Nail Technician State Board Practice Test
The NIC National Nail Technology Theory Examination is the written exam for nail technicians in NIC states. It has 110 four-option questions in 90 minutes; 100 are scored. Its outline took effect September 1, 2025.
110 questions in 1 hour 30 minutes · 75% to pass
110 questions in 1 hour 30 minutes, in the NIC Nail Technology format, with an explanation for every answer and a score by topic.
Or try a free nail technician topic drillAfter weeks of handling permanent waving solution without gloves, Dana develops red, itchy, cracked skin on her hands. This is most likely
NIC National Nail Technology Theory Examination format
- Regulator
- Your state board of cosmetology
- Exam provider
- PSI, Prov or D&S, depending on the state
- Questions
- 110 multiple-choice items, of which 100 are scored
- Time
- 90 minutes
- Pass mark
- Set by each state: 75 in South Carolina
- Outline
- Eight domains, effective September 1, 2025
- Enhancements (20%), manicure and pedicure services (18%) and tools (13%) make up half the exam; the science domains make up 40%.
- California gives its own PSI manicurist exam (65 items, 90 minutes), and Texas its own PSI manicurist exam; Florida registers nail specialists after 180 hours without an exam.
Nail technician content outline
| Content area | Weight |
|---|---|
| I. Infection Control and Safety Practices | 15% |
| II. Anatomy and Physiology | 15% |
| III. Chemistry of Nail Products | 10% |
| IV. Pre-service Process | 5% |
| V. Nail Service Tools | 13% |
| VI. Manicure and Pedicure Services | 18% |
| VII. Nail Enhancements | 20% |
| VIII. Post-service Process | 4% |
Source: NIC National Nail Technology Theory Examination Candidate Information Bulletin, effective September 1, 2025 (revised March 1, 2026).
Our Nail technician practice exam
Our nail technology mock uses the real count and clock: 110 questions in 90 minutes, drawn in the eight-domain proportions. Every question is scored against 75%. Every answer comes with an explanation, and your result shows a score for each topic.
Sit the full exam under the real clock
110 questions in 1 hour 30 minutes, in the NIC Nail Technology format, with an explanation for every answer and a score by topic.
Or try a free nail technician topic drillFree nail technician topic drills
These topic drills hold the questions written for the NIC Nail Technology exam alongside the shared infection control, safety and anatomy questions. Each drill’s first attempt is free with a free account.
Common questions
How many questions are on the nail technician state board written exam?
The NIC Nail Technology Theory exam has 110 questions in 90 minutes, of which 100 are scored. California’s PSI manicurist exam has 65 questions (60 scored) in 90 minutes.
What is on the NIC nail technology exam?
Infection control and safety 15%, anatomy and physiology 15%, chemistry of nail products 10%, pre-service 5%, nail service tools 13%, manicure and pedicure services 18%, nail enhancements 20% and post-service 4%.
110 questions in 1 hour 30 minutes, in the NIC Nail Technology format, with an explanation for every answer and a score by topic.
Or try a free nail technician topic drillSources
- NIC: Candidate Information Bulletins (official CIB selection app)
- South Carolina LLR: Cosmetology examinations
Checked November 7, 2026. Boards update their bulletins and fees; confirm details with your state board of cosmetology before you schedule.
Original independent practice. Not affiliated with or endorsed by NIC, PSI, Pearson VUE, your state board of cosmetology or any state board. All exams · Texas · California · Florida · Esthetician · NIC mock