Texas licenses nail technicians (called “Manicurists”) through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). You need a Texas Manicurist license to legally perform manicures, pedicures, and nail enhancement services for compensation anywhere in the state.
Texas requires 600 hours of approved training at a TDLR-licensed cosmetology or barbering school and passing both a written exam and a practical exam. The total application and exam fees are approximately $165. Most people complete the full process in 4 to 6 months. Here is exactly how to do it.
Texas Nail Technician (Manicurist) License Requirements at a Glance
| Official License Title | Manicurist |
| Governing Agency | Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) |
| Minimum Age | 17 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | High school diploma or GED (or “ability-to-benefit” test) |
| Training Hours Required | 600 hours at a TDLR-licensed school |
| State Board Exam | Written Exam (70% to pass) + Practical Exam (70% to pass) |
| Exam Provider | PSI Testing Services |
| Written Exam Fee | $52 (paid to PSI) |
| Practical Exam Fee | $63 (paid to PSI) |
| Application Fee | $50 (non-refundable, paid to TDLR) |
| Total Initial Cost | Approximately $165 (plus school tuition) |
| License Term | 2 years from date of issue |
| Renewal Fee | $50 |
| Continuing Education | 4 hours per renewal cycle |
| Apply Online | TDLR.Texas.gov |
Step 1: Meet the Minimum Eligibility Requirements
To enroll in a Texas manicurist program and apply for licensure, you must be at least 17 years old AND have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. Alternatively, if you do not have a high school diploma or GED, you may qualify by taking an “ability-to-benefit” test administered by a certified testing agency.
There is no citizenship or residency requirement, though you will need a Social Security Number to complete the application.
Step 2: Complete 600 Hours at a TDLR-Licensed School
You must complete 600 clock hours of technical instruction and practical training at a barbering or cosmetology school licensed by TDLR.
Students enrolled in a TDLR-licensed school will be issued a student permit while in training, which allows you to practice on clients under supervision.
Curriculum Overview
The Texas manicurist curriculum covers manicure and pedicure techniques, nail anatomy and nail disorders, artificial nail application (acrylics, gels, wraps, tips), nail art and design, sanitation and infection control, safety and OSHA standards, client consultation and communication, and Texas laws and rules.
Tuition at Texas manicurist schools typically ranges from $3,000 to $8,000 depending on the school and location.
Combination Manicurist/Esthetician License
Texas offers a combined Manicurist/Esthetician license. To qualify, you must complete an 800-hour Manicurist/Esthetician combination course at a TDLR-licensed school, OR complete 600 hours of Manicurist instruction AND 750 hours of Esthetician instruction separately.
Step 3: Pass the Written and Practical Exams
After completing your 600 hours of training, you must pass both a written exam and a practical exam administered by PSI Testing Services.
Exam Eligibility
When you complete your training, your school will notify TDLR. Once TDLR verifies your eligibility, PSI will send you an email (or postcard) with your ID number and instructions for scheduling your exams.
Important: You must pass the written exam BEFORE you can schedule and take the practical exam.
Written Exam Details
| Format | Computer-based, multiple choice |
| Number of Questions | 60 scored questions + 6 unscored pilot questions |
| Time Allowed | 90 minutes (plus 10 minutes for pilot questions) |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Exam Fee | $52 |
| Languages | English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Simplified Chinese, Korean |
The written exam covers safety and sanitation, nail structure and growth, nail disorders and diseases, manicuring and pedicuring, artificial nail application, and Texas laws and rules.
Written exams are offered at PSI testing centers in Abilene, Amarillo, Arlington, Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth, Harlingen, Houston, Lubbock, Midland, San Antonio, Tyler, and Waco. Virtual online testing (E-Exams) is also available.
Practical Exam Details
| Format | Hands-on demonstration |
| Passing Score | 70% (approximately 36 points out of 51) |
| Exam Fee | $63 |
| Model Required | Yes, you must bring your own model |
The practical exam includes pre-examination setup and disinfection, basic manicure service, and demonstration of proper sanitation procedures.
Practical exams are offered at PSI testing centers in Austin, San Antonio, the DFW Metroplex, the Greater Houston area, McAllen, El Paso, Midland, and Amarillo.
Scheduling Your Exams
Schedule your exams online at PSI Exams or by phone at (833) 333-4741. To reschedule, you must contact PSI at least 2 business days before your scheduled exam date. If you miss your exam or arrive late, you will forfeit your examination fee.
Getting Your Results
You will receive your results immediately after completing each exam. A score of 70% or better is required to pass. You may retake each exam as many times as needed, but you must pay the examination fee for each attempt.
Temporary License
Students who pass the practical examination may receive a temporary license immediately at the PSI testing site. This temporary license allows you to begin working that same day and is valid for 21 days while TDLR processes your application and mails your two-year license.
Step 4: Apply for Your Manicurist License
After passing both exams, apply for your license online through TDLR.
Apply online at TDLR Online Services. Pay the $50 non-refundable application fee. Processing typically takes 1 to 6 weeks, including a criminal background check.
You can also apply by mail using the printable PDF application form, but online applications are processed faster.
Manicurist licenses are valid for two years from the date of issue.
License Renewal
Texas manicurist licenses must be renewed every two years from the date of issue.
| Renewal Fee | $50 |
| Continuing Education | 4 hours per renewal cycle |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 2 years from date of issue |
| Late Renewal (within 18 months) | Standard renewal fee applies |
| Late Renewal (18 months to 3 years) | Double the normal renewal fee |
| Renew Online | TDLR License Renewal |
Continuing Education Requirements
You must complete 4 hours of TDLR-approved continuing education during each two-year renewal period.
The 4 hours must include:
Sanitation (1 hour): Training on sanitation and safety practices.
Human Trafficking Awareness (1 hour): Training on recognizing and reporting human trafficking. This is a required topic for all Texas cosmetology licensees.
Cosmetology-Related Topics (2 hours): May include nail techniques, product knowledge, business practices, or other industry-related subjects.
Reduced CE for Long-Term Licensees: Effective September 1, 2025, if you have held your license for more than 15 years, you only need to complete 1 hour of sanitation training to renew.
TDLR will send you a renewal notification approximately 60 days before your license expires.
Transferring an Out-of-State Nail Technician License to Texas (Reciprocity)
If you hold a current nail technician or manicurist license from another state, you may be eligible for a Texas license through reciprocity (called “license by equivalence”).
Reciprocity Requirements
Texas offers reciprocity for applicants whose home state has requirements substantially equivalent to Texas (600 hours of training). You must hold a current, active license in good standing.
If your state’s requirements are equivalent, you can apply without repeating education or exams. Submit your Certified Transcript of Hours with your application. The application fee for reciprocity is $50.
If you are licensed in Florida or New York, you will need 2 years of work experience to qualify for reciprocity.
To apply, complete the Cosmetology License by Reciprocity Application (COS003) and mail it with the $50 fee and required documentation to TDLR.
Important: Since online services require a Texas cosmetology student permit number, reciprocity applications cannot be made online and must be submitted by mail.
For more information, visit the TDLR Out-of-State Applicants page.
What Can You Do with a Texas Manicurist License?
Under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1603, a licensed Manicurist can perform:
Hand and Foot Services: Massaging, cleansing, treating, or beautifying a person’s hands or feet.
Nail Treatments: Cutting, trimming, polishing, tinting, coloring, cleansing, manicuring, and pedicuring nails.
Artificial Nails: Attaching false nails, including acrylics, gels, silk wraps, and nail tips.
Services NOT Included (Out of Scope)
A Manicurist cannot perform any other barbering or cosmetology services. This means hair cutting, styling, or coloring (requires Cosmetology Operator or Class A Barber license); facials, skincare, or makeup application (requires Esthetician or Cosmetology Operator license); waxing or hair removal beyond the hands and feet; and eyelash extensions (requires Eyelash Extension Specialist license) are not within scope.
Note: If you hold a Texas Cosmetology Operator license (1,000 hours), you can perform all nail services without needing a separate manicurist license.
Texas Manicurist 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). In Texas, salaries vary widely depending on experience, location, and clientele, with some sources reporting earnings ranging from $15,000 to over $100,000 for top professionals.
Major metropolitan areas like Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, and San Antonio offer higher earning potential due to larger client bases and higher cost of living. Tips can significantly increase total compensation, often adding 20-30% 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
Texas offers special accommodations for military service members, veterans, and military spouses. For more information about obtaining or renewing a TDLR license that expired while serving on active duty, visit the TDLR Military Outreach page.
Criminal Background
TDLR conducts a criminal history background check on all license applicants. If you have a criminal conviction, you may still be eligible for licensure. Review time for criminal history can take from 1 to 6 weeks.
You can request TDLR review your criminal background before applying for a license through the Criminal History Evaluation Letter process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a licensed manicurist in Texas?
Most people complete the process in 4 to 6 months through the school pathway. A full-time 600-hour program can be completed in approximately 4 months. After completing training, you can receive a temporary license immediately upon passing the practical exam and begin working the same day.
Does Texas require both a written and practical exam for manicurists?
Yes. You must pass both a written exam (70% to pass) and a practical hands-on exam (70% to pass) administered by PSI. You must pass the written exam before you can take the practical exam.
Can I transfer my out-of-state nail technician license to Texas?
Yes. Texas offers reciprocity for applicants from states with substantially equivalent requirements. Submit a Cosmetology License by Reciprocity Application (COS003) with your Certified Transcript of Hours and the $50 fee. If you’re from Florida or New York, you need 2 years of work experience.
What is the difference between a manicurist and a nail technician in Texas?
In Texas, the official license title is “Manicurist.” The terms “nail technician” and “manicurist” are used interchangeably by the public, but TDLR officially issues Manicurist licenses.
What is the human trafficking awareness training requirement?
Texas requires all cosmetology licensees (including manicurists) to complete 1 hour of human trafficking awareness training as part of their 4-hour continuing education requirement for license renewal. This reflects Texas’s commitment to combating human trafficking in the nail salon industry.
What if I fail the exam?
You can retake each exam as many times as needed. You must pay the examination fee for each attempt. Exam eligibility is good for 5 years, and you may test an unlimited number of times during this period.
Can I work immediately after passing the practical exam?
Yes. Students who pass the practical exam can receive a temporary license at the PSI testing site, allowing them to begin working that same day. The temporary license is valid for 21 days while TDLR mails your two-year 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
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
Barbering and Cosmetology
PO Box 12157, Austin, TX 78711
Main Office: 920 Colorado St., Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 463-6599 or (800) 803-9202 (in-state)
Relay Texas-TDD: (800) 735-2989
Website: TDLR Barbering and Cosmetology
Apply for a Manicurist License:
Apply for a Manicurist License
Apply Online:
TDLR Online Services
Manicurist Application Form (PDF):
License by Examination Application
Reciprocity Application (PDF):
License by Reciprocity Application (COS003)
Out-of-State Applicants:
Apply for License by Equivalence
Exam Information:
TDLR Exam Information
PSI Testing Services:
PSI Exams – TDLR
Phone: (833) 333-4741
Candidate Information Bulletin (Manicurist):
Manicurist Exam CIB (PDF)
Scope of Practice – Manicurist:
Manicurist Scope of Practice Guide
License Renewal:
Individual License Renewals
Continuing Education:
CE Requirements
Find Approved CE Providers:
TDLR CE Provider Search
License Verification:
TDLR License Search
Find a TDLR-Licensed School:
Barbering and Cosmetology Schools
Military Outreach:
TDLR Military Outreach
Criminal History Evaluation:
Criminal History Evaluation Letter
Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1603 (Barbering and Cosmetology):
Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1603
Texas Administrative Code Title 16, Chapter 83:
TDLR Laws and Rules