StateLicensed

Nail Technician License Requirements in Minnesota

Verified · July 2026
Training hours
350 hrs
Upfront cost
$280
Exam
Nail Technician General Theory Exam, Nail Technician Written Practical Exam, Minnesota State Laws and Rules Exam, Nail Technician Practical Skills Test
Renewal cycle
Every 3 years
Issuing board
Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners

How to get licensed

  1. 1

    Meet the prerequisites

    Be at least 17 years old, High school diploma or GED equivalent. Must be at least 17 years old and possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent. [6]

  2. 2

    Complete approved training

    Complete 350 hours of training (including 150 clinical hours) at a state-approved program. Course of training must consist of at least 350 hours, including 50 preclinical hours and 150 clinical hours. Students must complete at least 50 manicures, including at least 10 artificial nail applications (of which 3 must be sculptured). [1]

  3. 3

    Nail Technician General Theory Exam

    Pass the Nail Technician General Theory Exam (fee: $33). Written [2]

  4. 4

    Nail Technician Written Practical Exam

    Pass the Nail Technician Written Practical Exam (fee: $28). Written [2]

  5. 5

    Minnesota State Laws and Rules Exam

    Pass the Minnesota State Laws and Rules Exam (fee: $24). Written [2]

  6. 6

    Nail Technician Practical Skills Test

    Pass the Nail Technician Practical Skills Test. Practical Administered by the cosmetology school or a skills course provider. The fee is typically included in school tuition. [3]

  7. 7

    Submit your application

    Submit your application to Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners with the $40 application fee. Typical processing time: 15 working days (standard) or 5 business days (expedited). [4]

  8. 8

    Receive your license

    Once your application is approved, Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners issues your Nail Technician for Minnesota.

Fees

Fee Amount
Application fee [4] $40
License fee [4] $155
Renewal fee [4] $115
Nail Technician General Theory Exam [2] $33
Nail Technician Written Practical Exam [2] $28
Minnesota State Laws and Rules Exam [2] $24
Nail Technician Practical Skills Test [3] None specified
Expedited processing fee [4] $150
Practitioner late renewal fee [4] $45

Initial practitioner license fee is $195 ($155 license fee + $40 application fee). Renewal fee is $115 ($100 license renewal fee + $15 renewal application fee).

Renewal & continuing education

Renew every 3 years. 8 continuing education hours required per cycle.

Practitioner licenses must be renewed every 3 years by the last day of the licensee's birth month. Continuing education must include a 4-hour core course and a 4-hour professional practice course.

Reciprocity

Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.

Reciprocity is available via the Domestic License Transfer process. If the applicant's training hours are fewer than 350 hours (and they have been licensed less than three years), they must complete additional training or a skills course.

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

Cost calculator

  • $40
  • $155
  • $33
  • $28
  • $24
Total$280

Frequently asked questions

How many hours of training are required to become a licensed nail technician in Minnesota?

You must complete at least 350 hours of training at a board-licensed cosmetology school, which includes 50 preclinical hours and 150 clinical hours.

Which exams must I pass to obtain my nail technician license, and who administers them?

You must pass three written exams (General Theory, Written Practical, and Minnesota Laws & Rules) administered by the testing vendor, PSI Services, as well as a Practical Skills Test administered by your cosmetology school.

How often must I renew my nail technician license, and what are the continuing education requirements?

Nail technician licenses must be renewed every three years. To renew, you must complete 8 hours of continuing education, consisting of a 4-hour core course (safety, infection control, and state laws/rules) and a 4-hour professional practice course.

How much does it cost to apply for an initial nail technician license in Minnesota?

The initial operator license fee is $195 (which includes a $155 license fee and a $40 application fee) for standard processing. If you select expedited processing, the fee is $345 (which includes a $150 expedited fee).

Sources

  1. [1] revisor.mn.gov/rules/2110.0530/ — accessed 2026-07-12
  2. [2] test-takers.psiexams.com/mncos — accessed 2026-07-12
  3. [3] mn.gov/boards/cosmetology/ — accessed 2026-07-12
  4. [4] revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/155A.25 — accessed 2026-07-12
  5. [5] mn.gov/boards/cosmetology/licensing/practitioners/ — accessed 2026-07-12
  6. [6] mn.gov/boards/cosmetology/licensing/ — accessed 2026-07-12