How Hard Is the Illinois Nail Tech Exam?
- Bibi Hernandez
- 8 hours ago
- 1 min read
If you’re planning to become a licensed nail technician in Illinois, one big question comes up:
How hard is the Illinois nail tech exam?
The good news? It’s passable — if you prepare correctly.
The exam is administered by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and is a written, multiple-choice test. Illinois does not require a practical exam.
What Is On the Illinois Nail Technician Exam?
The written test covers:
Sanitation and infection control
Nail anatomy and disorders
Illinois laws and regulations
Product chemistry
Professional practices
Most students find the sanitation and state law sections to be the most detailed.
Is the Exam Difficult?
The exam is not designed to trick you — it is designed to test whether you understand:
Safety
State regulations
Basic nail science
Professional responsibility
Students who complete a structured 350-hour program and actively study their materials typically pass.
Students who rely only on hands-on skills without reviewing theory often struggle.
How to Pass the Illinois Nail Tech Exam
To increase your chances of passing:
✔ Study Illinois nail laws carefully
✔ Review sanitation procedures repeatedly
✔ Take practice exams
✔ Understand nail structure and chemistry basics
✔ Ask your instructors questions
At One Stop Beauty School in Chicago, we specifically prepare students for the Illinois written exam. Our 350-hour IDFPR-approved program includes structured exam review so students feel confident before testing.
If you want a step-by-step breakdown of licensing requirements, read our guide:
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