DC Nail Technician

You must pass a theory/written examination administered by ProV and a practical examination. The written exam is scheduled through ProV online or by phone at (801) 733-4455. After you pass the written exam, the Exam Coordinator notifies you with instructions for scheduling the practical, held at Bennett Career Institute in Washington DC.

Manicurist applicants must show 350 hours. You submit an official school transcript, and for DC schools also a Formal Education Certificate. The application also requires a 2"x2" passport-style photo, valid government-issued ID, and a debit or credit card for fees.

The examination/re-examination fee is $92, payable to ProV when scheduling the exam. The initial application by exam for all license types is $175, which includes the $65 initial licensing application fee and the $110 initial license fee. Application fees are non-refundable under D.C. Code § 47-2853.10.

You pay the $92 examination/re-examination fee to ProV again when scheduling the retake. Plan your study so you are ready before scheduling, since the fee is charged each time. The Board's page does not state a waiting period between attempts, so confirm any timing details with ProV or the Board.

Practical exams are held at Bennett Career Institute, 700 Monroe Street, NE, Washington DC 20017. The Board explicitly says not to contact the school directly for scheduling or questions about the practical exam. Wait for instructions from the Exam Coordinator after you pass the written exam.

Start with health, safety, and welfare topics such as sanitation, disinfection, and client protection, since these carry through both the written and practical exams. Then study DC license law and Board regulations, and finish with technique drills for the practical, practicing timed setups and clean tool handling.

Common problems are skipped or rushed sanitation steps, improper tool handling, and running out of time. Practice your full manicuring routine repeatedly under timed conditions, narrate or demonstrate safety steps clearly, and keep your station organized so an examiner can see each required step.

At renewal or reinstatement, licensees must submit proof of 6 continuing education credits: 2 hours in a health/safety/welfare course and 4 hours in general election courses, from a board-approved provider. The requirement is waived for applicants renewing for the first time and for owner license renewal.

Cosmetologist, cosmetology specialist, and body artist licenses expire on April 15 of even-numbered years, regardless of when issued. The renewal period for all license types begins 90 days before the expiration date. Licenses expired 60 days past the renewal date must be reinstated, with a $210 reinstatement total.