StateLicensed

Nail Technician License Requirements in Nevada

Verified · July 2026
Training hours
600 hrs
Upfront cost
$195
Exam
Theory Examination, Nevada State Law Examination, Practical Examination
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Issuing board
Nevada State Board of Cosmetology

How to get licensed

  1. 1

    Meet the prerequisites

    Be at least 18 years old, 10th grade or equivalent. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have completed at least the 10th grade or its equivalent. Criminal background checks with fingerprinting are not generally required, but applicants must self-disclose felony convictions for Board review. [1]

  2. 2

    Complete approved training

    Complete 600 hours of training at a state-approved program. Requires completion of at least 600 hours of training in a licensed school of cosmetology, or at least 1,200 hours of service as a nail technologist's apprentice in a licensed cosmetological establishment. [1]

  3. 3

    Theory Examination

    Pass the Theory Examination. written The exam fee is included in the initial $125 Student Testing Application fee paid to the Board. [2]

  4. 4

    Nevada State Law Examination

    Pass the Nevada State Law Examination. written The exam fee is included in the initial $125 Student Testing Application fee paid to the Board. [2]

  5. 5

    Practical Examination

    Pass the Practical Examination. practical The exam fee is included in the initial $125 Student Testing Application fee paid to the Board. [3]

  6. 6

    Submit your application

    Submit your application to Nevada State Board of Cosmetology with the $125 application fee. [4]

  7. 7

    Receive your license

    Once your application is approved, Nevada State Board of Cosmetology issues your Nail Technologist for Nevada.

Fees

Fee Amount
Application fee [4] $125
License fee [4] $70
Renewal fee [4] $70
Theory Examination [2] None specified
Nevada State Law Examination [2] None specified
Practical Examination [3] None specified

The application/testing fee is $125. The initial license fee is $70 for 2 years or $140 for 4 years. The renewal fee is also $70 for 2 years or $140 for 4 years.

Renewal & continuing education

Renew every 2 years. 4 continuing education hours required per cycle.

Licenses must be renewed every 2 years ($70 fee) or 4 years ($140 fee). Licensees must complete at least 4 hours of Board-approved instruction relating to infection control and prevention.

Reciprocity

Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.

Reciprocity is available for applicants who hold an active license in another state, territory, or country with equivalent requirements. A $325 reciprocity application fee is required, and the applicant must pass the Nevada State Law Test.

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

Cost calculator

  • $125
  • $70
Total$195

Frequently asked questions

How many training hours are required for a nail technologist license in Nevada?

Applicants must complete at least 600 hours of training in a licensed school of cosmetology or 1,200 hours as a nail technologist's apprentice.

Which exams must I pass to get a nail technologist license?

You must pass three exams: a Theory exam and a Nevada State Law exam administered by Pearson VUE, and a Practical exam administered by the Nevada State Board of Cosmetology.

What are the fees to apply for and maintain a nail technologist license?

The Student Testing Application fee is $125. Once you pass your exams, you must pay a license fee of $70 for a 2-year license (renewals also cost $70 for 2 years or $140 for 4 years).

What are the continuing education requirements for renewing my license?

To renew your license, you must complete at least 4 hours of Board-approved instruction relating to infection control and prevention.

Can I transfer my out-of-state nail technologist license to Nevada?

Yes, you can transfer your license through reciprocity if you hold an active license in good standing in another state. You must submit an Individual Application with a $325 fee and pass the Nevada State Law Test.

Sources

  1. [1] leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-644A.html — accessed 2026-07-12
  2. [2] home.pearsonvue.com/nv/cosmetology — accessed 2026-07-12
  3. [3] nvcosmo.com/practical-test — accessed 2026-07-12
  4. [4] leg.state.nv.us/NAC/NAC-644A.html — accessed 2026-07-12
  5. [5] nvcosmo.com/transfer-to-nevada/ — accessed 2026-07-12