Nebraska licenses nail technicians through DHHS, under the Board of Cosmetology, Electrology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, and Body Art. Nebraska has a unique scope distinction: the nail technician license covers only artificial nail services. Natural nail manicures and pedicures performed without artificial nails do not require a license.
Nebraska requires only 300 training hours — among the lowest in the country — and only the NIC written exam (no practical). Total initial cost is approximately $178. Here is exactly how to get your Nebraska nail technician license.
Nebraska Nail Technician License Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Agency | Nebraska DHHS, Office of Consumer Services Licensing |
| Statutory Authority | Neb. Rev. Stat. 38-10,127 to 38-10,132 |
| Minimum Age | 17 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | High school diploma or GED |
| Training Hours Required | 300 hours at a licensed school |
| Exam Required | NIC Nail Technology Written (PSI) + Nebraska Jurisprudence (no practical) |
| Passing Score | 75% |
| Exam Fee | $53 (NIC via PSI); jurisprudence is free |
| Application Fee | $30 |
| License Fee | $95 |
| Total Initial Cost | ~$178 |
| Renewal Cycle | Biennial (expires December 31 of odd-numbered years) |
| Renewal Fee | $118 |
| Continuing Education | 8 hours per cycle |
| Apply Online | DHHS Nail Technology Page |
| Board Website | dhhs.ne.gov |
Education & Training Requirements
Complete 300 hours of nail technology training at a licensed school. The scope of nail technology in Nebraska specifically covers:
- Attaching, applying, fitting, shaping, or adjusting artificial nails (acrylic, resin, fabric, gel systems)
- Sanitizing the nail bed for artificial nail application
- Cutting, filing, buffing, shaping, trimming, polishing, coloring nails when done in conjunction with artificial nail services
- Detecting infection, fungus, or nail disorders
- Massaging hands or feet when done in conjunction with artificial nail services
Natural nail services are exempt: Manicures and pedicures on natural nails performed without artificial nail services do not require a Nebraska nail technician license. This is a significant distinction from most other states.
Full-time students typically complete the program in 2 to 3 months.
For a comparison of nail technician requirements across all states, see our nail technician license guide.
Exam Requirements
NIC Nail Technology Written Exam (PSI): 110 items, 90 minutes, 75% passing score. No practical exam required.
Nebraska Jurisprudence Exam: Free, 50-question, open-book online exam (75% passing). Counts as 2 CE hours.
Application Process & Fees
- Complete 300 hours of nail technology training
- Pass the NIC Written Exam ($53 via PSI) and Jurisprudence Exam (free)
- Submit application with $30 application fee + $95 license fee
Total: $178. Fee waivers available for military families, public assistance recipients, and low-income applicants ages 17-25.
License Renewal & Continuing Education
Expires biennially on December 31 of odd-numbered years (note: different from cosmetology and esthetics). Renewal fee is $118. 8 hours of CE required (4 scope-of-practice, 4 elective). Late penalty: $10/day up to $1,000.
Reciprocity & License Transfer
Reciprocity fee is $100. Must hold a current license with 300+ hours of training (or work experience equivalents: each month of full-time practice in the past 5 years = 100 hour-equivalents). Must pass the jurisprudence exam.
Military Provisions
1-year temporary license for military spouses under Neb. Rev. Stat. 38-129.01. Fee waivers and no supervision requirement apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours do I need for a nail technician license in Nebraska?
300 hours — among the lowest in the country. Full-time students complete training in about 2 to 3 months.
Do I need a license to do regular manicures and pedicures in Nebraska?
No. Natural nail manicures and pedicures without artificial nail services are exempt from licensure. The license is required only for artificial nail services.
How much does it cost to get a nail technician license in Nebraska?
$178 total: $53 exam, $30 application, $95 license. Fee waivers available.
Does Nebraska require a practical exam for nail technicians?
No. Only the NIC written exam and free jurisprudence exam are required.
Does Nebraska require continuing education for nail technicians?
Yes. 8 hours per biennial renewal cycle.
Official Resources
- DHHS Nail Technology Licensing (official website)
- Reciprocity Application (PDF)
- License Renewal Portal
- PSI Exams
- DHHS Contact: (402) 471-2117 | DHHS.Licensure2117@nebraska.gov
- Address: PO Box 94986, Lincoln, NE 68509-4986