What happens if you fail the nail tech exam, and how to retake it

Can you retake after failing?

You can retake California’s state board nail tech exam (Manicurist) after failing. Your failure notice shows your score, topic breakdown, and correct answers needed.

For California nail tech retakes, submit a new re-examination application each time. Each attempt costs $75, with no attempt limit.

California releases results to you and your state licensing agency. Scores are not available by phone.

What happens in Texas?

After failing in Texas, wait 24 hours before scheduling again. You cannot retake the state board exam that same day.

Texas exam eligibility lasts 5 years. During that period, attempts are unlimited.

Each Texas state board attempt requires payment. The written exam costs $55; the practical costs $76.

In Texas, passing the written state board exam comes before taking the practical.

What happens in Georgia?

Georgia allows unlimited retakes during its 4-year eligibility period.

Georgia’s state board written fee is $45. The practical fee is $64.

What happens in Michigan?

Michigan’s state board written fee is $93. The practical also costs $93; booking both costs $167.

What does a nail tech retake cost in other states?

California charges 75 dollars for each re-exam. New Jersey charges 53 dollars for the written retake. Oregon charges 45.

Colorado charges 60 dollars to retake the nail theory test and 67 to retake the practical. Kentucky charges 85 dollars for each part. Kansas charges 75 dollars per retest.

Nevada charges 95 dollars for a retake. Wisconsin charges 95.50 for the written retake, against 137.50 for the first try, and 155 for the practical retake, against 177.

Missouri charges the same for a retake as for a first try: 90 dollars for the written and 60 for the practical. Pennsylvania charges 93 dollars for the written, first attempt or retake.

How long do you wait?

Kentucky applies a 30-day wait after a failed attempt. Texas requires 24 hours. California and Georgia set no limit on the number of attempts.

A retake in a state with no wait can be booked the next day. Do not. A week of work on your weakest topic beats a quick second try.

What are the passing scores to aim for?

A nail tech exam needs 70 percent in Georgia, Texas, Colorado, Kentucky, Alabama and Massachusetts. It needs 75 in Illinois, Maryland, Indiana, Nevada and Pennsylvania. Michigan needs 45 of 60 scored points.

California does not print the number, so the failure notice is your only guide. It shows your score by topic and the number of correct answers you needed.

Take the topic score from your failure notice and rank the topics from weakest. Study the three lowest first.

How should you prepare again?

Use your topic breakdown to choose what to practice next. Work through nail safety or service questions from weaker topics. Explain each answer before checking it.

Common questions

Do I need a new application to retake the nail tech exam in California?

For California nail tech retakes, submit a new re-examination application each time. Each attempt costs $75, with no attempt limit.

Can I take the practical exam before the written exam in Texas?

In Texas, passing the written state board exam comes before taking the practical.

How much does it cost to retake the nail tech exam in Georgia?

Georgia’s state board written fee is $45. The practical fee is $64.