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Vermont 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.

Nail Technician — Instructor Specialty

Instructor specialty added to the Vermont license authorizing the professional acts taught.

Licensing authority: Vermont Director of the Office of Professional Regulation, with Barber and Cosmetology Advisors · Application information

Return to Practice — Five or More Years of Absence

All of the following:

Absence
Five or more years of licence lapse or absence from practice.
Continuing education
Complete 24 Vermont-approved education hours during the biennium, at least eight in teaching and none in marketing or business management.
Director discretion
The Director assesses competencies case by case and may permit an unencumbered licence or require retraining, reexamination or reapplication as a new applicant.
Extraordinary waiver
Rule 3-7 permits a documented waiver or variance with conditions only in extraordinary circumstances on written request.
Testing
The current Vermont bulletin expressly provides Reinstatement registration for licensees OPR directs to take the examinations. The theory and practical leaves remain conditional on that determination.
Biennial Renewal — Instructor Specialty
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the online renewal and fee before the assigned expiration date.
Continuing education
Complete 24 Vermont-approved education hours during the biennium, at least eight in teaching and none in marketing or business management.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2020-12-22.

Nondisciplinary Reinstatement — Fewer Than Five Years of Absence
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Absence
Fewer than five years of absence from practice.
Application
Meet renewal requirements and pay renewal and applicable reinstatement fees.
Competence
Complete continuing education that would have applied during continuous licensure or the less burdensome showing permitted by the Director.
Continuing education
Complete 24 Vermont-approved education hours during the biennium, at least eight in teaching and none in marketing or business management.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2020-12-22.

Add Instructor Specialty — Recognized Instructor Training
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Once employed, maintain 24 recognized education hours per biennium, at least eight in teaching and none in marketing or business management.
License
Already hold the Vermont license in good standing for the professional acts taught; use Add Specialty in the online account.
Practice
Attest to 1,500 practical-experience hours in not less than one year.
Training
Complete instructor training recognized by the OPR Director, the expressly permitted training alternative to instructor examination under Rule 8-4(c).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2020-12-22.

Nail Technician — Provisional License

Discretionary 90-day provisional licensure pending determination of a completed full-license application.

Licensing authority: Vermont Director of the Office of Professional Regulation, with Barber and Cosmetology Advisors · Application information

Provisional Issuance — Endorsement Background Check Pending
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Agreement
Enter the voluntary agreement forgoing traditional procedural protections and accepting summary withdrawal for inconsistent or inaccurate facts.
Duration
Issuance is discretionary for 90 days, with an extension while the statutory reason remains unresolved.
Eligibility
Eligibility is contingent upon completion of a background check.
Underlying application
Complete a full nail-technician application under an applicable exam-free section 285 endorsement route and attest to material facts consistent with that route.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2022-05-09.

Provisional Issuance — Military Applicant Qualifying by Endorsement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Agreement
Enter the voluntary agreement forgoing traditional procedural protections and accepting summary withdrawal for inconsistent or inaccurate facts.
Duration
Issuance is discretionary for 90 days, with an extension while the statutory reason remains unresolved.
Eligibility
Be an active-duty U.S. Armed Forces member assigned to Vermont or that member’s spouse.
Underlying application
Complete a full nail-technician application under an applicable exam-free section 285 endorsement route and attest to material facts consistent with that route.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2022-05-09.

Provisional Issuance — Endorsement Verification Pending
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Agreement
Enter the voluntary agreement forgoing traditional procedural protections and accepting summary withdrawal for inconsistent or inaccurate facts.
Duration
Issuance is discretionary for 90 days, with an extension while the statutory reason remains unresolved.
Eligibility
Eligibility is contingent upon acceptable license verification from another jurisdiction.
Underlying application
Complete a full nail-technician application under an applicable exam-free section 285 endorsement route and attest to material facts consistent with that route.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2022-05-09.

Provisional Issuance — Examination Application Pending Background Check

All of the following:

Agreement
Enter the voluntary expedited-licensure agreement, attest to material facts consistent with full-licensure requirements and accept summary withdrawal for inconsistent or inaccurate application information.
Duration
The license lasts 90 days and may be extended while the statutory reason for issuance remains unresolved.
Eligibility
Eligibility is contingent upon completion of a background check.
Extraordinary waiver
Rule 3-7 permits a documented waiver or variance with conditions only in extraordinary circumstances on written request.
School capstone alternative
Rule 8-8 allows students of an OPR-recognized school testing authority to satisfy 26 V.S.A. § 283 through that school’s capstone examination and requires an election between it and the corresponding Director-approved national examinations. The rules and blank examiner-reporting form identify no particular nail school’s examination or separate version; the school-specific examination slot remains a condition. A qualifying capstone may excuse the applicant from the national examinations.
Timing
Provisional authorization is pending final determination. The leaves carry the underlying full-licensure examination set; timing and any authorized excuse from examination remain applicant conditions.
Underlying application
Complete a full nail-technician license application by examination, with approved schooling or apprenticeship and the associated currently offered examinations.
Provisional Issuance — Military Applicant Seeking Initial Licensure

All of the following:

Agreement
Enter the voluntary expedited-licensure agreement, attest to material facts consistent with full-licensure requirements and accept summary withdrawal for inconsistent or inaccurate application information.
Duration
The license lasts 90 days and may be extended while the statutory reason for issuance remains unresolved.
Eligibility
Be an active-duty U.S. Armed Forces member assigned to Vermont or that member’s spouse.
Extraordinary waiver
Rule 3-7 permits a documented waiver or variance with conditions only in extraordinary circumstances on written request.
School capstone alternative
Rule 8-8 allows students of an OPR-recognized school testing authority to satisfy 26 V.S.A. § 283 through that school’s capstone examination and requires an election between it and the corresponding Director-approved national examinations. The rules and blank examiner-reporting form identify no particular nail school’s examination or separate version; the school-specific examination slot remains a condition. A qualifying capstone may excuse the applicant from the national examinations.
Timing
Provisional authorization is pending final determination. The leaves carry the underlying full-licensure examination set; timing and any authorized excuse from examination remain applicant conditions.
Underlying application
Complete a full nail-technician license application by examination, with approved schooling or apprenticeship and the associated currently offered examinations.

Nail Technician

Individual licensure for nonmedical treatment of fingernails, toenails and nearby skin.

Licensing authority: Vermont Director of the Office of Professional Regulation, with Barber and Cosmetology Advisors · Application information

Licensure by Examination — Approved Apprenticeship

All of the following:

Application
Submit the full online application and fee and obtain OPR approval to sit for theory and practical examinations.
Extraordinary waiver
Rule 3-7 permits a documented waiver or variance with conditions only in extraordinary circumstances on written request.
Plan
Obtain the apprenticeship license before beginning, keep contemporaneous documentation, and finish within two years.
Supervisor
A Vermont cosmetologist or nail technician may supervise nail training and must meet Rule 9-3, including three years of experience, acceptable disciplinary history and workload limits.
Training
Complete the approved 300-hour nail-technician apprenticeship; submit Apprentice Verification signed by apprentice and supervisor.
Licensure by Endorsement — Substantially Equivalent Jurisdiction
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the online application and fee.
Existing license
Hold the appropriate license or certification in good standing in another jurisdiction whose requirements are substantially equal to Vermont’s.
Verification
Have initial and most recent licensing authorities send official verification directly to OPR.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2019-01-01.

Licensure by Endorsement — Practice Compensating for Lower Requirements
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the online application and fee.
Existing license
Hold the appropriate license or certification in good standing in a jurisdiction with materially less rigorous requirements.
Practice
Show 1,500 documented hours of practice in not less than one year using a signed Affidavit of Experience.
Verification
Have initial and most recent licensing authorities send official verification directly to OPR.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2019-01-01.

Fast Track Endorsement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the online application and fee.
Licensure
Be actively licensed or certified in good standing in another U.S. jurisdiction for the three years immediately preceding application.
Verification
Have the licensing authority send direct verification of continuous licensure in good standing during those three years.
Waiver
The Director may waive the profession’s practice requirement under section 136a(c) consistently with State policy and public protection.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2021-06-08.

Licensure by Examination — Education Obtained Outside the United States

All of the following:

Application
Submit the complete online application and documentary proof and obtain examination authorization.
Education
Establish equivalence to the approved 200-hour nail-technician school requirements.
Evaluation
Where the OPR foreign-credential rules apply, obtain a NACES- or AICE-member credential evaluation and direct transmission of original reports to OPR; the applicant pays the costs.
Extraordinary waiver
Rule 3-7 permits a documented waiver or variance with conditions only in extraordinary circumstances on written request.
Foreign exam evidence
An examination passed in another country is qualification evidence, not a requirement leaf for this route.
Remaining qualifications
Complete any qualifications the Director determines remain unfulfilled. Rule 5-1(b) retains the examinations required by the relevant professional statutes and rules.
Expedited Endorsement — Transferred Military Spouse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Request expedited processing and submit the application, fee and direct license verification.
Military transfer
The applicant accompanied a U.S. Armed Forces spouse’s transfer to Vermont and left licensed employment elsewhere.
Underlying eligibility
Meet section 285 endorsement qualifications: good-standing licensure with equivalent requirements, or 1,500 practice hours over at least one year if requirements are less rigorous.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2020-12-22.

Licensure by Examination — School Training

All of the following:

Application
Apply online, pay the fee and obtain OPR approval to sit before scheduling practical and theory examinations.
Diploma
The current instructions expressly exempt nail-technician applicants from the high-school diploma/GED upload requirement.
Extraordinary waiver
Rule 3-7 permits a documented waiver or variance with conditions only in extraordinary circumstances on written request.
Military credit
The Director may accept relevant military education, training or service under Rule 2-3.
School capstone alternative
Rule 8-8 allows students of an OPR-recognized school testing authority to satisfy 26 V.S.A. § 283 through that school’s capstone examination and requires an election between it and the corresponding Director-approved national examinations. The rules and blank examiner-reporting form identify no particular nail school’s examination or separate version; the school-specific examination slot remains a condition. A qualifying capstone may excuse the applicant from the national examinations.
School training
Complete at least 200 hours at a school accredited at matriculation or recognized by the Director as substantially equivalent, and submit training-hour evidence.
Return to Practice — Five or More Years of Absence

All of the following:

Absence
Five or more years of licence lapse or absence from practice.
Director discretion
The Director assesses competencies case by case and may permit an unencumbered licence or require retraining, reexamination or reapplication as a new applicant.
Extraordinary waiver
Rule 3-7 permits a documented waiver or variance with conditions only in extraordinary circumstances on written request.
Testing
The current Vermont bulletin expressly provides Reinstatement registration for licensees OPR directs to take the examinations. The theory and practical leaves remain conditional on that determination.
Biennial Renewal — Nail Technician
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the online renewal and fee before the assigned expiration date.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2020-12-22.

Nondisciplinary Reinstatement — Fewer Than Five Years of Absence
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Absence
Fewer than five years of absence from practice.
Application
Meet renewal requirements and pay renewal and applicable reinstatement fees.
Competence
Complete continuing education that would have applied during continuous licensure or the less burdensome showing permitted by the Director.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2020-12-22.

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