StateLicensed

Nail Technician License Requirements in Alaska

Verified · July 2026
Training hours
12 hrs
Upfront cost
$390
Exam
Nail Technology Written Examination
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Issuing board
Alaska Board of Barbers and Hairdressers

How to get licensed

  1. 1

    Meet the prerequisites

    Meet the eligibility requirements set by the issuing board. The board does not specify a minimum age or educational requirement for manicurists. Applicants must answer professional fitness questions on the application, but no criminal background check or fingerprinting is required. [3]

  2. 2

    Complete approved training

    Complete 12 hours of training at a state-approved program. Standard manicurist licensure requires completion of a Board-approved 12-hour manicuring course in health, safety, and hygiene. An optional Advanced Endorsement requires 250 hours of instruction. [1]

  3. 3

    Nail Technology Written Examination

    Pass the Nail Technology Written Examination (fee: $60). Computer-based Only required for the optional Advanced Endorsement. The examination is the Nail Technology Examination sponsored by the National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) and administered by Prov. The standard Manicurist license has no state board examination. [2]

  4. 4

    Submit your application

    Submit your application to Alaska Board of Barbers and Hairdressers with the $150 application fee. Typical processing time: 3-4 weeks. [5]

  5. 5

    Receive your license

    Once your application is approved, Alaska Board of Barbers and Hairdressers issues your Manicurist for Alaska.

Fees

Fee Amount
Application fee [3] $150
License fee [3] $180
Renewal fee [3] $180
Nail Technology Written Examination [2] $60
Temporary License Fee [3] $100
Advanced Endorsement Fee [3] $20
Late Renewal Fee [3] $54

Initial licensure requires a nonrefundable application fee of $150 and an initial license fee of $180 (totaling $330). A temporary license costs $100. Late renewal is assessed a late fee of $54.

Renewal & continuing education

Renew every 2 years. 0 continuing education hours required per cycle.

Licenses are renewed biennially in odd-numbered years during the licensee's birth month. Continuing education (CE) is not required for manicurist renewal.

Reciprocity

Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.

Alaska offers out-of-state licensure (reciprocity) for standard manicurists, which waives the 12-hour course if they hold a current valid license in another state. For the advanced endorsement, the exam may be waived if the applicant passed a written exam in another state and has met the 250-hour training requirement.

Cost calculator

  • $150
  • $180
  • $60
Total$390

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to process a license application?

Complete applications typically take 3 to 4 weeks to process from the date they are received by the office. Incomplete applications may take 4 to 6 weeks or longer.

What is the renewal cycle for manicurist licenses in Alaska?

Licenses are issued for a two-year period and expire on August 31 of odd-numbered years, regardless of the date of issuance.

Is continuing education required for renewing a manicurist license?

No, continuing education (CE) is not required for standard manicurist or advanced manicurist license renewal.

How can I apply if I am currently licensed as a manicurist in another state?

If you hold a current valid manicurist license in another state, you can apply for out-of-state licensure. You are exempt from the 12-hour training course, but must submit an application, pay the fees ($330), and have your home state board send a verification of licensure directly to the Alaska Board.

What is required to get a Manicurist with an Advanced Endorsement?

You must hold or be approved for an Alaska manicurist or hairdresser license, request the endorsement, submit proof of completing 250 hours of manicuring instruction in an approved school, pass the written Nail Technology examination through Prov, and pay the appropriate fees.

Sources

  1. [1] commerce.alaska.gov/web/portals/5/pub/BAH_Stats_Regs.pdf — accessed 2026-07-11
  2. [2] commerce.alaska.gov/web/portals/5/pub/bah4433.pdf — accessed 2026-07-11
  3. [3] commerce.alaska.gov/web/portals/5/pub/bah4728.pdf — accessed 2026-07-11
  4. [4] commerce.alaska.gov/web/portals/5/pub/bah4274.pdf — accessed 2026-07-11
  5. [5] commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardofBarbersHairdressers.aspx — accessed 2026-07-11