To get licensed as a manicurist in NJ you’ll need to complete training at one of the states nail tech schools. Admission requires that you be at least 17 years old. Minimum program length is 300 hours. Hours can be accumulated part time and even at night!
Find the school closest to you by entering your ZIP below:
What You’ll Learn
Typical school curriculum is a mixture of theory and (mostly) practice. Studying to be a professional nail artist and technologist is mostly a hands-on thing, but some book knowledge is important too.
Some topics that will require study more than practice are:
- Business management
- Nail diseases
- Anatomy
- Salon Administration
- Licensing Exam Prep
The more practice/experience oriented classes will include things like:
- Gel Nails
- Nail Art
- Manicures
- Pedicures
- Equipment and Tool Use
- Tips
- Infection Control
- … and so on…
Nail Technician Schools in New Jersey
| Name | Address | Cost | Other Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christine Valmy International School of Esthetics and Cosmetology | 285 Changebridge Road, Pine Brook, 07058 | Tuition: $2,899 Registration fee: $100 Books & Supplies : $500 Total: $3,499 | Cosmetology, Hairstyling , Skin Care |
| Cutting Edge Academy | 45 Sunset Strip and Route 10 East Succasunna, 07876 | Tuition: $3,150 Registration Fee (nonrefundable): $175 Kit, Equipment, Textbook, Supplies (nonrefundable): $550 Termination Fee: $100 Total: $3,875 | Barbering, Cosmetology, Skin Care Specialty |
| P.B. Cosmetology Education Centre | 110 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City, 08030 | Tuition: $ 2,700 Books: $ 625 Registration Fee: $ 200 Application Fee: $100 Total: $ 3,625 | Cosmetology, Barbering, Skin Care & many more |
| Rizzieri Aveda School | 8200 Town Center Boulevard, Voorhees Township, 08043 | Tuition: $3,000 Supplies: $450 Reg Fee: $350 Total: $3,800 | Cosmetology, Skin Care |
| Shore Beauty School | 3003 English Creek Avenue, Egg Harbor Township, 08234 | Tuition: $3,725 Books and supplies: $999 Total: $ 4,724 | Cosmetology, Barbering, Skin Care |
| The Pro Beauty Academy | 1655-285A Oak Tree Road, Edison, 08820 | Unknown | Cosmetology, Esthetics, Barbering |
Once you’ve got the necessary hours and have passed your course you need to take the state board exams. You have to apply to take your exams. Fortunately the application also includes licensing as long as you pass, so you will not need to submit a different fee and application for the license itself.
The application requires things like photos, identification, proof of education, and so on.
Moving From Another State?
If you are a nail tech from out of state you’ll need to submit an application to get certified for New Jersey. You’ll need to pay a fee along with, of course, proof that you are who you say you are, and your license and work experience in the state you are moving from.
The Exams
Just as in your training there are theoretical and experiential classes, so in the exams there are two types of tests: a written and a practical. If you don’t pass the theory/written with a grade of 75% you will not be able to take the practical which also needs a grade of 75% or better.
Both exams are based on knowledge and experience gained during your training. The program you take at nail school will cover everything that you will be tested on. As long as you got good grades and have your instructors approval you will most likely do well in the exams.
Renewal
If you want to continue working and getting commissions and salary then you’ll need to renew your license every two years. You need to pay a fee for this, but no refresher courses are required.
Finding work as a manicurist shouldn’t be too hard as good nail services are in demand. Try asking around your social circle for job leads and check job search sites to get a good idea of what a starting salary is like these days.
Any schools for the study of nail care in NJ missing? Please use our contact form to let us know.