1. 1. Microbiology:

   1. a. Microorganisms, viruses, bacteria, and 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 or 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 ear-piercer 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. Pre-service 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 (SDS);
   4. d. Blood spill procedures;
   5. e. Equipment and instrument storage; and
   6. f. First aid.

5. 5. Bloodborne pathogen standards:

   1. a. OSHA and CDC bloodborne pathogen standards;
   2. b. Control Plan for bloodborne pathogens;
   3. c. Exposure Control Plan for Ear-Piercers;
   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 ear-piercing;
   2. b. Ethics;

   3. c. Recordkeeping:

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

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

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

   5. e. Salon management:

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

   6. f. Supplies:

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

7. 7. Ear-piercing:

   1. a. Client consultation;
   2. b. Client health information;
   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. Grade of jewelry; and
   10. j. Metals to use.

8. 8. Ear-piercing procedures:

   1. a. Ear lobe;
   2. b. Helix - ear;
   3. c. Concha - ear; and
   4. d. Tragus - ear.
9. 9. Virginia body-piercing laws and regulations.

Ear-piercing apprenticeship curriculum requirements are set out in this section:

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-201 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 6, eff. December 18, 2025; amended, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 13, eff. March 16, 2026.