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North Carolina 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 to practice manicuring as defined by G.S. 88B-2(12)-(13).

Licensing authority: North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners

Reinstatement after failure to renew within five years of expiration

All of the following:

Examination approval
G.S. 88B-21(f) requires a Board-prescribed examination before reinstatement. The Nail Technology CIB, page 1, expressly includes reinstatement candidates and requires Board approval before registration.
Expired license
The manicurist license has not been renewed within five years following its expiration date.
Fees
Pay the applicable license and reinstatement-related fees prescribed by the Board.
Passing scores
Pass both the NIC theory and practical portions with at least 75 percent.
Placement on the inactive license list
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Continuing education is not required while inactive.
Practice restriction
An inactive licensee may not practice cosmetic art for consideration, but may purchase supplies on the same basis as an active licensee.
Standing
Be a licensee in good standing and request inactive status; placement is at the Board discretion.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Late renewal before the five year examination requirement applies
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Complete eight Board-approved continuing education hours annually for each year of the licensing cycle. At least half must relate to the licensed profession; maintain attendance records and submit the renewal application, fees and CE affirmation. The first licensing period is exempt under 21 NCAC 14R .0105(h). Active manicurists age 60 or older with at least ten consecutive years in the profession are exempt under G.S. 88B-21(e).
Expired license
Renew the expired license within five years following expiration; failure to renew within that period instead requires the reinstatement examination under G.S. 88B-21(f).
Fees
Pay the renewal and applicable late fees and submit the required renewal documentation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military license portability — servicemember
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Provide military orders and a notarized affidavit identifying the applicant, affirming complete and truthful statements, acknowledging North Carolina requirements and scope, certifying compliance and good standing in all licensing jurisdictions.
Background check
The licensing authority may conduct a background check before recognizing the license.
Board documents
The Board military transfer page requests current licensure, ID and military orders and states no application fee is due.
Compact exception
If the license operates in multiple states under an interstate compact, the compact or applicable state law governs instead of SCRA section 705A.
Covered license
Hold a license for the corresponding occupation in good standing, with no revocation, discipline, pending unprofessional-conduct investigation or voluntary surrender while under such an investigation.
Military relocation
Relocate residence to North Carolina because the servicemember receives military orders to serve here.
Service status
Be the servicemember whose orders caused the relocation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military license portability — spouse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Provide military orders and a notarized affidavit identifying the applicant, affirming complete and truthful statements, acknowledging North Carolina requirements and scope, certifying compliance and good standing in all licensing jurisdictions.
Background check
The licensing authority may conduct a background check before recognizing the license.
Board documents
The Board military transfer page requests current licensure, ID and military orders and states no application fee is due.
Compact exception
If the license operates in multiple states under an interstate compact, the compact or applicable state law governs instead of SCRA section 705A.
Covered license
Hold a license for the corresponding occupation in good standing, with no revocation, discipline, pending unprofessional-conduct investigation or voluntary surrender while under such an investigation.
Marriage certificate
Submit a copy of the marriage certificate.
Military relocation
Relocate residence to North Carolina because the servicemember receives military orders to serve here.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal extension for military service or military spouse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligible status
Be in good standing and serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, or the spouse of such a servicemember, within 21 NCAC 14A .0401(a).
Extension
The Board rule allows an extension for renewal payment and continuing education as permitted by G.S. 93B-15. For the statutory military tax-extension pathway, the servicemember must qualify for the extension identified in G.S. 105-249.2; the license-fee extension runs for that same period.
Renewal conditions
Meet the ordinary renewal and continuing education requirements, subject to the military extension.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by endorsement for a military spouse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board rule fee statement
21 NCAC 14A .0401(b) states: "Individuals holding current and valid licensure as determined by G.S. 93B-15.1 may apply for licensure with the Board by providing a copy of the current and valid license along with a the license application, fees, and documentation of military experience or training." The initial application fee is waived by the controlling G.S. 93B-15.1(k).
Competency
Demonstrate competency by Board-determined methods, such as continuing education or relevant practice for at least two of the preceding five years; paid or volunteer full-time and part-time experience is credited.
Documents
The Board page requests current licensure, ID and military orders.
Fee waiver
The initial application fee is waived by G.S. 93B-15.1(k), although the rule mentions fees; ordinary renewal fees and third-party actual service costs may apply.
Good standing
Have no disqualifying misconduct, be in good standing, have not been disciplined by the issuing agency and have no pending complaints.
License equivalence
Hold a current other-jurisdiction license whose requirements are substantially equivalent to or exceed North Carolina requirements.
Spouse status
Be a military spouse applying in the licensed occupation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure through equivalent military training and experience
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board rule fee statement
21 NCAC 14A .0401(b) states: "Individuals holding current and valid licensure as determined by G.S. 93B-15.1 may apply for licensure with the Board by providing a copy of the current and valid license along with a the license application, fees, and documentation of military experience or training." The initial application fee is waived by the controlling G.S. 93B-15.1(k).
Discipline
Have committed no act constituting grounds for refusal, suspension or revocation and have no pending complaints.
Documents
Provide evidence of the military specialty, training and experience for Board review. 21 NCAC 14A .0401(b) separately describes application using a current and valid license and documentation of military experience or training.
Fee waiver
No initial application fee may be charged under G.S. 93B-15.1(k). The rule mentions fees, but the controlling statute waives the initial application fee; ordinary renewal fees and actual third-party service costs may still apply.
Military qualifications
Have an awarded military occupational specialty and military training, testing or equivalent training and experience, and occupational performance substantially equivalent to or exceeding the requirements of the occupation applied for. Prior military testing is applicant evidence, not an identified currently offered licensing examination.
Recent practice
Have actively practiced the occupation for at least two of the preceding five years; relevant paid, volunteer, full-time and part-time experience is credited under G.S. 93B-15.1(c).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by examination — North Carolina school graduate

All of the following:

Education
Complete at least 300 hours in an approved manicurist school curriculum and its required performances; G.S. 88B-10(1).
Felony application
An applicant convicted of a felony or facing a pending felony may apply for Board licensure approval. Under 21 NCAC 14I .0401, provide the statement of facts and certified charging, judgment and commitment records, at least three unrelated character references, post-conviction personal history and any additional relevant information. These submissions do not bar school attendance, taking the examination or applying for licensure.
Licensure fees
Pay the applicable licensing and application fees; the current Board initial-licensing page states $20 for manicurists.
Passing scores
Achieve at least 75 percent on each of the NIC theory and practical examinations; 21 NCAC 14N .0110.
Repeat examination
After three failures, satisfy additional requirements prescribed by the Board under G.S. 88B-18(d); 21 NCAC 14T .0616 specifies 40 remedial hours at a licensed school after three practical failures.
School approval
The school must approve examination eligibility electronically and submit the graduation form to the Board. If the school has closed, obtain Board approval before registering, as stated in the North Carolina Nail Technology CIB, page 1.
School credit currency
Complete the required hours and apply for the Board examination before five years have elapsed from school enrollment; G.S. 88B-19.
Licensure recognition under G.S. 93B 15.3
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Applicability
The recognition statute applies to applications received on or after October 1, 2025.
Competency
Demonstrate competency by Board-determined methods, including the originating licensing education, supervision or work experience.
Criminal history
Have no disqualifying criminal history as determined under G.S. 93B-8.1 and related law.
Fees
Pay applicable application, license, verification and background-check fees.
Good standing
Be in good standing in every U.S. jurisdiction where licensed; have no voluntary surrender or revocation for unprofessional conduct, and no active or pending disciplinary action. Resolved prior discipline is verified under subsection (c).
Originating examination
Have passed the examination required for the current originating-jurisdiction license, if one was required. The statute identifies no particular examination; this is an applicant condition, not an examination leaf.
Qualifying license
Hold a current license in one of the jurisdictions enumerated by G.S. 93B-15.3(b)(1), in the discipline applied for and at the same or substantially equivalent practice level, and have been licensed in one or more enumerated jurisdictions for at least one year.
Residency
Establish residence in North Carolina.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by examination — approved school graduate from outside North Carolina

All of the following:

Education
Complete at least 300 hours in an approved manicurist school curriculum and its required performances; G.S. 88B-10(1).
Felony application
An applicant convicted of a felony or facing a pending felony may apply for Board licensure approval. Under 21 NCAC 14I .0401, provide the statement of facts and certified charging, judgment and commitment records, at least three unrelated character references, post-conviction personal history and any additional relevant information. These submissions do not bar school attendance, taking the examination or applying for licensure.
Foreign education
The Board page for out-of-country applicants states: "NC law does not allow for the review or verification of foreign cosmetic art credentials or education." That page directs applicants to another U.S. state license followed by reciprocity, or North Carolina school training.
Licensure fees
Pay the applicable licensing and application fees; the current Board initial-licensing page states $20 for manicurists.
Passing scores
Achieve at least 75 percent on each of the NIC theory and practical examinations; 21 NCAC 14N .0110.
Repeat examination
After three failures, satisfy additional requirements prescribed by the Board under G.S. 88B-18(d); 21 NCAC 14T .0616 specifies 40 remedial hours at a licensed school after three practical failures.
School credit currency
Complete the required hours and apply for the Board examination before five years have elapsed from school enrollment; G.S. 88B-19.
Transcript
The school or licensing agency must send the Board a transcript with enrollment date, graduation date, daily earned hours and total hours. Obtain Board approval before examination registration.
Return from inactive status to active practice
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Complete eight continuing education hours for each year of inactivity, up to 24 total hours, as required by 21 NCAC 14R .0105(l) and the Board form.
Fee
Pay the reactivation fee; the current Board form requests $10.
Inactive license
Hold an inactive license; an expired license is not treated as inactive.
Notice
Notify the Board of the desire to return to active practice.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure through reciprocity or comity
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board application
Provide the Board transfer application, valid license, matching-name identification, any required originating-authority certification and applicable fees. The current Board page does not accept a registration or certificate in place of a license for ordinary reciprocity.
License
Hold a current other-state manicurist license in good standing.
Reciprocity terms
Admission is under the same reciprocity or comity provisions that the originating jurisdiction grants to North Carolina licensees; G.S. 88B-13(b) is an alternative to subsection (a).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure through recognition of registered apprenticeship training

All of the following:

Board school statement
The Board NC-applicant page states: "*There are no apprenticeships for manicuring, esthetics or natural hair care." 21 NCAC 14N .0102 states: "All cosmetic art licensee candidates shall have successfully completed the appropriate cosmetic art curriculum in an approved cosmetic art school before receiving the practical examination." The statutory recognition pathway in G.S. 93B-8.6 controls the education exception; applicants should confirm approval of their registered apprenticeship with the Board.
Examination discretion
Pass the licensing examination if deemed necessary by the Board; its passing standard cannot exceed the standard licensing passing score. The identified routine manicurist examinations are NIC theory and practical.
Other requirements
Meet all remaining licensing requirements except prelicensing education.
Training
Complete an apprenticeship approved by the North Carolina State Approving Agency or U.S. Department of Labor, or otherwise permitted by law. G.S. 93B-8.6 replaces prelicensing education; it does not create a cosmetic-art apprentice license for manicuring.
Periodic license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Complete eight Board-approved continuing education hours annually for each year of the licensing cycle. At least half must relate to the licensed profession; maintain attendance records and submit the renewal application, fees and CE affirmation. The first licensing period is exempt under 21 NCAC 14R .0105(h). Active manicurists age 60 or older with at least ten consecutive years in the profession are exempt under G.S. 88B-21(e).
Fees
Submit the renewal fees and required CE documentation; an unrenewed license expires on the statutory October 1 date.
Renewal cycle
Renew on or before October 1 annually.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by credentials — substantially equivalent other state license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board reciprocity instruction
The Board implementing page additionally states: "Be licensed in a state that offers reciprocity to North Carolina (Registrations and certificates are not accepted. Reciprocity cannot be granted for registrations or certificates.)" G.S. 88B-13(a) separately permits substantially equivalent licensing.
Discipline
Have no pending disciplinary proceeding or unresolved complaint at issuance.
Documents
Submit the license transfer application, matching-name license and identification, any certification the Board requires for the originating jurisdiction, and applicable fees.
Equivalence
The other jurisdiction licensing requirements must be substantially equivalent to North Carolina requirements.
License
Hold an other-state manicurist license and be an active practitioner in good standing.
Recent practice
Have practiced at least one of the three years immediately before application.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary employment permit

Temporary supervised manicuring practice for a graduate applying for the manicurist licensing examinations.

Licensing authority: North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners

Temporary employment following school graduation and application for examinations

All of the following:

Completed training
Complete the required manicurist school hours and qualify to take the licensing examinations.
Duration
The permit expires six months from graduation and cannot be renewed.
Exam application
Apply to take the examinations after graduation and within three months of completing the required hours. Passage is not a condition for issuance of this temporary permit; the application involves the currently offered theory and practical licensing examinations.
Graduation submission
The school submits graduation paperwork; submit the temporary permit application and $5 fee.
Practice limits
Practice only under the supervision of an appropriately licensed cosmetologist or manicurist; the permit holder may not operate a cosmetic art shop.

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