Nail Technician Practice Test 2026
Free Nail Technician written-exam practice (NIC/PSI cosmetology theory). Covers infection control, anatomy, nail services, chemistry & sanitation. The real exam language varies by state β see the state language table below. Practice every question free, then sit a 110-question mock scored to the real 75% pass line.
π― Practice by Topic
Infection Control & Safety
NIC D1 β Infection control principles, bloodborne pathogens, PPE, OSHA standards.
Nail & Skin Anatomy / Diseases & Disorders
NIC D2 β Nail structure, skin anatomy, common nail/skin diseases and contraindications.
Nail Services (Manicure / Pedicure / Application)
NIC D3 β Manicure, pedicure, nail enhancements: acrylics, gels, wraps, tips.
Products, Tools, Equipment & Chemistry
NIC D4 β Nail product chemistry, monomer/polymer, gel chemistry, implements and their use.
Disinfection & Sanitation
NIC D5 β Salon sanitation procedures, EPA-registered disinfectants, state board requirements.
π§° Jobs this credential opens
See jobs βπ§ Where this leads β the new immigrant career path
See how this exam fits a step-by-step ladder of U.S. licenses and certs β with median pay and the languages each real exam is offered in β
π What to Bring
- β
Government-issued photo ID
- β
Your PSI/Pearson scheduling confirmation
- β
Proof of completed cosmetology/nail school hours
Required hours vary by state (typically 250β600 for nail programs).
π How to Schedule
- 1
Complete a state-approved nail school program
Hour requirements vary: AZ 300 hr, CA 400 hr, TX 600 hr, FL 240 hr. Check your state board.
- 2
Apply to your state board for exam eligibility
Submit school transcripts + application fee. The board authorizes you to test.
- 3
Schedule with the state testing vendor (PSI or Pearson VUE)
Most states use PSI Services. FL and NV use Pearson VUE. Select your preferred language when registering.
π‘ Test Day Tips
- β’D1 Infection Control is the highest-stakes domain β master bloodborne pathogen rules, PPE, single-use vs. reusable implements, and EPA-registered disinfectant contact times.
- β’Know your nail anatomy: the 5 nail parts (plate, bed, matrix, cuticle, mantle) and the bones of the hand and foot that appear on the exam.
- β’For the language of YOUR real exam: check the state language table below β the real exam may be in English only in your state, or also in Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, or Chinese.
π Study Handbook
All practice questions are based on the sections below. Click any to read the official source.
πΊοΈ What language is the real written exam in my state?
The real nail technician written exam language is NOT uniform nationwide. The table below shows confirmed languages per state. Our Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Spanish practice questions are a LEARNING AID β they help you master the content, but the actual exam may be in English only where your state does not offer other languages. Korean is offered on the real written exam in several states (e.g. NY, NV, TX β see the table); our full question bank is now available in English, Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Spanish.
| State | Testing vendor | Written exam languages (confirmed) |
|---|---|---|
| California (CA) | PSI / CA Board of Barbering & Cosmetology | English Β· Spanish Β· Vietnamese |
| Florida (FL) | FL DBPR β Board of Cosmetology | No state written exam (register by 180 training hours) |
| Texas (TX) | PSI / TX Dept. of Licensing & Regulation | English Β· Spanish Β· Vietnamese Β· Korean Β· Chinese |
| New York (NY) | PSI / NY Division of Licensing Services | English + 13 languages incl. Vietnamese, Korean, Chinese |
| Kentucky (KY) | PSI / KY Board of Hairdressers & Cosmetologists | English Β· Spanish Β· Vietnamese Β· Korean Β· Khmer Β· Portuguese Β· Chinese |
| Nevada (NV) | Pearson VUE / NV State Board of Cosmetology | English Β· Spanish Β· Vietnamese Β· Korean Β· Chinese |
| North Carolina (NC) | Prov / NC State Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners | English Β· Spanish Β· Vietnamese Β· Korean |
| All other states | PSI or state board | English (additional languages vary β check your state board) |
Language availability changes β always confirm with your state board or testing vendor before scheduling. This site never implies you can take the exam in a language your state does not actually offer.
π Official Resources
PSI Services β Nail / Cosmetology β
Primary testing vendor for nail technician exams in most US states. Schedule your exam and select your language here.
NIC β National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology β
Creates the standard nail technician and cosmetology exam blueprints used by most states.
Pearson VUE β Cosmetology (FL, NV) β
Pearson VUE administers the nail technician exam in Florida and Nevada.
β Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the Nail Technician test, and how many do I need to pass?
The Nail Technician knowledge test has 110 questions. You must answer 83 correctly (75%) to pass.
How many questions can you miss on the Nail Technician test?
You can miss up to 27 of the 110 questions and still pass.
What should I bring to the Nail Technician test?
Government-issued photo ID Your PSI/Pearson scheduling confirmation Proof of completed cosmetology/nail school hours β Required hours vary by state (typically 250β600 for nail programs).
How do I schedule and take the Nail Technician test?
1. Complete a state-approved nail school program: Hour requirements vary: AZ 300 hr, CA 400 hr, TX 600 hr, FL 240 hr. Check your state board. 2. Apply to your state board for exam eligibility: Submit school transcripts + application fee. The board authorizes you to test. 3. Schedule with the state testing vendor (PSI or Pearson VUE): Most states use PSI Services. FL and NV use Pearson VUE. Select your preferred language when registering.