In Illinois, manicurists, also known as nail technicians, must be licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Nail technicians must meet the following licensing requirements:

• be at least 16 year of age;
• graduate from a licensed nail technology school or licensed cosmetology school, having completed a program of 350 hours extending over a period of between 8 weeks and two consecutive years;
• pass an exam; and
• pay a fee.

Licenses are issued for two years. Ten hours of continuing education are required during the term of the license.

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