StateLicensed

Nail Technician License Requirements in Kentucky

Verified · July 2026
Training hours
450 hrs
Upfront cost
$220
Exam
National Manicurist Theory Examination, National Manicurist Practical Examination
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Issuing board
Kentucky Board of Cosmetology

How to get licensed

  1. 1

    Meet the prerequisites

    Be at least 18 years old, High school diploma or equivalent (grade 12 equivalency). Applicants must disclose prior felony convictions on the application for Board review under KRS Chapter 335B, but a criminal background check is not run for all applicants. [5]

  2. 2

    Complete approved training

    Complete 450 hours of training (including 275 clinical hours) at a state-approved program. Requires 450 hours of training in a licensed school of cosmetology under KRS 317A.050. Per 201 KAR 12:082, this includes 150 hours of science and theory, 25 hours of Kentucky law, and 275 clinic and practice hours. [1]

  3. 3

    National Manicurist Theory Examination

    Pass the National Manicurist Theory Examination (fee: $85). Written (computer-based) [2]

  4. 4

    National Manicurist Practical Examination

    Pass the National Manicurist Practical Examination (fee: $85). Practical [2]

  5. 5

    Submit your application

    Submit your application to Kentucky Board of Cosmetology. Typical processing time: Up to 10 days. [7]

  6. 6

    Receive your license

    Once your application is approved, Kentucky Board of Cosmetology issues your Nail Technician for Kentucky.

Fees

Fee Amount
Application fee [3] None specified
License fee [3] $50
Renewal fee [3] $100
National Manicurist Theory Examination [2] $85
National Manicurist Practical Examination [2] $85
Student Enrollment Fee [3] $25
Out-of-state Endorsement Application Fee [3] $100
Out-of-state Transfer Certification Fee [3] $25
Individual License Restoration Fee [3] $50

No separate application fee is charged by the Board beyond the $85 examination application fee per component and the $50 initial license fee.

Renewal & continuing education

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

Licenses expire on June 30 of even-numbered years (biennial cycle). Continuing education (CE) is not required for license renewal in Kentucky.

Reciprocity

Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available. Participates in: Cosmetology Licensure Compact.

Out-of-state transfer applicants must pay a $100 endorsement application fee and prove comparable licensure. Under the 2025 amendment, if transferring state standards differ, proof of two years of active continuous practice can be accepted. Kentucky is a member state of the Cosmetology Licensure Compact.

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

Cost calculator

  • $50
  • $85
  • $85
Total$220

Frequently asked questions

I renewed my license last year but have not received it.

Accounts were manually reviewed for accuracy and security; deficiencies were sent via email. Many licenses were returned by the post office. The Board suggests that licensees renew early in the year and monitor emails for correspondence from agency staff.

How am I receiving my license this year?

Personal licenses will be mailed upon approval, and salon licenses will be emailed for owners to print and post.

Where do I get a passport photo from?

Create a passport photo using your cell phone. You may download an app or create a passport photo style picture using your camera.

Where do I find the option to renew?

Once you have created an account and logged in, to the right of your name and valid license you will see an ellipsis (3 dots). This menu will give available options; click renewal and complete the required renewal application.

Sources

  1. [1] apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/kar/titles/201/012/082/ — accessed 2026-07-12
  2. [2] test-takers.psiexams.com/kycos — accessed 2026-07-12
  3. [3] apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/kar/titles/201/012/260/ — accessed 2026-07-12
  4. [4] kbc.ky.gov/Licensure/Pages/License-Renewal-Information.aspx — accessed 2026-07-12
  5. [5] kbc.ky.gov/Licensure/Pages/License-Requirements.aspx — accessed 2026-07-12
  6. [6] kbc.ky.gov/Licensure/Pages/Out-of-State-Info.aspx — accessed 2026-07-12
  7. [7] kbc.ky.gov/Licensure/Pages/default.aspx — accessed 2026-07-12