Guides / Nail tech state board written exam: what to know
Nail tech written exam and practical exam: what is the difference?
Written exams ask questions, while practical exams check hands-on nail skills, with nail tech test fees, timing, and order explained.
Updated October 18, 2026
What is the difference?
For Texas nail techs (Cosmetology Manicurist), the written state board asks topic-based questions. The practical state board checks your hands-on performance.
Who takes a practical state board?
Georgia nail techs (Nail Technician) take a practical state board lasting about 90 minutes. The passing requirement is at least 70%.
Michigan nail techs (Manicurist) also take a practical state board, lasting about 90 minutes. Passing requires 33 points from a possible 42.
The Texas nail tech practical state board lasts 1 hour and 21 minutes.
For the Texas practical state board, passing means 70%, or 36 of 51 points.
What do the exams cost?
Texas charges $55 for the nail tech written state board and $76 for the practical.
Georgia charges $45 for nail tech theory testing. Its practical test costs $64.
Michigan charges $93 for either nail tech test separately. The combined theory and practical payment is $167.
How does the written state board work?
California gives nail tech candidates 90 minutes for 65 questions. Of these, 60 are scored and 5 are pretest questions.
Georgia gives 90 minutes for nail tech theory. There are 60 scored questions plus 5 experimental questions that are not scored.
Georgia requires at least 70% to pass the nail tech written state board.
Michigan's nail tech written state board allows 90 minutes. It includes 60 scored questions and 5 unscored experimental questions.
Michigan requires 45 points from a possible 60 for nail tech theory.
Texas allows 90 minutes for 60 scored questions, with 70% correct required. Another 10 minutes cover 6 unscored questions.
California's written state board uses a computer, keyboard, and mouse.
Must the written exam come first?
In Texas, you must pass the written state board before taking the practical.
For written practice, work through questions about nail analysis, infection control, and nail care. Explain why you chose each answer before checking it.
The numbers on this page are read from each state's own candidate bulletin and were checked on 2026-10-18.
Common questions
- How much do the nail tech exams cost in Texas?
- Texas charges $55 for the nail tech written state board and $76 for the practical.
- How long is the nail tech practical exam in Georgia?
- Georgia nail techs (Nail Technician) take a practical state board lasting about 90 minutes. The passing requirement is at least 70%.
- Do I have to pass the written nail tech exam before the practical in Texas?
- In Texas, you must pass the written state board before taking the practical.