Nail Technician (Manicurist) in Illinois

Illinois licenses nail technicians through the Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Unlike most states, the exam is developed and scored by Continental Testing Services (CTS) and delivered at PSI test centers. The written theory exam is 65 questions in 90 minutes, and you need a score of 75 or higher to pass. You must complete 350 clock hours of nail-technology instruction. No IDFPR, CTS, or PSI source states the exam is offered in any language other than English, so we do not claim a Spanish exam — our Chinese/Spanish/Vietnamese/Korean practice questions are a study aid to help you master the content, but the Illinois exam itself is in English. Fail three times and a 60-hour refresher course is required.

Testing agency

Continental Testing Services (delivered at PSI test centers)

Written-test languages

English

To pass

65 questions, 90 minutes, score of 75 or higher to pass

Fee

CTS exam/application fee $185 (IDFPR license fee separate)

Retake policy

Wait 30 days to reapply; after 3 failed attempts a 60-hour refresher course is required

Training hours

350 clock hours (nail technology)

Exam structure

Written theory exam

State rules and fees change often. This table shows only facts confirmed from an official board or vendor source on the date noted; anything unconfirmed is marked “to confirm.” Always verify current requirements with your state board or its testing vendor before you register. Our practice questions are a study aid and never imply your state offers the exam in a language it does not.