StateLicensed

Nail Technician License Requirements in Tennessee

Verified · July 2026
Training hours
600 hrs
Upfront cost
$200
Exam
Manicurist Theory Examination, Manicurist Practical Examination
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Issuing board
Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners

How to get licensed

  1. 1

    Meet the prerequisites

    Be at least 16 years old, Completion of at least the 10th grade or equivalent (GED). Applicants must be at least 16 years of age and have completed at least the 10th grade or equivalent. No mandatory fingerprint background check is required, but felony convictions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Verified via archive snapshot 2025-09-04. [1]

  2. 2

    Complete approved training

    Complete 600 hours of training at a state-approved program. Requires satisfactory completion of a course of instruction of not less than 600 hours in the practice and theory of manicuring at a state-licensed school of cosmetology. Verified via archive snapshot 2025-09-04. [1]

  3. 3

    Manicurist Theory Examination

    Pass the Manicurist Theory Examination (fee: $70). Computer-based Computer-administered multiple-choice exam covering manicuring theory, safety, sanitation, and Tennessee laws. A passing score of 70% is required. Verified via archive snapshot 2025-09-04. [1]

  4. 4

    Manicurist Practical Examination

    Pass the Manicurist Practical Examination (fee: $70). Practical demonstration Hands-on practical demonstration evaluating manicuring skills, safety, and sanitation. A passing score of 70% is required. Verified via archive snapshot 2025-09-04. [1]

  5. 5

    Submit your application

    Submit your application to Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners with the $60 application fee. Typical processing time: 3-4 weeks. [2]

  6. 6

    Receive your license

    Once your application is approved, Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners issues your Manicurist for Tennessee.

Fees

Fee Amount
Application fee [1] $60
License fee [1] None specified
Renewal fee [1] $60
Manicurist Theory Examination [1] $70
Manicurist Practical Examination [1] $70
Out of State Reciprocity Application Fee [1] $100
Late Renewal Penalty Fee [1] $25

The state does not charge a separate license issuance fee beyond the initial application fee of $60. Renewal is $60, with a $25 late fee. Verified via archive snapshot 2025-09-04.

Renewal & continuing education

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

Licenses must be renewed every two years. No recurring continuing education hours are required, but licensees must complete a one-time domestic violence awareness training. Verified via archive snapshot 2025-09-04.

Reciprocity

Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.

Reciprocity is available for out-of-state license holders who have substantially met Tennessee's licensing qualifications. If the applicant's home state required fewer training hours than Tennessee's 600-hour requirement, proof of continuous work experience (at least 1 of the last 3 years or 2 of the last 5 years) must be submitted. Verified via archive snapshot 2026-05-16.

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

Cost calculator

  • $60
  • $70
  • $70
Total$200

Frequently asked questions

How many hours of training are required to become a licensed manicurist in Tennessee?

You must complete at least 600 hours of instruction in the practice and theory of manicuring at a state-licensed school of cosmetology.

Who administers the manicurist licensing examinations in Tennessee?

The examinations are administered by PSI Services, LLC. You must pass both a written theory exam and a practical exam with a score of 70% or higher.

How much does it cost to get a manicurist license in Tennessee?

The initial application fee paid to the state is $60, and the two examination fees paid to PSI are $70 each, for a total initial cost of $200.

How often must a manicurist license be renewed in Tennessee, and is continuing education required?

Manicurist licenses must be renewed every two years (biennially) for a fee of $60. No recurring continuing education hours are required for renewal, but you must complete a one-time domestic violence awareness training of up to 1 hour.

Can I obtain a manicurist license in Tennessee if I am licensed in another state?

Yes, Tennessee offers reciprocity (licensure by endorsement) for out-of-state manicurists who hold an active license in good standing. The reciprocity application fee is $100.

Sources

  1. [1] tn.gov/commerce/regboards/cosmo/license/individual/manicurist.html — accessed 2026-07-12
  2. [2] tn.gov/commerce/regboards/cosmo/license/renewal-reciprocity-other-resources.html — accessed 2026-07-12