Arkansas licenses nail technicians as manicurists through the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), Cosmetology Section, which operates under the authority of the Arkansas State Board of Health. You need an Arkansas manicurist license to legally perform manicures, pedicures, artificial nail application, and other nail services for compensation anywhere in the state.
Arkansas requires 600 hours of approved training at a Cosmetology Section-approved school plus written and practical NIC exams. The written exam is administered by Prov, Inc. and the practical exam is administered by the Cosmetology Section. The total cost including exams and license is approximately $175. Most people complete the full process in 4 to 7 months. Here is exactly how to do it.
Arkansas Nail Technician License Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Official License Title | Manicurist |
| Governing Agency | Arkansas Department of Health, Cosmetology Section |
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | Minimum 2 years of high school or equivalent |
| Training Hours Required | 600 hours at a Cosmetology Section-approved school |
| Apprenticeship Available? | No |
| Exam Required | NIC written exam (Prov) + practical exam (Cosmetology Section) |
| Passing Score | Written: 70% | Practical: 75% |
| Exam Fees | Written: $60 | Practical: $65 |
| License Application Fee | $50 |
| Total Initial Cost | Approximately $175 (excluding tuition) |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 2 years (expires on your birthday) |
| Renewal Fee | $50 (biennial) |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Apply Online | CLIPS Online Licensing Portal |
| Board Website | ADH Cosmetology Section |
Education and Training Requirements
You must complete 600 hours of manicurist training at a school approved by the ADH Cosmetology Section. All students must be registered with the Cosmetology Section before accredited hours can be earned. Full-time students typically complete the program in 4 to 6 months.
The 600-hour curriculum must include:
- Health, Sanitation, and Infection Control: 75 hours
- Health Science: 75 hours
- Manicuring and Pedicuring: 200 hours
- Advanced Nail Technology: 200 hours (artificial nail application, nail art, gel and acrylic techniques)
- Career Development: 49 hours
- Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Awareness: 1 hour
After completing 60 hours of instruction, students may begin performing manicuring services on paying clients within the school under supervision.
Arkansas does not offer an apprenticeship pathway for manicurists. All training must be completed at an approved school. At 600 hours, Arkansas requires more training than many states. For a comparison across all states, see our nail technician license guide.
Exam Requirements
After completing your 600 hours of training, you must pass both a written exam and a practical exam. Arkansas uses the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) nail technology examinations.
Written Exam
The written exam is computer-based and administered by Prov, Inc. at testing centers statewide. The exam is available Monday through Friday. You can schedule your written exam at provexam.com or by calling 1-800-211-2754. The written exam fee is $60.
You must score at least 70% on the written exam. The exam covers nail technology theory, sanitation, infection control, nail anatomy and disorders, and Arkansas state law.
Students may take the written exam after completing 60 hours of instruction.
Practical Exam
The practical exam is administered by the Cosmetology Section. Practical exams for manicurists are held during the third week of January, March, May, July, September, and November. The practical exam fee is $65.
You must score at least 75% on the practical exam. You will demonstrate hands-on nail technology skills as outlined in the candidate information bulletin.
Retake Policy
If you fail either exam, you may retake it at the next available exam date by submitting a new application and paying the exam fee again.
Application Process and Fees
- Complete 600 hours at a Cosmetology Section-approved school.
- Have your school submit a completed Certificate of Training Form to the Cosmetology Section.
- Submit your completed Application for Practitioner Examination form.
- Pay the written exam fee ($60) to Prov, Inc. and the practical exam fee ($65) to the Cosmetology Section.
- Schedule and pass both the written and practical exams.
- Pay the $50 license application fee.
- Receive your Arkansas manicurist license.
| Fee Type | Amount | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| Written Exam | $60 | Prov, Inc. |
| Practical Exam | $65 | ADH Cosmetology Section |
| License Application | $50 | ADH Cosmetology Section |
| Total Initial Cost | $175 | |
| Biennial Renewal | $50 | ADH Cosmetology Section |
| Late Renewal Penalty | $50 | ADH Cosmetology Section |
| Reinstatement | $25 | ADH Cosmetology Section |
| Reciprocity | $150 | ADH Cosmetology Section |
License Renewal and Continuing Education
Arkansas manicurist licenses expire biennially (every two years) on your birthday. You must renew within 30 days of your birthday to avoid penalties.
To renew:
- Renew online through the CLIPS Online Licensing Portal.
- Pay the $50 biennial renewal fee.
Arkansas does not require continuing education for manicurist license renewal. The CE requirement was removed from the cosmetology law.
Late renewal: A $50 late fee applies 31 days after your expiration date. If your license lapses, a reinstatement fee of $25 applies in addition to the renewal fee.
Lifetime license: Arkansas offers a lifetime manicurist license for $50. Contact the Cosmetology Section for eligibility details.
Reciprocity and License Transfer
Arkansas offers reciprocity for manicurists licensed in other states. To qualify, you must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Hold a current, valid manicurist or nail technician license in good standing from another state
- Have a scope of practice equal to or greater than Arkansas manicuring
- Have passed both a written and practical national or department-approved examination in your original state
If you passed national or department-approved exams: You will only need to pass the Arkansas state law exam.
If you did not pass national exams: You must pass the written, practical, and state law exams administered in Arkansas.
To apply:
- Complete the Reciprocity Form.
- Submit the form with a $150 non-refundable reciprocity fee.
- Request that your current state send an official license certification directly to the Arkansas Cosmetology Section.
- Schedule and pass the required exam(s).
For more details on nail technician licensing in other states, see our guides for Texas and Florida.
Military Provisions
Arkansas provides automatic licensure for military-connected applicants under Acts 2019, No. 820. The following individuals may receive automatic manicurist licensure:
- Active duty military personnel stationed in Arkansas
- Returning military veterans applying within one year of discharge from active duty
- Spouses of active duty military personnel or veterans
To qualify, you must submit a completed application, pay the initial licensure fee, and provide evidence of a substantially equivalent manicurist or nail technician license from another state.
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.
Recent Legislative Changes
Act 114 of 2023 (Temporary Fee Reduction): Mandated temporary reductions to cosmetology renewal fees (including manicurist licenses) effective January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2025. As of January 1, 2026, renewal fees have been restored to their standard amounts.
2024 Rulemaking: The Cosmetology Section updated administrative rules to comply with 2021 and 2023 Acts that codified automatic occupational licensure for military-connected applicants.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours do I need to become a nail technician in Arkansas?
You need 600 hours of manicurist training at a Cosmetology Section-approved school. Full-time students typically complete the program in 4 to 6 months. Arkansas does not offer an apprenticeship pathway for manicurists.
How much does it cost to get a nail technician license in Arkansas?
The total licensing cost (excluding school tuition) is approximately $175: $60 for the written exam, $65 for the practical exam, and $50 for the license application fee.
Does Arkansas require continuing education for nail technicians?
No. Arkansas does not require continuing education for manicurist license renewal. You simply pay the $50 biennial renewal fee.
Can I transfer my nail technician license from another state to Arkansas?
Yes, through reciprocity. You must hold a current license in good standing and pay a $150 reciprocity fee. If you previously passed national or department-approved exams, you only need to pass the Arkansas state law exam.
What is the passing score for the Arkansas nail technician exam?
You must score at least 70% on the written exam and at least 75% on the practical exam.
Can a cosmetologist do nail services in Arkansas?
Yes. An Arkansas cosmetology license includes authorization to perform all manicuring services, since the 1,500-hour cosmetology curriculum includes 100 hours of manicuring. Cosmetologists do not need a separate manicurist license.
For a comparison of nail technician licensing requirements across all states, see our complete nail technician license guide.
Official Resources
- Arkansas Department of Health, Cosmetology Section (official website)
- CLIPS Online Licensing Portal (license application and renewal)
- Official Fee Schedule
- Reciprocity and Military Licensing Information
- Prov, Inc. (written exam registration)
- Phone: (501) 682-2168
- Email: Cosmo@arkansas.gov
- Address: 4815 W. Markham Street, Slot #8, Little Rock, AR 72205