Colorado Nail Tech Training: How to Find a School
Last reviewed 26 September 2026DORA's Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure sets Colorado's 600-contact-hour route. This page has that rule, our city guide, and where online training fits.
How to Become a Nail Technician in Colorado
Colorado licenses nail technicians through the Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure, part of the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). The requirement is 600 contact hours (20 credit hours) covering manicuring and pedicuring, artificial nails, laws and rules, management, and disinfection and safe work practices, followed by the state's written and practical exams, at a DPOS- or CCCS-approved school program, or through an approved apprenticeship (Rule 1.2(B)(1)-(3)). Full detail: Colorado's exact licensing requirements.
| Requirement | Colorado rule |
|---|---|
| Training hours | 600 contact hours (20 credit hours) |
| Exam | Written and practical |
| Renewal | Not re-confirmed as of 26 Sep 2026 |
| Application/exam fees | Not listed on this page -- confirm with the board |
| Governing body | DORA, Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure |
Source: 4 CCR 731-1, Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure rule, sos.state.co.us, read 2026-08-29 and 2026-09-25. Confirm the current requirement directly with DORA before you rely on it.
Nail Tech Training by City in Colorado
Sublime Professional currently covers one Colorado metro in depth:
Finding a Licensed Nail School in Colorado
CDHE's Division of Private Occupational Schools publishes its own roster by category; check a school's exact program approval there before paying tuition.
Where Online Training Fits
Our course does not count toward Colorado's 600-contact-hour requirement; only training on the route DORA's Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure sets, described above, does. From home, you can start on gel, acrylic and Russian-manicure technique now, with Darya Shevchenko's feedback on photos of your practice work. It ends in a Sublime Professional diploma, not a Colorado licence.
Next Steps in Colorado
Build technique alongside DORA's own route -- $597, or 3 interest-free payments of $199.
See the Full Program - $597Not Ready Yet? Read the Free Theory Class FirstNot accredited. Not approved by any state.
