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Washington 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

License for the commercial practice of manicuring. Practice restrictions and inactive or military status modify this same individual license.

Licensing authority: Washington State Department of Licensing · Application information

Initial licensure — approved apprenticeship

All of the following:

Age
At least 17 years old.
Application
Submit the approved application and applicable fee; disclose legal background information and provide explanations when required.
Dol training instruction
The DOL application page, Education option 2, states "Manicurist: 2,000 hours". This implementing instruction differs from the statutory figure; the statute controls this survey, and the DOL demand remains disclosed.
Early testing
Testing may begin within 100 hours of instruction completion; complete required hours before licensure.
Exam results
Pass written/theory and practical examinations with a minimum scaled score of 75; results more than three years old do not count toward initial licensure under WAC 308-20-120(6).
Provider
Washington administers the NIC nail examinations through Prov as of May 1, 2026.
Training
Successfully complete a state-approved manicuring apprenticeship. RCW 18.16.020(12)(b)(iv) states 800 hours.
Version reference
The Washington bulletin names the NIC nail examinations and labels its CIB hyperlinks Eff 1/1/26. Washington requires those examination identities; this survey references the supplied current frozen national versions and does not redefine national versions from state hyperlink labels.
Reinstatement — canceled for nonrenewal beyond one year

All of the following:

Current requirements
Meet current licensing requirements, submit the application and fee, and pass applicable written and practical examinations; DOL supplies scheduling information.
Exam scores
Minimum scaled score of 75 on each examination.
Pandemic exception
The exception allowing renewal of licenses expired on or after March 1, 2020 ended June 30, 2023; it is not a current route.
Prior license
License canceled after failure to renew within one year of expiration; provide the prior Washington license or renewal notice.
Initial licensure — crossover from another licensed practice

All of the following:

Age
At least 17 years old.
Application
Submit the approved application and applicable fee; disclose legal background information and provide explanations when required.
Exam results
Pass written/theory and practical examinations with a minimum scaled score of 75; results more than three years old do not count toward initial licensure under WAC 308-20-120(6).
Existing license
Currently hold another practice license under Chapter 18.16 RCW.
Provider
Washington administers the NIC nail examinations through Prov as of May 1, 2026.
Training
Complete the approved crossover training course for manicuring.
Version reference
The Washington bulletin names the NIC nail examinations and labels its CIB hyperlinks Eff 1/1/26. Washington requires those examination identities; this survey references the supplied current frozen national versions and does not redefine national versions from state hyperlink labels.
Reactivation — voluntarily inactive license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Fee
Pay a renewal fee without penalty for a two-year license beginning upon reinstatement.
Inactive license
Hold a license placed on inactive status under RCW 18.16.290.
Updated training
If applicable health or other requirements changed while inactive, complete Board-required school instruction, capped at four hours for each inactive year.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal — expired for no more than one year
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Expiration
License has not been canceled for nonrenewal beyond one year.
Fees
Pay penalty and current renewal fees; update application information.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Maintenance — military status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Military status
While service continues, maintain military status using official service orders; no renewal or continuing education is required during military status.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation — completion of active military duty
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Return to active
Within six months of honorable discharge, submit written notice, applicable renewal fee and requested recent discharge/service records; continuing education applies after the first post-discharge renewal.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal — timely
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Existing license
Hold the relevant Washington individual license.
Renewal
Renew every two years on or before expiration, pay the fee, supply Social Security number when applicable and report changes to application information.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restriction — affixed to the existing individual license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Existing license
The director restricts an existing license; surrender it so the restriction can be affixed and the same license returned.
Restricted scope
Post the restricted license; do not provide services beyond the authorized scope until restriction removal. This modifies the existing license identity.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military SCRA professional license portability
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit military orders, a marriage certificate for a spouse and a notarized affidavit of identity, complete truthful application, understanding of and compliance with Washington requirements/scope, and good standing in all jurisdictions where licensed; a background check may be conducted.
Compact
SCRA portability does not apply to a covered license operating in multiple states under an interstate compact.
Covered license
Hold a covered out-of-state professional license in good standing with no revocation, discipline, pending unprofessional-conduct investigation or surrender under investigation; relocate due to military orders.
Older dol condition
DOL still says "Use the professional license at some point during the 2 years prior moving to Washington." The December 23, 2024 federal amendment no longer requires active use; DOJ confirms transcripts, test scores and active use cannot be demanded. The current federal provision controls; the older DOL instruction remains disclosed.
State process
DOL states it recognizes qualifying licenses through a reciprocity process compatible with SCRA.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation — military spouse inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Deadline
Within six months of return, request active status in writing, pay any applicable renewal fee and meet current continuing education or other program requirements; any permitted deferral is limited to 90 days.
Military spouse
License made inactive due to the military spouse or domestic partner being deployed or stationed outside Washington.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reissuance — release of support order suspension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing eligibility
Automatic reissuance applies only if the licensee continued to meet all other reinstatement requirements during suspension.
Support order
DOL receives a release from the Department of Social and Health Services confirming compliance.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure — expedited military spouse reciprocity

All of the following:

Age
At least 17 years old.
Application
Submit the approved application and applicable fee; disclose legal background information and provide explanations when required.
Documents
Request verification from the other licensing board, institution or agency; provide other documentation if that jurisdiction cannot supply verification.
Exam results
Pass written/theory and practical examinations with a minimum scaled score of 75; results more than three years old do not count toward initial licensure under WAC 308-20-120(6).
Existing license
Currently licensed in good standing as a manicurist or equivalent in another state, territory, possession of the United States, or foreign country.
Expedited application
Request expedited processing; submit application, fee, license verification, applicable fingerprints/background documentation and military-spouse affirmation.
Military spouse
Move to Washington due to the spouse's military transfer; hold an active license in good standing from a jurisdiction with equal or greater standards.
Prior examinations
Provide the current license and proof of that jurisdiction's approved exams. The current DOL application requires Washington written and practical exams if the applicant has not taken exams. Passing evidence for currently offered NIC nail theory and practical examinations involves these same leaves; DOL determines acceptance of prior scores. Another jurisdiction's own examination, a foreign examination or an unnamed approved exam remains a condition.
Provider
Washington administers the NIC nail examinations through Prov as of May 1, 2026.
Version reference
The Washington bulletin names the NIC nail examinations and labels its CIB hyperlinks Eff 1/1/26. Washington requires those examination identities; this survey references the supplied current frozen national versions and does not redefine national versions from state hyperlink labels.
Initial licensure — military training equivalency

All of the following:

Age
At least 17 years old.
Application
Submit the approved application and applicable fee; disclose legal background information and provide explanations when required.
Exam results
Pass written/theory and practical examinations with a minimum scaled score of 75; results more than three years old do not count toward initial licensure under WAC 308-20-120(6).
Provider
Washington administers the NIC nail examinations through Prov as of May 1, 2026.
Training
Military training or experience satisfies training or experience requirements unless the director finds it not substantially equivalent to Washington standards.
Version reference
The Washington bulletin names the NIC nail examinations and labels its CIB hyperlinks Eff 1/1/26. Washington requires those examination identities; this survey references the supplied current frozen national versions and does not redefine national versions from state hyperlink labels.
Initial licensure — reciprocity/out of jurisdiction

All of the following:

Age
At least 17 years old.
Application
Submit the approved application and applicable fee; disclose legal background information and provide explanations when required.
Documents
Request verification from the other licensing board, institution or agency; provide other documentation if that jurisdiction cannot supply verification.
Exam results
Pass written/theory and practical examinations with a minimum scaled score of 75; results more than three years old do not count toward initial licensure under WAC 308-20-120(6).
Existing license
Currently licensed in good standing as a manicurist or equivalent in another state, territory, possession of the United States, or foreign country.
Prior examinations
Provide the current license and proof of that jurisdiction's approved exams. The current DOL application requires Washington written and practical exams if the applicant has not taken exams. Passing evidence for currently offered NIC nail theory and practical examinations involves these same leaves; DOL determines acceptance of prior scores. Another jurisdiction's own examination, a foreign examination or an unnamed approved exam remains a condition.
Provider
Washington administers the NIC nail examinations through Prov as of May 1, 2026.
Version reference
The Washington bulletin names the NIC nail examinations and labels its CIB hyperlinks Eff 1/1/26. Washington requires those examination identities; this survey references the supplied current frozen national versions and does not redefine national versions from state hyperlink labels.
Initial licensure — school graduate

All of the following:

Age
At least 17 years old.
Application
Submit the approved application and applicable fee; disclose legal background information and provide explanations when required.
Early testing
Testing may begin within 100 hours of instruction completion, but complete all required hours before licensure.
Education
Graduate from a licensed school in an approved manicuring curriculum of at least 600 hours; the school may require additional hours.
Exam results
Pass written/theory and practical examinations with a minimum scaled score of 75; results more than three years old do not count toward initial licensure under WAC 308-20-120(6).
Provider
Washington administers the NIC nail examinations through Prov as of May 1, 2026.
Training currency
Certified school training hours expire three years after the last day of attendance.
Version reference
The Washington bulletin names the NIC nail examinations and labels its CIB hyperlinks Eff 1/1/26. Washington requires those examination identities; this survey references the supplied current frozen national versions and does not redefine national versions from state hyperlink labels.

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