If you would like to work in the state of Washington as a manicurist or pedicurist, you must obtain a nail technician license. This will allow you to pursue a rewarding career in the beauty industry where you can earn an annual salary of $19,220 according to figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Moreover, the BLS expects employment opportunities for nail technicians to grow by 16% through 2022.
How To Get A Nail Technician License In Washington
In order to earn a license, you must undergo training by enrolling in a licensed beauty school. Make sure that the school that you choose offers nail technician programs. The school should also have accreditation from bodies such as the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS), the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), and the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS). The school you choose should have received approval to offer training from bodies such as the Washington State Department of Health and Workforce Training and Education Coordination Board. This is to ensure you graduate with credentials that employers can trust.
Requirements for enrolling in such programs vary from one school to the next. However, applicants must have a high school diploma or its equivalent. One must also be at least 16 years old. Inquire from the school of your choice if you have any queries about minimum requirements for enrolling.
Training equips students with the skills that they need to work in the beauty industry. Some of the course topics that students cover include artificial and natural nail care, infection control and hygiene, nail wraps, anatomy and physiology of nails, nail extensions, polishing and nail art, salon safety and management, nail and skin disorders, client consultation, and business practices.
According to the Washington Board of Cosmetology, nail technician students must complete a minimum of 600 hours learning. After training, one must take and pass an examination issued by the state’s cosmetology board. If you have completed 800 hours of internship, you can also take this exam. Take note that this exam is available in a number of foreign languages making it easy for non-English speakers to get nail technician licensure. Students who pass this exam receive licenses and can practice anywhere in the State of Washington.
Nail Technician License Renewal
Nail technicians in Washington must renew their licenses after two years. The renewal fee is $55, and it is payable to the Department of Licensing. If you apply for license renewal online, you can pay with MasterCard, Visa, or American Express. The Department of Licensing does not accept gift cards. Online renewal is more convenient because it takes only 14 days to get a new license. In comparison, renewal by mail could take up to 90 days before you can get a new license.
The renewal fee for late applicants is $110. However, you should never delay your license renewal for more than a year. The Washington Board of Cosmetology will cancel it and you will have to re apply and take re take the state’s nail technician exam. In addition, practicing with an expired license is illegal and you could pay a fine of up to $1,000 for breaking the law.
Reciprocity Program
If you have trained and earned licensure in another state, you do not have to go back to school in order to practice in Washington. All you have to do is transfer your existing license to Washington under the Cosmetology License Reciprocity program. Nevertheless, you must have a valid and current license that allows you to practice in your home state. If you meet this requirement, make an application to the Washington state board of cosmetology and pay a transfer fee of $50.
In summary, in order to earn a license to practice as a nail technician in Washington, you must fulfill certain requirements key among them being training. In other words, you must enroll in a licensed learning institution that has received accreditation from bodies such as AACS, SACS, and NACCAS, complete 600 hours of training and finally take an exam approved by the local department of licensing. If you pass this exam, you will get a nail technician license.
