Nail Technician License Requirements in California
- Training hours
- 400 hrs
- Upfront cost
- $110
- Exam
- Manicurist Written Examination
- Renewal cycle
- Every 2 years
- Issuing board
- California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
How to get licensed
- 1
Meet the prerequisites
Be at least 17 years old, Completed the 10th grade or its equivalent, pass a criminal background check. Applicants must be at least 17 years old and have completed 10th grade or its equivalent. Candidates must submit fingerprints (Live Scan for California residents) for a background check. Prior criminal convictions must be disclosed on a Disclosure Statement and are reviewed case-by-case under Business and Professions Code Section 480. [1]
- 2
Complete approved training
Complete 400 hours of training at a state-approved program. California manicurists must complete a course in nail care consisting of at least 400 hours of technical and practical instruction from a Board-approved school. The curriculum must include at least 100 hours in health and safety, 100 hours in disinfection and sanitation, and 150 hours in manicures and pedicures (including artificial nails, liquid, gel, powder brush-ons, dip, tips, wraps, and repairs). Alternatively, candidates can qualify by completing an approved apprenticeship program in nail care, or by practicing out-of-state (each 3 months of practice is deemed equivalent to 100 hours of training). [1]
- 3
Manicurist Written Examination
Pass the Manicurist Written Examination. Computer-based; 60 scored questions and 5 pretest/unscored questions (65 total); 90 minutes; minimum passing score 75%; available in English, Korean, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Simplified Chinese. California eliminated the practical (hands-on) exam for all license types under the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology as of January 1, 2022. Candidates only need to pass the written exam to be licensed. The $75 exam/application fee is paid to the Board; PSI administers the test. Fee recorded as null here to avoid double-counting the same charge twice in this record's upfront-cost total: the $75 is a combined application/examination fee and is already counted under the application fee. [2]
- 4
Submit your application
Submit your application to California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology with the $75 application fee. Typical processing time: Approximately 6 weeks for standard paper applications, or 3-4 weeks for online submissions via BreEZe; reciprocity applications take up to 4 weeks.. [4]
- 5
Receive your license
Once your application is approved, California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology issues your Manicurist License for California.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee [3] | $75 |
| License fee [3] | $35 |
| Renewal fee [3] | $50 |
| Manicurist Written Examination [2] | None specified |
| Renewal delinquency fee [3] | $25 |
The $75 application/examination fee and $35 initial license fee are collected together as a single non-refundable payment of $110.00. Fee caps are set by California Business and Professions Code Section 7423, which limits the manicurist initial license fee to $35.
Renewal & continuing education
Renew every 2 years.
Licenses expire every two years. California does not require continuing education to renew or maintain a manicurist license. A license unrenewed for 5 years is canceled and cannot be restored (Business and Professions Code Section 7418).
Reciprocity
Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.
California grants a license without examination to reciprocity applicants who hold a current, valid, unrestricted license from another state in good standing, provided their state board sends certification directly to the California Board. California is not a member of any interstate cosmetology compact.
55 state-approved training providers in California — browse programs and compare schools on tradecolleges.org.
Cost calculator
- $75
- $35
Frequently asked questions
How many training hours does California require for a manicurist license?
California requires a minimum of 400 hours of technical and practical instruction at a Board-approved school, or completion of an approved apprenticeship program.
Does California require a practical exam to get a manicurist license?
No. Effective January 1, 2022, California eliminated the practical exam for all license types under the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. Only the written exam is required.
Do I need continuing education to renew my manicurist license in California?
No. The California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology does not require any continuing education hours to renew or maintain an active license.
Can I work in a salon while waiting to take my manicurist exam?
No. You must pass the written examination and be issued a license before you can perform manicuring or nail care services for compensation. Working without a license can result in a citation and a $1,000 fine.
Can I transfer my out-of-state manicurist license to California?
Yes. California offers licensure by reciprocity without an exam to applicants holding a current, valid, and unrestricted manicurist license in another state, provided their home state board sends license certification directly to the California Board.
Sources
- [1] barbercosmo.ca.gov/applicants/license_requirements.shtml — accessed 2026-07-11
- [2] barbercosmo.ca.gov/applicants/national.shtml — accessed 2026-07-11
- [3] barbercosmo.ca.gov/forms_pubs/forms/manicurist_app.pdf — accessed 2026-07-11
- [4] barbercosmo.ca.gov/forms_pubs/publications/faqs.shtml — accessed 2026-07-11