1.1 PSI Manicurist Theory Exam: Format, Blueprint, Scoring & Fees

Who writes and gives the Michigan test

Michigan does not write its own nail exam. Under R 338.2121a, the Board of Cosmetology adopted the National Barber Cosmetology Program (NBCP) examinations developed and scored by PSI Services LLC. LARA's NBCP FAQ dates the switch to November 4, 2022. Table 21a of the rules lists two required tests for a manicurist license: Manicurist theory and Manicurist practical. PSI's Michigan Manicurist Test Taker Guide (version 1.2, effective May 20, 2026) is the controlling document for format, fees and scheduling. Re-check it at test-takers.psiexams.com/micos before you book, because PSI can revise it.

The theory test is a national test. It does not have a separate Michigan laws section. You still need Michigan law to qualify for and keep the license, so Chapter 1 covers it. Chapters 2 to 7 follow the national outline.

Theory test at a glance

You can change an answer at any time while the test is open. Once you sign out or time expires, answers are locked. PSI also lets you enter comments on questions during the test. That is the only review process for the theory test. There is no review of the practical.

The official content outline

The weights below come from the PSI outline. PSI publishes percentages, not item counts. The item counts are this guide's arithmetic on 60 scored questions, so treat them as estimates.

Domain 1 alone is half the test. It has two parts. Workplace Infection Control Procedures covers pathogens, cleaning and disinfection of tools, machines and the daily workstation, the levels of decontamination, exposure incidents, disinfecting products, labeling and storage of clean tools, and single-use versus multi-use items. Workplace Safety Precautions covers safe working conditions, safe water temperature, equipment maintenance, chemical labeling and storage, Safety Data Sheets and prohibited substances, federal rules (OSHA, EPA, FDA), adverse chemical reactions, barriers and draping, ventilation, and electrical safety.

The reference books

PSI lists three books as the sources used to write the questions:

• Pivot Point Fundamentals: Nails (101N to 107N), 1st edition, 2022
• Milady Standard Nail Technology, 8th edition, 2020
• Tammy Taylor Guide to Manicuring and Advanced Nail Technology, Edition III, 2022

When textbooks and salon habits disagree, answer the way these books teach. When this guide says "textbook procedure," it means these books. When it says "Michigan rule," it means the administrative code.

Fees, scheduling and test-day rules

Fees are not refundable or transferable. PSI keeps your fee for 1 year from the date it receives it. If you do not test in that year, the fee is forfeited.

The order of steps matters:

1. Apply for the license in MiPLUS first. Only the State of Michigan decides eligibility.
2. Wait for the email with your MI COS ID number.
3. Complete PSI's online application. It has been required since January 30, 2026. Allow up to 10 business days for a first application.
4. Schedule online or by phone at (855) 579-4635, and pay when you schedule.

On test day, arrive 30 minutes early and bring two IDs. One must be a valid government photo ID, and both must show your name exactly as registered. A late arrival is not admitted and loses the fee. To cancel or reschedule without losing the fee, PSI must receive the cancellation at least 48 hours before the appointment. A voicemail does not count. Theory tests are offered in English, simplified Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish and Vietnamese. A word-to-word dictionary is available on request.

PSI's theory test centers are in Dearborn, Holt (Lansing), Southfield (two sites), Grand Rapids, Gaylord and Marquette (two sites). Practical tests are given in Grand Rapids, Southfield (Crossroads) and Marquette (Mid Towne). The guide also describes online-proctored scheduling. Check which delivery options PSI offers for your test when you book.

Timing rules from LARA

LARA's manicurist FAQ adds two limits. You must pass the theory and practical tests within 1 year of each other, and each passing score is valid for 1 year. Your license application and fee are also valid for 1 year.