Illinois Licensing Overview for Manicurists and Nail Technicians

Licensing for manicurists and nail technicians in Illinois is controlled by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

General Guidelines for Manicurists and Nail Technicians in Illinois

Specific requirements to perform manicures and nail services can generally be used as a guideline, but make sure to check with your local governing rules and regulations.

Who’s allowed to perform these services?

Nail Technician

Requirements and license preparation for manicurists and nail technicians

Your first step toward becoming a licensed nail technician in Illinois is fulfilling the educational requirements. For Illinois, you need to be at least sixteen (16) years old, have completed at least 10th grade, and then graduate from a cosmetology school or nail technology school that includes at least 350 hours of coursework and training.

Your education will include the practical, theoretical, and business sides of manicuring and pedicuring, as well as all of the information you would ever need to know to be a successful manicurist.

Courses cover services related to nail art, decoration, and application of product to the hands, feet, arms, elbows, lower legs, and knees. You can often attend either full or part-time, making nail technician school an easy add-on to your current lifestyle.

In these schools, you will take courses including, but not limited to, the following:

Classic Manicure
No-Chip Manicure
Classic Manicure with Paraffin Wax
Classic Pedicure
Classic Manicure and Pedicure
Nail Clipping
Illinois laws and regulations
Not only will these schools provide you with your foundational education, but many of them offer continuing education, as well, so that you can keep up to date on the latest nail trends and techniques.

What’s the state licensing site for manicurists and nail technicians?

Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation

What are some training programs available for manicurists and nail technicians?

See training programs

How long is a license good for and when do I need to renew?

Biannual renewal period before October 31 of each even-numbered year

What are fees associated with licensing?

For fees, licensing duration and renewal details check with local governing body.

Location(s):

Illinois