StateLicensed

Nail Technician License Requirements in Oregon

Verified · July 2026
Training hours
241 hrs
Upfront cost
$155
Exam
Nail Technology Written Exam, Oregon Laws and Rules Written Exam, Nail Technology Practical Exam
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Issuing board
Oregon Board of Cosmetology

How to get licensed

  1. 1

    Meet the prerequisites

    Pass a criminal background check. Oregon does not specify a minimum age or educational requirements (like high school diploma or GED) for general practitioner certification. However, individual schools may require them for enrollment. HLO conducts criminal background checks to determine applicant fitness to hold certification. [1]

  2. 2

    Complete approved training

    Complete 241 hours of training at a state-approved program. Requires 241 hours of core nail technology training, plus 20 hours of Oregon Laws and Rules and 20 hours of Career Development (totaling 281 hours) from a Board-approved cosmetology school. [1]

  3. 3

    Nail Technology Written Exam

    Pass the Nail Technology Written Exam (fee: $45). Written [2]

  4. 4

    Oregon Laws and Rules Written Exam

    Pass the Oregon Laws and Rules Written Exam (fee: $45). Written [2]

  5. 5

    Nail Technology Practical Exam

    Pass the Nail Technology Practical Exam. Practical Administered by the Board-approved cosmetology school from which the candidate graduates. [1]

  6. 6

    Submit your application

    Submit your application to Oregon Board of Cosmetology with the $30 application fee. [2]

  7. 7

    Receive your license

    Once your application is approved, Oregon Board of Cosmetology issues your Practitioner Certificate in Nail Technology for Oregon.

Fees

Fee Amount
Application fee [2] $30
License fee [2] $35
Renewal fee [2] $65
Nail Technology Written Exam [2] $45
Oregon Laws and Rules Written Exam [2] $45
Nail Technology Practical Exam [1] None specified

Initial costs include a non-refundable $30 application fee, a $35 initial practitioner certification fee (valid for two years), and two written exam fees ($45 each). Standard certification renewal is $65 every two years.

Renewal & continuing education

Renew every 2 years. 0 continuing education hours required per cycle.

No continuing education hours are required for standard practitioner renewal, but practitioners must complete annual Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) training starting July 1, 2025.

Reciprocity

Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.

Reciprocity is available for out-of-state license holders in good standing. Applicants must submit a reciprocity application ($100 fee), verification of licensure, and pass the Oregon written examinations (Nail Technology and Oregon Laws & Rules, $45 each).

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

Cost calculator

  • $30
  • $35
  • $45
  • $45
Total$155

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a high school diploma or GED to get certified as a nail technologist in Oregon?

No, the Oregon Board of Cosmetology does not require a high school diploma, GED, or minimum age for practitioner certification. However, individual cosmetology schools may have their own educational requirements for admission.

What exams are required for nail technology certification in Oregon?

You must pass three exams: a school-administered practical exam, a state-administered Nail Technology written exam, and a state-administered Oregon Laws and Rules written exam.

Are there continuing education hours required to renew a nail technician certification?

No, there are no continuing education (CE) hour requirements for standard cosmetology practitioner renewals in Oregon. However, starting July 1, 2025, practitioners must complete annual Bloodborne Pathogens training.

How do I take the written exams in Oregon?

The written exams are administered by the Health Licensing Office (HLO) in Salem on a walk-in basis from Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. No appointments are scheduled.

What is the fee to apply for certification via reciprocity?

The reciprocity application fee is $100. In addition, you must pay the exam fees ($45 each for the Nail Technology and Laws and Rules exams) and the reciprocity certification fee of $65.

Sources

  1. [1] oregon.gov/oha/PH/HLO/Pages/Board-Cosmetology.aspx — accessed 2026-07-12
  2. [2] oregon.gov/oha/PH/HLO/Pages/Board-Cosmetology-Fees.aspx — accessed 2026-07-12