How To Become A Nail Tech in Oregon

At NW College School of Beauty, we aren’t just committed to helping our students develop their skills and strategies as beauty technicians. We also want to help them on the road to their new careers. If you’re interested in becoming a nail tech, at the top of your list of questions  is likely, “What are the steps to becoming a licensed nail technician in Oregon?” By laying out and considering those steps ahead of time, you can increase your odds of success in your new career. 

Step 1: Research Oregon Nail Technician Licensing Requirements

Before you can become a licensed Oregon nail technician, you need to meet the Board of Cosmetology’s minimum requirements. That includes:

• Graduating from a board-approved school with at least 241 hours, including 70 practical operations
• Submitting necessary paperwork and documentation, including your transcripts
• Passing a written examination

It’s important to make sure, as you choose your education solution, that you’re attending an accredited beauty school to fulfill your state requirements. If you do not, you may end up unable to qualify for your license. Do your research and check on current requirements before you start your program–and that you’re prepared for potential costs and fees, including the cost of your written exam and application.

Step 2: Enroll in a Nail Technology Program

Find a nail technology program like the one at NW College School of Beauty, which can offer you everything you need to develop skills as a nail technician. At NW College School of Beauty, our curriculum includes training on:

• Manicures
• Pedicures
• Nail art
• Safety
• Sanitation

Throughout the training process, you’ll have the opportunity to work hands-on with real clients, which can give you valuable experience that can help carry you into your new career. The program requires 281 clock hours in order to complete, which students can do in as little as two months. Note, however, that we offer flexibility in many of our requirements and courses. You can take courses either during the day or in the evening, allowing you to fit in your coursework around the other important things in your life. We also offer financial aid to qualified students, including access to federal education grants and loans. 

Step 3: Complete the Required Training Hours

In Oregon, there are several requirements when it comes to completing your training hours, including:

• 241 hours of nail technology classes
• 20 hours in Oregon Laws and Rules
• 20 hours of career development courses

At NW College School of Beauty, we help students meet their hour requirements through both practical and theoretical instruction. Throughout the program, you will have the opportunity to master both technical skills that can help you thrive in your new position and customer service skills that can enhance your ability to successfully launch your new career. 

Step 4: Pass the Oregon Licensing Exams

The Oregon licensing exam includes both a written exam and a practical exam. Throughout your coursework at NW College School of Beauty, you’ll have the opportunity to develop the skills you will need to excel on both parts of the exam. Prior to the test, make sure you set aside time to review your course content. Your instructors may even provide you with useful insights and tips about what areas you may want to focus on as you move forward with your studies. We also provide exam prep and practice tests so that you can increase your odds of success.

Passing both exams is critical to qualifying for your license. While you can retake those exams, it often means more time before you can move forward with your new career as a nail tech–and that can be incredibly frustrating. With the NW College School of Beauty, you have higher odds of success. 

Step 5: Apply for Your Oregon Nail Technician License

Once you’ve completed and passed the Oregon licensing exams, you can apply for your Oregon nail technician license. You will need to:

• Have your school submit an official transcript showing proof of the course hours you have completed
• Have your school submit a passing score from the practical exam
• Send in an application fee, including a separate fee for each field of practice included in your written exams (For example, if you are also seeking certification in another area, you would have to pay a separate fee)

When you go in to take your test, you will need to take in two forms of identification. Check out the Oregon Health Licensing Office information about the nail tech exam to ensure that you are as prepared as possible for your upcoming exam.

Step 6: Start Your Career as a Nail Technician

Working as a nail technician offers a great deal of creative freedom and flexibility. Depending on how you choose to launch your new business, you can often set your own hours and work at the times that are best for your needs. Furthermore, you can offer the services that best reflect your skills. As a new nail technician, you may have a wide range of career opportunities available throughout Oregon, including:

• Working in a salon
• Operating out of a spa
• Opening your own private practice

Get a feel for available options near you so that you can find the right opportunity to launch your new career. At NW College School of Beauty, we offer career placement services and assist students in connecting with local employers to help them launch their new careers. 

Start Your Career as a Nail Technician in Oregon

Launching a career as a nail technician in Oregon requires you to complete the required training hours, take the written and practical exams, and submit all required paperwork and documentation. It all starts by enrolling in a certified nail technology program at NW College School of Beauty. Ready to start your journey to becoming a licensed nail tech? Contact NW College School of Beauty today to learn more about our nail technology program!”