StateLicensed

Nail Technician License Requirements in Maryland

Verified · July 2026
Training hours
250 hrs
Upfront cost
$122
Exam
Nail Technician Theory Examination, Nail Technician Practical Examination
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Issuing board
Maryland Board of Cosmetologists

How to get licensed

  1. 1

    Meet the prerequisites

    Be at least 17 years old, 9th grade or G.E.D. Applicants must be at least 17 years of age and have completed the 9th grade or equivalent. Routine background checks are not conducted, though criminal histories must be disclosed on applications. Effective January 1, 2026, initial applicants must complete a one-time, 1-hour Domestic Violence Awareness training course from a Board-approved provider. [1]

  2. 2

    Complete approved training

    Complete 250 hours of training at a state-approved program. Candidates must complete either 250 hours of instruction at an approved cosmetology school, or an 8-month registered apprenticeship (minimum 20 hours per week) in a licensed beauty salon under a sponsor. [1]

  3. 3

    Nail Technician Theory Examination

    Pass the Nail Technician Theory Examination (fee: $47). Written The fee is $47 when taken individually. If taken together with the practical exam as a combined exam, the total fee is $77. Must be passed within 2 years of the practical exam. [2]

  4. 4

    Nail Technician Practical Examination

    Pass the Nail Technician Practical Examination (fee: $47). Practical The fee is $47 when taken individually. If taken together with the theory exam as a combined exam, the total fee is $77. Must be passed within 2 years of the theory exam. [2]

  5. 5

    Submit your application

    Submit your application to Maryland Board of Cosmetologists. [3]

  6. 6

    Receive your license

    Once your application is approved, Maryland Board of Cosmetologists issues your Limited Nail Technician for Maryland.

Fees

Fee Amount
Application fee [3] None specified
License fee [3] $28
Renewal fee [3] $28
Nail Technician Theory Examination [2] $47
Nail Technician Practical Examination [2] $47

There is no separate application fee for initial licensure other than the original license fee of $28. The license is valid for two years.

Renewal & continuing education

Renew every 2 years. 6 continuing education hours required per cycle.

Continuing education requirement of 6 hours (2 hours in health/safety/welfare/laws, and 4 hours in electives) is mandatory for renewals starting January 1, 2026. Domestic violence awareness training (1 hour) is also required as a one-time renewal qualification starting January 1, 2026.

Reciprocity

Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.

Licensure by endorsement is available for out-of-state license holders in good standing with comparable requirements. Applicants from certain states (e.g., Maine, Massachusetts, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia) must show 6 months of work experience or pass the Maryland examinations depending on when they were tested.

1 state-approved training provider in Maryland — browse programs and compare schools on tradecolleges.org.

Cost calculator

  • $28
  • $47
  • $47
Total$122

Frequently asked questions

How many hours of continuing education am I required to complete to renew my license?

Licensees are required to complete a total of 6 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years, which must include 2 hours of required topics (Health, Safety, Welfare, Sanitation, and/or Board Laws/Regulations) and 4 hours of elective topics.

When does the continuing education requirement for license renewal go into effect?

The continuing education requirement goes into effect on January 1, 2026. Licensees renewing their licenses on or after this date must be in compliance.

Can I perform services on my own without being affiliated with a licensed salon?

No. Under Section 5-605 of the Annotated Code of Maryland, you must be affiliated with a licensed salon or licensed barbershop to perform nail technician services.

Can I obtain a duplicate license if I lost mine?

Yes. You can request a duplicate license online or by emailing the Board with your license number and current mailing address.

Does Maryland require a background check for nail technician licensure?

Maryland does not require a routine fingerprint background check for initial licensure, though applicants must disclose any criminal convictions on their application for the Board's review.

Sources

  1. [1] labor.maryland.gov/license/cos/cosreq.shtml — accessed 2026-07-12
  2. [2] labor.maryland.gov/license/cos/cosexam.shtml — accessed 2026-07-12
  3. [3] labor.maryland.gov/license/cos/cosaff.shtml — accessed 2026-07-12
  4. [4] labor.maryland.gov/license/cos/coslicenseesfaqs.shtml — accessed 2026-07-12
  5. [5] labor.maryland.gov/license/cos/cosrecip.shtml — accessed 2026-07-12