Mississippi licenses nail technicians as manicurists through the Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering (MSBCB). You need a Mississippi manicurist license to legally perform nail services including cutting, trimming, polishing, coloring, and treating nails for compensation.
Mississippi requires only 350 training hours — among the lowest nail technician requirements in the country — plus the NIC written theory exam. The practical exam was eliminated in February 2026. Total state fees are approximately $75. Here is exactly how to get your Mississippi nail technician license.
Mississippi Nail Technician License Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Official License Title | Manicurist |
| Governing Agency | Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering (MSBCB) |
| Statutory Authority | Mississippi Code Ann. Section 73-7-21 |
| Minimum Age | 17 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | High school diploma or GED |
| Training Hours Required | 350 hours at a licensed school (minimum 9 weeks) |
| Apprenticeship Available? | Yes — 700 hours in a board-certified apprenticeship program |
| Exam Required | NIC Nail Technology Written Theory exam (no practical exam) |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Application Fee | $25 (non-refundable) |
| License Fee | $50 |
| Total Initial Cost | ~$75 plus exam fees (excluding tuition) |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 2 years |
| Renewal Fee | $50 |
| Continuing Education | None required (standard license) |
| Apply Online | MSBCB Online Licensure Portal |
| Board Website | msbcb.ms.gov |
Education & Training Requirements
You must be at least 17 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED. Complete 350 hours of nail technology training at a licensed school over a minimum period of 9 weeks.
The curriculum must include:
- Theory: Minimum 85 hours (at least 7 hours per week throughout the 9-week period)
- Skills/practical: Minimum 265 hours
Students may not earn more than 155 hours per month. Full-time students typically complete the program in 2 to 3 months.
Apprenticeship alternative: Mississippi offers a board-certified apprenticeship requiring 700 hours. Apprenticeships must be mentored by a licensed instructor in cosmetology or nail technology, with only one apprentice per mentor.
Upgrade pathway: Licensed manicurists may credit their 350 hours toward the 1,500 hours required for a cosmetology license.
For a comparison of nail technician licensing requirements across all states, see our complete nail technician license guide.
Exam Requirements
NIC Nail Technology Written Theory Exam:
- 110 multiple-choice items (100 scored, 10 unscored pretest questions)
- 90-minute time limit
- Passing score: 70%
The practical exam was eliminated in February 2026. You may retake the exam as many times as needed within one year of graduation.
Application Process & Fees
- Complete 350 hours of nail technology training at a licensed school
- Register for your exam through the MSBCB Exam Registration portal
- Pay the $25 non-refundable application fee and applicable exam fees
- Pass the NIC Nail Technology Written Theory exam
- Apply for your license through the MSBCB Online Licensure Portal
- Pay the $50 license fee
| Fee Type | Amount | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| Application to test (non-refundable) | $25 | MSBCB |
| Practitioner license | $50 | MSBCB |
| Total State Fees | $75 | |
| Biennial renewal | $50 | MSBCB |
| Delinquent renewal penalty | $50 | MSBCB |
License Renewal & Continuing Education
Mississippi manicurist licenses expire every two years. The renewal fee is $50, payable online. A 60-day grace period applies after expiration, with a $50 delinquent penalty. No renewal fee for licensees age 70 or older.
No continuing education is required for standard manicurist license renewal. The optional Master Nail Technician license requires 8 hours of board-approved CE per renewal cycle ($70 fee).
Reciprocity & License Transfer
Mississippi offers standard reciprocity ($55 fee, requires passing the Mississippi exam) and a UROLA pathway for applicants who have held a license for at least one year and establish Mississippi residency.
Military Provisions
Military-connected applicants can apply through an abbreviated military application. A 365-day temporary practice permit is issued upon submission of a complete application with a current out-of-state license and military documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours do I need to become a nail technician in Mississippi?
You need 350 hours of nail technology training at a licensed school, completable in as little as 9 weeks. This is among the lowest requirements in the country.
How much does it cost to get a nail technician license in Mississippi?
State fees total $75: a $25 application fee and $50 license fee, plus exam fees paid separately.
Does Mississippi require a practical exam for nail technicians?
No. As of February 2026, the practical exam was eliminated. You only need to pass the NIC written theory exam.
Does Mississippi require continuing education for nail technicians?
No. Standard manicurist license renewal does not require any continuing education.
Can a cosmetologist do nail services in Mississippi?
Yes. A Mississippi cosmetology license includes authorization to perform nail services. Cosmetologists do not need a separate manicurist license.
Official Resources
- Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering (official website)
- Online License Application and Renewal Portal
- Exam Registration Portal
- Official Fee Schedule
- NIC Testing (exam content information)
- Board Contact: (601) 359-1820 | info@msbcb.ms.gov
- Board Address: 239 N. Lamar Street, Suite 301, Jackson, MS 39201