StateLicensed

Nail Technician License Requirements in Illinois

Verified · July 2026
Training hours
350 hrs
Upfront cost
$215
Exam
Illinois Licensed Nail Technician Examination
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Issuing board
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation

How to get licensed

  1. 1

    Meet the prerequisites

    Be at least 16 years old, Beyond the age of compulsory school attendance, or high school diploma/equivalent. Answering standard criminal history disclosure questions is required on the application, but a fingerprint-based background check is not required for licensure. Verified via archive snapshot [2026-05-25]. [5]

  2. 2

    Complete approved training

    Complete 350 hours of training at a state-approved program. Training must consist of a minimum of 350 clock hours of instruction in a nail technology curriculum at a school approved by the IDFPR. Verified via archive snapshot [2026-01-09]. [1]

  3. 3

    Illinois Licensed Nail Technician Examination

    Pass the Illinois Licensed Nail Technician Examination (fee: $185). Computerized exam administered by Continental Testing Services (CTS) with scheduling managed by PSI. There is no practical exam component required in Illinois. [2]

  4. 4

    Submit your application

    Submit your application to Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation with the $30 application fee. [3]

  5. 5

    Receive your license

    Once your application is approved, Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation issues your Licensed Nail Technician for Illinois.

Fees

Fee Amount
Application fee [3] $30
License fee [3] None specified
Renewal fee [3] $50
Illinois Licensed Nail Technician Examination [2] $185

The license fee is null because there is no separate licensing fee beyond the $30 application fee paid to IDFPR and the $185 exam fee paid to Continental Testing Services. The renewal fee is calculated at the rate of $25 per year ($50 for the 2-year cycle). Verified via archive snapshot [2026-05-16].

Renewal & continuing education

Renew every 2 years. 10 continuing education hours required per cycle.

Licenses expire on October 31 of even-numbered years. Licensees are required to complete 10 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, including 1 hour of sexual harassment prevention training and 1 hour of domestic violence and sexual assault awareness training. The first renewal is exempt. Verified via archive snapshot [2026-01-20].

Reciprocity

Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.

Out-of-state applicants can apply for licensure by endorsement if they hold an active license in another state with substantially equivalent requirements. Verified via archive snapshot [2025-04-21].

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

Cost calculator

  • $30
  • $185
Total$215

Frequently asked questions

How can I obtain a copy of my nail technician license?

IDFPR has transitioned to paperless licensing. Licensees can view and print a printable copy of their license by logging into the portal at any time.

Do I need a PIN to renew my license online?

No, you do not need a PIN to renew online. You can log into the IDFPR CORE system to renew your license directly.

How long does it take for my license renewal to reflect in the system?

Please allow 2–4 business days for your online renewal to process and update in the License Lookup system.

How do I contact the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation regarding licensing questions?

You can contact IDFPR by calling 1-800-560-6420 or emailing FPR.LMU@illinois.gov.

Sources

  1. [1] ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/068/068011750K11350R.html — accessed 2026-07-12
  2. [2] continentaltesting.net/Profession/Index/35 — accessed 2026-07-12
  3. [3] ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/068/068011750A01000R.html — accessed 2026-07-12
  4. [4] ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/068/068011750L12000R.html — accessed 2026-07-12
  5. [5] ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/068/068011750J10010R.html — accessed 2026-07-12
  6. [6] ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/068/068011750J10250R.html — accessed 2026-07-12