StateLicensed

Nail Technician License Requirements in Idaho

Verified · July 2026
Training hours
400 hrs
Upfront cost
$298
Exam
NIC Nail Technology Written Examination, NIC Nail Technology Practical Examination
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Issuing board
Idaho Barber and Cosmetology Services Licensing Board

How to get licensed

  1. 1

    Meet the prerequisites

    Be at least 16.5 years old, 10th grade education or equivalent. Applicants must be at least 16 and a half years old and have completed the 10th grade or equivalent. Past felony convictions must be disclosed on the application, but a criminal background check is not routinely performed. [1]

  2. 2

    Complete approved training

    Complete 400 hours of training at a state-approved program. Idaho requires completion of 400 hours of training in a board-approved school or an 800-hour apprenticeship. [1]

  3. 3

    NIC Nail Technology Written Examination

    Pass the NIC Nail Technology Written Examination (fee: $88). Theory [2]

  4. 4

    NIC Nail Technology Practical Examination

    Pass the NIC Nail Technology Practical Examination (fee: $120). Practical [2]

  5. 5

    Submit your application

    Submit your application to Idaho Barber and Cosmetology Services Licensing Board with the $30 application fee. Typical processing time: 10 business days. [3]

  6. 6

    Receive your license

    Once your application is approved, Idaho Barber and Cosmetology Services Licensing Board issues your Nail Technician for Idaho.

Fees

Fee Amount
Application fee [3] $30
License fee [3] $60
Renewal fee [3] $60
NIC Nail Technology Written Examination [2] $88
NIC Nail Technology Practical Examination [2] $120
Apprentice Registration [3] $60
Endorsement License [3] $90

Fees reflect the transition to a biennial (2-year) renewal cycle effective July 1, 2026. The initial license fee is $60 and the application fee is $30.

Renewal & continuing education

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

Licenses must be renewed biennially. Idaho does not require continuing education hours for nail technician renewals.

Reciprocity

Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.

Idaho allows licensure by endorsement for applicants holding an active license in another state or jurisdiction with equivalent standards. The endorsement license fee is $90.

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

Cost calculator

  • $30
  • $60
  • $88
  • $120
Total$298

Frequently asked questions

Do I need continuing education to renew my Idaho nail technician license?

No, continuing education (CE) is not required for nail technician license renewal in Idaho.

How often must I renew my nail technician license and what is the fee?

Effective July 1, 2026, licenses are renewed biennially (every 2 years) on your birthday. The biennial renewal fee for an individual license is $60.

Can I obtain a license in Idaho if I am licensed in another state?

Yes, Idaho allows licensure by endorsement for individuals currently licensed in another state. The endorsement license fee is $90.

What exams are required for nail technicians in Idaho?

Applicants must pass the NIC written (theory) and practical exams administered by ProV, Inc., as well as the open-book Idaho Jurisprudence exam.

Sources

  1. [1] adminrules.idaho.gov/rules/current/24/242801.pdf — accessed 2026-07-11
  2. [2] provexam.com/register — accessed 2026-07-11
  3. [3] dopl.idaho.gov/barber-and-cosmetology-services/ — accessed 2026-07-11