Nail Technician Licensing

Professional Licensing Expectations for Nail Technicians

Minnesota requires nail technician students to complete a minimum of 350 hours in a licensed cosmetology school. Topics must include:

  • Preclinical instruction in the theory of sciences of anatomy, dermatology and chemistry as related to nail care, electricity and lights, infection control, safety procedures related to the practice of manicuring, and Minnesota Statutes and rules which pertain to the practice of manicuring.
  • Instruction on applied science and skills in the cleaning, conditioning, shaping, reinforcing, coloring and enhancing nail and the application and repair of artificial nails.
  • Planned clinical instruction of at least 150 hours.
  • Instruction in business practices and in the laws regulating those practices and labor relations.

An applicant for a nail technician license must complete at least 350 hours, be at least 17 years old, must pass a practical skills test, a general theory test, a written practical test and a Minnesota Laws and Rules test.

Important Licensing and Certification Information for Nail Technician Students

Successful completion of the Nail Technician certificate program at the Riverland will meet the requirements for certification by the Minnesota Board of Cosmetology. Certification by Minnesota Board of Cosmetology  is required by Minnesota as well as by [insert all, most, or some] states to acquire a state license to practice the profession of Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin or for employment as a certified/licensed Cosmetologist. Riverland highly recommends that you contact the appropriate state licensing board in the state or locality in which you wish to practice or be employed.

View state cosmetology licensing contacts.

States where the program curriculum does not meet state educational requirements for licensure or certification.

Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming