Guides / Nail tech state board written exam: what to know
How long is the nail tech written exam?
Nail exams last 90 minutes in California, Georgia, and Michigan, with details on check-in time and passing scores.
Updated October 18, 2026
How long is the nail tech written exam?
For California nail techs (Manicurist), the state board written exam lasts 90 minutes. There are 65 questions: 60 scored and 5 pretest.
Georgia nail techs (Nail Technician) have 90 minutes for the written state board. The test includes 60 scored questions and 5 unscored experimental questions.
Michigan nail techs (Manicurist) also have a 90-minute written state board. Its questions include 60 scored items and 5 unscored experimental items.
Do unscored questions use time?
California’s experimental questions do not affect your score. They do use exam time.
Practice answering nail care and infection control questions with a timer. Keep moving when a question feels unfamiliar.
Does the tutorial count?
California’s computer tutorial can take up to 15 minutes. That time is separate from your exam time.
When should I arrive?
California requires arrival at least 30 minutes before your appointment.
For a Texas test site appointment, arrive 30 minutes early for check-in.
Georgia advises arriving at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start.
Michigan also advises arriving at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start.
What score do I need?
Texas requires 70% correct on the scored written questions.
Georgia’s written state board passing score is at least 70%.
Michigan requires at least 45 points from the 60 possible written points.
California’s failure notice gives your score and topic breakdown. It also states how many correct answers were needed to pass.
The numbers on this page are read from each state's own candidate bulletin and were checked on 2026-10-18.
Common questions
- Do unscored questions use exam time in California?
- California’s experimental questions do not affect your score. They do use exam time.
- Does the computer tutorial count toward my California exam time?
- California’s computer tutorial can take up to 15 minutes. That time is separate from your exam time.
- How early should I arrive for my nail exam in California or Texas?
- California requires arrival at least 30 minutes before your appointment. For a Texas test site appointment, arrive 30 minutes early for check-in.