How to become a permanent make up artist in Georgia?
- kasiaherdman
- Feb 8
- 6 min read
Hey there, future beauty boss! 🎨✨ Are you ready to dive into the world of permanent makeup (PMU) and start making people look and feel fabulous? Whether you're dreaming of perfect brows, fuller lips, areola or scar camouflage, this creative career can be yours! Here’s your step-by-step guide to becoming a certified PMU artist in Georgia—let’s break it down in a way that’s as fun as it is informative! 💅💕
What Is PMU All About?
First things first—let’s talk about what permanent makeup even is!
It’s basically like giving someone a permanent, no-hassle makeover, using tattoos to mimic makeup. It’s an art form and every artist has their own approach to how bold or natural they like to make their clients make up appear. Because this a fairly new and fast industry you cannot just get a degree in PMU, although i wish you could. Every state regulates it differently so since i am located in Georgia that will be our point of reference. As of October 6th 2023 the construction, permitting, and operation of body art studios, as well as the certification of artists, are governed by the Georgia Department of Public Health’s Rules and Regulations for Body Art.
Step 1: Take the Body Art or Microblading Certification
Contact your local County Enviromental Health office to schedule an in person exam. Here is a list of contact information:
There will be 2 different option available to you: The Body Art license and the Microblading license. If you are planning on doing ONLY brows than you will be ok with the microblading license even if you wont provide that exact service. I know, its silly... clearly they didnt ask an actual permamant make up artist their opinion when they came up with the name. Powder brows, nano brows, blade and shade, microblading - whatever the technique
you are interested in performing, as long as its only the eyebrow you are ok! Now the Body art license covers EVERYTHING else. If you are getting certified in lip blushing, areola tattoo, sculp micropigmentation or scar camouflage than you'll need the body art license. Even if you aren't planning on tattooing lions, sunsets or pet paws you'll need a full body art license.
The difference is very slight when you take the test. You will be provided with a little bit more time to complete the Body art license as there are few more questions than the microblading license.
How to prepare for your test?
Everything you need to know can be found in this document:
You are required to have it on hand in your shop so might as well print it out and study from it. Pay close attention to anything that talks about sanitization or the set up of your station as it will probably appear on your test ;-) It will cost you $50 to take the test and you can pay for it in person at the time of your appointment. Don't forget to bring your ID and keep your receipt as you can deduct it from your taxes!
You will be given a paper copy of the test and it is a multiple answer test. There is a small margin of error to pass it so don't stress too much!
Step 2: Get your First Aid, Bloodborne Pathogens/ Universal Precautions and CPR training
Safety first! Seriously, we're working with open skin and clients from all walks of life. Stay safe and keep them safe! To apply for your Body Art / Microblading license you will have to prove that you know a thing or two about First Aid, Bloodborne Pathogens and CPR. You can complete any of those trainings at a facility of your choice that is accredited. I prefer doing it online, at my own time with Red Cross. The portal is very easy to navigate and you receive your certification almost instantly after completing the class that can be then downloaded to your compyter and printed out. You will need several hours to go through all of this training but one day is definitely enough. They are about $35 per class; CPR and First Aid is in under one longer module. I highly reccomand doing them before you take your Body Art/ Microblading exam as some of this knowledge can appear on your test.
You can follow the links below to sign up and get started:
Step 3: Now you're ready to apply for your Body Art certification
Reach out to your local County Enviromental Health Office and request an application that will be then emailed to you. An online portal is used to upload all of the documents needed.
You will be able to go in and out of the link, so again - no stress!
A government-issued ID
A signed and notarized residency verification form (provided by DPH). Your local UPS store offers notary services usually without an appointment.
Hepatitis B vaccination status document or a signed declination. You can upload a proof of vaccine if it was done recently, you can get your titers checked (a blood test that checks levels of immunity) and provide the results or sign a declination.
Proof of completed CPR, First Aid and Bloodborne Pathogen class
If eveything goes as planned you will get your certification within few weeks, depenigng on the office you're working with. YEY!🎉
Step 4: Find the Perfect PMU Trainer
Okay, now it’s time for the fun part—learning the craft! You will need to find someone whose style you admire. Look trough their portoflio and study their approach. Do they like to work with bold colors and shapes or do you prefer when their work looks more natural. Reach out to them and interview them! They are working for you! At least ask them these questions:
How long have you been tattooing? Why did you decide to jump into this field?
What classes and trainings have you taken?
How long is your training program?
How much is your class?
What subjects are covered in the class?
Do you offer apprenticeships?
Will I be provided with live models?
Will I receive a full starter kit with a machine and tattoo inks?
Do you offer support after the class is over?
Those are all very important questions to ask! Pay attention to how they communicate, how fast they get back to you and if you like the way they explain things.
Overall do not fall for fast and cheap because if it's too good to be true than it will be a disaster! Remeber you want to be able to tattoo someones face after the training is done. Do your reserch, read their reviews and be patient.
Reach out if you are interested in training with me and we can chat about your new career!
Step 5: Get professional insurance 🎉
Let's hope you'll never need it... but it's required you carry professional liability insurance. Sometimes, depending on where you work you might also be required to carry general liability insurance.
You can find a provider here:
Every time you do research for your PMU licensing write down how many hours was dedicated and on what. You might need that to get profesional insurance once you are ready to see clients. Some insurance companies requre you to have 100h of exprecience. All of your classes, tests and applications count towards that time. Your tattoo practice sessions at home and YouTube research even counts too!
Wrapping It Up 🎀
At the end of the day, this career is about creativity, helping others, and doing something you love. So don’t stress too much—enjoy every step of the journey and have fun bringing beauty into the world, one gorgeous client at a time. 💖
Becoming a permanent makeup artist in Georgia is a fantastic and exciting journey! With the right training, practice, and passion, you’ll be transforming clients’ looks and making them feel like rockstars in no time. Keep learning, stay safe, and don’t forget to enjoy every moment of this creative career.
Good luck, future beauty pro! I can’t wait to see you on your PMU journey! ✨💄🌸
If you have more questions about training reach out! Let's talk about your future!
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