Tennessee licenses nail technicians as manicurists through the Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners, which operates under the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI). You need a Tennessee manicurist license to legally perform manicures, pedicures, artificial nail application, and other nail services for compensation anywhere in the state.
Tennessee requires 600 hours of approved training plus written theory and practical exams administered through PSI Services. The total cost including exams and license is $200. Most people complete the full process in 4 to 7 months. Here is exactly how to do it.
Tennessee Nail Technician License Requirements at a Glance
| Official License Title | Manicurist |
| Governing Agency | Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners (under TDCI) |
| Statutory Authority | TCA Title 62, Chapter 4 — Tennessee Cosmetology Act of 1986 |
| Training Hours Required | 600 hours at a licensed school of cosmetology |
| Apprenticeship Available? | |
| Minimum Age | 16 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | 10th grade completion (2 years of high school) or GED |
| Exam Required | Written theory + practical exams (PSI Services, National Exam content) |
| Passing Score | 70% on both exams |
| Exam Fees | $70 theory + $70 practical = $140 (paid to PSI) |
| License Application Fee | $60 |
| Total Initial Cost | $200 (excluding tuition) |
| License Renewal | Every 2 years (biennial anniversary of issuance) | $60 |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Apply Online | Tennessee CORE Licensing Portal |
| Board Website | tn.gov — Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners |
Step 1: Meet the Minimum Eligibility Requirements
Before enrolling in a Tennessee manicurist program, confirm you meet these baseline requirements:
- Age: At least 16 years old
- Education: Completed at least two years of high school (10th grade), GED, or equivalent
- Domestic Violence Training: Complete up to 1 hour of free domestic violence awareness training from an approved nonprofit organization (typically completed during school or via the Barbicide online portal)
Step 2: Complete 600 Hours of Manicurist Training
You must complete 600 hours (18 credit hours) of manicurist training at a licensed school of cosmetology. Full-time programs typically take 4 to 7 months. The curriculum is divided as follows:
| Category | Hours | Topics |
|---|---|---|
| General Instruction | 150 | State law, sterilization, sanitation, ethics, bacteriology |
| Product Knowledge | 100 | Nail product ingredient knowledge, EPA/OSHA guidelines |
| Practical Instruction | 350 | Massage, manicuring, pedicuring, nail artistry, wraps, tips, gels, sculptured nails, nail safety |
At 600 hours, Tennessee’s manicurist requirement is above the national average. See how all states compare in our nail technician license requirements by state guide.
Step 3: Pass the Written and Practical Exams
After completing your 600 hours, you must pass both a written theory exam and a practical exam administered by PSI Services. As of February 1, 2022, Tennessee uses National Exam content.
How to register: Your school submits your eligibility to PSI electronically. PSI sends you an approval postcard with payment and scheduling instructions. Schedule through PSI Exams or call 855-340-3710. You must pass the theory exam before scheduling the practical exam.
Written Theory Exam:
- 75 multiple-choice questions
- 90-minute time limit
- Content areas: sanitation/disinfection/safety (19%), client consultation/analysis (15%), plain manicure/pedicure (19%), nail tips and wraps (19%), acrylic and gel nails (19%), licensing (9%)
- Available via remote proctoring or in-person at PSI testing centers
- A passing score of 70% is required
Practical Exam:
- Up to 130 minutes to complete
- Hands-on demonstration of manicurist skills
- You must bring a live model who is at least 16 years old
- You must bring your own tools and manicure kit
- Available as virtual practical or in-person at PSI centers
- A passing score of 70% is required
Exam Fees: $70 theory + $70 practical = $140 total. Fees expire if unused within 6 months. A $15 rescheduling fee applies with less than 10 business days’ notice. Results available same day. Exam eligibility lasts 5 years with unlimited retakes.
Step 4: Apply for Your Tennessee Manicurist License
After passing both exams, apply for your manicurist license through the Tennessee CORE licensing portal. The application fee is $60.
- Create an account at core.tn.gov
- Select “New Application” for Manicurist
- Upload required documentation
- Pay the $60 application fee
- Receive your license by mail once approved
You may NOT practice until you receive your license or confirm active status at verify.tn.gov.
Tennessee Manicurist License Fees Summary
| Fee Type | Amount | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| Written Theory Exam | $70 | PSI Services |
| Practical Exam | $70 | PSI Services |
| License Application | $60 | TDCI / Board |
| Total Initial Cost | $200 | |
| Biennial Renewal | $60 | TDCI / Board |
| Late Renewal Penalty | $25 | TDCI / Board |
| Reciprocity Application | $100 | TDCI / Board |
| Duplicate License | $25 | TDCI / Board |
License Renewal
Tennessee manicurist licenses expire every two years on the biennial anniversary of the original issuance date. The Board sends renewal notices approximately one month before expiration.
To renew:
- Renew online through the CORE licensing portal
- Pay the $60 renewal fee
- No continuing education is required
Tennessee does not require continuing education for manicurist license renewal.
Late Renewal: A $25 late penalty applies for renewals submitted after expiration. If your license has lapsed for 3 or more years, you must pass both the theory and practical examinations to reinstate. Practitioners with 20+ years of experience whose licenses expired 3–8 years ago may qualify for reinstatement without re-examination under the 2024 reform (SB 1247).
Reactivation (Age 65+): Individuals aged 65 or older may reactivate a lapsed license with proof of age and payment of the renewal fee.
Transferring Your Nail Technician License to Tennessee (Reciprocity)
Tennessee grants reciprocity for manicurists licensed in other states. All U.S. states and D.C. are eligible.
Reciprocity Requirements:
- Hold a valid, active manicurist or nail technician license in good standing
- Submit a current Certification of License from your issuing state board
- Provide valid photo ID matching your license name
- Complete the Eligibility Verification for Entitlements Act form
- Pay the $100 reciprocity fee
If your training hours are lower: If your original state required fewer than 600 hours, you may qualify by submitting proof of at least 5 years of continuous, lawful nail technician practice immediately preceding your application. Acceptable documentation includes notarized affidavits, employer statements on letterhead, tax records, and shop licenses.
Processing time: Allow 3–4 weeks after all documents are submitted. You may NOT practice until your license is confirmed active at verify.tn.gov.
Compare requirements with nearby states like Georgia (525 hours) or Florida (240 hours).
Military Members, Veterans, and Military Spouses
Tennessee provides licensing accommodations for military-connected applicants:
Military License Exemption: Active members of the U.S. armed forces, reserves, or Tennessee National Guard stationed in Tennessee — and their spouses — may practice without obtaining a Tennessee license if they hold a valid license from another state with reasonably similar standards. Register through the CORE portal by selecting “Armed Forces Registration for License Exemption.” You must apply for full licensure before your out-of-state license expires or within one year of registering, whichever comes first.
Expedited Licensing: If your out-of-state credentials meet substantial equivalency, the Board may issue an immediate license. If not, a temporary permit may be issued while you complete additional requirements.
Renewal Protection: Active-duty personnel whose licenses expire during activation may renew without late fees or penalties, extending 6 months from release from active duty.
Contact: reg.boards@tn.gov or (615) 741-3449.
What Can You Do with a Tennessee Manicurist License?
A Tennessee manicurist license authorizes you to perform:
- Manicures (cleansing, filing, shaping, buffing, polishing nails of hands)
- Pedicures (cleansing, filing, shaping, buffing, polishing nails of feet)
- Artificial nail application (nail wraps, sculptured nails, nail tips, gel nails)
- Nail artistry and decoration
- Nail repair and maintenance
- Nail safety procedures
Manicurists in Tennessee must work in a licensed establishment. All services must be performed in a licensed shop.
A manicurist license does not authorize you to perform hair services or skin care services. If you want a broader scope of practice, consider a cosmetology license (1,500 hours in Tennessee), which includes all nail services plus hair and skin care.
Recent Legislative Changes
Domestic Violence Training Requirement (Effective January 1, 2022): All manicurist applicants must complete up to 1 hour of free domestic violence awareness training before applying for their initial license. Existing licensees must complete the training by December 31, 2025.
License Reinstatement Reform (2024): SB 1247/HB 1291 gave the Board more flexibility to reinstate lapsed manicurist licenses. Practitioners with 20+ years of experience whose licenses expired 3–8 years ago may qualify for reinstatement without re-examination.
Tennessee Nail Technician Salary
According to BLS data, nail technicians in Tennessee earn a median annual salary of approximately $25,000 to $32,000. The Nashville and Memphis metro areas tend to offer higher wages. Tips typically add 20–30% to base compensation, so actual take-home pay is often significantly higher than reported figures. Experienced manicurists specializing in nail art, gel extensions, or other specialty services can command premium pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a nail technician license in Tennessee?
Most people complete the process in 4 to 7 months. A full-time 600-hour training program typically takes 4 to 6 months. After completing training, exam scheduling and license processing add another 3 to 4 weeks.
How much does it cost to get a nail technician license in Tennessee?
The total licensing cost (excluding school tuition) is $200: $140 in exam fees paid to PSI ($70 theory + $70 practical) and $60 application fee paid to the Board.
Does Tennessee require continuing education for nail technicians?
No. Tennessee does not require continuing education for manicurist license renewal. You simply pay the $60 biennial renewal fee. The one-time domestic violence awareness training (1 hour, free) is the only additional requirement.
Can I transfer my out-of-state nail technician license to Tennessee?
Yes, through reciprocity ($100 fee). You must hold a valid license and have substantially met Tennessee’s 600-hour requirement. If your state had fewer hours, 5 years of continuous practice can substitute. Allow 3–4 weeks for processing.
What is the passing score for the Tennessee manicurist exams?
You must score at least 70% on both the written theory exam and the practical exam, both administered by PSI Services.
Can a cosmetologist do nail services in Tennessee?
Yes. A Tennessee cosmetology license includes authorization to perform all manicuring services. Cosmetologists do not need a separate manicurist license.
Can I take the Tennessee manicurist exam remotely?
Yes. As of February 1, 2022, both the theory exam and the practical exam are available through remote proctoring as virtual exams. You can also take them in person at PSI testing centers.
For a comparison of nail technician licensing requirements across all states, see our complete nail technician license guide.
Official Resources
- Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners (official website)
- Online License Application (CORE Portal)
- PSI Exams (exam registration)
- License Verification
- Reciprocity Information
- Military License Exemption
- Board Phone: (615) 741-2515 | Toll-Free: (800) 480-9285
- Email: Cosmetology.Board@TN.Gov
- Address: 500 James Robertson Parkway, Nashville, TN 37243-0565