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Montana Nail Technology — Requirements & Free Practice

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

Manicurist license

Individual license to practice manicuring; ordinary license and its initial issuance, renewal and reactivation routes.

Licensing authority: Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists · Application information

Licensure by examination — registered apprenticeship

All of the following:

Application
Submit the department application and application fee.
Character
Good moral character.
Education
High school diploma or equivalent recognized by the superintendent of public instruction, unless the Board grants the statutory exception.
Equivalent exam discretion
ARM 24.121.611 also permits equivalents aligning with the license sought; the unnamed equivalent examinations are applicant conditions rather than additional exam leaves.
Exam documents
Submit proof of passage of the required examinations.
License verifications
Submit official verifications for all professional licenses currently or previously held.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Passing score
At least 75 percent on each of the NIC theory and practical examinations under ARM 24.121.611.
Personal history
For affirmative personal-history responses, provide explanations and source documentation as required by the Board checklist.
Termination
After the MCA 37-1-141 termination period, a new original application is required; termination does not create a reactivation route.
Test eligibility
The Montana Registered Apprenticeship Program may authorize testing after 90 percent completion and satisfaction of MCA 37-31-304(1)(a).
Training
Complete the Montana Registered Apprenticeship Program manicuring apprenticeship and obtain its completion certificate; the adopted curriculum requires 2000 hours including at least 40 theory hours.
Training documents
Submit proof of completion of qualifying manicuring training.
Licensure without examination — DPHHS certified disability training
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Certification
DPHHS certifies successful completion of the required training in a school.
Eligibility
Person with a physical disability trained by the Department of Public Health and Human Services.
Time limit
The examination and fee exemption applies for one year immediately following graduation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by examination — foreign education

All of the following:

Application
Submit the department application and application fee.
Character
Good moral character.
Education
High school diploma or equivalent recognized by the superintendent of public instruction, unless the Board grants the statutory exception.
Equivalent exam discretion
ARM 24.121.611 also permits equivalents aligning with the license sought; the unnamed equivalent examinations are applicant conditions rather than additional exam leaves.
Exam documents
Submit proof of passage of the required examinations.
Foreign education
Fulfill the same licensing requirements; documents supporting foreign education must be certified by a credential-evaluating service, sent directly to the department, and evaluated at the applicant’s expense.
License verifications
Submit official verifications for all professional licenses currently or previously held.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Passing score
At least 75 percent on each of the NIC theory and practical examinations under ARM 24.121.611.
Personal history
For affirmative personal-history responses, provide explanations and source documentation as required by the Board checklist.
Termination
After the MCA 37-1-141 termination period, a new original application is required; termination does not create a reactivation route.
Test eligibility
A Montana school may authorize examination eligibility after 90 percent of education; all licensing qualifications must still be satisfied.
Training
Complete a 400-hour manicuring course and receive a diploma from an authorized school.
Training documents
Submit proof of completion of qualifying manicuring training.
Reactivation of expired license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a completed renewal form.
Education audit
An expired-license reactivation is subject to the mandatory continuing-education audit provided by MCA 37-1-306(2), where applicable.
Expiration
Practice after expiration is unlicensed practice; termination requires a new original license.
Fees
Pay the late penalty and current renewal fees.
Qualifications
Comply with applicable certification and education requirements; accrued requirements apply to an expired license.
Time limit
Within two years after renewal, before termination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation of lapsed license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a completed renewal form.
Expiration
Practice after expiration is unlicensed practice; termination requires a new original license.
Fees
Pay the late penalty and current renewal fees.
Qualifications
Comply with applicable certification and education requirements; accrued requirements apply to an expired license.
Time limit
Within 45 days after renewal.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

License renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a completed renewal form and remit the current renewal fee by the renewal deadline.
Continued qualifications
Comply with applicable certification and continuing education requirements under MCA 37-1-306.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration following activated reservist inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Conditions
Any individualized conditions attached by the Board remain applicant conditions; MCA 37-1-138(4) identifies no licensing examination for this restoration.
Documents
Send discharge documents to the Board or department on release.
Eligibility
An activated reservist placed the license on protected inactive status during federal active duty.
Review
The Board considers military duties and length of service against licensing qualifications and determines full restoration, conditional retention, suspension, or revocation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military reciprocity — substantially equivalent licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Provide the application and required eligibility and licensure evidence.
Equivalence
The Board determines substantial equivalency under MCA 37-1-147(2)(a).
License
Licensed or certified in good standing in another state or United States territory; no pending charges or final discipline for unprofessional conduct or impairment.
Military eligibility
Meet the military member, military spouse, transfer, or honorable-discharge and relocation criteria set out in MCA 37-1-147(1).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by examination — relevant military training or service

All of the following:

Application
Submit the department application and application fee.
Character
Good moral character.
Education
High school diploma or equivalent recognized by the superintendent of public instruction, unless the Board grants the statutory exception.
Equivalent exam discretion
ARM 24.121.611 also permits equivalents aligning with the license sought; the unnamed equivalent examinations are applicant conditions rather than additional exam leaves.
Exam documents
Submit proof of passage of the required examinations.
License verifications
Submit official verifications for all professional licenses currently or previously held.
Military credit
On satisfactory evidence, the Board must accept relevant armed-forces or reserve education, training, or service toward licensing qualifications under MCA 37-1-145.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Passing score
At least 75 percent on each of the NIC theory and practical examinations under ARM 24.121.611.
Personal history
For affirmative personal-history responses, provide explanations and source documentation as required by the Board checklist.
Termination
After the MCA 37-1-141 termination period, a new original application is required; termination does not create a reactivation route.
Test eligibility
A Montana school may authorize examination eligibility after 90 percent of education; all licensing qualifications must still be satisfied.
Training
Complete a 400-hour manicuring course and receive a diploma from an authorized school.
Training documents
Submit proof of completion of qualifying manicuring training.
Out of state licensure — qualifying training

All of the following:

Application
Submit an application and the relevant license, training or experience evidence and fees.
Character
Good moral character.
Education
High school diploma or equivalent recognized by the superintendent of public instruction, unless the Board grants the statutory exception.
Equivalent exam discretion
ARM 24.121.611 also permits equivalents aligning with the license sought; the unnamed equivalent examinations are applicant conditions rather than additional exam leaves.
Exam documents
Submit proof of passage of the required examinations.
License
Licensed in a jurisdiction the Board determines lacks substantially equivalent licensing requirements.
License verifications
Submit official verifications for all professional licenses currently or previously held.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Passing score
At least 75 percent on each of the NIC theory and practical examinations under ARM 24.121.611.
Personal history
For affirmative personal-history responses, provide explanations and source documentation as required by the Board checklist.
Termination
After the MCA 37-1-141 termination period, a new original application is required; termination does not create a reactivation route.
Test eligibility
A Montana school may authorize examination eligibility after 90 percent of education; all licensing qualifications must still be satisfied.
Training
Complete the required 400-hour school course or the qualifying registered apprenticeship; the 800-hour work alternative is for applicants lacking those qualifications.
Training documents
Submit proof of completion of qualifying manicuring training.
Training or experience
Complete the required 400-hour school course or the qualifying registered apprenticeship; the 800-hour work alternative is for applicants lacking those qualifications.
Out of state licensure — work experience

All of the following:

Application
Submit an application and the relevant license, training or experience evidence and fees.
Character
Good moral character.
Education
High school diploma or equivalent recognized by the superintendent of public instruction, unless the Board grants the statutory exception.
Equivalent exam discretion
ARM 24.121.611 also permits equivalents aligning with the license sought; the unnamed equivalent examinations are applicant conditions rather than additional exam leaves.
Exam documents
Submit proof of passage of the required examinations.
License
Licensed in a jurisdiction the Board determines lacks substantially equivalent licensing requirements.
License verifications
Submit official verifications for all professional licenses currently or previously held.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Passing score
At least 75 percent on each of the NIC theory and practical examinations under ARM 24.121.611.
Personal history
For affirmative personal-history responses, provide explanations and source documentation as required by the Board checklist.
Termination
After the MCA 37-1-141 termination period, a new original application is required; termination does not create a reactivation route.
Test eligibility
A Montana school may authorize examination eligibility after 90 percent of education; all licensing qualifications must still be satisfied.
Training
If the required school course or apprenticeship was not completed, attest to at least 800 hours of work as a licensed manicurist.
Training documents
Submit proof of completion of qualifying manicuring training.
Training or experience
If the required school course or apprenticeship was not completed, attest to at least 800 hours of work as a licensed manicurist.
Licensure without examination — out of state endorsement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the department application, required verifications, and fee.
Equivalence
The Board determines that the issuing state course-of-study hours are equal to or greater than Montana’s, meeting the express no-examination rule in MCA 37-31-304(1)(c). Substantial equivalency under the separate general statute is represented by its own route.
License
Current license from another state in good standing, without pending or final discipline for unprofessional conduct or impairment.
Statutory waiver
MCA 37-31-304(1)(c) expressly directs issuance without examination when its conditions are met.
Temporary practice registration
MCA 37-1-144(5) also permits an out-of-state licensee in good standing to register for up to 21 days per calendar year for the specified educational or treatment purposes; this is a registration permitting practice without a Montana license, not a separate manicurist license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by examination — school training

All of the following:

Application
Submit the department application and application fee.
Character
Good moral character.
Education
High school diploma or equivalent recognized by the superintendent of public instruction, unless the Board grants the statutory exception.
Equivalent exam discretion
ARM 24.121.611 also permits equivalents aligning with the license sought; the unnamed equivalent examinations are applicant conditions rather than additional exam leaves.
Exam documents
Submit proof of passage of the required examinations.
License verifications
Submit official verifications for all professional licenses currently or previously held.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Passing score
At least 75 percent on each of the NIC theory and practical examinations under ARM 24.121.611.
Personal history
For affirmative personal-history responses, provide explanations and source documentation as required by the Board checklist.
Termination
After the MCA 37-1-141 termination period, a new original application is required; termination does not create a reactivation route.
Test eligibility
A Montana school may authorize examination eligibility after 90 percent of education; all licensing qualifications must still be satisfied.
Training
Complete a 400-hour manicuring course and receive a diploma from an authorized school.
Training documents
Submit proof of completion of qualifying manicuring training.
Licensure by general substantial equivalency

All of the following:

Application
Submit the department application and application fee.
Character
Good moral character.
Education
High school diploma or equivalent recognized by the superintendent of public instruction, unless the Board grants the statutory exception.
Equivalent exam discretion
ARM 24.121.611 also permits equivalents aligning with the license sought; the unnamed equivalent examinations are applicant conditions rather than additional exam leaves.
Exam documents
Submit proof of passage of the required examinations.
License verifications
Submit official verifications for all professional licenses currently or previously held.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Passing score
At least 75 percent on each of the NIC theory and practical examinations under ARM 24.121.611.
Personal history
For affirmative personal-history responses, provide explanations and source documentation as required by the Board checklist.
Recognition
ARM 24.121.615(3) treats applications from substantially equivalent states as routine as to education, examinations, and experience. Prior examinations and recognized qualifications may satisfy the route; this does not direct every applicant to sit again.
Statutory without exam
Applicants satisfying the specific course-hour and good-standing criteria of MCA 37-31-304(1)(c) use the explicit no-examination endorsement route.
Termination
After the MCA 37-1-141 termination period, a new original application is required; termination does not create a reactivation route.
Test eligibility
A Montana school may authorize examination eligibility after 90 percent of education; all licensing qualifications must still be satisfied.
Training
Hold an active license in good standing from a jurisdiction whose current qualifications the Board determines are substantially equivalent to Montana’s under MCA 37-1-304 and ARM 24.121.615.
Training documents
Submit proof of completion of qualifying manicuring training.

Provisional manicurist license

Provisional form of the manicurist license under MCA 37-1-144; eligibility is determined by the department and specified requirements may remain pending.

Licensing authority: Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists · Application information

Provisional endorsement — verification pending
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Department discretion
The department may issue the provisional license after its initial eligibility determination, subject to MCA 37-1-144 limitations.
Eligibility
Otherwise qualifies for statutory out-of-state endorsement without examination.
Pending verification
Verification of licensure in good standing or absence of relevant criminal charges or other action remains pending.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Provisional licensure — examination qualification pending

All of the following:

Eligibility
The department initially determines the applicant eligible for manicurist licensure except for one or more pending conditions listed in MCA 37-1-144(1).
Equivalent exam discretion
ARM 24.121.611 also permits equivalents aligning with the license sought; the unnamed equivalent examinations are applicant conditions rather than additional exam leaves.
Examination
Required NIC Nail Technology theory and practical examinations remain involved even where passage is pending provisional issuance; score requirements remain 75 percent each.
Limitations
Time, place and supervision limitations may be imposed; the provisional license ends or is rendered inactive on the events enumerated in MCA 37-1-144(3)-(4).
Pending conditions
Pending licensure examination, supervised work or education, inspection, license verification, or criminal or other-action verification as applicable.

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

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