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Nail Tech Schools in North Carolina

Job seekers in North Carolina who are interested in a career in the beauty industry may want to consider becoming a nail technician. Nail technicians are responsible for providing manicures and pedicures, as well as applying artificial nails and nail polish. They may also perform other beauty treatments, such as facials and waxing. To become a licensed nail technician in North Carolina, applicants must complete a cosmetology program that is approved by the state board of cosmetology. Once they have completed their training, they will be able to find employment at one of the many beauty salons or spas in the state.

Sound intriguing? If so, you can learn more below and also look for nail tech schools near you in North Carolina.

Nail Tech Schools in North Carolina

State Requirements for Nail Technician Licensing in North Carolina

  • Minimum of three hundred (300) hours of combined classroom and hands-on training.
  • License renewal within a three (3)-year interval.

How Much Do North Carolina Nail Tech Programs Cost?

There’s more than just tuition to consider when it comes to a manicure or nail tech program in North Carolina. You’ll likely spend at least $2,500 and in some cases $5,000 or more depending on your location and the school you choose to attend. Here’s the breakdown of costs for one nail tech program in the state:

  • Tuition: $1,216
  • Books: $168
  • Certification exam: $209
  • Tools, instruments, uniforms: $630
  • Fees: $282
  • Total: $2,505

Required Skills and Classes

For nail technicians in North Carolina the 300-hour program can be summarized as follows:

25 hours:

  • Manicuring Theory
  • Disinfection
  • First Aid
  • Trimming
  • Filing
  • Shaping
  • Decorating
  • Arm and Hand Manipulation
  • Sculptured and Artificial Nails
  • Pedicuring

275 hours:

  • Advanced Styles and Techniques
  • Advanced Treatment and Decoration
  • Business and Retail Management

15 hours (5 on a mannequin and 10 on a live model):

  • Trimming
  • Filing
  • Shaping
  • Decorating
  • Arm and Hand Manipulation

20 hours (5 on a mannequin and 15 on a live model):

  • Application or repair of sculptured or artificial nails

State Licensing Exam

After graduating from a nail tech program, the next and final step is to take and pass the licensure exams by applying online, courtesy of DL Roope Administrations.

  • Practical Exam – this exam requires its participants to bring their kit and hand mannequin to perform the following manicurist services:
    • Set up and client protection
    • Manicure
    • Nail-tip
    • Nail wrap
    • Sculptured nail
    • Polish
    • Candidate summary and final cleanup

Further information can be found in the practical exam candidate information bulletin.

  • Written Exam – this exam will cover, including, but not limited to the following topics:
    • Scientific Concepts of Infection Control
    • Bacteriology
    • Viruses, Fungi, and Bacteria, and how they spread
    • Methods of sanitation
    • Disinfection
    • Sterilization
    • Dispensing Products
    • OSHA requirements for safety, storage, labeling, disposal, blood-born pathogens, Universal Precautions, and prevention
    • Basic human anatomy and physiology
    • Nail anatomy and physiology
    • Chemistry
    • Product knowledge
    • Client Assessments
    • Manicures and Pedicures

Further information can be found in the written exam candidate information bulletin.

Note: To earn the license, examinees must acquire a minimum score of 75% for each exam.

How Much Do Nail Techs Get Paid in North Carolina?

Currently, the average salary in the state is $30,900 per year or $14.86 per hour. The outlook for working in the area is excellent as well. Nail technicians working in North Carolina will have little to no competition in this market due to a location quotient of 0.30 – which is a fancy way of saying there’s a low ratio of nail technicians compared to many other professions per capita.

Does North Carolina Have Continuing Education Requirements for Nail Technicians?

Eight (8) hours of continuing education are required for every license renewal period. The license renewal period in North Carolina is three years, and you must renew by October 1st.

Contact information for state licensing boards

North Carolina State Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners
Address: 121 Edinburgh Drive South Suite 09, Cary, North Carolina 27511
Website: https://www.nccosmeticarts.com/
Email: [email protected]
Call: 919-736-6123
Fax: 919-678-3012