Do you need to take the IDFPR Nail Tech exam in Illinois? On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know about scheduling and preparing for your exam, answers to all the most common questions, and a free practice test to check you’re prepared!
Go straight to the practice test
Overview of the Illinois Nail Technician Exam
The Illinois Nail Technician Exam is an important step for anyone looking to become a licensed nail technician in the state. Passing this exam will help you to obtain your license which will allow you to work legally in salons, and spas, or even start your own nail care business in Illinois.
Administered by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), it ensures that you’re fully prepared to provide safe, high-quality services.
Here are the key details about the exam:
This approach allows candidates to focus solely on their theoretical knowledge of nail technology without the pressure of a separate practical skills evaluation.
The Process of Obtaining Your Illinois Nail Technician License
If you are just about ready to graduate from a Nail Technology school – or just did – then congratulations! You’re only a few steps away from starting your career as a nail technician.
The only thing left to do now is to pass the IDFPR Nail Technician exam and get your official Illinois Nail Tech license!
But if you’re like many people we talk to, scheduling and taking your exams seems confusing and daunting. But don’t worry: we’ll walk you through the entire process step-by-step. Starting with…
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility for the IDFPR Nail Technician Exam
To be eligible to take the exam set by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, you must:
Step 2: Apply for the Illinois Nail Tech Examination
To apply for the nail technician exam in Illinois, you have to submit an online application through their testing company, Continental Testing, which can be done here.
Here’s a simple breakdown of the process:
- Create an Account: Enter your name, and email, and create a password. Be sure to write this down, as you’ll need it to schedule your exam later.
- Pay the Exam Fee: The nonrefundable fee is $185. You can pay online with a debit or credit card or mail in your payment. If mailing, include a signed copy of your application along with your payment.
- Complete the Application: Your application won’t be processed until the fee is received, so don’t delay!
- Confirmation Email: Once you’re approved to test, you’ll receive an email from support@psionline.com with instructions. Make sure to add this email to your contacts to avoid it getting lost in your spam folder.
That’s it! Follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to scheduling your exam.
Step 3: Schedule Your Illinois Nail Tech Exam
Once your application is complete and you’re approved to take the exam, you’ll get an email from PSI which means that you can now schedule your test. You’ll have 60 days from the date of that email to take the exam, so it’s a good idea to schedule it as soon as possible!
You can schedule your exam either online or by phone, but make sure to do it at least two business days in advance to avoid any last-minute stress.
Here’s how to schedule by phone:
- Using the telephone number 1-800-733-9267, either seek the help of a customer service representative or dial into the automated service.
- As for the automated service, use your Social Security number as the ID and you will be routed to the nearest test center as per the ZIP code you entered.
- If you still wish to clarify something over the phone, press 5 and then the star button. Speaking hours are from Monday till Friday, from 6:30 a.m. till 7 p.m., and Saturday: 10 a.m. till 4 p.m.
- To book the examination via the website further information is needed, just log into your account entering the email, name, and password you used correctly during the application.
No matter how you schedule, you will still receive a confirmation on the phone from PSI detailing the date, and time of your exam as well as the location of the center.
Looking for more assistance? Try visiting their quick start guide where steps are so clear and instructions so visual.
Illinois Nail Technician Exam Day Reminders
To make sure you have enough time to complete all the required check-in procedures, you should arrive at the testing facility 30 minutes early (at least). The IDs to bring and items not to bring to the exam hall are listed below.
Some facilities may offer lockers for you to keep your belongings in while you take your test. If not, you might have to leave them in your car or at home.
Step 4: Take Your Illinois Nail Technician Exam
The exam is written only – there is no practical, hands-on portion of the exam.
Instead, it is a computer-based, multiple-choice test that covers both theory and practical skills topics.
There will be a brief tutorial before your test begins that will help you get acquainted with the computer software. You can go through the tutorial as many times as you need. Your time does not start until after your tutorial is complete, and it does not stop, even if you take breaks.
These are the topics that you’ll be asked about during your test:
If you want a more in-depth breakdown of what each section will entail, take a look at the IDFPR nail tech study guide.
Step 5: Get Your Results
After you’ve completed your test, you’ll get a preliminary score report that same day (I know, nerve-racking, right?). To pass, you must have a score of 75 or higher. Anything less than 75 counts as failing.
You’ll receive an official CTS letter one to two weeks from your test date that confirms your test results. It will also provide you with information on how to apply for your license or reschedule your exam.
Step 6: Get Your IDFPR Nail Technician License!
If you passed the exam, congratulations! Within one to two weeks, you’ll receive your official CTS letter in the mail. This letter will serve as your official score report and include an application for licensure, along with instructions on how to complete it.
There’s a $30 fee to finalize your licensure, and you may need to submit additional documentation, which will be explained in the letter.
Once you’ve completed these steps, congratulations again—you’re officially a licensed nail technician, ready to start your career!
If you didn’t pass, don’t worry. Your score report will include details on how to retake the exam and which areas to focus on. While it can be disappointing, know that it’s more common than you might think – the national pass rate is only 50%. But with proper preparation, like our Nail Tech Exam Preparation Package, students have a 98.5% pass rate!
Renewal of License
In Illinois, applying for renewal of your nail technician license is quite easy. Licenses provide a validity period of two years from November 1, and you can renew within 30 days before that cut-off.
To renew, fill out the online application form on the IDFPR Site. You should have within the last 2 years 10 hours of continuing education which you will certify at follow submission of your renewal.
The renewal fee is $50 for two years. Hold on there, specifically concerning the steps to ensure that your license remains valid.
Here’s a guide on how to renew your license:
- Visit the IDFPR Website: Go to the online portal for the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
- Complete the Application: Fill out the renewal application form and provide any necessary documentation regarding your continuing education.
- Pay the Fee: Submit your payment for the renewal fee online.
- Submit Your Application: Once completed, submit your application and payment through the online system.
Kickstart Your Career With an Illinois Nail Technician License!
Beginning your journey as a licensed nail technician in Illinois is an exciting turn for aspiring beautypreneurs. With your license, one can be ready to work in high-end nail salons, and nail spas or even set up their own nail business, offering, and rendering professional and quality services.
So don’t drag your feet any further—you are one step away from achieving your career dreams. Get ready, take the exam, and receive your Illinois Nail Technician License right now! The beauty industry has opportunities awaiting you very soon!
Related Reads:
California Nail Technician State Board Exam: Practice Test And Essential Information
The 10 Best All-Black Salon Outfits
13 Tips To Select The Perfect Nail Technician Courses For You
Frequently asked questions about the Illinois Nail Technician exam
How do I apply for the Illinois Nail Tech examination?
To apply for the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Nail Tech exam, all you have to do is fill out an exam application online through Continental Testing Services.
You’ll have to pay the fees, fill out all the necessary information, and send in the required documents to their office (or upload them online).
After you’ve completed all that, you’ll receive an Approval to Test email from PSI (their testing company) prompting you to schedule your exam.
You’ll only have 60 days from when you received your Approval to Test email to actually take your test, and exams have to be scheduled at least two business days in advance.
I can’t make the date/time of my examination. What should I do?
To reschedule your exam, you have to contact PSI directly.
You can call them at 1-800-733-9267. Their business hours are Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., or Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
To get through to speak to a real person, just call the number above, then press 5, and then press the star (*) key.
All exams must be rescheduled at least 48 hours prior to the original exam date.
Which examination program does the IDFPR use?
Illinois uses the PSI Exam testing program for its nail technology exam. The questions on the exam are ultimately created by CTS (Continental Testing).
How much does it cost to take the Illinois Nail Technician exam?
To take the Illinois Nail Technician exam, you must pay a $185 fee, which is non-refundable.
Where does the examination take place?
The nail technician exam takes place at any of the PSI testing facilities. For a full list of them and their exact locations, check out this test guide.
Some of those testing facilities are proctored by people on-site, and others are remotely proctored.
Basically, what that means is that, at some locations, the proctor will be monitoring you with video cameras, microphones, and a chat window from a remote location, instead of being there in person.
The test guide we linked to above will indicate which sites are remotely proctored, and which ones aren’t.
How many hours of practical work do I need to qualify for the Illinois Nail Technician examination?
Nail techs in Illinois must complete 350 hours of schooling to qualify for the exam and be eligible for immediate licensure.
You can take the early exam if you’ve completed 280 hours of schooling, but you won’t be able to get your license until the full number of hours is required.
Can I take the Illinois Nail Tech examination before I’ve completed the required hours?
Yes, you can take an early exam, called the Pre-Graduate Licensed Nail Technician exam, after you’ve completed 280 hours of schooling.
How long is the nail technician written examination in Illinois?
The Illinois nail technician exam is 90 minutes long.
What’s the format of the written examination?
The written examination is a computer-based, multiple-choice examination.
To know the breakdown of topics you’ll be questioned on, check out page 11 of their Study Guide.
If you want to familiarize yourself with the testing format, try out our practice test here.
How long is the nail tech practical examination?
There is no practical examination in Illinois.
What’s the format of the practical examination?
Illinois doesn’t have a practical exam. Instead, it was replaced by a set of procedural skill questions in the written exam.
What scores do I need to pass the nail technician exam?
To pass the nail technician exam in Illinois, you must get a score of 75 or higher.
You’ll get the preliminary score report that same day, but you won’t receive your official score report until one to two weeks after the exam.
What’s the pass rate for the Illinois Nail Technology exam?
Illinois doesn’t publish an individual pass rate, but the national average pass rate for the written portion of the exams is only about 50%.
How many times can I re-take the Illinois nail technician examination if I fail?
In Illinois, you can retake the nail technician exam three times without having to do anything else.
You will, however, need to wait 30 days from the date of your exam to schedule your retake. And unfortunately, you’ll need to reapply (which can be done here) and pay the fee each time you retake the test.
If you fail your exam three times in a row, you’ll be required to take at least 60 additional hours of study and provide proof of that before you can take the exam the fourth time.
If you fail the exam the fourth time, you basically have to start over. You’ll need to complete 350 hours of instruction in an accredited school or program (in no less than 8 weeks) before you can take the exam again.
How long does nail technician school take in Illinois?
In Illinois, nail techs must complete their schooling in longer than 8 weeks. So, if you go to school full-time, it can generally take anywhere from 2-3 months to complete the required hours.
If you can’t go to school full-time, though, it can take a bit longer. However, Illinois states that it cannot take longer than 2 years to complete your hours.
How do I transfer my nail technician license to Illinois?
Transferring your nail tech license to Illinois is called Licensure by Endorsement, and it can be a bit tricky.
To start, you’ll have to fill out an application online. To be eligible, you must hold a valid, not expired license in a U.S. state or territory.
If you’re eligible, follow these steps:
- Complete an application form on the online portal here.
- Pay the $45 non-refundable fee.
- You’ll need to submit an official Certification of Licensure from the State Board where you’re currently licensed and one from the jurisdiction where you were originally licensed.
Once you submit all the required documentation and pay all applicable fees, the Department will review your application and confirm you meet all the criteria.
Depending on your state’s licensing requirements and your amount of work experience, you may need to complete extra schooling hours. If that’s the case, you’ll be informed by the Department.
How do I get my nail license in VA?
To get your nail technician license in Virginia, complete 150 hours of training at an accredited school, pass the state board exam and submit your licensure application with the required fees.
How long does it take to become a nail technician in Florida?
In Florida, it typically takes about 240 hours of schooling at an accredited nail technology program, which can be completed in 2-3 months full-time, to qualify for the licensing exam.
How many questions are on the Texas Cosmetology written exam?
The Texas cosmetology written exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as sanitation, safety, and cosmetology techniques. A score of 70% or higher is required to pass.
How do I get my nail tech license in Illinois?
To get your nail technician license in Illinois, you’re required to complete 350 hours of instruction in a licensed nail technology school and pass a written examination at a PSI testing facility.
Once you’ve passed the exam, you’ll need to fill out an application for licensure. The application and instructions on how to complete it will be mailed to you with your exam’s official score report a few weeks after you pass your test.
How do I renew my nail tech license in Illinois?
Nail Tech licenses expire on October 31st of even-numbered years, and you can renew it at any point in the 30 days leading up to that date.
All you’ll have to do is fill out a renewal application online (which can be done here) and certify that you’ve completed the required 10 hours of continued education within the previous two years.
Renewing a nail technician license in Illinois costs $25 per year.