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Virginia Nail Technology — Requirements & Free Practice

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Nail Technician License

Individual license for compensated manicuring, pedicuring, and artificial nail services.

Licensing authority: Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology · Application information

Endorsement with equivalent training and prior examinations
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Current License
Hold a current nail technician license in a United States jurisdiction.
Documentation
Supply certification of licensure dated within sixty days directly from the licensing authority and the endorsement application and fee.
Issuance
18VAC41-20-30(A) expressly allows issuance without an examination; meet the applicable 18VAC41-20-20(A) qualifications.
Prior Examinations
Have completed substantially equivalent written and practical examinations. The rule does not identify these prior examinations as a particular registered NIC examination; a prior jurisdiction's own exam or unidentified equivalent exam is a condition.
Training
Complete substantially equivalent training or apprenticeship.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Endorsement with training substitution
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Current License
Hold a current nail technician license in a United States jurisdiction.
Documentation
Supply certification of licensure dated within sixty days directly from the licensing authority and the endorsement application and fee.
Issuance
18VAC41-20-30(A) expressly allows issuance without an examination; meet the applicable 18VAC41-20-20(A) qualifications.
Prior Examinations
Have completed substantially equivalent written and practical examinations. The rule does not identify these prior examinations as a particular registered NIC examination; a prior jurisdiction's own exam or unidentified equivalent exam is a condition.
Training
Replace non-equivalent training with three years of licensed experience documented on the Board form.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Endorsement requiring the missing practical examination
National Nail Technology Practical Examination (assessment without a question bank)
Current License
Hold a current nail technician license in a United States jurisdiction.
General Qualifications
Meet the applicable general entry requirements of 18VAC41-20-20(A).
Missing Exam
Pass the other, practical, examination in Virginia under 18VAC41-20-30(B).
Prior Exam
The originating jurisdiction uses only a substantially equivalent written examination. That prior examination is not identified as a specific registered version; document it as an applicant condition.
Training
Complete substantially equivalent training or apprenticeship.
Endorsement requiring the missing theory examination
National Nail Technology Theory Examination
Current License
Hold a current nail technician license in a United States jurisdiction.
General Qualifications
Meet the applicable general entry requirements of 18VAC41-20-20(A).
Missing Exam
Pass the other, theory, examination in Virginia under 18VAC41-20-30(B).
Prior Exam
The originating jurisdiction uses only a substantially equivalent practical examination. That prior examination is not identified as a specific registered version; document it as an applicant condition.
Training
Complete substantially equivalent training or apprenticeship.
Registered apprenticeship

All of the following:

Address
Disclose a physical address; a post office box may be a secondary address.
Application Window
Under 18VAC41-20-60(D), apply within five years after passing both examinations or retake both.
Criminal Disclosure
Disclose felony convictions within ten years of application; the Board applies Code § 54.1-204.
Good Standing
Be in good standing in every jurisdiction where licensed; provide copies of disciplinary actions. The Board may deny applicants it deems unfit.
Laws Statement
Certify that the Virginia licensing laws and regulations have been read and understood.
Qualification
Complete a registered nail-care apprenticeship; supply the Department of Workforce Development and Advancement completion documentation.
Reexamination Application
If reexamination is not passed within one year of the initial examination date, submit a new application.
Score Window
Under 18VAC41-20-60(B), both examinations must be passed within one year of the first examination to preserve a previously passed part.
Virginia Theory Content
Prov CIB 2026.03.05, page 3, states that ten Virginia law questions are included within the Virginia NIC theory examination. This is content of that examination, not a separately registered or separately scored law examination.
Substantially equivalent training outside Virginia

All of the following:

Address
Disclose a physical address; a post office box may be a secondary address.
Application Window
Under 18VAC41-20-60(D), apply within five years after passing both examinations or retake both.
Criminal Disclosure
Disclose felony convictions within ten years of application; the Board applies Code § 54.1-204.
Good Standing
Be in good standing in every jurisdiction where licensed; provide copies of disciplinary actions. The Board may deny applicants it deems unfit.
Laws Statement
Certify that the Virginia licensing laws and regulations have been read and understood.
Qualification
Complete training or apprenticeship outside Virginia substantially equivalent to Virginia: at least 80 percent of the hours and curriculum covering its scope of practice; provide transcript or licensing-board verification.
Reexamination Application
If reexamination is not passed within one year of the initial examination date, submit a new application.
Score Window
Under 18VAC41-20-60(B), both examinations must be passed within one year of the first examination to preserve a previously passed part.
Virginia Theory Content
Prov CIB 2026.03.05, page 3, states that ten Virginia law questions are included within the Virginia NIC theory examination. This is content of that examination, not a separately registered or separately scored law examination.
Non equivalent training with work experience

All of the following:

Address
Disclose a physical address; a post office box may be a secondary address.
Application Window
Under 18VAC41-20-60(D), apply within five years after passing both examinations or retake both.
Criminal Disclosure
Disclose felony convictions within ten years of application; the Board applies Code § 54.1-204.
Good Standing
Be in good standing in every jurisdiction where licensed; provide copies of disciplinary actions. The Board may deny applicants it deems unfit.
Laws Statement
Certify that the Virginia licensing laws and regulations have been read and understood.
Qualification
Complete non-equivalent training or apprenticeship and document three years of licensed nail-care work experience in a United States jurisdiction on the Board form.
Reexamination Application
If reexamination is not passed within one year of the initial examination date, submit a new application.
Score Window
Under 18VAC41-20-60(B), both examinations must be passed within one year of the first examination to preserve a previously passed part.
Virginia Theory Content
Prov CIB 2026.03.05, page 3, states that ten Virginia law questions are included within the Virginia NIC theory examination. This is content of that examination, not a separately registered or separately scored law examination.
Foreign degree evaluated for training credit

All of the following:

Address
Disclose a physical address; a post office box may be a secondary address.
Application Window
Under 18VAC41-20-60(D), apply within five years after passing both examinations or retake both.
Criminal Disclosure
Disclose felony convictions within ten years of application; the Board applies Code § 54.1-204.
Good Standing
Be in good standing in every jurisdiction where licensed; provide copies of disciplinary actions. The Board may deny applicants it deems unfit.
Laws Statement
Certify that the Virginia licensing laws and regulations have been read and understood.
Qualification
Seek credit for a degree obtained outside the United States; have the degree translated, authenticated, and evaluated by an education evaluation service. The Board may decline the evaluation; substantial-equivalency requirements apply.
Reexamination Application
If reexamination is not passed within one year of the initial examination date, submit a new application.
Score Window
Under 18VAC41-20-60(B), both examinations must be passed within one year of the first examination to preserve a previously passed part.
Virginia Theory Content
Prov CIB 2026.03.05, page 3, states that ten Virginia law questions are included within the Virginia NIC theory examination. This is content of that examination, not a separately registered or separately scored law examination.
United States Armed Forces experience

All of the following:

Address
Disclose a physical address; a post office box may be a secondary address.
Application Window
Under 18VAC41-20-60(D), apply within five years after passing both examinations or retake both.
Criminal Disclosure
Disclose felony convictions within ten years of application; the Board applies Code § 54.1-204.
Good Standing
Be in good standing in every jurisdiction where licensed; provide copies of disciplinary actions. The Board may deny applicants it deems unfit.
Laws Statement
Certify that the Virginia licensing laws and regulations have been read and understood.
Qualification
Document at least two years of nail-care experience in the United States Armed Forces to the Board's satisfaction.
Reexamination Application
If reexamination is not passed within one year of the initial examination date, submit a new application.
Score Window
Under 18VAC41-20-60(B), both examinations must be passed within one year of the first examination to preserve a previously passed part.
Virginia Theory Content
Prov CIB 2026.03.05, page 3, states that ten Virginia law questions are included within the Virginia NIC theory examination. This is content of that examination, not a separately registered or separately scored law examination.
Virginia state institution training

All of the following:

Address
Disclose a physical address; a post office box may be a secondary address.
Application Window
Under 18VAC41-20-60(D), apply within five years after passing both examinations or retake both.
Criminal Disclosure
Disclose felony convictions within ten years of application; the Board applies Code § 54.1-204.
Good Standing
Be in good standing in every jurisdiction where licensed; provide copies of disciplinary actions. The Board may deny applicants it deems unfit.
Laws Statement
Certify that the Virginia licensing laws and regulations have been read and understood.
Qualification
Complete nail technician training in a Virginia state institution; provide Board-satisfactory training documentation.
Reexamination Application
If reexamination is not passed within one year of the initial examination date, submit a new application.
Score Window
Under 18VAC41-20-60(B), both examinations must be passed within one year of the first examination to preserve a previously passed part.
Virginia Theory Content
Prov CIB 2026.03.05, page 3, states that ten Virginia law questions are included within the Virginia NIC theory examination. This is content of that examination, not a separately registered or separately scored law examination.
Virginia public school graduate

All of the following:

Address
Disclose a physical address; a post office box may be a secondary address.
Application Window
Under 18VAC41-20-60(D), apply within five years after passing both examinations or retake both.
Criminal Disclosure
Disclose felony convictions within ten years of application; the Board applies Code § 54.1-204.
Good Standing
Be in good standing in every jurisdiction where licensed; provide copies of disciplinary actions. The Board may deny applicants it deems unfit.
Laws Statement
Certify that the Virginia licensing laws and regulations have been read and understood.
Qualification
Complete a Virginia Department of Education-approved public-school nail technician program; supply the Training Verification Form.
Reexamination Application
If reexamination is not passed within one year of the initial examination date, submit a new application.
Score Window
Under 18VAC41-20-60(B), both examinations must be passed within one year of the first examination to preserve a previously passed part.
Virginia Theory Content
Prov CIB 2026.03.05, page 3, states that ten Virginia law questions are included within the Virginia NIC theory examination. This is content of that examination, not a separately registered or separately scored law examination.
Virginia licensed school graduate

All of the following:

Address
Disclose a physical address; a post office box may be a secondary address.
Application Window
Under 18VAC41-20-60(D), apply within five years after passing both examinations or retake both.
Criminal Disclosure
Disclose felony convictions within ten years of application; the Board applies Code § 54.1-204.
Good Standing
Be in good standing in every jurisdiction where licensed; provide copies of disciplinary actions. The Board may deny applicants it deems unfit.
Laws Statement
Certify that the Virginia licensing laws and regulations have been read and understood.
Qualification
Complete an approved nail technician training program in a Virginia licensed school; supply the Training Verification Form.
Reexamination Application
If reexamination is not passed within one year of the initial examination date, submit a new application.
Score Window
Under 18VAC41-20-60(B), both examinations must be passed within one year of the first examination to preserve a previously passed part.
Virginia Theory Content
Prov CIB 2026.03.05, page 3, states that ten Virginia law questions are included within the Virginia NIC theory examination. This is content of that examination, not a separately registered or separately scored law examination.
Universal license recognition of an existing license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Current License
Hold a valid United States jurisdiction license in a similar scope of practice for at least one year.
Fee
Pay all applicable fees.
Good Standing
No pending investigations or unresolved complaints; good standing; no disqualifying criminal record; no discipline except a financial penalty without public health or economic harm.
Jurisprudence Permission
Section 54.1-205(E) permits a state-law exam only if required of other applicants for the same license. The form says DPOR may require such an exam; it does not identify an independent nail-law examination. This discretionary unidentified slot remains a condition.
Prior Qualifications
The original jurisdiction required an examination and education, training, or experience standards. No particular currently offered registered examination is named for this prior qualification.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Universal recognition of unregulated work experience

All of the following:

Board Review
The Board reviews the application and notifies applicants when eligible to test with Prov.
Exam
Pass the Board-required nail theory and practical exams. The current form allows evidence of a previously passed National/Board-approved examination; the timing of that evidence does not remove a registered examination from this route.
Experience
Work at least three years in a United States jurisdiction that does not regulate nail care; submit the Board Experience Verification Form.
Fitness
Satisfy section 54.1-205(B)(5)-(7): criminal fitness, acceptable disciplinary history, and fees.
Jurisprudence Permission
Section 54.1-205(E) permits a state-law exam only if required of other applicants for the same license. The form says DPOR may require such an exam; it does not identify an independent nail-law examination. This discretionary unidentified slot remains a condition.
Military spouse expedited endorsement with confirmed equivalency
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Endorsement
Meet the equivalent training and prior examination requirements of 18VAC41-20-30(A); that provision authorizes issuance without examination.
Equivalency
Board finds requirements substantially equivalent; it may waive experience requirements supported by documentation.
Existing Credential
Hold the same or similar credential elsewhere and submit the complete ordinary license application and supporting evidence.
Fitness
No conduct constituting grounds for discipline.
Processing
Expedited processing is attached to an otherwise qualifying ordinary application; it does not identify a separate examination.
Spouse
Accompany a spouse on federal active-duty orders, or a veteran who left active duty within the preceding year, to Virginia, an adjoining state, or the District of Columbia.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement within two years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuity
Reinstatement preserves continuous licensure for disciplinary jurisdiction; it is not permission to practice without a current credential.
Entry
After two years, reinstatement is unavailable; use current new-applicant requirements.
Fee
Pay the reinstatement fee and provide the Board-required reinstatement application.
Period
More than thirty days and no more than two years after expiration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Late Period
After thirty days beyond expiration, pay the reinstatement fee instead of using ordinary renewal.
Period
License or certificate expires two years after the last day of its issuance month.
Renewal
Follow the Board renewal notice and pay the renewal fee; failure to receive the notice does not excuse renewal.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Return after more than two years expired, at least three years previously licensed

All of the following:

Address
Disclose a physical address; a post office box may be a secondary address.
Application Window
Under 18VAC41-20-60(D), apply within five years after passing both examinations or retake both.
Criminal Disclosure
Disclose felony convictions within ten years of application; the Board applies Code § 54.1-204.
Expiration
Former license expired more than two years ago; reinstatement is unavailable.
Good Standing
Be in good standing in every jurisdiction where licensed; provide copies of disciplinary actions. The Board may deny applicants it deems unfit.
Laws Statement
Certify that the Virginia licensing laws and regulations have been read and understood.
Prior License
Previously licensed in Virginia for at least three years; submit a new application and pass the required examinations under 18VAC41-20-180(B)(2).
Reexamination Application
If reexamination is not passed within one year of the initial examination date, submit a new application.
Score Window
Under 18VAC41-20-60(B), both examinations must be passed within one year of the first examination to preserve a previously passed part.
Virginia Theory Content
Prov CIB 2026.03.05, page 3, states that ten Virginia law questions are included within the Virginia NIC theory examination. This is content of that examination, not a separately registered or separately scored law examination.
Return after more than two years expired, fewer than three years previously licensed

All of the following:

Address
Disclose a physical address; a post office box may be a secondary address.
Application Window
Under 18VAC41-20-60(D), apply within five years after passing both examinations or retake both.
Criminal Disclosure
Disclose felony convictions within ten years of application; the Board applies Code § 54.1-204.
Expiration
Former license expired more than two years ago; reinstatement is unavailable.
Good Standing
Be in good standing in every jurisdiction where licensed; provide copies of disciplinary actions. The Board may deny applicants it deems unfit.
Laws Statement
Certify that the Virginia licensing laws and regulations have been read and understood.
Prior License
Previously licensed in Virginia for fewer than three years; meet all current new-applicant entry requirements.
Reexamination Application
If reexamination is not passed within one year of the initial examination date, submit a new application.
Score Window
Under 18VAC41-20-60(B), both examinations must be passed within one year of the first examination to preserve a previously passed part.
Virginia Theory Content
Prov CIB 2026.03.05, page 3, states that ten Virginia law questions are included within the Virginia NIC theory examination. This is content of that examination, not a separately registered or separately scored law examination.

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