Nail Technician License Requirements in Louisiana
- Training hours
- 500 hrs
- Upfront cost
- $168
- Exam
- NIC Manicurist Theory Examination, Louisiana State Law Exam, Manicurist Practical Exam
- Renewal cycle
- Every 1 year
- Issuing board
- Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology
How to get licensed
- 1
Meet the prerequisites
Be at least 16 years old, 10th grade or equivalent. [1]
- 2
Complete approved training
Complete 500 hours of training at a state-approved program. Requires 500 hours of training in a curriculum approved by the Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology at an approved cosmetology school. [1]
- 3
NIC Manicurist Theory Examination
Pass the NIC Manicurist Theory Examination (fee: $83). Computer-based [2]
- 4
Louisiana State Law Exam
Pass the Louisiana State Law Exam (fee: $25). Written [2]
- 5
Manicurist Practical Exam
Pass the Manicurist Practical Exam (fee: $25). Practical [2]
- 6
Submit your application
Submit your application to Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology. [2]
- 7
Receive your license
Once your application is approved, Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology issues your Manicurist for Louisiana.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee [2] | None specified |
| License fee [2] | $35 |
| Renewal fee [2] | $35 |
| NIC Manicurist Theory Examination [2] | $83 |
| Louisiana State Law Exam [2] | $25 |
| Manicurist Practical Exam [2] | $25 |
The initial certificate/license fee is $35, and the annual renewal fee is $35 under Louisiana R.S. 37:599 as amended by Act 355 of the 2025 Regular Session (effective June 20, 2025). The Board does not specify a separate general application fee beyond the initial license and exam fees, so the application fee is set to null.
Renewal & continuing education
Renew every 1 year. 0 continuing education hours required per cycle.
Licenses must be renewed annually on or before the licensee's birth date. Standard practitioners (cosmetologists, estheticians, manicurists) do not have continuing education requirements for renewal.
Reciprocity
Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.
Louisiana offers reciprocity/endorsement to out-of-state manicurists who hold an active license in good standing. The reciprocity/endorsement fee is $25, plus an initial license fee of $35. Applicants must pass the Louisiana State Law Exam ($25). Certification from states issuing licenses via apprenticeship is not accepted.
7 state-approved training providers in Louisiana — browse programs and compare schools on tradecolleges.org.
Cost calculator
- $35
- $83
- $25
- $25
Frequently asked questions
Why does my school have to schedule my exams?
Cosmetology schools must submit several reports to the Board Office stating that the student has met all requirements to take the exam.
How long does it take for me to get an exam date?
It usually takes about 7-10 days from the date the board office receives the request to take this examination.
How long does it take for me to find out if I passed my exam?
Test scores are processed within ten (10) business days and are forwarded to the school. Under no circumstances will the LSBC provide this information to anyone other than the school administration.
How long are my hours valid?
If you have completed the mandatory hours and met your financial obligation to your school for the course study, your hours are yours. If you have not completed the mandatory hours after 6 years, your hours become invalid.
What is the cost of the examinations?
The national theory (written) exam fee is $83.00 (payable to the exam vendor), the state law exam fee is $25.00, and the practical exam fee is $25.00.
Sources
- [1] lsbc.louisiana.gov/faq_ind_license_info.aspx — accessed 2026-07-12
- [2] lsbc.louisiana.gov/faq_student_info.aspx — accessed 2026-07-12
- [3] lsbc.louisiana.gov/pdfs/ReciprocityMAN.pdf — accessed 2026-07-12