Nail Technician License Requirements in Montana
- Training hours
- 400 hrs
- Upfront cost
- $359
- Exam
- NIC Nail Technology Theory Examination, NIC Nail Technology Practical Examination
- Renewal cycle
- Every 2 years
- Issuing board
- Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
How to get licensed
- 1
Meet the prerequisites
Be at least 18 years old, High school graduation or equivalent. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. Disclosing criminal history is required, but there is no mandatory fingerprint background check. [1]
- 2
Complete approved training
Complete 400 hours of training at a state-approved program. Must complete a 400-hour manicurist course from a Board-licensed school. [1]
- 3
NIC Nail Technology Theory Examination
Pass the NIC Nail Technology Theory Examination (fee: $80). Written Administered by Prov, Inc. utilizing the National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) standards. [2]
- 4
NIC Nail Technology Practical Examination
Pass the NIC Nail Technology Practical Examination (fee: $179). Practical Administered by Prov, Inc. utilizing the National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) standards. [2]
- 5
Submit your application
Submit your application to Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists with the $100 application fee. Typical processing time: 10 days. [1]
- 6
Receive your license
Once your application is approved, Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists issues your Manicurist for Montana.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee [3] | $100 |
| License fee [3] | None specified |
| Renewal fee [3] | $100 |
| NIC Nail Technology Theory Examination [2] | $80 |
| NIC Nail Technology Practical Examination [2] | $179 |
The $100 fee is paid online at application and covers issuance of the license, so 'license' is null. ARM 24.121.401(1) sets a single 'Original and renewal license' fee covering barbering, barbering nonchemical, cosmetology, electrology, esthetics and manicuring. The Board amended that rule as proposed in MAR Notice 2025-221, effective November 22, 2025, raising the fee from $80 to $100; the same amount is charged for the original license and for each biennial renewal, and there is no separate license-issuance fee beyond it. Several of the Board's own license-information pages still display the pre-increase $80 figure — they have not been refreshed since the amendment took effect. Exam fees are billed separately by the Board's contracted exam vendor and are not set in the rules.
Renewal & continuing education
Renew every 2 years. 0 continuing education hours required per cycle.
Licenses are renewed biennially. Montana does not require continuing education for manicurists.
Reciprocity
Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.
Licensure by credentialing is available for individuals licensed in another state. If the training hours are less than 400, the applicant can attest to at least 800 hours of licensed work experience.
2 state-approved training providers in Montana — browse programs and compare schools on tradecolleges.org.
Cost calculator
- $100
- $80
- $179
Frequently asked questions
Does Montana offer reciprocity or transfer for manicurist licenses from other states?
Montana does not have direct reciprocity agreements, but you can apply for licensure by credentialing. You must show that your out-of-state education is substantially equivalent to Montana's (400 hours) or provide proof of at least 800 hours of work experience as a licensed manicurist.
Are continuing education hours required to renew a manicurist license in Montana?
No, Montana does not require any continuing education hours to renew a manicurist license.
What exams are required for manicurist licensing in Montana, and who administers them?
You must pass the National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) Nail Technology theory (written) and practical exams. The exams are administered by Prov, Inc.
Can a manicurist perform services at a client's home or outside of a salon?
It is unlawful to practice manicuring in any place other than a licensed salon or shop, except when a customer is unable to visit a salon due to illness or other conditions and the services are requested through a licensed salon.
Sources
- [1] boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/_docs/cos/man-app-checklist.pdf — accessed 2026-07-12
- [2] provexam.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Prov_CIB_MT_Inc_Remote_Practical_Inst_and_CBT_Inst_2024.06.27.pdf — accessed 2026-07-12
- [3] boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/_docs/cos/2025-221adp-arm.pdf — accessed 2026-07-27
- [4] boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/barber-and-cosmetologists/license-information/manicurist — accessed 2026-07-12
- [5] rules.mt.gov/gateway/RuleNo.asp — accessed 2026-07-12