Individuals seeking to perform nail services, including manicures and pedicures, in the State of Texas must first obtain the proper licensing from the Texas State Board of Cosmetology. The Board is an agency under the Texas Department of Licensing & Registration and is the governing body for Manicurists. The Board establishes licensing requirements, manages the application process, and issues appropriate regulations related to license conduct. Once candidates complete a certain number of educational hours, they must also pass an exam. The Board has also implemented a program whereby licensees can submit feedback about policies and laws related to Manicurists and other license holders in cosmetology fields.

Obtaining a license

General

In order to become a licensed Manicurist in the State of Texas, applicants must complete a minimum number of hours at a Board-approved institution of cosmetology. Then, Manicurist candidates must pass a Board administered exam and submit a completed application along with proper filing fees.

Training and Examinations

The Board requires Manicurist candidates to complete 600 hours of educational training at an accredited school of cosmetology, which curriculum shall include such requirements as established by the Board.

Upon successful completion of the proper coursework, potential Manicurists must take an examination consisting of two sections:

• Written Exam: This portion of the closed-book test includes 60 questions in multiple choice format with a 90 minute time limit. A 70% accuracy rate is required to pass the Written Exam. Topics covered include:
• Sanitation, disinfection and client safety;
• Client consultation and needs assessment;
• Manicure and pedicures;
• Nail tips and wraps;
• Acrylic and gel nails; and,
• Licensing and registration.
• Practical Exam: This section of the exam consists of a hands-on test where candidates are rated on how well they provide certain manicuring services. A live model must be present for the exam, so that proctors can observe the Manicurist candidate’s skills. The Practical Exam is 90 minutes long and includes the following manicuring concepts:
• Workspace set up;
• Manicuring skills;
• Nail tip application;
• Nail wrap service; and,
• Post service disinfection.

Licensure by Reciprocity

Candidates who possess a current, valid license in certain states can obtain their Texas Manicurist license by reciprocity. Transferring a license requires the original issuing state to have the equivalent or greater requirements for education and testing. Manicurist candidates from other states may need to take an additional exam or complete further training hours. The cost to transfer is $100.

Maintaining a license

The Board has enacted certain requirements in order for Manicurists to maintain their licenses in the State of Texas.

Renewal

In order to maintain a valid license as a Manicurist, license holders must file a renewal application every two years, which date is determined by the date of original licensure. The filing fee for license renewal is $50.

Continuing education requirements

The Board requires Manicurists to complete at least 4 hours of Board-approved continuing education courses prior to filing their renewing applications.

Disciplinary actions

All disciplinary actions involving Manicurists are handled by the Board, including complaints from consumers and violations of Texas law. The most common violations related to manicuring and pedicuring services are failure to properly sterilize equipment or adhere to sanitary standards. Other misconduct involves improper posting of license or providing services without a valid license. Penalties can include license suspension or revocation.

Feedback on TDLR Cosmetology Program

Recognizing that input from license holders is essential to the proper functioning and policymaking, the Texas Department of Licensing & Registration established the TDLR Cosmetology Program. Surveys were conducted via face to face interview and through online participation, with questions intended to elicit responses about how well the Board functions and what it could do better. The information is analyzed by the Board and appropriate policy changes are being considered to formulate a proper strategic plan.