Certified Paramedical Tattoo Professional
board certification for paramedical tattooing
Become one of the first artists to earn this distinguished industry designation. Meet State licensing requirements by earning Certified Paramedical Tattoo Professional (CPTP) designation.
CPTP Exam Dates
2025 October 6th: Tulsa, OK - In person, exclusively offered to SPCP Paramedical Summit attendees.
2026 Online Exam Dates Coming Soon
Bloodborne Pathogens courses
Approved SPCP Bloodborne Pathogens Online Courses
What is CPTP Certification?
Certified Paramedical tattoo Professional (CPTP) is a board-certified examination for paramedical tattooing certification. It was created by the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals (SPCP) to address the increasing demand for certifications tailored specifically to paramedical services.
CPTP stands for Certified Paramedical Tattoo Professional. This board-certification requires applicants to demonstrate a specified number of study hours and training that includes advanced techniques in paramedical, possess a current bloodborne pathogens certificate and successfully complete an industry-specific, board certified exam.
CPTP certification is like other delegations that must be earned and maintained. The SPCP requires its CPTP delegates to renew every two years.
ABOUT THE EXAM
In 2025 the exam will be held, in person, at the SPCP Paramedical Summit on Monday October 6, in Tulsa, OK.
Starting 2026, the exam will be taken online with a live proctor and offered once a month. Upcoming exam dates will be available on the SPCP Website and in your application form.
The industry specific exam contains 100 questions
+ A pass of 81% is required for certification
+ The exam encompasses questions related to fundamental theory as well as specific paramedical topics. You can find the subjects covered in the exam listed below
+ The exam IS NOT an open book exam
EXAM & RENEWAL FEES
+ Application fee for all applicants is $300.00 USD and is non-refundable. This fee will cover the 2-year certification period if the exam is passed.
+ Renewal fee for Members is $150.00 USD, and is non-refundable; and for Non-Members it is $250.00 USD, and is non-refundable.
NOTE:
- If renewal fee is paid, but candidate does not qualify for CPTP renewal, the payment is non-refundable.
- If applicant does not pass the exam, the applicant will be charged an additional exam application fee of $150 to re-take the exam.
- If applicant fails to show for the exam or cancels less than 72 hours before, the applicant will be required to re-submit application and pay an additional application fee of $150.00 USD.
CPTP Application & Renewal Information
CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS FOR EXAMINATION
+ Technician members of the SPCP are not required to take the CPTP examination in order to maintain membership.
+ Non members may take the examination even though member eligibility is required. This means a candidate must accept and abide by the SPCP Code of Ethics.
CPTP APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
+ A minimum of 100 hours of coursework in the area of body art tattooing or permanent cosmetics, with designated training hours in paramedical, is required. If less than 100 hours, additional continuing education specific to the industry and including paramedical must be completed to reach a total of 100 hours.
Note: CPCP certificate holders can apply this towards a total of 80 hours, with an additional 20 hours dedicated specifically to paramedical education.
+ Proof of hours are required.
- If they are not listed on a certificate, a short note from the trainer specifying hours is acceptable.
- Hours will not be accepted if fraud is suspected and/or signed off by your place of business.
- SPCP audits all continuing education certificates.
+ A certificate from a current Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) class. Classes must be industry specific & on the list of SPCP approved courses. (See List Below). OSHA Standard is required if the candidate works in the USA.
+ The candidate must be currently active in the permanent cosmetics or body art tattooing industry or has recently completed a training program or apprenticeship.
+ A completed application is required with a copy of a photo ID, documentation of classes and/or continuing education, proof of the Bloodborne Pathogens Class, and the required fees.
NOTE: The application must be submitted a minimum of 14 days before the exam. An incomplete submission will not be processed. Do not send membership certificates or copies of certificates from other programs or industries such as cosmetology, esthetics, nursing, etc.
CPTP RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS
To maintain your Certified Paramedical Tattoo Professional status you are required to renew every 2 years. To renew your CPTP you must;
+ Complete CPTP renewal application & payment
+ Submit an updated certificate of completion of approved Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) class. Classes must be industry specific & on the list of SPCP approved courses. OSHA Standard is required if the candidate works in the USA.
+ Proof of 12 hours of cosmetic or body tattoo industry focused continuing education in the past 2 years, this must include a minimum of 4 hours specific to paramedical services.
- Proof of hours are required. If they are not listed on a certificate, a short note from the trainer specifying hours is acceptable.
- Hours will not be accepted if fraud is suspected and/or signed off by your place of business. SPCP audits all continuing education certificates.
+ Continue to abide by the SPCP Code of Ethics
* Please refer to the SPCP TERMS & CONDITIONS PAGE
BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS COURSES
Approved SPCP Bloodborne Pathogens Online Courses
NOTE: Should your school or training organization offer a bloodborne pathogens course you can request an SPCP review for it to be added to the SPCP Approved Courses.
Preparing For The Examination
EXAM SUBJECTS
The exam will consist of the following subjects
Infection Control
+ Infection Control consists of: prevention cross contamination, hand washing, specific infection control terminology/definitions (such as sepsis, asepsis, sanitation, sterilization, etc.), methods of transmission of infections, knowledge of herpes virus, hepatitis virus, and other bloodborne pathogens and other potentially infectious materials, etc.
Pigment / Inks
Pigments/Inks consist of: color theory (traditional color theory, permanent cosmetics color theory, and differences), undertones, color correction, pigment ingredients (powders, organic, inorganic, carrier/hydrating solutions, etc.), pigment/ink allergic reaction correlation, potential interactions with medical testing equipment, etc.
Technical Application
Technical Application consists of: application of theory to practical application (tattoo technique best practices, skin stretching, practical application of color theory, the healing process, color retention, etc.)
Anatomy & Physiology
Anatomy & Physiology (A&P) consists of: terms used to describe the study of related anatomical and physiological characteristics, their purpose and function, healing processes, etc.
Diseases & Disorders
Diseases & Disorders (D&D) consists of: definitions and characteristics of commonly encountered disorders, methods of transmission, vaccinations, etc.
Regulations
Regulations consists of: health regulations as they may concern permanent cosmetics, regular vs. regulated waste, disposal requirements, and oversight agencies, etc.
Legal
Legal consists of: legal protection/waivers, scope of practice, insurance/ lawyers, documentation/photos, etc.
Client Management/Documentation
Client Management/Documentation consists of: client comfort, client history and procedure documentation, best practices when working with clients, etc.
RESOURCE LIST
The SPCP has developed the Certification Examination at the fundamental level so those professionals, having successfully completed training that meets the CPCP Candidate requirement, and have attended a bloodborne pathogens class, should be able to pass the exam studying training materials.
The following resources have been used as reference materials for the SPCP Certification Examination and can be very helpful for those professionals who would like to review prior taking the exam.
These publications are available through the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals and this website.
Primary Resources
Permanent Cosmetics—The Foundation of Fundamental Applications, 2nd Edition. This book is a major resource for the exam. The purchase of this book is valid for 20 Hours (CEU's) that be used towards your CPCP & CPTP application or renewal. You will need your receipt of purchase to upload in application or renewal.
The Foundation of Fundamental Applications Second Ed Student Workbook. The purchase of this book is valid for 12 Hours (CEU's) that be used towards your CPCP & CPTP application or renewal. You will need your receipt of purchase to upload in application or renewal.
Principles of Infection Control for the Tattoo Industry. The purchase of this book is valid for 3 Hours (CEU's) that be used towards your CPCP & CPTP application or renewal. You will need your receipt of purchase to upload in application or renewal.
Areola and Nipple Repigmentation for the Permanent Cosmetic Professional. Available in Hardcopy & E-version. The purchase of this book is valid for 3 Hours (CEU's) that be used towards your CPCP & CPTP application or renewal. You will need your receipt of purchase to upload in application or renewal.
Glossary of Industry Terms - The purpose of this glossary was originally to assist those who are non-English speaking as their primary language to better understand some common terms used in the US that may not have clear translations into other languages. The glossary has since been expanded and can also serve as a study aid for candidates preparing for the CPCP examination who wish to review terminology. It is available for download from the SPCP website HERE
Bloodborne Pathogens Standard OSHA Regulations (Standards-29 CFR)
Occupational Safety & Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20210, 800-321-OSHA. http://www.osha.gov
CPTP FAQ's
Do I need to be a member to take the CPTP board certified exam?
No, membership is not required; however, members are awarded a generous discount.
What advantage is there if I am an SPCP member?
SPCP members can take the exam and renew certification at a greatly reduced fee. Only SPCP members may additionally display the SPCP logo.
Is the CPTP Examination required for membership?
The CPTP exam is not mandatory; it is a voluntary credentialing exam. If you choose not to take the exam, that decision does not prevent you from being a member, nor will it replace the membership provisions if the exam is taken.
What is Certified Paramedical Tattoo Professional (CPTP)?
The CPTP is a board-certified examination for paramedical tattooing certification. It was created to address the increasing demand for certifications tailored specifically to paramedical services.
CPTP stands for Certified Paramedical Tattoo Professional. This board-certification requires applicants to demonstrate a specified number of study hours and training that includes advanced techniques in paramedical, possess a current bloodborne pathogens certificate and successfully complete an industry-specific, board certified exam.
CPTP certification is like other delegations that must be earned and maintained. The SPCP requires its CPTP delegates to renew every two years.
What does this mean?
Certification is a formal recognition of comprehension of a specific body of knowledge demonstrated at the examination time and becomes a long-term investment in a professional's career.
How was the examination developed?
The SPCP Paramedical board certified exam was developed using independent university professors with training in professional test writing. Educational resources are provided by SPCP and industry leaders.
Why has the SPCP chosen not to employ elements of hands-on testing, including chart review or photos of procedural work as part of the certification process?
There are no consistent ways for the SPCP to conduct hands-on testing or to review photos of cosmetic or paramedical tattooing and remain completely objective. Results of testing in this fashion make it extremely difficult to monitor the effectiveness of the candidate or test administrator.
How will I know if I passed?
The exam results will be sent to the email address listed on the application. If you did not pass, you will be informed of the areas of weakness and be eligible to apply for retesting within one year without showing further proof of education. If you do not successfully pass the exam upon the second attempt, you will need to wait a full calendar year and begin the process over again. The re-test fee is greatly reduced. From the 100-question multiple-choice exam, the minimum passing score is 81.
How soon will I receive the results of the exam?
The results will be emailed to you within two weeks of taking the exam.
Certification renewal is every two years. Do I need to retake the examination?
If the Certified Paramedical Tattoo Professional (CPCP) complies with the guidelines of accumulating at least 12 hours of continuing education in permanent cosmetics and paramedical tattooing every two years, and remains current with their bloodborne pathogens classes, the exam does not have to be taken again. A renewal notice will be sent at least four weeks before your certification's two-year anniversary date. The SPCP must always have a current address since we cannot be responsible for undelivered mail. Failure to renew on time forfeits the right to use the CPTP logo and advertise certification. If the CPTP does not renew on time, re-testing is mandatory, so it is essential to know when your certification expires - listed on the certificate.
What should I expect on the day of the online exam?
The time permitted for the completion of the 100-question CPTP Exam test is 90 minutes.
Once the identification process begins you will not be permitted to leave the testing area for any reason until the exam is completed.
Physical Onsite Requirements:
+ Webcam with the ability of moving it for 360 degree viewing by the proctor, who will also have access to your screen
+ Quality internet connection
You will be provided with a link to connect to the exam via email; fifteen minutes before the pre-arranged exam time you will be provided with information to get into a chat with your proctor.
+ The proctor will be able to view your desktop, nothing else can be running.
+ You will provide your ID that was submitted with the application and the proctor may ask general questions to further verify your identity.
+ You will be asked to show your desk area and a 360-degree visual of your surroundings to ensure nothing is present on the desk and no one is in the room with you.
+ You will have an opportunity to ask questions before the exam starts.
+ Be sure to enter your information exactly as it appeared on the application.
+ Your email address must be accurate as this is how you will receive your test results.
During the Exam:
+ You will control the pace of the exam and only move to the next question when you desire to; keep in mind that 90 minutes are allotted for 100 questions.
+ You will be observed through your webcam by the proctor while you are taking the exam.
+ The exam is also recorded.
+ If any attempts are made to stray from the exam while in session, a red warning screen comes up and the exam can be stopped.
+ The system monitors for unusual test-taking behaviors such as eyes straying from exam.
EXAMINATION POLICIES:
Cancellation
• If a exam candidate must cancel or reschedule, they must do so within 48 hours in advance of their appointment to avoid forfeiture of the exam fee. Exam fees are nonrefundable.
Tardiness
• The candidate must check in 15 minutes before the exam time. After 15 minutes have lapsed, they will be refused examination, risk their fee, and must reapply for the exam.
How do I apply for the CPTP exam?
You will have to complete an application form and submit all eligibility requirements including; proof of 100 hours of coursework in the area of body art tattooing or permanent cosmetics with designated training hours in paramedical and an updated bloodborne pathogens certificate. There is an application fee to pay upon submission.
How will I know if my my application has been approved for me to take the exam?
Once your application is submitted, it is reviewed and you will be notified by email no less than 7 days prior to the exam date. If your application is not approved and requires more information, you will be notified by email also.
What happens if I do not pass the exam?
If you do not pass the exam with an 81% score, you will be notified by email within 7 days of taking the exam. You will have an opportunity to re-take the exam within 12 months without full application but a fee is payable upon re-application. If you do not pass the 2nd time you will need to wait 12 months and re-apply with a full application submitted.
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