StateLicensed

Nail Technician License Requirements in Arkansas

Verified · July 2026
Training hours
480 hrs
Upfront cost
$125
Exam
Written Examination, Practical Examination
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Issuing board
Arkansas Department of Health - Cosmetology Section

How to get licensed

  1. 1

    Meet the prerequisites

    Be at least 16 years old, 10th grade or equivalent. Arkansas does not require a criminal background check or fingerprinting as a routine prerequisite for manicurist licensure, though applicants must self-disclose criminal history on the application. House Act 626 / HB1580 of 2023 eased licensing restrictions related to past criminal convictions. [1]

  2. 2

    Complete approved training

    Complete 480 hours of training at a state-approved program. Arkansas Code § 17-26-304 requires a minimum of 480 training hours for manicurists (nail technicians). However, the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) Cosmetology Section rules and website continue to list the requirement as 600 hours. [1]

  3. 3

    Written Examination

    Pass the Written Examination (fee: $60). Computer-based or remote The official board fee schedule lists the written examination fee as $60, though testing vendor Prov, Inc. currently charges $78. [2]

  4. 4

    Practical Examination

    Pass the Practical Examination (fee: $65). Hands-on demonstration Administered by the Department of Health or approved cosmetology schools; the fee is $65. [2]

  5. 5

    Submit your application

    Submit your application to Arkansas Department of Health - Cosmetology Section. [3]

  6. 6

    Receive your license

    Once your application is approved, Arkansas Department of Health - Cosmetology Section issues your Manicurist for Arkansas.

Fees

Fee Amount
Application fee [3] None specified
License fee [3] None specified
Renewal fee [3] $50
Written Examination [2] $60
Practical Examination [2] $65
School Enrollment Fee [3] $20

No separate initial application or license fee is charged beyond the examination fees and school enrollment fee of $20. The practitioner renewal fee is $50 biennially.

Renewal & continuing education

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

Licenses must be renewed biennially on or before the licensee's birthday. Arkansas does not require continuing education for license renewal.

Reciprocity

Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.

Reciprocity is available for individuals holding a current, valid license in another state. An application fee of $50, proof of credentials from the home state board, and passing the Arkansas law examination are required.

9 state-approved training providers in Arkansas — browse programs and compare schools on tradecolleges.org.

Cost calculator

  • $60
  • $65
Total$125

Frequently asked questions

I need to renew my license. How can I do that?

You can renew your license online or mail your renewal and the correct fee to our office. You may also visit our office during normal business hours.

My license has expired. How long do I have to renew my license?

You may renew your license up to five years after it expires. You may not work with an expired license. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must apply for a Lapsed License.

How do I pay for the written examination and how much is it?

The examination fee is $78.00 and paid directly to Prov, Inc.

I have passed both the written, State Law and the practical exam, how do I get my license?

The Cosmetology Section will mail your license to you within 10-14 days of receipt of your passing score(s).

Sources

  1. [1] healthy.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/Cosmetology_and_Body_Art_Law-2025.pdf — accessed 2026-07-11
  2. [2] healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/licensing-military-member-licensure-permits-plan-reviews/cosmetology/cosmetology-testing-and-training/ — accessed 2026-07-11
  3. [3] healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/licensing-military-member-licensure-permits-plan-reviews/cosmetology/cosmetology-fee-schedule/ — accessed 2026-07-11
  4. [4] healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/licensing-military-member-licensure-permits-plan-reviews/cosmetology/cosmetology-faqs/ — accessed 2026-07-11
  5. [5] healthy.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/Out-of-State-Licensure_Cosmo-1.12.2.pdf — accessed 2026-07-11