To become a professional nail technician in the state of Illinois, you must get a license from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and complete the required courses, but how long does it actually take to train, learn, and gain your official license? Well, as it turns out, that timeline may vary depending on a few factors, including what school you decide to attend and your schedule.
In Illinois, budding nail technicians are required to complete 350 hours of coursework, which includes hands-on training and classroom or remote learning. Depending on the school you attend, this could take anywhere from 2 to 6 months, based on whether you attend classes full or part-time. Keep in mind it may take longer at schools that offer limited courses throughout the week, so do your research about the school before signing up, or it could conflict with your goals.
How Long Does It Take To Complete Nail Tech Classes?
Nail technician courses will vary depending on the school, but students who put in 45 hours per week in instruction can take their exam to obtain their license in as little as 2 months. Keep in mind that in order to hit this goal, the school will need to offer at least 45 hours worth of courses per week, which may not be available at all schools. Before signing up, send the school an email or call them to determine if they offer classes that work with your schedule.
Students who would prefer to go lighter on the coursework or must maintain a part-time or full-time job can complete the classes to get the skills they need for licensure in as little as 4 months — again, with the consideration that the school they attend offers courses at times when they are freely available. The very best schools will offer classes at least 5 to 6 times per week, giving you plenty of flexibility in when you attend.
Gaining Employment As A Nail Tech After Graduation In Illinois
After obtaining your license, you’ll be legally able to provide services as a licensed nail technician in the state of Illinois. From here, you can start applying for jobs at spas, nail suites, and salons. Certain schools also put on special job fairs and events that can help you network and connect with business owners in the area to help land employment more easily after obtaining your license. Make sure to take advantage of all the opportunities the school you attend provides. If they offer no sort of employment events or support post-graduation, you may want to think twice before attending class there.
Chicagoland offers the most densely packed geographic location for salons, nail suites, and spas, so if you live in the area, there are many job opportunities. Some of the best and largest spas and salons that hire nail techs include:
- Spa In Your Space
- NAILàCARTE
- Bomb Nail Bar
- Splendidspa
- TM Lacquer Room
- GC by George Charles
- DNails
Some schools also have existing relationships with potential employers in the area and may be able to help you gain employment more easily. A+ Nail School is one of the premier nail tech schools in Chicagoland and offers career days to help connect students to potential employers, as well as working directly with vendors and salons in the area. A+ also has the required courses and test prep classes that will equip you with the tools that you need for your state exam.
To learn about all the upcoming events on the calendar, visit our Events Page. To sign up or learn more about classes at A+ Nail School, you can request more information.
