StateLicensed

Nail Technician License Requirements in Ohio

Verified · July 2026
Training hours
200 hrs
Upfront cost
$85
Exam
Manicure Theory Examination, Manicuring Practical Examination
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Issuing board
Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board

How to get licensed

  1. 1

    Meet the prerequisites

    Be at least 16 years old, 10th grade education or equivalent, pass a criminal background check. Applicants must submit a biometric fingerprint scan for a background check per ORC 4713.20. Qualification requirements are outlined in ORC 4713.28. [5]

  2. 2

    Complete approved training

    Complete 200 hours of training (including 100 clinical hours) at a state-approved program. The 200-hour manicuring curriculum must be completed at an approved school. It must include a minimum of 50% clinic hours (100 hours) and 25% theory hours (50 hours). Rule text read via the Internet Archive's 2025-03-21 snapshot; codes.ohio.gov refuses automated clients but is reachable in a browser. [1]

  3. 3

    Manicure Theory Examination

    Pass the Manicure Theory Examination (fee: $40). Multiple-choice The $40 exam fee is a combined fee covering both the theory and practical exam components. [2]

  4. 4

    Manicuring Practical Examination

    Pass the Manicuring Practical Examination. Practical The practical exam is hands-on. The fee is included in the initial $40.00 exam fee. [3]

  5. 5

    Submit your application

    Submit your application to Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board. [4]

  6. 6

    Receive your license

    Once your application is approved, Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board issues your Manicurist for Ohio.

Fees

Fee Amount
Application fee [4] None specified
License fee [4] $45
Renewal fee [4] $65
Manicure Theory Examination [2] $40
Manicuring Practical Examination [3] None specified
Late Fee [4] $45
Duplicate License [4] $30
Reciprocity [4] $70

Ohio does not charge a separate application fee; candidates pay a $40 initial exam fee and a $45 new license fee. Renewal for every personal licence type the Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board issues — barber, cosmetology, esthetics, hair design, natural hair styling, manicurist and instructor — is $65 per two-year cycle on the Board's current fee chart (last updated 2024-10-28); the $55 figure previously recorded here came from an older capture of that chart. A $45 late fee applies after the deadline, and reciprocity is $70.

Renewal & continuing education

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

Continuing education must consist of 3 hours of safety and infection control and 1 hour of Board laws and rules. The renewal fee is $65 per two-year cycle.

Reciprocity

Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available. Participates in: Cosmetology Licensure Compact.

Ohio enacted the Cosmetology Licensure Compact (HB 158) in 2024. Reciprocity requirements are detailed in ORC 4713.34.

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

Cost calculator

  • $45
  • $40
Total$85

Frequently asked questions

How many training hours are required to obtain a manicurist license in Ohio?

You must complete a 200-hour manicuring curriculum at an approved school of cosmetology.

Who administers the manicurist licensing examination in Ohio?

The examinations are administered directly by the Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board.

What is the renewal cycle and fee for an Ohio manicurist license?

Licenses are renewed biennially (every two years) with a fee of $55.

Are continuing education (CE) hours required for renewal?

Yes, manicurists must complete 4 hours of Board-approved continuing education per renewal cycle, which includes 3 hours of safety and infection control and 1 hour of Board laws and rules.

Sources

  1. [1] codes.ohio.gov/ohio-administrative-code/rule-4713-5-02 — accessed 2026-07-27
  2. [2] dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/cos.ohio.gov/exams/Manicure%20Theory%20Testing%20Information%20Packet.pdf — accessed 2026-07-12
  3. [3] dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/cos.ohio.gov/exams/TIP-Manicurist_Practical_01012025.pdf — accessed 2026-07-12
  4. [4] cos.ohio.gov/for-licensees/fees — accessed 2026-07-27
  5. [5] codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4713.28 — accessed 2026-07-12
  6. [6] codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4713.34 — accessed 2026-07-12