North Dakota licenses nail technicians as manicurists through the North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology, which oversees all branches of cosmetology in the state. You need a North Dakota manicurist license to legally perform manicures, pedicures, artificial nail application, and other nail services for compensation anywhere in the state.
North Dakota requires 350 hours of approved training plus NIC written and practical exams and a North Dakota Laws, Rules & Regulations exam administered by Prov. A new 2,000-hour apprenticeship pathway became available on January 1, 2026. The total initial cost including exams and license is approximately $115. Here is exactly how to get your North Dakota nail technician license.
North Dakota Nail Technician License Requirements at a Glance
| Official License Title | Manicurist |
| Governing Agency | North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology |
| Statutory Authority | NDCC Title 43, Chapter 11; Administrative Rules Title 32 |
| Minimum Age | Not specified in statute |
| Education Prerequisite | High school diploma or GED (typically required by schools) |
| Training Hours Required | 350 hours at a state-approved school (or 2,000-hour apprenticeship) |
| Apprenticeship Available? | Yes — 2,000 hours in a US DOL-approved registered apprenticeship program (effective January 1, 2026) |
| Licensing Exam | NIC Nail Technician Written Theory + NIC Nail Technician Practical + ND Laws, Rules & Regulations exam (administered by Prov) |
| Passing Score | 75% on all exams |
| Exam Fees | $90 (theory + state law during one session) |
| License Application Fee | $25 |
| Total Initial Cost | Approximately $115 (excluding tuition) |
| License Renewal | Annual, expires December 31 |
| Continuing Education | |
| Apply Online | |
| Exam Registration | Prov (provexam.com) or call (801) 733-4455 |
| Board Website | ndcosmetology.com |
Education & Training Requirements
You must complete 350 hours of manicurist training at a school approved by the North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology. Full-time students can typically complete the program in two to three months. The curriculum covers manicuring and pedicuring techniques, nail anatomy and disorders, artificial nail application (tips, acrylics, gels, wraps), sanitation and infection control, product chemistry, and North Dakota laws and rules.
Apprenticeship pathway: As of January 1, 2026, North Dakota offers an alternative apprenticeship pathway requiring 2,000 hours in a US Department of Labor-approved registered apprenticeship program. This option allows you to train in a working salon environment rather than a traditional classroom setting.
At 350 hours, North Dakota’s nail technician training requirement is below the national average. For a comparison of requirements across all states, see our nail technician license requirements by state guide.
Exam Requirements
After completing your training, you must pass three exams to qualify for a North Dakota manicurist license:
- NIC Nail Technician Written Theory Exam: Multiple-choice exam covering nail care theory, sanitation, anatomy, and product chemistry. Administered by Prov. A passing score of 75% is required.
- NIC Nail Technician Practical Exam: Hands-on demonstration of manicuring and nail application skills. You must bring your own supplies as specified in the Prov candidate information bulletin. A passing score of 75% is required.
- North Dakota Laws, Rules & Regulations Exam: A separate exam covering state-specific cosmetology laws and rules. Also administered by Prov.
Exam fees: $90 for the theory and state law exams taken during one session. If retaking only the theory exam, the fee is $90. If retaking only the state law exam, the fee is $60.
How to register: Create an account at provexam.com or call (801) 733-4455 to schedule your exams.
Application Process & Fees
- Complete 350 hours of manicurist training at a Board-approved school (or 2,000 hours through the apprenticeship pathway).
- Register for your exams through Prov and pay the exam fees ($90 for theory + state law).
- Pass the NIC Nail Technician Written Theory, NIC Nail Technician Practical, and ND Laws, Rules & Regulations exams with a score of 75% or higher on each.
- Submit your manicurist license application to the North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology.
- Pay the $25 license application fee.
- Receive your North Dakota manicurist license.
| Fee Type | Amount | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| Theory + State Law Exam (one session) | $90 | Prov |
| Theory Retake Only | $90 | Prov |
| State Law Retake Only | $60 | Prov |
| License Application | $25 | ND Board of Cosmetology |
| Total Initial Cost (approx.) | $115 | |
| Annual Renewal | ND Board of Cosmetology |
License Renewal & Continuing Education
North Dakota manicurist licenses expire annually on December 31. You must renew your license before the expiration date to continue practicing legally.
Contact the Board at 701-224-9800 or bocinfo@nd.gov for renewal instructions and deadlines.
Reciprocity & License Transfer
North Dakota offers reciprocity for manicurists licensed in other states. To transfer your nail technician license to North Dakota, you must hold an active license in good standing from another state.
Reciprocity fee: $105 plus the original license fee.
Additional requirements: You may be required to pass the North Dakota Laws, Rules & Regulations exam before receiving your license.
Work experience credit: North Dakota credits licensed work experience toward training hour requirements. The formula is 1,000 hours of licensed work experience equals 100 hours of school training, up to a maximum of 500 hours.
For nail technician licensing requirements in other states, see our guides for Texas, Florida, and California.
Military Provisions
North Dakota provides accommodations for military service members, veterans, and military spouses seeking professional licenses. The 2023 amendment to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) provides additional portability protections, allowing military spouses with professional licenses to practice in their new state of residence under certain conditions.
Contact the North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology at 701-224-9800 or bocinfo@nd.gov for specific information about expedited processing, fee waivers, or temporary licenses available to military-connected applicants.
Recent Legislative Changes
Apprenticeship pathway added (effective January 1, 2026): A new 2,000-hour US DOL-approved registered apprenticeship program became available as an alternative to the traditional 350-hour school-based manicurist training. This gives aspiring nail technicians the option to train in a working salon environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours do I need to become a nail technician in North Dakota?
You need 350 hours of manicurist training at a Board-approved school. Alternatively, as of January 1, 2026, you can complete a 2,000-hour US DOL-approved registered apprenticeship program.
How much does it cost to get a nail technician license in North Dakota?
State fees total approximately $115: $90 in exam fees paid to Prov and $25 for the license application paid to the Board. This does not include school tuition.
What exams do I need to pass for a North Dakota manicurist license?
You must pass three exams: the NIC Nail Technician Written Theory exam, the NIC Nail Technician Practical exam, and the North Dakota Laws, Rules & Regulations exam. All exams are administered by Prov, and you need a score of 75% or higher on each.
Can I transfer my out-of-state nail technician license to North Dakota?
Yes. North Dakota offers reciprocity for manicurists licensed in other states. The reciprocity fee is $105 plus the original license fee. You may also need to pass the ND Laws, Rules & Regulations exam. North Dakota credits work experience toward training hours at a rate of 1,000 licensed work hours equaling 100 school hours, up to 500 hours.
Can a cosmetologist do nail services in North Dakota?
Yes. A North Dakota cosmetology license authorizes you to perform all manicuring services. Cosmetologists do not need a separate manicurist license. If you are interested in the broader scope, see our cosmetology license guide. You can also learn more about the relationship between these licenses in our cosmetology vs esthetician license comparison.
Official Resources
- North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology (official website)
- Online License Application
- Prov Exam Registration (provexam.com) | Phone: (801) 733-4455
- Board Contact: 701-224-9800 | bocinfo@nd.gov
- Board Address: PO Box 2177, Bismarck, ND 58502-2177 (Physical: 4719 Shelburne St., Suite 1, Bismarck, ND 58503)