory, District of Columbia, or military branch/unit; provide verification.
- Qualifications
- The other oversight body must verify the minimum education and any experience/supervision requirements in effect when licensure was obtained.
- Spouse
- Meet the statutory definition of resident or nonresident military or law-enforcement spouse. The Board must waive examination, education and experience requirements and issue the license within 30 days when all statutory conditions are met.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- 324009.html
RSMo 324.009.3(2), expedited military or law-enforcement spouse recognition
- 324009.html
RSMo 324.009.1(4),(6), eligible spouse definitions
Class MO — Temporary License
Temporary supervised practice pending the scheduled manicurist licensing examinations.
Licensing authority: Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners · Application information
Temporary supervised practice — domestic
All of the following:
- National Nail Technology Theory Examination
- National Nail Technology Practical Examination (assessment without a question bank)
- Age
- At least 17 years old when applying for examination; submit proof of age.
- Application
- Submit the sworn application, fees, required training/termination and contractual-fee certifications, and Board approval before scheduling.
- Criminal history
- Disclose the required criminal history; the Board determines qualifications and may deny under RSMo 329.050(5).
- Education
- Successful completion of tenth grade or equivalent; furnish education documentation.
- Passing score
- A score of at least 75 is required on each written and practical examination.
- Permit
- Apply after approval to sit for the examinations; the Board form states temporary permits issue after scheduling.
- Supervision
- Practice only under the supervision of a current Missouri licensee in the same classification.
- Termination
- The permit terminates on examination failure or nonappearance; no additional permit is issued.
- Training
- Meet the applicable school, apprenticeship or approved transfer training requirements.
- Training currency
- Training and the examination application must satisfy the five-year limits in 20 CSR 2085-7.010 and the applicable enrollment rules.
Temporary supervised practice — transfer
All of the following:
- National Nail Technology Theory Examination
- National Nail Technology Practical Examination (assessment without a question bank)
- State Law Test (practice unavailable)
- Age
- At least 17 years old when applying for examination; submit proof of age.
- Application
- Submit the sworn application, fees, required training/termination and contractual-fee certifications, and Board approval before scheduling.
- Criminal history
- Disclose the required criminal history; the Board determines qualifications and may deny under RSMo 329.050(5).
- Education
- Successful completion of tenth grade or equivalent; furnish education documentation.
- Law test
- The out-of-state checklist requires the online State Law Test.
- Passing score
- A score of at least 75 is required on each written and practical examination.
- Permit
- Apply after approval to sit for the examinations; the Board form states temporary permits issue after scheduling.
- Supervision
- Practice only under the supervision of a current Missouri licensee in the same classification.
- Termination
- The permit terminates on examination failure or nonappearance; no additional permit is issued.
- Training
- Meet the applicable school, apprenticeship or approved transfer training requirements.
- Training currency
- Training and the examination application must satisfy the five-year limits in 20 CSR 2085-7.010 and the applicable enrollment rules.
National Nail Technology Practical Examination
This assessment does not have a question bank.
- Provider
- Developed by the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC); practical examinations administered by test administration companies and states upon approval and authorization of NIC
- Format
- Hands-on practical examination in seven core domain sections (six timed sections and an individually examined blood exposure procedure) evaluated by examiners on specified tasks; more than one client set up is required; model or mannequin requirements follow state guidelines; NIC also offers additional practical sections that a state may require
Examination sources
- NIC National Nail Technology Practical Examination CIB (Effective Date: September 01, 2025; Revision Date: March 01, 2026)
PDF page 1, title page effective and revision dates
- NIC National Nail Technology Practical Examination CIB (Effective Date: September 01, 2025; Revision Date: March 01, 2026)
PDF page 12, Core Domain Sections
- NIC National Nail Technology Practical Examination CIB (Effective Date: September 01, 2025; Revision Date: March 01, 2026)
PDF page 12, Core Domain Sections list, section 2
- NIC National Nail Technology Practical Examination CIB (Effective Date: September 01, 2025; Revision Date: March 01, 2026)
PDF page 12, Core Domain Sections list, section 4
- NIC National Nail Technology Practical Examination CIB (Effective Date: September 01, 2025; Revision Date: March 01, 2026)
PDF page 12, Core Domain Sections list, section 6
- NIC National Nail Technology Practical Examination CIB (Effective Date: September 01, 2025; Revision Date: March 01, 2026)
PDF page 12, Core Domain Sections list, section 7
- NIC National Nail Technology Practical Examination CIB (Effective Date: September 01, 2025; Revision Date: March 01, 2026)
PDF page 14, section 2 evaluation lead-in
- NIC National Nail Technology Practical Examination CIB (Effective Date: September 01, 2025; Revision Date: March 01, 2026)
PDF page 9, Safety, failing score for unsafe work area
- NIC National Nail Technology Practical Examination CIB (Effective Date: September 01, 2025; Revision Date: March 01, 2026)
PDF page 11, Special Attention, more than one client set up
- NIC National Nail Technology Practical Examination CIB (Effective Date: September 01, 2025; Revision Date: March 01, 2026)
PDF page 10, NIC Model or Mannequin Requirements
- NIC National Nail Technology Practical Examination CIB (Effective Date: September 01, 2025; Revision Date: March 01, 2026)
PDF page 5, Additional Services
- NIC National Nail Technology Practical Examination CIB (Effective Date: September 01, 2025; Revision Date: March 01, 2026)
PDF page 4, instruction to obtain the most current bulletin
- NIC Exam Types page (nictesting.org)
NIC Exam Types page, introductory paragraph, second sentence
- NIC Candidate Information Bulletin Selection (NIC CIB portal linked from nictesting.org)
CIB selection portal Overview, additional practical sections
- NIC Candidate Information Bulletin Selection (NIC CIB portal linked from nictesting.org)
CIB selection portal Overview, currency of bulletins without a year in the title
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
- NIC National Nail Technology Theory Examination CIB (Effective Date: September 01, 2025; Revision Date: March 01, 2026)
PDF page 1, title page effective and revision dates
- NIC National Nail Technology Theory Examination CIB (Effective Date: September 01, 2025; Revision Date: March 01, 2026)
PDF page 6, Domain Details, meaning of the percentages
- NIC National Nail Technology Theory Examination CIB (Effective Date: September 01, 2025; Revision Date: March 01, 2026)
PDF page 6, domain I heading
- NIC National Nail Technology Theory Examination CIB (Effective Date: September 01, 2025; Revision Date: March 01, 2026)
PDF page 6, domain II heading
- NIC National Nail Technology Theory Examination CIB (Effective Date: September 01, 2025; Revision Date: March 01, 2026)
PDF page 7, domain III heading
- NIC National Nail Technology Theory Examination CIB (Effective Date: September 01, 2025; Revision Date: March 01, 2026)
PDF page 7, domain IV heading
- NIC National Nail Technology Theory Examination CIB (Effective Date: September 01, 2025; Revision Date: March 01, 2026)
PDF page 7, domain V heading
- NIC National Nail Technology Theory Examination CIB (Effective Date: September 01, 2025; Revision Date: March 01, 2026)
PDF page 8, domain VI heading
- NIC National Nail Technology Theory Examination CIB (Effective Date: September 01, 2025; Revision Date: March 01, 2026)
PDF page 8, domain VII heading
- NIC National Nail Technology Theory Examination CIB (Effective Date: September 01, 2025; Revision Date: March 01, 2026)
PDF page 9, domain VIII heading
- NIC National Nail Technology Theory Examination CIB (Effective Date: September 01, 2025; Revision Date: March 01, 2026)
PDF page 8, domain VI.A.6 massage types
- NIC National Nail Technology Theory Examination CIB (Effective Date: September 01, 2025; Revision Date: March 01, 2026)
PDF page 6, Domain Details, item count and weighting
- NIC National Nail Technology Theory Examination CIB (Effective Date: September 01, 2025; Revision Date: March 01, 2026)
PDF page 3, time allowed
- NIC National Nail Technology Theory Examination CIB (Effective Date: September 01, 2025; Revision Date: March 01, 2026)
PDF page 10, Sample Questions introduction
- NIC National Nail Technology Theory Examination CIB (Effective Date: September 01, 2025; Revision Date: March 01, 2026)
PDF page 3, instruction to obtain the most current bulletin
- NIC Exam Types page (nictesting.org)
NIC Exam Types page, introductory paragraph, second sentence
- NIC Candidate Information Bulletin Selection (NIC CIB portal linked from nictesting.org)
CIB selection portal Overview, currency of bulletins without a year in the title
State Law Test
Practice scope
Inferred from the examination name; the authority has not published an examination outline.
- Revised Statutes of Missouri, Chapter 328 — Barbers
- Revised Statutes of Missouri, Chapter 329 — Cosmetologists, Hairdressers and Manicurists
- 20 CSR 2085-2 — Public Complaint Handling and Disposition Procedures
- 20 CSR 2085-4 — General Rules Applicable to All Licensees/Registrants
- 20 CSR 2085-5 — Barber Licensing
- 20 CSR 2085-6 — Barber Instructors
- 20 CSR 2085-7 — Cosmetology Licensing
- 20 CSR 2085-8 — Cosmetology Instructors and Instructor Trainees
- 20 CSR 2085-9 — Apprenticeships—Barber and Cosmetology
- 20 CSR 2085-10 — Establishments (Shops)—Barber and Cosmetology
- 20 CSR 2085-11 — Sanitation Rules—Barber and Cosmetology
- 20 CSR 2085-12 — Schools and Student Rules—Barber and Cosmetology
- 20 CSR 2085-13 — Crossover Licenses
Examination sources
- state-law-test.html
State Law Test heading
- csr-7.doc
20 CSR 2085-7.030: (3) Any reciprocity applicant
- rules-index.html
Rules & Statutes, Statutes and Regulations links
- csr-index.html
Division 2085, complete Board chapter enumeration
- csr-14.pdf
20 CSR 2085-14.010 and 14.020 rescission headings
- state-law-test.html
State Law Test grading notice
- reciprocity.pdf
Page 1, instruction 4