⚠ Draft — this content is being reviewed and may not be accurate yet.
California (CA) nail license requirements
California nail license: 400 training hours, exam offered in Vietnamese. Eligibility, transfer from another state and fees.
Hours
400 hours
Vietnamese exam
Yes
Practical exam
No
- License
- Manicurist
- Agency
- California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
- Exams
- Written exam only (national exam via PSI since July 1, 2022). The practical exam was eliminated.
- Eligibility
- At least 17 and completed 10th grade or equivalent.
- Apprenticeship
- A Board-approved nail care apprenticeship can replace school hours.
- Transferring from another state
- A current out-of-state manicurist license in good standing qualifies for a California license without the exam (same license type, certified by the other state). Florida nail specialist registrations and apprentice licenses don't qualify.
- Fees
- $110 for the exam and initial license application; the out-of-state application is also $110.
- Notes
- Out-of-state work experience can count toward training (3 months = 100 hours).
Checked on 2026-10-17. Rules change — always confirm on the official page. Official page ↗. Not legal advice.