StateLicensed

Nail Technician License Requirements in North Dakota

Verified · July 2026
Training hours
350 hrs
Upfront cost
$225
Exam
NIC Manicuring Practical Exam, NIC Nail Technology Theory Written Exam, North Dakota Cosmetology Laws, Rules & Regulations Exam
Renewal cycle
Every 1 year
Issuing board
North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology

How to get licensed

  1. 1

    Meet the prerequisites

    Be at least 16 years old, Minimum tenth-grade education or equivalent. Student registration requires being at least 16 years of age and having a minimum tenth-grade education or equivalent (NDAC 32-04-01-01.1). Although the application asks about criminal history in the past 5 years, a formal criminal background/fingerprint check is not required for licensure. [1]

  2. 2

    Complete approved training

    Complete 350 hours of training at a state-approved program. Requires completion of at least 350 hours of training in a registered school (NDAC 32-04-01-28) or 2,000 hours in a USDOL registered apprenticeship program (NDCC 43-11-16.1). A student cannot perform clinical services until they have completed 20% (70 hours) of instruction. [1]

  3. 3

    NIC Manicuring Practical Exam

    Pass the NIC Manicuring Practical Exam (fee: $25). Practical Held at the Board office in Bismarck. Candidates must score at least 75% to pass. Mannequins are used instead of live models. [2]

  4. 4

    NIC Nail Technology Theory Written Exam

    Pass the NIC Nail Technology Theory Written Exam (fee: $90). Written Computer-based exam administered by Prov. Fee is $90 if taken individually, or $90 combined with the State Law exam. [3]

  5. 5

    North Dakota Cosmetology Laws, Rules & Regulations Exam

    Pass the North Dakota Cosmetology Laws, Rules & Regulations Exam (fee: $60). Written Computer-based exam administered by Prov. Fee is $60 if taken individually, or $90 combined with the NIC Theory exam. [3]

  6. 6

    Submit your application

    Submit your application to North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology. [4]

  7. 7

    Receive your license

    Once your application is approved, North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology issues your Manicurist for North Dakota.

Fees

Fee Amount
Application fee [4] None specified
License fee [4] $50
Renewal fee [4] $50
NIC Manicuring Practical Exam [2] $25
NIC Nail Technology Theory Written Exam [3] $90
North Dakota Cosmetology Laws, Rules & Regulations Exam [3] $60
Student Registration [4] $15
Reciprocity (Endorsement) [4] $105

There is no separate application fee for initial licensure; applicants pay a $50 original license fee. Reciprocity applicants pay a $105 endorsement fee and a $50 original license fee.

Renewal & continuing education

Renew every 1 year. 4 continuing education hours required per cycle.

Licenses expire annually on December 31st. A 4-hour continuing education requirement commences with the 2028 renewal cycle under 2026 rules (NDAC 32-05-01-01(7)).

Reciprocity

Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.

Reciprocity is available to out-of-state licensees with equivalent credentials and training. Applicants who do not meet the 350 training hours may substitute 1,000 hours of licensed work experience for 100 school hours, up to a maximum of 500 hours (NDCC 43-11-25(2)(b)(3)(b)). May require taking examinations if previous license held less than 1 year or original state did not require NIC exams.

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

Cost calculator

  • $50
  • $25
  • $90
  • $60
Total$225

Frequently asked questions

How do out-of-state applicants apply for a North Dakota license without examination?

Applicants must submit a certified proof of licensure from their current board, an endorsement application, valid primary/secondary IDs, and proof of training. If the previous state requirements were equivalent, and they have held the license in good standing for at least one year, they may receive a license by endorsement, though they may still need to pass the North Dakota Laws, Rules, and Regulations exam.

What happens if my North Dakota license expires?

Licenses expire annually on December 31st. An expired license can be renewed within 1 year by paying the renewal fee plus a $50 late fee. Between 1 and 5 years, reinstatement requires the renewal fee, a $150 late fee, and passing the ND laws, rules, and regulations exam. After 5 years, you must reapply and retake all required examinations (practical, theory, and law).

How do I request a license certification (verification) to transfer my license to another state?

To receive certification of your North Dakota license, complete the License Verification Form and mail it to the board office with a fee of $20. If another state's verification form is required, include it with your request. Allow at least two weeks for processing.

What are the requirements for name and address changes?

Personal name or mailing address changes must be submitted to the board office. Address changes can be reported in writing. For a name change on your license, you must complete the Name Change Form, provide supporting court documentation, and pay a fee of $20.

Sources

  1. [1] ndlegis.gov/information/acdata/pdf/32-04-01.pdf — accessed 2026-07-12
  2. [2] ndcosmetology.com/Document.aspx — accessed 2026-07-12
  3. [3] ndcosmetology.com/Document.aspx — accessed 2026-07-12
  4. [4] ndcosmetology.com/Document.aspx — accessed 2026-07-12
  5. [5] ndlegis.gov/information/acdata/pdf/32-05-01.pdf — accessed 2026-07-12
  6. [6] ndcosmetology.com/Document.aspx — accessed 2026-07-12