Can you imagine waking up every day, knowing that you get to work at a salon or spa that values your creativity? As a manicurist, your job will be to specialize as a nail technician in pedicures, manicures, and all other sorts of nail beautification techniques. Not only will you be respected for your talent and creativity, but you will also have the peace of mind of knowing that the industry is stable and growing. The Indiana Workforce Occupational Projections even estimates a growth rate of 16.4% in the number of nail technician jobs through 2020!
To be able to work as a manicurist in Indiana, you must be licensed through the State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners. Follow these steps to learn how to become a nail technician in Indiana
 | Enroll in a Nail Technician Program |
 | Take and Pass the Required Exams |
 | Submit an Application for Nail Technician Licensure |
 | Explore the Job Market and Renew Licensure |
Step 1. Enroll in a Nail Technician Program
By attending one of Indiana’s nail technician schools, you will be introduced to all three aspects of working in nail design: theory, practical skills, and business. This will prepare you to pass your state licensing exam, and to excel in the industry.
Requirements for a nail technician license through the Indiana State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners is 450 hours of education.
Your manicurist license courses will include such courses as:
- Bacteria and Infection Control
- Nail and Skin Disorders
- Sanitation
- Manicures and Pedicures
- Paraffin Wax
- Professionalism
- Record Keeping
- Indiana laws and regulations
Many schools will facilitate the required practical, written, or state law exams toward the end of your program.
Step 2. Take and Pass the Required Exams
Pearson VUE administers the Indiana State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners written exam. It is offered in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, or Simplified Chinese.
The exam is multiple-choice and will consist of about 60 questions, and should last for 105 minutes.
The exam guide outlines everything you need to know about scheduling the exam, where to take the exam, and what is on the exam. This written exam will include, but is not limited to, questions on the following nail technician subjects:
- Sanitation and Disinfection
- Prevention of Salon Accidents
- Personal Hygiene
- Implements and Tools
- Client Conduct – Ethics, Communication, Record Keeping
- Nail Structure and Analysis
- Health Conditions that Preclude Treatment
- Professional Services
- Massage
- Manicure/Pedicure
- Nail Enhancements
- Nail Tips
- Gel Tips
- Maintenance
- Repair
You can schedule this exam online. Pearson VUE testing centers are located in the following cities:
- Evansville
- Fort Wayne
- Indianapolis
- Terre Haute
- Chicago
- Lansing
- Merrillville
You should receive your results immediately after taking the exam, but if you don’t, they will be mailed to you within 5-7 business days.
Step 3. Submit an Application for Nail Technician Licensure
To apply for your license based on your education and exams, you must be at least eighteen (18) years old, have completed at least 8th grade, and submit the following documentation:
- Application for Manicurist License
- Diploma from Nail Technician School
- Passing Exam Scores
- $40.00 application fee
Upon the completion of your application and passing of your written examination, you will be finally issued your license! You can mail all of your application information to the following address:
State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners
Professional Licensing Agency
402 West Washington Street, Room W072
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Telephone: (317) 234-3031
Reciprocity
If you currently hold a license from another state, you may apply for your license based on reciprocity. To do this, you must be at least eighteen (18) years old, have completed at least 8th grade, and you must do the following:
- Submit proof of current license certification
- Submit proof that you have completed an education school program of at least 450 hours or more
- Have attained at least a 70% on the written exam
Provisional
If you have attended beauty school in a different state, but you were not issued a license, you may apply for a provisional license. You will need to:
- Provide proof of sufficient training
- Submit application for Provisional License
- Work underneath a licensed manicurist
Step 4. Explore the Job Market and Renew Licensure
As a manicurist, you can work in a relaxing and fun salon or spa environment, or you can choose to rent a booth in your neighborhood salon. You can even choose to work from home. If you’re looking for a salon or spa to get started in, try checking out these locations:
- Rose-Dore Salon – Indianapolis
- Star Nails Professional Manicure Salon – Indianapolis
- Sam’s Nails – Indianapolis
- Grace Nail Spa – Carmel
- Ex Nail – Indianapolis
To renew your license, each year you will need to submit your renewal form and your $40 renewal fee to the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency.