Nail Technician License Requirements in Indiana
- Training hours
- 450 hrs
- Upfront cost
- $80
- Exam
- Manicurist Written Examination, Final Practical Demonstration Examination
- Renewal cycle
- Every 4 years
- Issuing board
- Indiana State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners
How to get licensed
- 1
Meet the prerequisites
Be at least 18 years old, Completed at least the 8th grade or its equivalent., pass a criminal background check. Indiana Code 25-8-11-4 requires manicurist applicants to be at least 18 years of age. Some older board administrative materials may reference 17 years and 6 months, but state statute requires 18 years of age. Applicants must also submit to a national criminal history background check via fingerprinting (processed through IdentoGO) after submitting their application. [1]
- 2
Complete approved training
Complete 450 hours of training at a state-approved program. Requires completion of 450 clock hours of manicuring education at an Indiana-approved beauty culture school under 820 IAC 4-4-5. [1]
- 3
Manicurist Written Examination
Pass the Manicurist Written Examination (fee: $40). Written The written examination is administered by PSI Services LLC. Passing score is 70%. [1]
- 4
Final Practical Demonstration Examination
Pass the Final Practical Demonstration Examination. Practical Indiana requires beauty culture schools to administer the final practical demonstration examination as a graduation requirement (passing score of 75% or higher is required). There is no separate state exam fee for this practical component. [1]
- 5
Submit your application
Submit your application to Indiana State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners with the $40 application fee. Typical processing time: 10 business days. [1]
- 6
Receive your license
Once your application is approved, Indiana State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners issues your Manicurist for Indiana.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee [1] | $40 |
| License fee [1] | None specified |
| Renewal fee [1] | $40 |
| Manicurist Written Examination [1] | $40 |
| Final Practical Demonstration Examination [1] | None specified |
The application fee is $40. There is no separate license issuance fee charged by the state board. The renewal fee is $40.
Renewal & continuing education
Renew every 4 years. 0 continuing education hours required per cycle.
Licenses must be renewed every 4 years. Indiana does not require continuing education hours for manicurists.
Reciprocity
Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.
Licensure by reciprocity is available for out-of-state license holders if their home state requirements are substantially equal to Indiana's standards. One year of licensed practice may be equivalent to 100 hours of training credit depending on prior completed education hours.
11 state-approved training providers in Indiana — browse programs and compare schools on tradecolleges.org.
Cost calculator
- $40
- $40
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if my cosmetology or manicurist license renewal is on hold due to the Indiana Department of Revenue?
You must contact the Indiana Department of Revenue directly to resolve the tax issue. Once they notify the Professional Licensing Agency (PLA) that the hold has been cleared, your license renewal can be processed.
Do I need to submit to a criminal background check for a manicurist license in Indiana?
Yes. All applicants for an initial manicurist license must complete a national criminal history background check via fingerprinting through IdentoGO after submitting their application to the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA).
When can I complete my fingerprint background check for my license application?
You must submit your background check on or after the date your application is received by the PLA. A background check completed prior to the application submission is not valid and must be repeated.
What is the training hour requirement to obtain a manicurist license in Indiana?
You must successfully complete at least 450 clock hours of manicuring education at an approved beauty culture school.
Can I get a manicurist license in Indiana by reciprocity?
Yes, you can apply by reciprocity if you hold an active license in another state or country whose requirements are substantially equal to Indiana's. One year of licensed practice may be equivalent to 100 hours of training credit if you have already completed at least 100 (for 20+ years of practice) or 300 (for less than 20 years of practice) hours of education.
Sources
- [1] in.gov/pla/professions/cosmetology-and-barber-home/ — accessed 2026-07-12