How to become a professional piercer?

In this article, we analyze the essential steps to become a piercer and work in this industry.

A Piercer is a professional specialized in performing piercings on the skin, which is a form of body modification that involves piercing parts of the body to insert jewelry or decorative objects for ornamental and aesthetic purposes.

To reach this level, it’s not enough to be a creative and passionate person, nor is it enough to know anatomy and body jewelry or even how to properly use the tools.

The provisions regulated by Regional Law no. 13 of July 23, 2021 have in fact established new rules governing the professional figure of the Piercing Operator and define the standards to be respected and the mandatory steps to be achieved.

Let’s get into the details.

The training needed to become a professional piercer

The piercer has a crucial role in ensuring that a piercing is performed correctly and in total safety. For this reason, to undertake this activity in full compliance with the Law, it is mandatory to follow a defined and very specific process, in order to acquire all the necessary knowledge, skills, and preparation.

First of all, to pursue a career as a piercer, you must be of legal age and hold a lower secondary school diploma (middle school). Foreign citizens must also present a declaration of value (attesting to their level of schooling) and take an entrance test in Italian, both oral and written.

Also according to the new Regional Law no. 13 of July 23, 2021, it is mandatory to attend the 1500-hour piercing operator course, divided into 1000 hours of theory and practice and 500 hours of internship, and then pass a final exam. This includes a written part, which serves to evaluate the knowledge acquired in the classroom, and a practical part, which tests students with piercings on a person.

Once the exam is passed, a Regional Certification is issued, recognized throughout the national and European territory.

The piercing operator course doesn’t just allow you to learn how to identify the type of piercing based on the client’s needs and characteristics and current aesthetic standards, but also how to perform piercings in full compliance with hygiene and prophylaxis regulations.

Furthermore, it offers all the skills to know how to prepare and manage client reception and assistance, organize and maintain the work environment and equipment in perfect condition, and follow all procedures in compliance with safety and environmental protection regulations.

It is a comprehensive path that leads to learning all the knowledge and skills necessary to independently manage and carry out the future profession of piercer.

Internships and apprenticeships for piercers

Becoming a piercer requires a combination of theoretical and practical training, but that’s not all. A fundamental part is direct experience in the field, which allows you to test the skills acquired directly in the Studio.

For this reason, an integral part of the training, before obtaining Certification and being able to start working, consists of a 500-hour internship.

During the internship, piercers can interact with experienced and specialized professionals, test themselves with real Clients, familiarize themselves with various hygiene and safety protocols, develop relationships in the industry, and learn firsthand what the complete management of a piercing Studio involves.

Milano Tattoo School offers its piercing students the opportunity to complete their training internship at partner studios in Lombardy.

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Mandatory training updates for piercers

To ensure up-to-date skills on techniques, styles, and new regulations, piercers are required to undergo mandatory training updates.

The most important one, regulated by the Law of the Lombardy Region of July 23, 2021, no. 13, is the 24-hour update course for piercing operators, to be taken every 3 years to continue practicing the profession.

This is a specific course that includes updates on first aid, safety, legal aspects, equipment and procedures, environmental requirements, biological risk, and various fundamental aspects of performing a piercing.

The mandatory attendance ensures knowledge and respect for specific laws and regulations and the commitment, by the piercer and the Studio where they work, toward excellence and staying current.

Become a piercer with Milano Tattoo School’s professional Courses

When you want to become a professional piercer, the first choice you have to make is the School where you will train.

It seems like an obvious choice, but it isn’t: the training path is in fact the foundation on which you will then build your career.

Choosing a School like Milano Tattoo School, which stands out for its excellence in teaching piercing, can make the difference in ensuring a successful future.

At MTS, the Piercing Operator Course has already trained over 6000 piercers who today work successfully in major Studios or have opened their own business.

Our path, structured in 1500 hours, allows you to develop artistic, technical, and theoretical skills in 3 fundamental steps:

Classroom lessons to learn knowledge, skills, and tools
Lab sessions to acquire technique and skills and practice by performing more than 50 piercings on a person
Post-course internship to gain direct experience in a real Piercing studio

The course is led by Dimitri Daleno, a world-renowned Piercer with nearly 30 years of experience, along with a faculty of professionals in the piercing field, tutors, and high-profile experts in the training sector.

To further develop students’ curiosity and knowledge, during the course we also organize Workshops and Seminars held by world-renowned Piercers who collaborate with our School and explain how to acquire advanced knowledge and further refine artistic and technical skills.

Do you want to start your career as a piercer?

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