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NIC National Nail Technology Theory Examination (most states; some use a state-specific exam) study guide

NIC National Nail Technology Theory Examination (most states; some use a state-specific exam), administered by National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC), is mapped here as 8 topic areas; the heaviest are Nail Enhancements: Acrylic, Gel & Dip (20%), Manicure, Pedicure & Foot-Spa Sanitation (18%) and Infection Control & Safety (15%).

About this course: Great at nails? Now pass the written - in plain English. Procedures and infection control, made simple.

NIC National Nail Technology Theory Examination (most states; some use a state-specific exam) at a glance

Questions
110
Time allowed
90 minutes
Passing standard
~70-75% of the 100 scored items
Format
110 items (100 scored + 10 unscored pretest), multiple choice
Standard / edition
NIC Nail Technology Theory CIB eff. 09/01/2025 (rev. 03/01/2026)
Administered by
National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC)

Source: NIC Nail Technology Theory CIB eff. 09/01/2025 (rev. 03/01/2026), National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC). Confirm current details with the exam owner before you book.

Topic areas and weights

Topic areaWeightConceptsGuide
Nail Enhancements: Acrylic, Gel & Dip20%0Section below
Manicure, Pedicure & Foot-Spa Sanitation18%0Section below
Infection Control & Safety15%0Section below
Nail Anatomy, Disorders & Diseases15%0Section below
Tools, Implements & Disinfection13%0Section below
Chemistry of Nail Products10%0Section below
Pre-Service: Consultation & Setup5%0Section below
Post-Service & Aftercare4%0Section below

Study plan in this course

  1. Nail Enhancements, Made Simple: Nail Enhancements: Acrylic, Gel & Dip — 8 cards · free
  2. Manicures, Pedicures, and the Foot Spa: Manicure, Pedicure & Foot-Spa Sanitation — 7 cards · free
  3. Infection Control — The Three Levels: Infection Control & Safety — 6 cards · full course
  4. The Nail Unit, Disorders, and Diseases: Nail Anatomy, Disorders & Diseases — 6 cards · full course
  5. Tools, Implements, and Disinfection — 5 cards · full course
  6. Nail Chemistry Without the Fear: Chemistry of Nail Products — 4 cards · full course
  7. Before You Touch the Nails: Pre-Service: Consultation & Setup — 3 cards · full course
  8. Finish Clean, Send Them Home Smart: Post-Service & Aftercare — 3 cards · full course

Nail Enhancements: Acrylic, Gel & Dip

Nail Enhancements: Acrylic, Gel & Dip carries 20% of the NIC National Nail Technology Theory Examination (most states; some use a state-specific exam) blueprint used in this course, the largest of its 8 weighted areas.

Manicure, Pedicure & Foot-Spa Sanitation

Manicure, Pedicure & Foot-Spa Sanitation carries 18% of the NIC National Nail Technology Theory Examination (most states; some use a state-specific exam) blueprint used in this course, the second-largest of its 8 weighted areas.

Infection Control & Safety

Infection Control & Safety carries 15% of the NIC National Nail Technology Theory Examination (most states; some use a state-specific exam) blueprint used in this course, the third-largest of its 8 weighted areas.

Nail Anatomy, Disorders & Diseases

Nail Anatomy, Disorders & Diseases carries 15% of the NIC National Nail Technology Theory Examination (most states; some use a state-specific exam) blueprint used in this course, the 4th-largest of its 8 weighted areas.

Tools, Implements & Disinfection

Tools, Implements & Disinfection carries 13% of the NIC National Nail Technology Theory Examination (most states; some use a state-specific exam) blueprint used in this course, the 5th-largest of its 8 weighted areas.

Chemistry of Nail Products

Chemistry of Nail Products carries 10% of the NIC National Nail Technology Theory Examination (most states; some use a state-specific exam) blueprint used in this course, the 6th-largest of its 8 weighted areas.

Pre-Service: Consultation & Setup

Pre-Service: Consultation & Setup carries 5% of the NIC National Nail Technology Theory Examination (most states; some use a state-specific exam) blueprint used in this course, the 7th-largest of its 8 weighted areas.

Post-Service & Aftercare

Post-Service & Aftercare carries 4% of the NIC National Nail Technology Theory Examination (most states; some use a state-specific exam) blueprint used in this course, the 8th-largest of its 8 weighted areas.

Official references

  • NIC Nail Technology Theory CIB content outline
  • Milady Standard Nail Technology, 8th ed
  • CDC infection-control guidance + EPA-registered disinfectant rules
  • OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens 29 CFR 1910.1030 + Hazard Communication

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