1. 1. Microbiology.

   1. a. Microorganisms, viruses, bacteria, fungi;
   2. b. Transmission cycle of infectious diseases; and
   3. c. Characteristics of antimicrobial agents.

2. 2. Immunization.

   1. a. Types of immunizations;
   2. b. Hepatitis A through G transmission and immunization;
   3. c. HIV/AIDS;
   4. d. Tetanus, streptococcal, zoonotic, tuberculosis, pneumococcal, and influenza;
   5. e. Measles, mumps, and rubella;
   6. f. Vaccines and immunization; and
   7. g. General preventative measures to be taken to protect the tattooer and client.

3. 3. Sanitation and disinfection.

   1. a. Definition of terms.

      1. (1) Sterilization;
      2. (2) Disinfection and disinfectant;
      3. (3) Sterilizer or sterilant;
      4. (4) Antiseptic;
      5. (5) Germicide;
      6. (6) Decontamination; and
      7. (7) Sanitation.
   2. b. The use of steam sterilization equipment and techniques;
   3. c. The use of chemical agents, antiseptics, disinfectants, and fumigants;
   4. d. The use of sanitation equipment;
   5. e. Preservice sanitation procedure; and
   6. f. Post-service sanitation procedure.

4. 4. Safety.

   1. a. Proper needle handling and disposal;
   2. b. How to avoid overexposure to chemicals;
   3. c. The use of Safety Data Sheets;
   4. d. Blood spill procedures;
   5. e. Equipment and instrument storage; and
   6. f. First aid .

5. 5. Bloodborne pathogen standards.

   1. a. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) bloodborne pathogen standards;
   2. b. Control plan for bloodborne pathogens;
   3. c. Exposure control plan for tattooers;
   4. d. Overview of compliance requirements; and
   5. e. Disorders and when not to service a client.

6. 6. Professional standards.

   1. a. History of tattooing;
   2. b. Ethics;

   3. c. Recordkeeping:

      1. (1) Client health history;
      2. (2) Consent forms; and
      3. (3) HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 Privacy Rule) Standards.

   4. d. Preparing station, making appointments, parlor ethics:

      1. (1) Maintaining professional appearance and notifying clients of schedule changes; and
      2. (2) Promoting services of the parlor and establishing clientele.

   5. e. Parlor management:

      1. (1) Licensing requirements; and
      2. (2) Taxes.

   6. f. Supplies:

      1. (1) Usages;
      2. (2) Ordering; and
      3. (3) Storage.

7. 7. Tattooing.

   1. a. Client consultation;
   2. b. Client health form;
   3. c. Client disclosure form;
   4. d. Client preparation;
   5. e. Sanitation and safety precautions;
   6. f. Implement selection and use;
   7. g. Proper use of equipment;
   8. h. Material selection and use;
   9. i. Needles;
   10. j. Ink;

   11. k. Machine:

       1. (1) Construction;
       2. (2) Adjustment; and
       3. (3) Power supply;
   12. l. Art, drawing; and
   13. m. Portfolio.

8. 8. Anatomy:

   1. a. Understanding of skin; and
   2. b. Parts and functions of skin.
9. 9. Virginia tattooing laws and regulations.

Apprenticeship curriculum requirements are as follows:

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-201 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 25, eff. October 1, 2006; amended, VIrginia Register Volume 42, Issue 8, eff. January 5, 2026.