The California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology (CBB) is responsible for issuing and regulating licenses for manicurists and other beauty professionals in the state of California. To obtain a license to perform manicures in California, you will need to meet the following requirements as set by the CBB:

Be at least 17 years of age.
Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Complete a certain number of hours of education and training in a licensed school or apprenticeship program. The exact number of hours required is 400 hours of training in a licensed school or 600 hours of apprenticeship training.
Pass the California state board exam for manicurists. The exam consists of a written and practical portion.
Renew your license every two years by completing continuing education requirements, which include at least 16 hours of continuing education.
Note: The specific requirements for obtaining a manicurist license in California may change over time, so it’s important to check with the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology for the most up-to-date information and to confirm the requirements for the specific type of license you are seeking.

Curriculum for Nail Care Course

(a) The curriculum for students enrolled in a nail care course shall consist of not less than four hundred (400) hours of technical instruction and practical training covering all practices of a manicurist, pursuant to Section 7316 of the Barbering and Cosmetology Act.
(b) For the purpose of this section, technical instruction shall mean instruction by demonstration, lecture, classroom participation, or examination; practical operations shall mean the actual performance by the student of a complete service on another person or on a mannequin. Practical training shall mean the time it takes to perform a practical operation. Technical instruction and practical training shall include the following hours:
(1) 300 Hours of Technical Instruction and Practical Training in Nail Care
The required subjects of instruction in Nail Care shall be completed with the minimum hours of technical instruction and practical operations for each subject matter as follows:
Manicures and Pedicures (60 hours of Technical Instruction, 60 Practical Operations and 180 nails)
The subject of Manicures and Pedicures shall include, but is not limited to, the following techniques and procedures: Water and oil manicures including hand and arm massage, complete pedicure including foot and ankle massage, application of artificial nails including liquid, gel, and powder brush-ons, nail tips, nail wraps and repairs, and nail analysis.
(2) 100 Hours of Technical Instruction and Practical Training in Health and Safety
The required subjects of instruction in Health and Safety shall be completed with the minimum number of hours of technical instruction and practical operations for each subject-matter as follows:
Laws and Regulations (10 hours of Technical Instruction)
The subject of Laws and Regulations shall include, but is not limited to, the following issues: The Barbering and Cosmetology Act and the Board’s Rules and Regulations.
Health and Safety Considerations (25 hours of Technical Instruction)
The subject of Health and Safety shall include, but is not limited to, the following techniques and procedures: Chemistry pertaining to the practices of a manicurist including the chemical composition and purpose of nail care preparations. Health and Safety/Hazardous Substances, including training in chemicals and health in establishments, material safety data sheets, protection from hazardous chemicals and preventing chemical injuries, health and safety laws and agencies, ergonomics, and communicable diseases, including HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis B.
Disinfection and Sanitation (20 hours of Technical Instruction and 10 Practical Operations)
The subject of Disinfection and Sanitation shall include, but is not limited to, the following techniques and procedures: Procedures to protect the health and safety of the consumer as well as the technician.
The ten required minimum operations shall entail performing all necessary functions for disinfecting instruments and equipment as specified in Sections 979 and 980. Disinfection shall be emphasized throughout the entire training period and must be performed before use of all instruments and equipment, with special attention given to pedicure foot spa and basin disinfection procedures detailed in Sections 980.1, 980.2 and 980.3.
Bacteriology, Anatomy and Physiology (10 hours of Technical Instruction)
The subjects of Anatomy and Physiology shall include but is not limited to the following issues: Bacteriology, anatomy, physiology, and nail analysis and conditions.
(c) The Board recommends that schools provide training in the area of communication skills that includes professional ethics, salesmanship, decorum, record-keeping, client service record cards, basic tax responsibilities related to independent contractors, booth renters, employees, and employers.
The scope of the National Nail Technology Practical Examination includes 7 (seven) core domain sections. The
Core Domain Sections are based on the national job analysis.
1. Work Area Preparation, Client Preparation, and Set Up of Supplies (15 minutes)
2. Manicure and Polish Application (20 minutes)
3. Work Area and New Client Preparation, and Set Up of Supplies (10 minutes)
4. Nail Tip Application and Blending (20 minutes)
5. Sculptured Nail (20 minutes)
6. Removal of Sculptured Nail (20 minutes)
7. Blood Exposure Procedure (Individually Timed, 5 minutes per candidate)CONTENT DOMAINS
1. WORK AREA PREPARATION, CLIENT PREPARATION, AND SET UP OF
SUPPLIES (15 minutes)
Proctor – Verbal Instructions: Read to all candidates:
“You will prepare your work area for your client.”
“You will set up the universal supplies you will use throughout the examination.”
“You will also set up the supplies for the manicure and polish application.”
“You will prepare your client for the services.”
“You will be expected to follow all client protection, safety and infection control procedures.”
“You will have 15 minutes to complete this section.”
“You will be informed when you have 8 minutes remaining.”
“Do not demonstrate any procedures until the verbal instructions are given and you are instructed
to begin.”
“Turn the hand toward the examiner to indicate you have finished.”
(1) “The instructions will be repeated.”
(2) “You may begin.”
Candidates will be evaluated on the following tasks:
1.1 Disinfects all work areas completely with product labeled in English as EPA-registered
bactericidal, virucidal, and fungicidal disinfectant
1.2 Sanitizes hands with product labeled in English
1.3 Universal supplies are labeled in English
1.4 Items to be disinfected, soiled linens, and trash are disposed of in a correct manner throughout
section
Proctor – Verbal Instructions: Read if all candidates have turned the hand to indicate they have completed the
section before the timing has elapsed:
“All candidates have indicated they have completed this section of the examination, we will now
proceed.”
Proctor – Verbal Instructions: Read if the timer goes off before all candidates have turned the hand:
“Please stop working.”2. MANICURE AND POLISH APPLICATION (20 minutes)
Proctor – Verbal Instructions: Read to all candidates:
“You will perform a manicure and polish application.”
“You will be expected to follow all client protection, safety and infection control procedures.”
“You will have 20 minutes to complete this section.”
“You will be informed when you have 10 minutes remaining.”
“Turn the hand toward the examiner to indicate you have finished.”
(1) “The instructions will be repeated.”
(2) “You may begin.”
Candidates will be evaluated on the following tasks:
2.1 Manicure supplies are labeled in English
2.2 Implements and supplies are visibly clean
2.3 Performs a basic manicure
2.4 Prepares nails and applies RED nail polish
Proctor – Verbal Instructions: Read if all candidates have turned the hand to indicate they have completed the
section before the timing has elapsed:
“All candidates have indicated they have completed this section of the examination. Please do nothing
until the next verbal instructions are given.”
Proctor – Verbal Instructions: Read if the timer goes off before all candidates have turned the hand:
“Please stop working. Please do nothing until the next verbal instructions are given.”
2.5 Final appearance of the manicure
2.6 Final appearance of polish application
Examiner – Verbal Instructions: Read to each candidate individually after the final appearance of nails have
been examined:
“Please do nothing until the next verbal instructions are given.”
Proctor – Verbal Instructions: Read to all candidates once examiners have completed assessment for this
section:
“All examiners have indicated they are ready to proceed.”
“You will remove the polish from the nails and properly dispose of supplies used in the previous section of the
examination.”
“You will be expected to follow all client protection, safety and infection control procedures.”
“You will have 5 minutes to complete this section.”
“You will be informed when you have 2 minutes remaining.”
“Turn the hand toward the examiner to indicate you have finished.”
(1) “The instructions will be repeated.”
(2) “You may begin.”Candidates will be evaluated on the following tasks:
2.7 Items to be disinfected, soiled linens, and trash are disposed of in a correct manner throughout
section
Proctor – Verbal Instructions: Read if all candidates have turned the hand to indicate they have completed the
section before the timing has elapsed:
“All candidates have indicated they have completed this section of the examination, we will now
proceed.”
Proctor – Verbal Instructions: Read if the timer goes off before all candidates have turned the hand:
“Please stop working.”
Proctor – Verbal Instructions: Read when all examiners have indicated they have completed their assessment.
“Examiners please rotate at this time.”

3. WORK AREA AND NEW CLIENT PREPARATION, AND
SET UP OF SUPPLIES (10 minutes)
Proctor – Verbal Instructions: Read to all candidates:
“You will prepare your work area for a NEW client.”
“You will set up the universal supplies you will use for the remainder of the examination.”
“You will also set up for the following sections of the examination:
Nail Tip Application and Blending
Sculptured Nail Service
Removal of Sculptured Nail”
“You will prepare your client for the services.”
“You will be expected to follow all client protection, safety and infection control procedures.”
“You will have 10 minutes to complete this section.”
“You will be informed when you have 5 minutes remaining.”
“Do not demonstrate any procedures until the verbal instructions are given and you are instructed to
begin.”
“Turn the hand toward the examiner to indicate you have finished.”
(1) “The instructions will be repeated.”
(2) “You may begin.”
Candidates will be evaluated on the following tasks:
3.1 Disinfects all work areas completely with product labeled in English as EPA-registered
bactericidal, virucidal, and fungicidal disinfectant
3.2 Sanitizes hands with product labeled in English
3.3 Universal supplies are labeled in English
3.4 Items to be disinfected, soiled linens, and trash are disposed of in a correct manner throughout
section
Proctor – Verbal Instructions: Read if all candidates have turned the hand to indicate they have completed the
section before the timing has elapsed:
“All candidates have indicated they have completed this section of the examination, we will now
proceed.”
Proctor – Verbal Instructions: Read if the timer goes off before all candidates have turned the hand:
“Please stop working.”

4. NAIL TIP APPLICATION AND BLENDING (20 minutes)
Proctor – Verbal Instructions: Read to all candidates:
(Note to Proctor – Choose any finger)
“You will perform nail tip application and blending.”
“You will apply the nail tip to the __________ finger.”
“You will be expected to follow all client protection, safety and infection control procedures.”
“You will have 20 minutes to complete this section.”
“You will be informed when you have 10 minutes remaining.”
“Turn the hand toward the examiner to indicate you have finished.”
(1) “The instructions will be repeated.”
(2) “You may begin.”
Candidates will be evaluated on the following tasks:
4.1 Nail tip application and blending supplies are labeled in English
4.2 Implements and supplies are visibly clean
4.3 Prepares for nail tip application
4.4 Selects full-well tip and attaches to nail plate of assigned finger
4.5 Trims, shapes, and blends nail tip
Proctor – Verbal Instructions: Read if all candidates have turned the hand to indicate they have completed the
section before the timing has elapsed:
“All candidates have indicated they have completed this section of the examination. Please do nothing
until the next verbal instructions are given.”
Proctor – Verbal Instructions: Read if the timer goes off before all candidates have turned the hand:
“Please stop working. Please do nothing until the next verbal instructions are given.”
4.6 Final appearance of finished nail tip
Examiner – Verbal Instructions: Read to each candidate individually after the final appearance of nails have
been examined:
“Please do nothing until the next verbal instructions are given.”
4.7 Items to be disinfected, soiled linens, and trash are disposed of in a correct manner
throughout section
Proctor – Verbal Instructions: Read to all candidates once examiners have completed assessment for this
section:
“All examiners have indicated they are ready to proceed.”

5. SCULPTURED NAIL (20 minutes)
Proctor – Verbal Instructions: Read to all candidates:
(Note to Proctor – Choose any finger)
“You will sculpt a nail on the __________ finger.”
“You must use an odorless product.”
“You will be expected to follow all client protection, safety and infection control procedures.”
“You will have 20 minutes to complete this section.”
“You will be informed when you have 10 minutes remaining.”
“Turn the hand toward the examiner to indicate you have finished.”
(1) “The instructions will be repeated.”
(2) “You may begin.”
Candidates will be evaluated on the following tasks:
5.1 Sets up sculptured nail supplies. Products MUST be in original container and have
manufacturer’s label in English
5.2 Implements and supplies are visibly clean
5.3 Prepares nail plate for sculptured nail
5.4 Sculpts a nail to extend the free edge of assigned finger
5.5 Shapes, contours, and finishes sculptured nail
Proctor – Verbal Instructions: Read if all candidates have turned the hand to indicate they have completed the
section before the timing has elapsed:
“All candidates have indicated they have completed this section of the examination. Please do nothing
until the next verbal instructions are given.”
Proctor – Verbal Instructions: Read if the timer goes off before all candidates have turned the hand:
“Please stop working. Please do nothing until the next verbal instructions are given.”
5.6 Final appearance of sculptured nail
Examiner – Verbal Instructions: Read to each candidate individually after the final appearance of nails have
been examined:
“Please do nothing until the next verbal instructions are given.”
5.7 Items to be disinfected, soiled linens, and trash are disposed of in a correct manner throughout
section
Proctor – Verbal Instructions: Read to all candidates once examiners have completed assessment for this
section:
“All examiners have indicated they are ready to proceed.”
6. REMOVAL OF SCULPTURED NAIL (20 minutes)
Proctor – Verbal Instructions: Read to all candidates:
“You will perform a removal of the sculptured nail.”
“You will be expected to follow all client protection, safety and infection control procedures.”
“You will have 20 minutes to complete this section.”
“You will be informed when you have 10 minutes remaining.”
“Turn the hand toward the examiner to indicate you have finished.”
(1) “The instructions will be repeated.”
(2) “You may begin.”
Candidates will be evaluated on the following tasks:
6.1 Sculptured nail removal supplies are labeled in English
6.2 Implements and supplies are visibly clean
6.3 Removes sculptured nail
6.4 Smooths and finishes the natural nail
Proctor – Verbal Instructions: Read if all candidates have turned the hand to indicate they have completed the
section before the timing has elapsed:
“All candidates have indicated they have completed this section of the examination. Please do nothing
until the next verbal instructions are given.”
Proctor – Verbal Instructions: Read if the timer goes off before all candidates have turned the hand:
“Please stop working. Please do nothing until the next verbal instructions are given.”
6.5 Final assessment of sculptured nail removal
Examiner – Verbal Instructions: Read to each candidate individually after the final appearance of nails have
been examined:
“Please do nothing until the next verbal instructions are given.”
6.6 Items to be disinfected, soiled linens, and trash are disposed of in a correct manner throughout
section
Proctor – Verbal Instructions: Read to all candidates once examiners have completed assessment for this
section:
“All examiners have indicated they are ready to proceed.”
7. BLOOD EXPOSURE PROCEDURE
(Individually Timed, 5 minutes per candidate)
Proctor – Verbal Instructions: Read to all candidates:
“You will demonstrate the blood exposure procedure.”
“You will imagine the following scenario: During a service, you have sustained a minor cut to
your index finger. The injury is such that you can continue with the service. The injury has not yet contaminated
your work area or the client. You are expected to demonstrate the proper procedure for a blood exposure.”
“You are expected to follow all client protection, safety and infection control procedures.”
“You will be instructed individually by the examiner to demonstrate the Blood Exposure Procedure.”
“You will have 5 minutes to complete this section.”
“You will be informed when you have 2 minutes remaining.”
“Do not begin to demonstrate the Blood Exposure Procedure until instructed individually by the examiner to do
so.”
“Turn the hand toward the examiner to indicate you have finished.”
(1) “The instructions will be repeated.”
Examiner – Verbal Instructions: Read to each candidate individually:
“Please demonstrate the Blood Exposure Procedure.”
Candidates will be evaluated on the following tasks:
7.1 First aid supplies and materials are labeled in English
7.2 Removes materials from first aid kit
7.3 Supplies and materials are visibly clean
7.4 Cleans injured area with antiseptic
7.5 Covers injury with dressing that is absorbent and secured
7.6 Disposes of all contaminated supplies
7.7 Candidate protects injury with glove or finger cot
Examiner – Verbal Instructions: Read to each candidate individually:
“Please do nothing until the next verbal instructions are given.”
CANDIDATE SUMMARY AND FINAL CLEANUP
Proctor – Verbal Instructions: Read at the conclusion of the examination:
“All examiners have indicated they have completed their assessment.”
“Make sure that all kit supplies and disposable materials are taken with you.”
“This concludes the National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology, National Nail
Technology Practical Examination.”“Thank you for your participation. “SUGGESTED EXAMINATION SUPPLIES
Information related to labeling of supplies:

ALL supplies must be labeled in English
Original manufacturers’ labels MUST have English and may be multi-language
All other created labels must be only English

SUGGESTED SUPPLIES

  • acetone/polish remover
  • adhesive
  • base coat
  • buffer(s)
  • candidate supply kit to serve as dry storage area (must be closeable)
  • container labeled “items to be disinfected”
  • container labeled “soiled linens”
  • container labeled “trash”
  • cotton
  • cuticle pusher
  • cuticle softener
  • dappen dish(es)
  • EPA-registered disinfectant wipes with manufacturer’s label that demonstrate bactericidal, fungicidal, and
    virucidal properties must be used (must be actual disinfectant wipes)
  • finger bowl with water
  • first aid kit
  • foil removal wraps
  • gloves
  • hand sanitizer with manufacturer’s label (must be real product)
  • mannequin hand(s) with artificial nails attached (must be entire hand; cannot have removable digits.)
  • massage product
  • nail brush
  • nail cleanser
  • nail clipper and/or tip trimmer
  • nail file(s)
  • nail form(s)
  • nail tips
  • oil
  • paper towels
  • red polish
  • sculptured nail brush
  • sculptured nail products – monomer, polymer
  • Monomer must be odorless in its original container with manufacturer’s label.
  • Polymer must be in its original container with manufacturer’s label.
  • Primer (if used) must be in original container with manufacturer’s label.
  • top coat
  • towel(s)
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Author: michael

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