08 Apr Microblading Certification. What Does it Mean in Canada?
Did you know that in Canada there is no regulatory body for the microblading or permanent makeup industry?
This means that absolutely anyone can perform these services AND teach them, with little to no training or education and no permanent makeup or microblading certification. With lack of regulation there has been an exponential increase in quick courses and poor training. Some courses are even offered online, with no hands-on training at all, and many are only 2-3 days long.
How Does an Artist Earn Permanent Makeup and Microblading Certification in Canada?
Attending a class and receiving a “certificate” does not certify a microblader or permanent makeup artist, there is no such thing in Canada. With no governing body to regulate the cosmetic tattoo industry, a certificate is simply a piece of paper printed by a private organization, some looking prettier than others.
Our artists have been in this industry for some time and are passionate about lobbying for better education and training standards. With the lack of standardized training in Canada, we have each elected to become certified through the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals (SPCP). The SPCP is a US organization that has been leading our industry for over 25 years to ensure education standards worldwide.
To become a Certified Permanent Cosmetic Professional (CPCP) with the SPCP, artists must complete a minimum 100-hour permanent makeup fundamentals program, obtain a bloodborne pathogens certificate and complete an industry specific examination that requires an 85% passing grade. Renewal of certification requires a minimum of 12 hrs advanced training each year and continued up-to-date bloodborne pathogens certification.
What Does This Mean for Halcyon Cosmetic Clients?
100 hours of education, guaranteed advanced education hours per year, and CPCP certification gives our clients peace of mind. They understand that at Halcyon Cosmetic we have the required knowledge to handle their skin safely, as well as handle potential issues that may arise. We are also continuously learning to keep up to date with changes and new techniques in the industry.
Bloodborne pathogens certification training covers Occupational Health and Safety Guidelines for anyone who comes in contact with blood and body fluids. It covers the procedural practices for prevention of disease and infection and is compulsory in many countries to work in the tattooing field, but is not compulsory in Canada for the permanent makeup industry. Certification requires yearly renewal to keep up to date with changes or practices in the industry, as well as to keep understanding and awareness of safe practices in the forefront.
Permanent makeup or cosmetic tattoos permanently alter the skin. It is frightening that we have so little regulation in Canada. At Halcyon Cosmetic we believe strongly that educating consumers to ask for proof of training or certification is the only way we will begin to eliminate un-trained technicians and poor work in our industry. Certification and regulations in the permanent makeup industry will only become mandatory with enough consumer demand.
Please feel free to message us if you have any further questions.
* Always look for the BLUE CPCP logo. Being a member of SPCP and displaying the PINK SPCP logo does not indicate certification. Only those who have completed the requirements and examination for certification can display the BLUE CPCP logo.
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