Indiana · Nail Technology

Indiana Nail Technology State Board Exam Prep

Practice the exact content PSI puts on your Indiana nail technology exam. Mapped to the official topic breakdown below — no guessing, no generic Milady-style filler.

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The Indiana exam, at a glance

Direct from the Indiana State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners and the PSI candidate bulletin.

Required Hours
450 hrs
Exam Provider
PSI
Exam Format
written + practical
Passing Score
75%
Minimum Age
18
Renewal
Every 4 years
CE Hours
0
Reciprocity
Yes

PSI topic breakdown for Indiana

Your SGS dashboard tracks your score in each of these categories so you know exactly where to study.

How SGS gets Indiana students over the passing line

The tools students use every night in the 30 days before their test.

The Final Look
Full-length mock exam built on the PSI topic map above. Every wrong answer is tagged back to the category so your weak areas surface fast.
Practice Tests
Chapter-by-chapter quizzes. Scoreboards + streaks so it doesn't feel like a textbook.
Flash & Know
Spaced-repetition flashcards. 15 minutes a night covers a full chapter.
The Board Game
Category-style trivia. Turns review into addictive play so studying doesn't feel like studying.

FAQ — Indiana nail technology licensing

What score do I need to pass the Indiana nail technology state board exam?

Indiana uses the PSI exam, which requires 75% or higher to pass. Practicing at least 10% above that on SGS mock exams is the sweet spot students who pass on the first try hit.

How many hours are required for nail technology licensing in Indiana?

Indiana requires 450 training hours for nail technology, along with completing the PSI exam (written + practical). Minimum age is 18.

How does SGS align with the PSI exam content?

Every SGS practice question is mapped to the same topic categories PSI uses: Nail Care Procedures (Manicure, Pedicure); Health and Safety (Sanitation, Infection Control); Nail Enhancements; Nail Anatomy and Disorders. Your progress dashboard shows which categories you're strong in and which need work before test day.

Can I study on my phone?

Yes. SGS works in any mobile browser — no app install required. Flashcards, practice tests, and The Final Look exam all work on iPhone, Android, and tablet. Save your seat in The Lounge to sync progress across devices.

Other states · Nail Technology

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Three study tips specific to Indiana

  1. Since Nail Care Procedures (manicures and pedicures) are 30% of your exam, really nail down the steps for both. Practice the sequence of services until it's second nature.
  2. Don't skimp on Health and Safety (25%) and Nail Enhancements (25%). These two categories combined make up half your exam, so dedicate ample study time to sanitation protocols, disinfection, and the application and removal of various enhancement products.
  3. While Nail Anatomy and Disorders is 20%, understanding the basics of the nail unit and common conditions will strengthen your understanding of procedures and safety. Think of it as the foundation for the other topics.

A common mistake Indiana candidates make

A frequent stumble for Indiana candidates is underestimating the detail required for Nail Care Procedures. Because it's the largest single topic at 30%, many students assume they know enough just from practicing. However, the exam will test your knowledge of specific steps, product application order, and client consultation best practices. Don't just know *how* to do a manicure; understand *why* each step is performed and what products are used at each stage. Review your notes on client intake forms, contraindications for services, and proper draping techniques to avoid losing easy points.

Seven-day countdown checklist

  1. Day 7: Review your notes on basic manicures and pedicures. Focus on the sequence of steps and product knowledge.
  2. Day 6: Dedicate time to Health and Safety. Go over disinfection levels, blood exposure procedures, and client protection.
  3. Day 5: Tackle Nail Enhancements. Review application and removal for acrylics, gels, and wraps.
  4. Day 4: Study Nail Anatomy and Disorders. Focus on the parts of the nail and common nail diseases/conditions.
  5. Day 3: Take a full practice exam under timed conditions. Identify your weakest areas.
  6. Day 2: Revisit the topics you struggled with on your practice exam, especially Health and Safety or Nail Enhancements.
  7. Day 1: Light review of your strongest subjects. Get a good night's sleep and eat a healthy breakfast. You've got this!

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