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Nail Tech Schools in Tennessee

As a nail technician in Tennessee, you will have the opportunity to provide an important service to your clients. In addition to making your clients look and feel their best, you will also be able to build relationships with them and help them relax. For many people, getting their nails done is an essential part of their self-care routine. As a nail technician, you will be able to help them create a look that they love. In Tennessee, you will also be able to work in a variety of different settings, from high-end salons to small spas. Interested in this new career? The first step is finding a nail tech school near you in Tennessee. Check out our listings below to find the perfect school for you!

Nail Tech Schools in Tennessee

State Requirements for Nail Technician Licensing in Tennessee

  • 600 hours of hands-on and theory education from an approved institute.
  • License renewal every 2 years.

How Much Do Tennessee Nail Tech Programs Cost?

Nail technician programs in Tennessee can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $6,500 once you have purchased your necessary books and supplies and paid tuition and fees. You can sometimes reduce the costs a bit if you inquire about financial aid, scholarships, or grants.

Required Skills and Classes

The state of Tennessee requires nail technology students to undergo a minimum of 600 hours of combined theoretical and practical training before being granted a license. Courses within this program are as follows:

  • Sterilization, sanitation, and bacteriology
  • Anatomy and physiology
  • State law
  • Product chemistry
  • Manicuring techniques
  • Pedicuring techniques
  • Massage
  • Nail care
  • Nail art
  • Nail wraps
  • Nail tips
  • Sculptured nails
  • Gel nails

State Licensing Exam

The Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners has specifically contracted PSI to administer the licensure exams. Students that have completed all the necessary educational requirements will be notified of their eligibility to take the said exams through the coordination of their school and PSI.

  • Theory Exam – examinees will be given 90 minutes to complete this exam which consists of 75 questions that cover areas such as:
    • Sanitation, disinfection, and safety – 14 questions
    • Client consultation – 12 questions
    • Manicure and pedicure – 14 questions
    • Nail wraps and nail tips – 14 questions
    • Gel and acrylic nails – 14 questions
    • Licensing – 7 questions
  • Practical Exam – this hands-on exam must be completed in 130 minutes or less. Test takers are required to bring a person that is at least 16 years of age that will serve as a model that the following tasks will be performed on:
    • Set-up and disinfection – 10 minutes
    • Plain manicure on five unpolished nails of one hand – 20 minutes
    • Nail tip application on one nail of the manicured hand – 10 minutes
    • Nail wrap applied to the nail tip – 15 minutes
    • Sculptured nail application on one nail of the manicured hand – 15 minutes
    • Nail polish application to four fingernails of the manicured hand and French manicure polish application to one fingernail of the manicured hand – 15 minutes
    • Plain pedicure on all five toes of one foot with nail polish application – 30 minutes
    • Final disinfection procedures – 15 minutes

The required tools and supplies can be found in the Candidate Information Bulletin.

Note: Test takers must achieve a minimum score of 70% on both exams to pass.

How Much Do Nail Techs Get Paid in Tennessee?

Working as a nail care professional in Tennessee will garner an average pay rate of $12.85 per hour, equivalent to an annual salary of $26,720.

Does Tennessee Have Continuing Education Requirements for Nail Technicians?

There are no continuing education requirements for nail technician license renewals in Tennessee.

Contact Information for Licensing Board

You can reach the Tennessee’s authority on licensing at:

Tennessee State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners
Address: 500 James Robertson Parkway Nashville, TN 37243
Website: https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/cosmo/licensee-applicant-resources/how-do-i-get-an-individual-license/manicurist.html
Email: [email protected]
Call: 615-741-2515
Fax: 615-741-1310