Nail Technician License Requirements in District of Columbia
- Training hours
- 350 hrs
- Upfront cost
- $267
- Exam
- Nail Technician Written Examination, Cosmetology Specialist Operator - Manicurist Practical Examination
- Renewal cycle
- Every 2 years
- Issuing board
- District of Columbia Board of Barber and Cosmetology
How to get licensed
- 1
Meet the prerequisites
Be at least 17 years old, 8th-grade education or equivalent. Applicants must be at least 17 years of age and have completed at least an 8th-grade education or equivalent. A Clean Hands Certificate is required, but there is no criminal background check or fingerprinting requirement. [1]
- 2
Complete approved training
Complete 350 hours of training at a state-approved program. Requires completion of an approved program of at least 350 hours of training in manicuring. [1]
- 3
Nail Technician Written Examination
Pass the Nail Technician Written Examination (fee: $92). Written/Theory Effective May 1, the theory/written examination is administered by ProV. Scheduling is done online at www.provexam.com or by calling (801) 733-4455. [1]
- 4
Cosmetology Specialist Operator - Manicurist Practical Examination
Pass the Cosmetology Specialist Operator - Manicurist Practical Examination. Practical A practical exam is scheduled by the Board's Exam Coordinator and conducted at the Bennett Career Institute. There is no separate fee specified for the practical exam portion. [1]
- 5
Submit your application
Submit your application to District of Columbia Board of Barber and Cosmetology with the $65 application fee. [1]
- 6
Receive your license
Once your application is approved, District of Columbia Board of Barber and Cosmetology issues your Cosmetology Specialist Operator - Manicurist for District of Columbia.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee [1] | $65 |
| License fee [1] | $110 |
| Renewal fee [1] | $110 |
| Nail Technician Written Examination [1] | $92 |
| Cosmetology Specialist Operator - Manicurist Practical Examination [1] | None specified |
Initial licensure requires a non-refundable application fee of $65 and an initial license fee of $110, totaling $175. The exam fee ($92) is paid separately. License renewal for operators is $110.
Renewal & continuing education
Renew every 2 years. 6 continuing education hours required per cycle.
Licenses expire on April 30 of even-numbered years. Renewal requires completion of 6 hours of Board-approved continuing education, including 2 hours in health, safety, and welfare, and 4 hours in general electives. First-time renewals are exempt from the CE requirement.
Reciprocity
Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.
Licensure by endorsement (exam waiver) is available for individuals holding a current valid license in another state. Requires submission of a license copy and an official Letter of Certification sent directly from the home state board to the DC Board.
Cost calculator
- $65
- $110
- $92
Frequently asked questions
How many hours of training are required to obtain a manicurist license in DC?
Applicants must complete at least 350 hours of training in a Board-approved program.
Who administers the manicurist licensing examination in the District of Columbia?
The theory/written examination is administered by ProV. The practical examination is scheduled by the Board's Exam Coordinator and conducted at the Bennett Career Institute.
What are the fees for initial licensure?
The initial application fee is $65 and the initial license fee is $110, totaling $175. The exam fee of $92 is paid separately to ProV.
How often must a manicurist license be renewed, and what are the continuing education requirements?
Licenses must be renewed every two years by April 30 of even-numbered years. Renewal requires completing 6 hours of Board-approved continuing education (2 hours in health, safety, and welfare; 4 hours of electives). First-time renewals are exempt from this requirement.
Can I transfer my nail technician license from another state to DC?
Yes, you can apply for a license by endorsement if you hold a current, active license in another state. You must provide a copy of your license and have your home state board submit a Letter of Certification directly to the DC Board.
Sources
- [1] dlcp.dc.gov/page/board-barber-and-cosmetology — accessed 2026-07-11