Nowadays, it seems like you can do virtually anything online. From grocery shopping to watching the latest movies, we spend more time online than ever before. If you’ve been interested in becoming a licensed nail technician, you may have also wondered if it’s possible to get your license to become a nail technician online.
While there are schools that provide online courses, the answer to the question is a bit more complex. Although taking the test to become a nail tech can be done online in many states, becoming a nail tech requires in-person training to hone your skills. So, no, you cannot get your license completely online at home, but you may find schools that offer some classes online.
Keep in mind that the requirements to be a nail technician will vary depending on where you live. For instance, in a state like Illinois, it’s required nail techs to complete at least 350 hours of both technical instruction and practical training to prepare them for a career as a nail technician.
You Can Take Certain Nail Technician Courses Online, But You’ll Also Need Hands-On Training
The best nail technician schools combine both hands-on training and either in-class or online instruction. While certain foundational knowledge and classes can be learned in an online setting, other practical skills must be trained in person. Online courses provide an avenue for students to learn in the comfort of their own homes and are a great way to get basic nail tech knowledge, but ultimately cannot replace hands-on training.
Online courses could include basic lessons like general nail care & nail health, but more complex lessons like gels and acrylics and even simpler techniques like manicures and pedicures must be taught in person so that you can train and obtain the required skills to excel in your field.
You May Take Your Nail Technician License Test Online
Every state in the United States except Connecticut requires a nail technician to obtain a license through the state’s governing body. Requirements to take the test also vary but typically include a mixture of hands-on training and online or classroom instruction, and it can range from a few dozen to several hundred hours of education.
In a state like Illinois, 350 hours of training are required before taking the state-approved exam by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) via Continental Testing Services, while states like Kentucky require budding nail techs to complete 600 hours of instruction before taking the board-approved exam via the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology.
How Can I Find A School That Does Online Nail Technician Courses?
Not all nail technician schools will provide online courses for their students, even though it is beneficial. For one, it allows students to take educational and instructional courses at home, which may fit better with their schedule. Those without a reliable means of transportation or who have a busy home life could find attending in person difficult, so offsetting some of the coursework online is a massive relief.
Before making a decision, make sure that the school you plan on attending is state or board-certified, then give them a call or contact them via their website to inquire whether they provide online instruction.
For instance, APlus Nail School provides limited online courses for certain subjects, which you can learn more about by requesting more information on the APlus Nail School registration page.
