Georgia licenses nail technicians through the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers, which operates under the Georgia Secretary of State. You need a Georgia Nail Technician license to legally perform manicures, pedicures, and nail enhancement services for compensation anywhere in the state.
Georgia requires 525 hours of approved training at a Board-approved nail care school (or 1,050 hours through apprenticeship) and passing both a written exam and a practical exam. The total application and exam fees are approximately $139. Most people complete the full process in 4 to 6 months. Here is exactly how to do it.
Georgia Nail Technician License Requirements at a Glance
| Official License Title | Nail Technician |
| Governing Agency | Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers (Secretary of State) |
| Minimum Age | 17 years old (16 for apprenticeship) |
| Education Prerequisite | High school diploma, GED, or postsecondary education degree |
| Training Hours Required | 525 hours at a Board-approved school (minimum 4 months) OR 1,050 hours apprenticeship (minimum 8 months) |
| State Board Exam | Written Exam (90 minutes, 70% to pass) + Practical Exam (120 minutes, 70% to pass) |
| Exam Provider | PSI Services LLC (NIC exam) |
| Written Exam Fee | $45 (paid to PSI) |
| Practical Exam Fee | $64 (paid to PSI) |
| Application Fee | $30 (non-refundable) |
| Total Initial Cost | Approximately $139 (plus school tuition) |
| License Term | 2 years (expires August 31 of odd-numbered years) |
| Renewal Fee | $50 |
| Continuing Education | 5 hours per renewal cycle (first renewal exempt) |
| Apply Online | Georgia GOALS Portal |
Step 1: Meet the Minimum Eligibility Requirements
To enroll in a Georgia nail technician program and apply for licensure, you must be at least 17 years old and have a high school diploma, GED, or postsecondary education degree. Georgia also requires applicants to demonstrate good moral character, which means a criminal background check may be required as part of the application process.
If you are at least 16 years old and want to start training immediately, you can begin through the apprenticeship pathway while completing your education requirements.
Step 2: Complete Your Training
Georgia offers two pathways to meet the training requirements for a nail technician license:
Option A: School-Based Training (525 hours)
Complete 525 clock hours of technical instruction and practical training at a nail care school (NTSC) approved by the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers. The program must span a minimum of 4 months.
The curriculum covers manicure and pedicure techniques, artificial nail application (acrylics, gels, wraps), nail art and design, sanitation and disinfection, anatomy of hands, feet, and nails, nail disorders and diseases, Georgia cosmetology laws and rules, and professional practices.
Alternatively, you can complete 20 semester credit hours from a Georgia state technical college, which is equivalent to 525 hours.
Tuition at Georgia nail technician schools typically ranges from $3,000 to $10,000 depending on the school and location.
Option B: Apprenticeship (1,050 hours)
Georgia offers an apprenticeship pathway as an alternative to school-based training. You must complete 1,050 hours of on-the-job training over a minimum of 8 months under the supervision of a licensed nail technician who has held their license for at least 3 years.
To begin an apprenticeship, you must be at least 16 years old, obtain an apprentice license from the Board, work in a licensed nail salon under direct supervision, and complete and submit regular training hour reports.
A supervising nail technician can train only one apprentice at a time. You can download the apprentice application and training forms from the Georgia Secretary of State website.
Step 3: Apply for the Licensing Exams
After completing your training hours (either school or apprenticeship), you must pass both a written exam and a practical exam administered by PSI Services.
For School-Based Applicants
Your school will notify PSI when you are eligible to take the exams. You will receive an eligibility notice from PSI with your ID number and instructions for scheduling your exams.
For Apprenticeship Applicants
You must request a “Letter of Eligibility” from the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers. Submit your original transcripts of completed hours along with a letter requesting the Letter of Eligibility. The first request is free; additional requests cost $25. Once you receive your Letter of Eligibility, you can schedule your exams through PSI.
Scheduling Your Exams
You can schedule your exams through PSI online at candidate.psiexams.com, by phone at (833) 333-4741, by fax at (702) 932-2666, or by mail to PSI Services LLC, 3210 E Tropicana, Las Vegas, NV 89121.
Step 4: Pass the Written Exam
The written theory exam is a computer-based test administered at PSI testing centers in Georgia, including locations in Macon and Tifton.
Written Exam Details
| Time Allowed | 90 minutes (plus 15-minute tutorial) |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Format | Computer-based, multiple choice |
| Exam Fee | $45 |
| Languages | English only (translators not permitted) |
The exam is developed by the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) and covers scientific concepts (40%) including anatomy, physiology, and chemistry, and nail technology procedures (60%) including manicure, pedicure, and artificial nail techniques.
Results are displayed on screen immediately after you complete the exam, and you will receive a printed score report.
Step 5: Pass the Practical Exam
The practical exam tests your hands-on skills and is administered at PSI testing centers in Atlanta and Macon.
Practical Exam Details
| Time Allowed | 120 minutes (100 minutes working time) |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Exam Fee | $64 |
| Model Required | Yes, you must bring your own model |
During the practical exam, you will demonstrate work area and client preparation, manicure and polish application, nail tip application and blending, sculptured nail application, and blood exposure procedure.
What to Bring
You must wear closed-toe shoes and a smock or lab coat. You must bring a live model (cannot be a licensed nail technician) and all required supplies including manicure implements, polish, artificial nail supplies (tips, acrylic or gel), sanitizer, and other items specified in the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin.
Results are provided within 5-10 minutes after completing the exam.
Step 6: Apply for Your Nail Technician License
After passing both exams, you can apply for your Georgia Nail Technician license.
Apply online through the Georgia GOALS Portal using a credit card for the $30 application fee. If you cannot apply online, download a paper application from the Georgia Secretary of State website and mail it with your fee to:
Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers
237 Coliseum Drive
Macon, GA 31217
Include your PSI score reports with your application. Applications must be completed, signed, and notarized. Allow 15 business days for processing. If your application is incomplete, allow an additional 15 days after submitting requested items.
License Renewal
Georgia nail technician licenses must be renewed every two years. Your license expires on August 31 of odd-numbered years (2025, 2027, etc.).
| Renewal Fee | $50 |
| Late Renewal Period | September 1-30 (double fee applies) |
| Continuing Education | 5 hours per renewal cycle |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 2 years |
| Expiration Date | August 31 of odd-numbered years |
| Renew Online | Georgia GOALS Portal |
Continuing Education Requirements
First renewal: You are NOT required to complete continuing education for your first license renewal.
Subsequent renewals: You must complete 5 hours of board-approved continuing education every two years.
The 5 hours must include:
Health and Safety (3 hours): A health and safety course specific to your profession.
Electives (2 hours): May be fulfilled by attending trade or product shows, or completing courses in health and safety issues, industry trends, computer skills, business management, or related areas of practice, as long as the courses are registered with the Board.
Your continuing education provider must be registered with the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers. A list of approved providers is available on the Board’s website.
CE Waiver
You may be eligible for a waiver of continuing education requirements if you have held your license for 25 years or longer, or if you can demonstrate hardship to the Board. Download the waiver request form from the Board website.
Transferring an Out-of-State Nail Technician License to Georgia (Endorsement)
If you hold a current nail technician license from another state, you may apply for Georgia licensure by endorsement. Georgia offers endorsement (not reciprocity) for out-of-state license holders.
Endorsement Requirements
You must hold a current, active license in good standing from another U.S. state or territory. If you passed a national or state-approved written and practical exam in English in your original state, you may not need to take additional exams. If you have been licensed in multiple states, you must provide verification of licensure from every state where you have held a license.
To apply, submit a completed, signed, and notarized endorsement application with the $50 fee through the GOALS Portal. Provide proof of your current license and request that your original state board send official license certification directly to Georgia.
Important: If you passed a written exam but not a practical exam in your original state, the Georgia Board will issue you an exam approval letter to take the practical exam.
Out-of-Country Applicants
If you were trained or licensed outside the United States, you must submit a credentials evaluation from a board-approved credentials evaluation provider. You may be required to take both the written and practical exams.
What Can You Do with a Georgia Nail Technician License?
Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 43-10), a nail technician license authorizes you to perform:
Manicures: Cleaning, shaping, and polishing fingernails; cuticle care; hand and arm massage.
Pedicures: Cleaning, shaping, and polishing toenails; cuticle care; callus smoothing; foot and lower leg massage.
Artificial Nails: Application of acrylic nails, gel nails, silk wraps, fiberglass wraps, nail tips, and other nail enhancements.
Nail Art: Decorative designs and embellishments.
Nail Repairs: Fixing broken or damaged nails.
Services NOT Included (Out of Scope)
Nail technicians cannot perform hair cutting, coloring, or styling (requires Master Cosmetologist or Hair Designer license); facials, skincare, or makeup application (requires Esthetician or Master Cosmetologist license); waxing or hair removal (requires Esthetician or Master Cosmetologist license); or any service involving incision, excision, or medical treatment.
Note: If you hold a Georgia Master Cosmetologist license, you can perform all nail services without needing a separate nail technician license.
Georgia Nail Technician Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), the national median hourly wage for manicurists and pedicurists was $14.93 per hour (approximately $31,050 annually). Georgia-specific data shows nail technicians earning between $25,000 and $40,000 annually, with higher earnings in major metropolitan areas like Atlanta, Savannah, and Augusta.
Tips can significantly increase total compensation, often adding 15-25% to base earnings. Employment of manicurists and pedicurists is projected to grow 10 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations.
Military Provisions
Georgia offers special accommodations for military service members, veterans, and military spouses:
Veteran’s Preference Points: If you served during a period of conflict or war for a minimum of 90 days, you may claim veteran’s preference points on your exam. Include a copy of your DD-214 with your application.
Fee Reimbursement: Eligible veterans may qualify for reimbursement of examination fees through the Georgia Department of Veteran Service and the Veterans Administration.
Expedited Processing: Military applicants may be eligible for expedited application processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a licensed nail technician in Georgia?
Most people complete the process in 4 to 6 months through the school pathway. A full-time 525-hour program takes a minimum of 4 months. The apprenticeship pathway takes a minimum of 8 months (1,050 hours). After completing training, allow additional time for exam scheduling and application processing.
Does Georgia require both a written and practical exam for nail technicians?
Yes. You must pass both a written theory exam (90 minutes, 70% to pass) and a practical hands-on exam (120 minutes, 70% to pass) administered by PSI.
Can I transfer my out-of-state nail technician license to Georgia?
Yes. Georgia offers endorsement for out-of-state license holders who are actively licensed and in good standing. If you passed both written and practical exams in English in your original state, you may not need to retake exams. Apply through the GOALS Portal with the $50 endorsement fee.
Is there an apprenticeship option for nail technicians in Georgia?
Yes. You can complete 1,050 hours of apprenticeship training over a minimum of 8 months under a licensed nail technician with at least 3 years of experience. You must obtain an apprentice license before beginning.
Does Georgia require continuing education for nail technicians?
Yes, but not for your first renewal. After your first renewal, you must complete 5 hours of board-approved continuing education every two years (3 hours in health and safety, 2 hours in electives). Licensees with 25+ years of experience may request a waiver.
What if I fail the exam?
You can retake the exam as many times as needed within 24 months of completing your credit hours. Pay the applicable retake fee ($45 for written, $64 for practical) and reschedule through PSI.
What is the difference between a nail technician and a master cosmetologist in Georgia?
A nail technician (525 hours) can only perform nail services. A Master Cosmetologist (1,500 hours) can perform nail services plus hair services and skincare services. If you have a Master Cosmetologist license, you do not need a separate nail technician license.
For a comparison of nail technician licensing requirements across all states, including training hours, exam formats, fees, and reciprocity rules, see our complete nail technician license guide.
Official Resources
Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers
Georgia Secretary of State
237 Coliseum Drive, Macon, GA 31217
Phone: (478) 207-1430
Fax: (478) 207-1363
Website: Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers
Apply for a Nail Technician License:
Georgia GOALS Portal
How-To Guide: Nail Technician:
Nail Technician How-To Guide
FAQs:
Georgia Board of Cosmetology FAQs
Continuing Education Information:
CE Requirements
Apprenticeship Information:
Apprentice How-To Guide
Schedule Exams (PSI):
PSI Candidate Services
Phone: (833) 333-4741
PSI Candidate Information Bulletin (Nail Technician):
NIC Nail Technician Exam Bulletin
License Verification:
Georgia License Search
Georgia Code (O.C.G.A. § 43-10):
Chapter 10 – Cosmetologists, Estheticians, Nail Technicians
Georgia Administrative Rules (Chapter 130):
Rules of Georgia State Board of Cosmetology