Georgia Nail Technician Exams: Free Practice Test, and Everything You Need to Know

Congratulations! You’ve nearly finished your training. And that means that you’re SO close to your dream career as a Nail Technician.

But, before you can work your magic on the people of Georgia, you’ll need a Nail Technician license.

And that means passing the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers’ exams.

Sound scary? Well, don’t worry. On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know about scheduling and preparing for your Nail Technician exams, answers to all the most common questions, and a free practice test to check you’re prepared!

Go straight to the practice test

The process of registering for (and passing!) your Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers’ Nail Technician exams

OK, so you know all there is to know about acrylics, gels, and tips, and you’re a pro at shaping nails.

Now all that stands between you and your license is a couple of exams.

But, don’t worry if the thought of taking exams fills you with dread. With the right preparation, you’ll pass your tests in no time.

And to help you out, we’re here to walk you through the process step by step. Starting with…

Step 1: Check you’re eligible to take the Georgia State Board Nail Tech exams

Nail Technicians are artists capable of transforming their clients’ nails into works of art. But that’s not all: Nail Techs need to know a fair amount of science too.

From understanding the anatomy of skin and nails to knowing how to safely apply chemicals, it’s a tough job.

And that’s why it’s no surprise that you’ll need a license in order to legally ply your trade.

But before you can submit your license application, you must pass both a written theory and practical test.

And in order to be eligible to take these exams, you must:

  • Have completed 525 school hours in a minimum of 4 months
  • OR have completed 20 Semester Credit Hours from an accredited state technical college encompassing the 525 hours
  • OR have completed 1,050 hours of training as an apprentice in a minimum of 8 months
  • AND hold a high school diploma or GED

OK, so you’ve checked that you’re eligible to take your exams, what’s next?

Step 2: Schedule your theory exam

In Georgia, your Nail Technician exams will take place at PSI centers. And you are required to schedule your exams yourself.

If you studied at a Cosmetology school, your college will inform PSI when you are eligible to take your exams. And you will then receive an eligibility notice.

This notice will contain important information like your ID number, along with instructions on how to book your exams- so keep it safe!

However, if you have completed your Nail Technician training via an apprenticeship, you will need to request permission to book your test yourself.

Luckily, this process is fairly straightforward.

All you need to do is send the following documents directly to the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers:

  •  All original transcripts of your completed hours AND
  •  A letter requesting that they supply you with  a ‘Letter of Eligibility’

There is no charge for the first request for the Letter of Eligibility; however, if you have to request a second time, there is a $25.00 fee.

Then, once you have your Letter of Eligibility, you are free to schedule your first exam.

The easiest method for booking your exams is via the PSI website.

And, to apply online, you will need to:

  1. Log onto the PSI website and create an account
  2. Select your written exam
  3. Enter the ID number
  4. Enter your zip code and select your examination center
  5. Choose from the available dates
  6. And finally, make a payment of $45 using a credit or debit card

Alternatively, you can schedule your exam:

Once you have booked your exam, be sure to make a note of the time and date so that you don’t miss your slot!

Step 3: Arrive at the exam center on exam day

You should arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes before your scheduled examination time to allow time to sign in and familiarize yourself with the exam process.

It is important to note that if you arrive late, you will not be allowed to sit your exam and your fees will be forfeited.

This means that you’ll need to rebook, and will have to pay your booking fee again.

When signing in at your test center, you will be asked to produce 2 forms of identification. One must be a government-issued identification (driver’s license, state ID, passport), which bears your signature and has your photograph. The second ID must have your signature and preprinted legal name.

The following forms of ID are acceptable:

Photo bearing ID-

  • US Government Issued Military Identification Card
  • State-issued identification card
  • US Government Issued Passport
  • State-issued driver’s license
  • US Government Issued Alien Registration Card

Secondary ID-

  •  Credit Card (must be signed)

In the interest of security, and, of course, to prevent cheating, you will not be allowed to bring any of the following items into your test room:

  • Electronic devices
  • Bulky or loose clothing
  • Hats or headgear (except those worn for religious reasons)
  • Bags or purses
  • Notebooks or reference books
  • Food and drink
  • Writing implements
  • Good luck charms

When you arrive at the examination center, you will be told where to leave your bags and other personal items.  Then, it’s time to take your exam!

Step 4: Take the written theory exam

The Georgia theory exam is completed on a computer.

So, when it’s time to take your exam, you will be directed to a computer station. You will then be prompted to confirm:

  • Your name
  • Identification number
  • And the examination you are sitting

Next, you will be given 15 minutes to complete an introductory tutorial. This tutorial includes sample questions, but the time you take on this task doesn’t impact the amount of time you’ll have to complete your test.

When your test begins, you will have 90 minutes to answer multiple-choice questions covering:

  • Scientific Concepts (40%)
  • Nail Technology Procedures (60%)

In Georgia, all Cosmetology examinations, including those taken by Nail Technicians, are developed by the National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC). This means that you can find a full breakdown of what will be covered in your exam here.

Step 5: Get your results

As soon as you complete your first exam, your results will appear on-screen. And an official score sheet will be printed for you to take away with you.

In order to pass your written exam, you must score at least 70%. And if you fail, you will need to book your test again.

However, try not to be disheartened. If you fail your exam, a diagnostic showing which questions you struggled with will show on screen, allowing you to concentrate your revision on areas you struggled with.

And don’t forget, our Nail Technician preparation package can help you learn everything you need to know to pass next time.

OK, now you’ve taken your theory exam, it’s time to concentrate on your practical.

Step 6: Schedule your practical exam

Like the theory, your practical exam will take place at a PSI center, and the easiest way to schedule your exam is via the PSI website.

To do this you will need to:

  1. Log onto the PSI website
  2. Select your exam
  3. Enter your  ID number
  4. Enter your zip code and select your examination center
  5. Choose from the available dates
  6. And finally, make a payment of $64 using a credit or debit card

Alternatively, you can schedule your exam:

Then, once you have booked your exam, make a note of the time and date so that you don’t miss your slot!

Step 7: Arrive at the test center

Arriving at your exam center to take your practical exam is similar to taking your written test.

You should arrive 30 minutes early and will be asked to show your ID (don’t forget, if you’re late, you won’t be allowed to sit your exam and will forfeit your fee!).

However, there are some differences you should be aware of:

Step 8: Take your practical exam

After you have signed in and put away any prohibited items (like your purse and phone), it’s time to take your practical exam!

The examination will last for 120 minutes. And during your exam, you will be asked to demonstrate the following:

  • work area and client preparation, and set up of supplies (first client)
  • manicure and polish application
  • work area and new client preparation, and set up of supplies (second client)
  • nail tip application and blending
  • sculptured nail
  • blood exposure procedure

Your examiner will read detailed instructions before each stage of the exam begins, and they will let you know when your time for each task is running out.

If you would like to read about each task in more detail, a full breakdown can be found here.

Once your exam is finished, you’ll be directed to take a seat to wait for your results. This should only take 5-10 minutes.

Step 9: Get your results

After 5-10 minutes, you will be given a printed score report. The passing grade for your practical exam is 70%.

If you have passed both your theory and practical exams, you are now ready to apply for your license – congratulations!

However, if you didn’t score 70% or higher in your test, you’ll need to book to sit your exam again.

Step 10: Apply for your Georgia State Board Nail Technician license!

Now that you’ve passed both your written and practical exams, it’s finally time to get your license!

The cost of applying for a Nail Technician license is $30. And you can either apply for your license online. Or if you prefer, you can download, complete, and post this application form to:

Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers,

237 Coliseum Drive,

Macon,

GA 31217

Frequently asked questions about the Georgia State Board Nail Tech exams

How do I apply for the Georgia State Board Nail Tech exams if I am a school-based applicant?

If you have completed an approved Nail Technician program via a Cosmetology school or college, your education provider will inform PSI that you are eligible to take your tests.

You will then receive an eligibility notice containing your ID number along with instructions as to how to book your exams.

You must schedule your exams directly with PSI, which you can do:

How do I apply for the Georgia State Board Nail Tech exams if I have studied via an apprenticeship?

If you have completed your training via an apprenticeship, you will need to request permission from the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers before you can schedule your exams.

To make this request, you need to send all original transcripts of hours to the Board office, along with a letter requesting a ‘Letter of Eligibility’.

There is no charge for the first request for the Letter of Eligibility; however, if you have to request a second time, there is a $25.00 fee.

Once you have your Letter of Eligibility, you are free to schedule your first exam:

I can’t make the date/time of my examination. What should I do?

If you need to reschedule your examination, you must give at least 2 days’ notice. If you don’t give a minimum of 2 days notice, you may forfeit your exam fees.

How much does it cost to take the Georgia Nail Technician exams?

  • Written Theory Test – $45
  • Practical Test – $64

Where do the examinations take place?

In Georgia, both the theory and practical exams for Nail Technicians take place in PSI test centers.

How many hours of practical work do I need to qualify for the Georgia State Board Nail Tech exams?

If you have studied via a Cosmetology program at a school or college, you must have completed:

  • 525 school hours in a minimum of 4 months OR
  • 20 Semester Credit Hours from an accredited state technical college encompassing the 525 hours

If you have trained as an apprentice, you must have completed:

  • 1,050 hours of training as an apprentice in a minimum of 8 months

Can I complete my hours through an apprenticeship instead of attending school in Georgia?

Yes, the state of Georgia recognizes apprenticeships for Nail Technicians.

Can I take the examinations before I’ve completed the required hours?

No, you must complete your designated hours before you are eligible to take your exams.

How long is the written examination?

When you arrive at your exam center, you will have 15 minutes to complete a tutorial explaining how to sit your exam.

You will then have 90 minutes to answer a series of multiple-choice questions.

What’s the format of the written examination?

Your written exam will take place on a computer. It is comprised of multiple-choice questions and a breakdown of what the test includes can be found here.

If you want to familiarize yourself with the testing format, try out our practice test here.

How long is the practical examination?

The practical examination lasts for 120 minutes.

What’s the format of the practical examination?

You will be given a set amount of time to demonstrate a range of different techniques needed for a career as a Nail Technician.

A full breakdown of what the exam includes can be found here.

What scores do I need to pass both of my Nail Technician exams?

  • Written Theory Exam – 70%
  • Practical Exam – 70%

Check if you’re on track to pass your exam by taking our free Nail Technician practice test.

Can I take my Nail Technician examinations again if I fail?

Yes, but you must pass both exams within 24 months of completing your credit hours.

How long does Nail Tech school take in Georgia?

The length of time it takes to complete a Nail Technician program at school in Georgia varies. However, your program must be at least 4 months in order for you to be eligible to take your exams.

How long does a Nail Technician apprenticeship take in Georgia?

In order to be eligible to take the Georgia Nail Tech exams, your apprenticeship must last for a minimum of 8 months.

How do I transfer my Nail Technician license to Georgia?

The Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers are currently determining the endorsement requirements due to a law change which became effective July 1, 2015.

In the meantime, it is best to contact the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers directly for advice on your individual case.

How do I get my Nail Technician license in Georgia?

To get your Nail Tech license in Texas, you need to:

  • Have completed 525 school hours in a minimum of 4 months OR
  • Complete 20 Semester Credit Hours from an accredited state technical college encompassing the 525 hours OR
  • Complete 1,050 hours of training as an apprentice in a minimum of 8 months AND
  • Pass two examinations (written and practical) AND
  • Submit a successful application with the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers

Once you have met all of these requirements, you will be issued with a license.

How do I renew my Nail Tech license in Georgia?

In Georgia, you must renew your Nail Technician license every other year.

But, in order to renew your license, you must complete 5 hours of training. These short courses are known as ‘continuing education’ and are provided by many schools and organizations.

You will receive a reminder approx. 6 weeks before your license is due for renewal. And, once you have completed your mandatory training, you can apply to renew your license.

Georgia Nail Technician state board exam practice test

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