StateLicensed

Nail Technician License Requirements in West Virginia

Verified · July 2026
Training hours
400 hrs
Upfront cost
$263
Exam
Nail Technology Written Examination, Nail Technology Practical Examination
Renewal cycle
Every 1 year
Issuing board
West Virginia Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists

How to get licensed

  1. 1

    Meet the prerequisites

    Be at least 18 years old, High school diploma, GED, or passed an approved 'ability to benefit' test.. Applicant must submit a Certificate of Health completed by a licensed physician, physician's assistant, or nurse practitioner within 12 months prior to application. [1]

  2. 2

    Complete approved training

    Complete 400 hours of training at a state-approved program. Requires completion of at least 400 clock hours of training in a board-approved nail technology school. An apprenticeship pathway is also available requiring 3,600 clock hours. [1]

  3. 3

    Nail Technology Written Examination

    Pass the Nail Technology Written Examination (fee: $99). Written [2]

  4. 4

    Nail Technology Practical Examination

    Pass the Nail Technology Practical Examination (fee: $129). Practical [2]

  5. 5

    Submit your application

    Submit your application to West Virginia Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists. Typical processing time: 2-3 weeks. [1]

  6. 6

    Receive your license

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

Fees

Fee Amount
Application fee [1] None specified
License fee [1] $35
Renewal fee [1] $35
Nail Technology Written Examination [2] $99
Nail Technology Practical Examination [2] $129
Student Permit Fee [1] $25
Duplicate License Fee [1] $10

There is no separate application fee charged by the state board, but an initial individual license fee of $35 is required. Exam registration fees ($99 written and $129 practical) are paid directly to the testing administrator, Prov, Inc.

Renewal & continuing education

Renew every 1 year. 0 continuing education hours required per cycle.

Licenses are renewed annually. As of May 8, 2022, active licensees are no longer required to complete continuing education.

Reciprocity

Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.

Reciprocity is available for out-of-state license transfers. The application fee is $100. The Cosmetology Licensure Compact does not apply to nail technicians.

5 state-approved training providers in West Virginia — browse programs and compare schools on tradecolleges.org.

Cost calculator

  • $35
  • $99
  • $129
Total$263

Frequently asked questions

How can I change my name on my license?

You must submit legal documentation (such as a marriage license or divorce decree) by mailing it to the Board or emailing a copy to wvbbc@wv.gov.

Can I pay my license or renewal fees over the phone?

No, the Board cannot accept payments over the phone. All payments must be completed online or mailed.

How long does it take to process my license renewal?

During the peak renewal period (November 1 through January 31), licenses typically arrive within 30 days. Outside of peak season (February 1 through October 31), processing takes 2 to 3 weeks.

Can I drop off my renewal or application at the office for same-day processing?

No, applications dropped off at the office cannot be processed the same day. Fees must first be processed by the State Treasurer’s Office.

What is the late renewal penalty for individual licenses?

The individual license renewal period has a grace period through January. Starting February 1st, a $10.00 late fee is added for each month the renewal is late, up to a maximum fee of $205.00.

Sources

  1. [1] wvbbc.com — accessed 2026-07-12
  2. [2] provexam.com/register — accessed 2026-07-12