Nail Technician License Requirements in Nebraska
- Training hours
- 300 hrs
- Upfront cost
- $95
- Exam
- National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) Nail Technology Written Examination
- Renewal cycle
- Every 2 years
- Issuing board
- Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health
How to get licensed
- 1
Meet the prerequisites
Be at least 17 years old, High school diploma or GED equivalent. Applicants must be at least 17 years of age and hold a high school diploma or equivalent. No mandatory fingerprint-based criminal background check is required, but applicants must self-disclose criminal history. [1]
- 2
Complete approved training
Complete 300 hours of training at a state-approved program. Training must consist of at least 300 hours of training in an approved school of cosmetology or nail technology, including at least 16 hours of instruction on operating a nail drill (electric file). [1]
- 3
National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) Nail Technology Written Examination
Pass the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) Nail Technology Written Examination. Written Nebraska requires passing the NIC written examination administered by PSI. There is no hands-on practical examination requirement. An open-book Nebraska Cosmetology Jurisprudence Examination must also be completed. [1]
- 4
Submit your application
Submit your application to Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health with the $95 application fee. [1]
- 5
Receive your license
Once your application is approved, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health issues your Nail Technician for Nebraska.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee [1] | $95 |
| License fee [1] | None specified |
| Renewal fee [1] | $118 |
| National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) Nail Technology Written Examination [1] | None specified |
The initial license application fee is $95. There is no separate licensing or issuance fee, so license fee is null. Renewal fee is $118. Fees may be waived for qualifying young workers (ages 17-25), low-income individuals, and military families. Exam fees are paid directly to PSI.
Renewal & continuing education
Renew every 2 years. 8 continuing education hours required per cycle.
Licenses expire on December 31 of odd-numbered years. Renewal requires completion of 8 hours of continuing education, with at least 4 hours directly related to nail technology.
Reciprocity
Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.
Applicants currently licensed in another jurisdiction may apply for a license by reciprocity if they meet Nebraska's training and exam standards. The applicant must have completed at least 300 hours of training (including 16 hours of nail drill training) and passed a written exam. If no written exam was required in their previous state, they must pass the Nebraska exam.
Cost calculator
- $95
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for a temporary license before submitting my examination application?
No, a temporary license cannot be applied for until a completed examination application has been submitted to the Department.
If I am reinstating an expired or inactive license, do I need to retake the examination?
No, you do not need to retake the examination to reinstate an expired or inactive license.
How many hours of continuing education do I need to reinstate my license?
You must complete at least 8 hours of continuing education (including at least 4 hours of nail technology-related topics) within the 24 months immediately preceding the submission of your reinstatement application. This is a flat requirement, not per year of inactivity.
When must a new salon application be submitted?
A new salon application must be submitted to the Department at least 30 days before the intended opening date.
What is required if there is a change of ownership of a salon?
A change of ownership requires the new owner to submit a new application, a sketch of the premises, verification of liability insurance, and a $150 fee.
Sources
- [1] dhhs.ne.gov/licensure/Pages/Nail-Technology.aspx — accessed 2026-07-12