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Free CO Nail Tech Exam Prep

Colorado Nail Technician License Exams (PSI Theory and Practical)

Prepare for the CO Nail Tech exam without spending hundreds on expensive prep courses. Free study guides, practice questions, flashcards, and related exam resources.

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Your Study Path

Colorado Nail Technician License: Study Roadmap

Follow this path to organize your exam preparation

1

Learn the PSI blueprint and Colorado licensing rules

Read the PSI Colorado Nail Technician Test Taker Guide's 50/18/10/22 theory outline and practical topic areas, then Colorado's 4 CCR 731-1 rules on licensing, scope, shop registration and inspections.

6
hours
2

Master safety and infection control (50% of the theory test)

Study pathogens, cleaning versus disinfection, Colorado's hospital-disinfectant and storage rules, single- and multi-use items, exposure incidents, SDS, OSHA, EPA and FDA roles, ventilation, water temperature and electrical safety.

16
hours
3

Study consultation, nail analysis and skin care

Learn intake and consent forms, skin and nail structure, nail and skin diseases and disorders, patch tests, contraindications, Colorado's written-authorization rule for contagious conditions, massage, hot towels and callus safety.

10
hours
4

Review nail care services and enhancements

Practice manicure and pedicure procedures, filing and cuticle safety, tips, wraps, liquid-and-powder, gels and dip systems, maintenance and safe removal, plus Colorado's MMA ban and electric-file training rule.

10
hours
5

Rehearse the PSI practical and take timed theory practice

Run the five PSI practical topic areas against the clock with a compliant kit, then take timed 65-question practice sets in 90 minutes to find weak domains before scheduling the theory test.

8
hours
Estimated total study time
50 hours
That's about 5 weeks at 10 hours/week

Can You Take the CO Nail Tech Exam?

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Free CO Nail Tech Prep Tools

Reported exam pass rate: Not published by DORA or PSI. These figures describe exam candidates, not OpenExamPrep user outcomes. Check the exam sponsor’s website for published statistics.

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What You'll Study

7 chapters covering the exam topics in this guide

CO Nail Tech-Specific Topics Covered

No Colorado-law domain on the PSI theory outline; state rules govern practicePractical test must be passed before the theory test can be scheduled600 contact hours or 20 credit hours; minimum age 168-hour electric-file training rule (4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.9(F))6-hour hair-removal training; hands, feet, arms to elbow, legs to knee (Rule 1.9(G))MMA, live creatures and UV boxes for disinfection prohibited (Rule 1.8)Shop registration, inspections and the 60-day renewal grace period

CO Nail Tech Exam Details

Colorado Nail Technician License Exams (PSI Theory and Practical)

Administered by Colorado Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure (DORA), with exams by PSI Services

Official Source
At least 70% on the theory test and at least 70% on the practical test (PSI Colorado Nail Technician Test Taker Guide)
Passing Score
Theory:
Questions
90
Minutes
$163 for a first attempt at both tests: $32 PSI application fee, $69 practical test and $62 theory test; retakes are $67 (practical) and $60 (theory) (PSI Colorado Nail Technician Test Taker Guide, eff. June 23, 2026)
Exam Fee
Study time: 3-5 weeks
Prerequisites: At least 16 years old and 600 contact hours (or 20 credit hours) at a DPOS- or CCCS-approved school or an approved apprenticeship (C.R.S. 12-105-111; 4 CCR 731-1, Rule 1.2)

Exam Content Breakdown

Based on the official Colorado Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure (DORA), with exams by PSI Services content outline

Safety and Infection Control50%

Infectious diseases and exposure prevention; cleaning and disinfecting tools, equipment and workstations; decontamination levels; exposure incidents; disinfectant products; labeling and storage; single- and multi-use items; safe working conditions, water temperature, equipment, chemicals, SDS, OSHA/EPA/FDA, adverse reactions, barriers, ventilation and electrical safety

Client Consultation and Nail Analysis18%

Intake and consent forms; declining or altering services; medical referral; skin and nail structure and analysis; patch tests; skin and nail diseases and disorders; adverse reactions; manicure, pedicure and enhancement contraindications

Skin Care10%

Safe manicure and pedicure massage; safe use of skin-care tools and devices; hot towels; safe product use for all skin conditions; safe callus removal

Nail Care22%

Safe use of nail products, tools and equipment; filing, buffing and cuticle safety; manicure and pedicure procedures; nail-station ventilation and infection control; natural nail products and repair; enhancement application, maintenance, repair and removal

What's Included

7 Chapters

Complete exam coverage

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What's Next After the CO Nail Tech?

After passing the CO Nail Tech, you can pursue these career paths

Licensed Colorado Nail Technician

Provide professional manicure, pedicure, and nail enhancement services in licensed Colorado salons and spas under 4 CCR 731-1 regulations.

Coming Soon

Salon or Booth Rental Operator

Manage an independent nail station or salon establishment in Colorado while maintaining state facility, sanitation, and licensing compliance.

Coming Soon

Nail Enhancement Specialist

Specialize in liquid-and-powder, gel and dip enhancements, using an electric file only after Colorado's required 8 hours of training.

Coming Soon

Spa Pedicurist & Foot Care Specialist

Deliver spa pedicures, gradual callus smoothing and relaxing foot and ankle massage within Colorado's cosmetic manicuring scope.

Coming Soon

CO Nail Tech Exam FAQ

Official Colorado Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure (DORA), with exams by PSI Services Resources

Verify information with these official sources

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