Delaware licenses nail technicians through the Board of Cosmetology and Barbering under the Division of Professional Regulation (DPR), Department of State. You need a Delaware nail technician license to perform manicures, pedicures, artificial nail application, and nail care services for compensation.
Delaware requires only 300 training hours — below the national average — plus NIC written and practical exams administered by Prometric. No CE is required. Biennial renewal. Total initial cost is approximately $328. Here is exactly how to get your Delaware nail technician license.
Delaware Nail Technician License Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Agency | Board of Cosmetology and Barbering (DPR, Department of State) |
| Statutory Authority | Delaware Code Title 24, Chapter 51 |
| Minimum Age | 16 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | Completion of 10th grade |
| Training Hours Required | 300 hours at a licensed school |
| Apprenticeship Available? | Yes — 600 hours |
| Exam Required | NIC Written + Practical (Prometric) |
| Passing Score | 75% |
| Exam Fees | ~$225 (Prometric) |
| Application Fee | $103 |
| Total Initial Cost | ~$328 (excluding tuition) |
| Renewal Cycle | Biennial (expires March 31 of even years) |
| Renewal Fee | ~$110 |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Apply Online | DPR Board of Cosmetology and Barbering |
| Board Website | dpr.delaware.gov/boards/cosmetology |
Education & Training Requirements
Complete 300 hours at a licensed nail technology school. Delaware defines a “classroom hour” as 50 minutes of instruction per 60-minute period. The curriculum covers manicuring, pedicuring, nail anatomy and disorders, artificial nail application (tips, wraps, acrylics, gels), sanitation and infection control, product chemistry, and Delaware laws and rules.
Full-time students typically complete the program in 2 to 3 months.
Apprenticeship alternative: 600 hours under a licensed nail technician or cosmetologist (2:1 ratio to school hours). Apprentices must register with the board before beginning.
At 300 hours, Delaware’s requirement is below the national average. For a comparison of nail technician requirements across all states, see our nail technician license guide.
Exam Requirements
NIC Nail Technician exams through Prometric:
- Written Exam: Multiple-choice covering nail theory, sanitation, anatomy, product chemistry, and Delaware laws.
- Practical Exam: Hands-on demonstration of manicuring, pedicuring, and nail application skills.
Passing score: 75%. Register at Prometric.
Application Process & Fees
- Complete 300 hours of nail technology training (or 600 apprenticeship hours)
- Register for NIC exams through Prometric (~$225 total)
- Pass the written and practical exams
- Apply through DPR ($103 application fee)
Total: approximately $328.
License Renewal & Continuing Education
Delaware nail technician licenses expire biennially on March 31 of even years. Renewal fee: approximately $110. No continuing education required. Late renewals incur additional fees.
Reciprocity & License Transfer
Delaware requires out-of-state nail technicians to pass NIC exams administered by Prometric even when transferring by endorsement. You must provide proof of current licensure in good standing and documentation of training hours meeting Delaware’s 300-hour requirement.
Military Provisions
Delaware provides SCRA (Servicemembers Civil Relief Act) provisions for military members. Active-duty service members and spouses holding valid licenses from other states may receive a provisional 6-month license. Military training, education, and experience (METE) may be credited toward licensing qualifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours do I need for a nail technician license in Delaware?
300 hours at a licensed school, or a 600-hour apprenticeship. Full-time students complete training in about 2 to 3 months.
How much does it cost to get a nail technician license in Delaware?
Approximately $328 total: ~$225 in exam fees (paid to Prometric) and $103 in application fees (paid to DPR).
Does Delaware require continuing education for nail technicians?
No. Delaware does not require CE for nail technician license renewal.
Can a cosmetologist do nail services in Delaware?
Yes. A cosmetology license (1,500 hours) includes all nail technician services within its scope of practice.
Official Resources
- Board of Cosmetology and Barbering (official website)
- Online License Application (DPR)
- Prometric Exam Registration
- Board Contact: (302) 744-4500 | customerservice.dpr@delaware.gov
- Address: Cannon Building, Suite 203, 861 Silver Lake Blvd., Dover, DE 19904