StateLicensed

Nail Technician License Requirements in Vermont

Verified · July 2026
Training hours
200 hrs
Upfront cost
$345
Exam
NIC Nail Technology Theory Examination, NIC Nail Technology Practical Examination
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Issuing board
Vermont Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists

How to get licensed

  1. 1

    Meet the prerequisites

    Be at least 18 years old, High School Diploma or GED. Applicants must self-disclose criminal history. OPR reviews criminal records on a case-by-case basis and offers a 'Second Chance Determination' pre-application review. [3]

  2. 2

    Complete approved training

    Complete 200 hours of training at a state-approved program. Apprenticeship training requires a minimum of 300 hours under the supervision of a licensed professional in an approved shop. [1]

  3. 3

    NIC Nail Technology Theory Examination

    Pass the NIC Nail Technology Theory Examination (fee: $95). written The theory exam can be taken online (remotely) or at a designated Prov testing center. [2]

  4. 4

    NIC Nail Technology Practical Examination

    Pass the NIC Nail Technology Practical Examination (fee: $130). practical The practical exam must be taken remotely. [2]

  5. 5

    Submit your application

    Submit your application to Vermont Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists with the $120 application fee. Typical processing time: 3-5 business days. [4]

  6. 6

    Receive your license

    Once your application is approved, Vermont Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists issues your Nail Technician for Vermont.

Fees

Fee Amount
Application fee [3] $120
License fee [3] None specified
Renewal fee [3] $155
NIC Nail Technology Theory Examination [2] $95
NIC Nail Technology Practical Examination [2] $130

The initial license fee is included in the $120.00 application fee. There is no separate fee for license issuance.

Renewal & continuing education

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

Licenses are renewed biennially on November 30th of odd-numbered years. There are no continuing education requirements for active practitioners.

Reciprocity

Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.

Licensure by endorsement is available for out-of-state licensees. If the training requirements in the home state were substantially equivalent, no exam is required. If they were materially less rigorous, 1,500 hours of active practice is required. A 'Fast Track Endorsement' is available if licensed for at least three years.

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

Cost calculator

  • $120
  • $95
  • $130
Total$345

Frequently asked questions

Does the State of Vermont require continuing education for license renewal?

No. Currently, Vermont does not require continuing education (CE) hours for the renewal of individual practitioner licenses for barbers, cosmetologists, estheticians, or nail technicians.

How many hours of training are required for a nail technician license?

For nail technicians, Vermont requires a minimum of 200 hours of training in an approved school, or a minimum of 300 hours in an approved apprenticeship.

Can I complete my apprenticeship in another state?

No. You cannot complete an apprenticeship in another state to satisfy Vermont requirements. Apprentices must hold a Vermont apprentice license and be supervised by a Vermont licensee within a Vermont-licensed shop.

Who administers the licensing examinations in Vermont?

As of November 1, 2023, the national licensing examinations for barbers, cosmetologists, and related fields are administered by Prov.

Sources

  1. [1] sos.vermont.gov/barbers-cosmetologists/frequently-asked-questions/ — accessed 2026-07-12
  2. [2] provexam.com/test-information/ — accessed 2026-07-12
  3. [3] sos.vermont.gov/barbers-cosmetologists/forms-instructions/ — accessed 2026-07-12
  4. [4] sos.vermont.gov/opr/ — accessed 2026-07-12