How To Train To Do Microblading? [3 Easy Steps]
If you followed my previous posts, you have seen that they are all about people who want to get their eyebrows microbladed. But what about those who want to perform the task of microblading? So, thinking of them, I decided to write about how to learn microblading.
The entire pathway of becoming a certified microblading artist involves three stages – enrolling in a training program, getting your certificate, and becoming a beautician.
These broad stages involve further steps that I will discuss here today. So, if you want to pursue a career of reshaping and refining others’ eyebrows, today is your lucky day!
How To Train To Do Microblading: 3 Steps
Step 1: Enrolling In A Training Program
Looking For SPCP- Or AAM-Approved Classes
The Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals (SPCP) and the American Academy Of Micropigmentation (AAM) provide the certification of microblading to most English-speaking countries.
So, when you look for training programs, look for the ones approved by either of the boards. That means a society-certified trainer runs the course and complies with the official rules and regulations of the said organizations.
Note that the boards have official websites where you will find lists containing the names and information of certified instructors.
Avoiding Courses With Below 100 Training Hours
Since the industry is in its booming stage, many for-profit businesses have burgeoned here and there. So you have to be choosy where you get your training.
If a course is less than 100 hours or does not mention the SPCP or AAM anywhere, do not get yourself enrolled. Of course, some will provide proper training facilities, but most are scams and almost none of them will take you anywhere near official certification.
How will you identify scams? They are never more than 5 days long. They are cheap and often advertise free microblading tools. Plus, they say nothing about the boards.
Attending The Classes
When you find the perfect program, get admitted, pay the fees, and start attending the classes. Here, you should expect to train for 100 hours at the minimum. They allocate the total time to homework, teacher demonstration, class study, and live practice. If there are no SPCP and AAM trainers in your locality, you will have to travel.
The total cost of the entire course will be more than $4500 and less than $6000. You will have to take a break from your work or study for a week to get through the training program.
Getting The Official Documents
Check that the official documentation comes with your mentor’s signature and mentions the number of hours you trained. Additionally, take some photos of any complete live work (with the consent of the patient or model, obviously).
Remember that it is a requirement for both the SPCP and AAM exams because they want proof that you have successfully completed 100 hours of your training.
Step 2: Getting The Certifications
Asking For An Apprenticeship Opportunity Under A Local Beautician
When you get your documents but do not consider yourself prepared for the test, or if you want further training, you can look for a local artist for an internship or apprenticeship. The SPCP and AAM enlist members that offer internship opportunities in their directories. But you will also find non-listed members agreeing to take you as an intern.
Most internships will not pay you anything. Instead, certified technicians may charge you as much as $500 for their apprenticeship services.
Joining The SPCP And AAM
You will have to purchase their membership to sit for their exam according to AAM and SPCP. You can get it via their online store, where the SCPS will charge you $310, and the AAM $250.
Although both organizations grant the same professional respect, the AAM is especially reputed in the US when the SPCP is more prevalent abroad.
Passing The Course Of BPS Certification
Along with the 100 training hours, both organizations have another requirement. You have to enroll and complete a Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (BPS) program. Besides, the course should fulfill the BPS standards of OSHA.
The course is affordable, never more than $25. The boards prefer your physical participation in the program. When you finish it, they will grant you a BPS training certificate.
But if you cannot be physically present, your board might accept online programs from Eduwhere or where you trained.
Signing Up For The SPCP Certification Exam
You will get the list of upcoming tests on the official websites of the boards. Both will cost you 250 USD per test.
The AAM will sell applications online. On the other hand, the SPCP sends a PDF to offer theirs.
During this time or prior to the test, your selected board may require a photo of your ID, proof of the completion of microblade training and BPS test, and proof of your membership.
Providing Proof Of Client Work And Insurance (AAM Only)
A part of AAM’s certification test is practical. So they will ask you for proof of your client file demonstrating examples of eyeliners, lips, and eyebrows (5 of each) performed during your training.
If you live anywhere in Maine, Nevada, Massachusetts, or New Jersey, the demonstration example will lower to 2 for each category.
Passing The Test
The SPCP test consists of 100 MCQs covering pigmentology, infection control, technical applications, client management, documentation, regulations, anatomy and physiology, and diseases and disorders.
As for the AAM test, there will be 3 sections – written, oral, and practical on similar topics.
Both boards sell comprehensive study guides with sample tests on their online shops to assist you in your preparation. You can purchase them for ideas and suggestions to nail in your exam.
Step 3: Becoming A Microblading Technician
Getting A License From The Health Department
You have to get a license from the Department of Public Health to operate legally as a technician. It may be for tattooing, PMU, or cosmetology, varying with your area.
The application procedure for the license requires you to contact the authority to request your application. See that you are aware of and fulfill the required standards of personal hygiene, equipment, and facility beforehand.
Meeting The Standards Of National Cosmetic Regulations
Whether you practice with a legitimate license or otherwise, national government boards (i.e., the Food and Drug Administration) follow rigid cosmetic standards for customer safety. They are available on the respective board’s website. You will get information about ink and pigment requirements, injury and infection prevention, etc. Ensure that you abide by all standards to avoid malpractice lawsuits and fines.
Looking Up The Microblading Requirements Of Your Location
According to local regulations, microblading is a type of PMU or tattoo. But the rules vary from one place to another.
So, you will contact your area’s Department of Human Services, Commerce, Cosmetology, and Health to start practicing as a technician.
Applying For Work
At this stage, you should look for a job at PMU boutiques. However, do not hope for a full-fledged beautician position in the beginning, although it should be well within your reach.
When you have substantial experience in this area, see if you can open your own parlor to earn more and have more freedom over the business.
An important reminder – look for a job in those organizations that are in the databases of AAM and SPCP.
Additional Read: How much money can you make microblading
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Is Microblading Training?
It will take about 2 to 3 months to get the certification, depending on how frequently you practice. But it can take even a year to become efficient.
What Is The Best Microblading Training?
Phibrows, a USA-based organization, provides the best microblading training. You can check out their website for more details.
Is It Easy To Learn Microblading?
It is if you have enough ideas and know where to begin. If you play by the book, as mentioned in the steps above, the odds will be on your side. Besides, it is a skill you master by practicing. When you are determined enough to pull it off, the difficulties will not be in your way.
Final Words
The process of becoming a certified microblading artist is long and, to some degree, hectic. But there never was a shortcut to success, was there?
The first thing is to be sure if you really want it and want it enough to give it a go. If you are, the most challenging part is over. Your passion and willpower will take you through the rest of the path.
Remember to prioritize authenticity, board approvals, listed organizations and instructors, and rules and regulations of your area. They are the most important elements of the journey.
That will be all for today. Thanks for reading.
