Virginia licenses nail technicians through the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) under the Board for Barbers and Cosmetology. You need a Virginia nail technician license to perform manicures, pedicures, and artificial nail services for compensation anywhere in Virginia.
Virginia requires only 150 hours of approved training — one of the lowest nail technician hour requirements in the country. The state uses NIC exams administered through Prov, and the total cost including exams and license is approximately $314. Virginia also recently updated its practical performance requirements to include UV/LED gel nails for the first time. Here is exactly how to get licensed.
Virginia Nail Technician License Requirements at a Glance
| Official License Title | Nail Technician |
| Governing Agency | Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) |
| Board | Board for Barbers and Cosmetology |
| Statutory Authority | Virginia Code Title 54.1, Chapter 7; 18VAC41-20 |
| Minimum Age | Not specified in statute |
| Education Prerequisite | None required by statute |
| Training Hours Required | 150 hours at a DPOR-licensed school |
| Apprenticeship Alternative | 2,000 hours through Virginia DOLI registered apprenticeship |
| Licensing Exam | NIC Written (110 questions, 90 min) + NIC Practical, administered by Prov |
| Passing Score | 75% |
| Exam Fees | $99 written + $95 practical = $194 (paid to Prov) |
| Application Fee | $120 |
| Total Initial Cost | ~$314 (excluding tuition) |
| License Term | Biennial (every 2 years) |
| Renewal Fee | $120 |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Apply Online | DPOR Online Services Portal |
Education and Training Requirements
Virginia requires 150 clock hours of nail technician training at a DPOR-licensed school. This is among the lowest nail technician training requirements in the United States.
Full-time students can complete the 150-hour program in as little as 4 to 6 weeks. Part-time students may take 2 to 3 months. The curriculum must include a minimum of 255 practical performances and cover:
| Subject Area | Minimum Hours |
|---|---|
| Nail Procedures (manicuring, pedicuring, nail extensions) | 75 |
| Sterilization and Safety (sanitation, bacteriology) | 35 |
| Anatomy and Physiology | 15 |
| Diseases and Disorders of the Nail | 10 |
| Nail Theory and Nail Structure/Composition | 10 |
| Orientation (school policies, law, regulations, ethics) | 5 |
| Total | 150 |
Practical Performance Requirements
Students must complete a minimum of 255 practical performances (updated effective December 1, 2025):
| Performance | Minimum Count |
|---|---|
| Individual Sculptured Nails and Nail Tips | 170 |
| Manicures | 25 |
| Pedicures | 20 |
| UV/LED Gel Nails | 20 |
| Individual Removals | 20 |
| Total | 255 |
2025 update: UV/LED gel nails replaced nail wraps in the performance requirements effective December 1, 2025 — the first update to nail technician practical requirements since August 1991.
No education prerequisite: Virginia does not require a high school diploma or GED for nail technician licensure. Individual schools may set their own enrollment requirements.
Apprenticeship pathway: Virginia offers a registered apprenticeship alternative requiring 2,000 hours of on-the-job training in a licensed nail salon, administered through the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI). Students transferring from a nail technician school receive hour-for-hour credit toward the apprenticeship.
Online training: Theory hours may be delivered online if the school verifies student identity and requires in-person competency assessments. Practical instruction must be completed in person.
At 150 hours, Virginia has one of the lowest nail technician requirements nationally. See how all states compare in our nail technician license requirements by state guide.
Exam Requirements
After completing your training, you must pass both a written (theory) exam and a practical exam. Virginia uses NIC (National-Interstate Council) exams administered by Prov (which replaced PSI effective January 1, 2025).
| Exam | Questions | Time Limit | Passing Score | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written/Theory | 110 (100 scored + 10 pilot) | 90 minutes | 75% | $99 |
| Practical | Hands-on demonstration | ~105 minutes (timed sections) | 75% | $95 |
Written exam content: Infection control and safety practices (15%), anatomy and physiology (15%), basic chemistry of nail products (10%), nail service tools (13%), manicure and pedicure services (18%), application maintenance and removal (20%), pre-service process (5%), and post-service procedures (4%).
Practical exam sections: Work area and client preparation (15 minutes), basic water manicure and polish application (20 minutes), second client preparation (10 minutes), full-well nail tip application and blending (15 minutes), sculptured nail (20 minutes), sculptured nail removal (20 minutes), and blood exposure procedure (5 minutes).
How to register: Create an account at provexam.com or call (877) 228-3926 to schedule your exams.
Exam validity: If you pass one exam, you do not need to retake it as long as you pass the other exam within one year. If you pass both but do not apply for licensure within five years, you must retake both examinations.
Application Process and Fees
After passing both exams, apply for your nail technician license. You can apply through the DPOR Online Services Portal, by email to BCHOPLicensing@dpor.virginia.gov, or by mail.
- Complete your 150-hour training program or 2,000-hour apprenticeship
- Register with Prov and pass both the NIC written and practical exams ($194 total)
- Submit the Nail Technician Exam and License Application (Form A450-1206)
- Pay the $120 application fee (nonrefundable)
- Disclose any felony convictions within the past 10 years
- Sign the certification statement confirming you have read Virginia’s barber and cosmetology laws
- Receive your license
Temporary license: Eligible applicants can receive a free temporary license valid for 90 days while awaiting exam results. You must work under direct supervision during this period.
Processing time: DPOR notifies applicants within 5 calendar days of receipt whether the application is approved or deficient.
DPOR mailing address: 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400, Richmond, VA 23233. Phone: (804) 367-8509.
License Renewal
Virginia nail technician licenses expire every 2 years from the last day of the month in which the license was issued. The renewal fee is $120. Renew online at the DPOR renewal portal.
Virginia does not require continuing education for nail technician license renewal. You simply pay the renewal fee on time.
Late renewal: If your license expires, you must pay a reinstatement fee of $240 ($120 renewal + $120 reinstatement). If your license has been expired for more than 2 years, you must reapply as a new applicant and meet all current requirements. Practicing on an expired license is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Transferring an Out-of-State License to Virginia
Virginia offers three pathways for out-of-state nail technicians:
License by endorsement (18VAC41-20-30):
- Must hold a current, valid license in another state
- Training must be “substantially equivalent” — at least 80% of Virginia’s required hours (120 of 150 hours)
- If your state required both written and practical exams, you may be licensed without additional examination
- If your state only required one exam, you may take Virginia’s other exam to qualify
- Fee: $120
Work experience substitution: If your training is not substantially equivalent, you may substitute 3 years of documented licensed work experience for training deficiencies.
Universal License Recognition (ULR): Since 2023, Virginia offers ULR for applicants who have held a valid license in another state for at least 3 years, passed an examination, have no disciplinary actions, and have no disqualifying criminal record. Fee: $120.
With Virginia’s low 150-hour requirement, virtually every other state’s nail technician program will meet the 80% endorsement threshold. Applicants from states like Florida (240 hours), California (400 hours), or Michigan (600 hours) will easily qualify.
Military Service Members and Spouses
Virginia provides comprehensive licensing accommodations for military-connected applicants:
- Military training credit: DPOR must accept substantially equivalent military training, education, or experience toward licensing requirements (Virginia Code 54.1-118). Applicants with at least 2 years of relevant experience in the U.S. Armed Forces may qualify for examination.
- Military spouse expedited processing: DPOR has 20 days to act on applications from military spouses. If review cannot be completed in 20 days, a temporary 12-month license must be issued (Virginia Code 54.1-119).
- License portability: Active-duty service members and spouses may transfer licenses from other states under SCRA provisions.
- Renewal extensions: Active-duty personnel serving outside the U.S. may receive up to a 5-year renewal extension.
- Financial assistance: Military branches offer spouse license reimbursement up to $1,000 for PCS-related license transfer costs.
Recent Legislative and Regulatory Changes
Performance requirements updated (effective December 1, 2025): UV/LED gel nails replaced nail wraps in the practical performance requirements — the first update since August 1991. Students must now complete 20 UV/LED gel nail performances during training.
New exam vendor (effective January 1, 2025): Prov replaced PSI as the examination vendor for all Board for Barbers and Cosmetology exams.
Criminal history reform (effective December 1, 2025 for regulations; SB 826 effective July 1, 2025 for legislation): Felony disclosure window reduced from 20 to 10 years. Misdemeanor disclosure eliminated except for specific offense categories. Applicants may request a binding predetermination of whether a criminal record would disqualify them.
International credentials (HB 1940/SB 1188, effective July 1, 2025): DPOR must create regulatory pathways for foreign-trained applicants with U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or valid work visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours do you need for a nail technician license in Virginia?
Virginia requires 150 hours of nail technician training at a DPOR-licensed school, which can be completed in as little as 4 to 6 weeks full-time. Alternatively, you can complete a 2,000-hour registered apprenticeship in a licensed nail salon.
How much does it cost to get a nail technician license in Virginia?
State fees total approximately $314: $99 for the written exam and $95 for the practical exam (both paid to Prov), plus a $120 application fee paid to DPOR. School tuition is separate and typically ranges from $1,000 to $4,000 for a 150-hour program.
Does Virginia require continuing education for nail technician license renewal?
No. Virginia does not require any continuing education for nail technician license renewal based on the current Virginia Administrative Code. You simply pay the $120 biennial renewal fee.
Does Virginia require a high school diploma for a nail technician license?
No. Virginia does not require a high school diploma, GED, or minimum education level for nail technician licensure in its statutes or regulations. Individual schools may set their own enrollment requirements.
Can I transfer my nail technician license from another state to Virginia?
Yes. Virginia offers license by endorsement if your training is substantially equivalent (at least 120 of 150 hours). Since most states require more hours than Virginia, transfers are straightforward. Virginia also offers Universal License Recognition for applicants who have held a license for at least 3 years.
Can a cosmetologist do nail services in Virginia?
Yes. A Virginia cosmetology license includes authorization to perform all nail care services. Cosmetologists do not need a separate nail technician license.
How long does it take to get a nail technician license in Virginia?
Most people complete the process in 2 to 4 months. A full-time 150-hour training program can be finished in 4 to 6 weeks, with exam scheduling and license processing adding another 2 to 4 weeks.
Official Resources
- Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology (official website)
- DPOR Online Services Portal (license applications)
- Prov Exams (exam registration)
- 18VAC41-20 — Barbering and Cosmetology Regulations
- Virginia Code Title 54.1, Chapter 7
- License Renewal Portal
- License Verification
- Universal License Recognition (ULR)
- Phone: (804) 367-8509 | Email: BCHOPLicensing@dpor.virginia.gov
- Address: 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400, Richmond, VA 23233