2-Day Piercing Certification
PROFESSIONAL HOLLOW NEEDLE PIERCING TRAINING
BEGINNER-FRIENDLY | HANDS-ON | CAREER-FOCUSED
Arizona Piercing Academy has helped hundreds of aspiring piercers and beauty professionals build the skills, confidence, and industry knowledge needed to launch successful piercing careers.
Now, you can learn our proven piercing system through immersive, hands-on training—complete with live model experience, safety and sanitation education, business coaching, and ongoing support to help you begin piercing with confidence.
SCHEDULE
DAY ONE
Lecture, Demonstrations & Hands-On Practice
9:00 AM
WELCOME & INTRODUCTIONS
Meet your instructors, fellow students, and get an overview of the program.
9:30 AM
HISTORY, SANITATION & SAFETY PROTOCOLS
Explore the equipment and tools you'll be using. Learn essential safety and sanitation practices.
10:30 AM
PIERCING BASICS, TECHNIQUES, AND HANDS-ON PRACTICE
Dive into the fundamentals of piercing, including needle types, jewelry, and proper materials. Get comfortable handling hollow needles, jewelry, and other piercing tools.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
LUNCH BREAK
Enjoy a one-hour lunch break.
1:30 PM
LIVE PIERCING DEMONSTRATION BY INSTRUCTORS
Watch your instructors perform each piercing, showcasing sanitation, set-up, client consultation, and proper workflow.
3:30 PM
Q&A AND WRAP-UP
Review key takeaways, ask questions, and prepare for Day Two.
DAY TWO
Hands-On Training With Live Models
Put everything you've learned into practice while working on real clients under instructor supervision.
TECHNIQUE
Piercing setup and station preparation
Needle handling and control
Receiving tube techniques
Jewelry insertion
Proper placement and angles
CLIENT EXPERIENCE
Client consultation
Anatomy assessment
Client communication
Aftercare instructions
PORTFOLIO BUILDING
Live model piercings
Professional workflow
Confidence-building exercises
Instructor guidance and feedback
Student Testimonials
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Student Testimonials *
“Absolutely loved my time at the Academy! They really follow through on their promise to help you find work and build connections. Highly recommend!”
“This tattoo Academy played a huge role in giving me the confidence to take the leap from practicing on fake skin to tattooing real clients! The hands-on experience, support, and encouragement I received helped me trust my abilities and pursue tattooing as a career.
Today, I’m tattooing at Bold Beauty Company (located in Oldtown Scottsdale), which is an all-female studio! One of my favorite things about working there is the sense of community.
Everyone genuinely supports one another, celebrates each other’s successes, and is overall such a fun place to work. It’s a place that constantly inspires me to keep improving my tattoos and want to push myself to try new things :)”
— Jenni N.
“I graduated Arizona tattoo academy in late 2023 and since then I have been tattooing full-time. In the tattoo academy we learn the basics and it's truly up to us what we do with that knowledge.
I feel the tattoo academy helped my confidence starting something completely brand new and I don't know where I would be without making that jump!
These past 3 years have changed my life in ways that I cannot even imagine. I create my own schedule. I am able to travel when I want and deciding what tattoos I want to do now. I am forever expanding my knowledge forever creating and so thankful for the journey that this has been. I cannot wait to see what the next 3 years holds to what the next 10 years will look like.”
— Nikki P.
“I have had the honor of taking two courses both tattoos and piercing with this company. If you are looking to learning fine line tattoos or piercings I highly recommend.”
“It’s genuinely hard to put into words how grateful I am for the Academy.
It still feels like there’s no way I get to wake up everyday and meet/tattoo the most amazing women…at my studio…if you told me 3 years ago this is where I’d be today I definitely wouldn’t have believed you. 😭🥰
When I signed up for Arizona Tattoo Academy, I had just quit my full-time corporate job a few days earlier and decided to go all in. I’m not saying that’s the path everyone should take, but for me, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. After my first few tattoos, I never looked back. The Academy showed me that this wasn’t just a dream—it was something I could actually build into reality. They gave me the tools, guidance, and confidence to see what was possible.
If tattooing is something you’re considering, I’ll always encourage you to go for it. The opportunity is there. From that point on, it’s up to you to show up, put in the work, and chase the vision you have for yourself.
Take the leap. Then become completely obsessed with your craft!
Thank you for showing me what’s possible! 🫶🏻”
“Wow, just wow! I had the best experience attending the Arizona Tattoo Academy fine line tattooing course. It has absolutely changed my life in beautiful ways and I'm just getting started!”
“In July of 2023, I attended the Piercing Academy, and it completely changed the course of my life. Before then, I knew I wanted a career that allowed me to be creative, connect with people, and build something of my own, but I wasn’t sure what path would get me there. The academy gave me the education, confidence, and foundation I needed to pursue professional piercing.
Since graduating, I’ve opened my own business, Dazey Aesthetic Collective, alongside my amazing sister and have built a career that I truly love. Every day I get to help clients feel more confident while doing work that I’m passionate about. Looking back, attending the Piercing Academy was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and I can honestly say it set me on the path to creating the life and career I had always dreamed of.“
— Amari S.
DATES & ENROLLMENT
July 24th & 25th
Beginner Piercing Training
Phoenix, AZ
Instructor: Elaina L.
August 28th & 29th
Beginner Piercing Training
Phoenix, AZ
Instructor: Elaina L.
September TBD
Beginner Piercing Training
Phoenix, AZ
Instructor: Elaina L.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No experience is required. Our Beginner Piercing Course is designed for complete beginners. Whether you're brand new to the industry or already working in beauty, we'll teach you the fundamentals needed to begin performing piercings safely and professionally.
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Yes—with practice and continued application. During the course, you'll learn proper safety protocols, anatomy, jewelry selection, placement, and piercing techniques before working with live models under instructor supervision. Most students leave feeling confident in the foundational skills needed to begin their piercing journey.
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Many of our students work in tattoo shops, piercing studios, beauty businesses, salons, or med spas. Others rent space or start their own businesses. We cover business fundamentals and can help guide you through your next steps after graduation.
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We recommend booking an Airbnb in the 85018 area for convenience. If your model session is the same day you plan to fly home, plan your return flight at least 4 hours after your start time to ensure a smooth schedule.
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Piercing licensing varies by state. In Arizona, there are currently no state regulations, but we teach you the proper safety and sanitation protocols to meet the highest standards. If you plan to work in another state, reach out to your local health department to understand their requirements.
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During class, we’ll provide guidance on the best insurance options. We recommend Biberk.com—you can call them, explain your business model, and they’ll advise you on the right coverage for your needs.
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You’ll leave the class with everything you need to get started!
Your welcome kit includes: hollow needles, cannula needles, antiseptic lube, forester clamps, tapers, implant grade titanium jewelry, disposables, silicone nose and ear, surgical markers, alcohol wipes, and medical disinfectant spray.
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The total investment is $3,399. Payment plans available.
But more importantly, consider the alternative.
For most people, the traditional path into piercing is finding an apprenticeship—something that can take months or even years to secure. Many apprenticeships last 1–2 years, are unpaid, and often involve long periods of observation before you're trusted to take clients.
Our goal is different.
We've built a structured, hands-on program designed to help beginners develop real piercing skills, work on live models under instructor supervision, and leave with the confidence, portfolio, and business knowledge needed to start pursuing paid work as quickly as possible.
For many students, it's not just an investment in a class—it's an investment in starting their career years sooner.
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We can't guarantee your success, but we can guarantee our commitment to your success. If you complete the training, practice consistently, and apply what we teach, you'll have the knowledge, skills, and support needed to build a career in piercing.
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The course is completed over 2 days and there is no homework required. Just show up!
Day 1: Approximately 8 hours of hands-on training in a small group setting, with a lunch break. Lunch is not provided, but there are plenty of nearby options including Sushi Brokers, Chick-fil-A, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Pita Jungle, and One Stop Nutrition.
Day 2: A private 2.5-hour one-on-one session with your instructor, where you'll receive individualized guidance for the live model piercings.
After the course, your progress is entirely up to you. The more time you dedicate to practicing your skills, the faster you'll improve.
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It's all about perspective.
You can invest $3,400 in a structured education that gives you the knowledge, hands-on training, and roadmap to get started or spend years trying to secure an unpaid apprenticeship and if you get one, work for free.
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You'll learn from working industry professionals who actively pierce and serve clients, not career instructors who are removed from the day-to-day realities of the industry.
Alesha – Founder and educator specializing in both tattooing and piercing
Elaina – Piercing educator
Our team has trained hundreds of students and is passionate about helping aspiring artists build a strong foundation through hands-on, real-world education without the gatekeeping often found in traditional apprenticeships.
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We teach a proven piercing system focused on safety, precision, proper placement, and client experience.
Beyond technique, our curriculum is designed to give beginners a clear, structured path into the piercing industry without the confusion, gatekeeping, or years of unpaid apprenticeships that have traditionally limited access to professional training.
You'll gain hands-on experience with live models, learn industry best practices, and receive the business guidance needed to confidently begin your career after graduation.
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Absolutely. Equipment alone doesn't teach proper technique, safety protocols, anatomy, or client care. This course helps you learn how to use your tools safely and professionally while avoiding common mistakes that can impact both client results and your reputation.
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No. Everything you need for class is provided. You'll leave with the knowledge of exactly what equipment and supplies you'll need to continue practicing after class, and many students are ready to start working immediately. In fact, many beauty industry professionals begin lining up clients for shortly after completing the course.
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As a student, you'll have access to our team for questions, guidance, and support as you continue developing your piercing skills. Whether you're working through placement decisions, jewelry selection, anatomy considerations, client interactions, troubleshooting common issues, or simply figuring out your next steps in the industry, we're here to help point you in the right direction.
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The skills you learn in our program don't expire. Once you've completed training, the knowledge and techniques you gain are yours to keep for life.
Regarding licensing, see the licensing FAQ.
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Like any skill, piercing is a lifelong learning process. Our Beginner Piercing Course provides the foundation needed to begin your journey, but learning doesn't stop after graduation.
For students who want to continue expanding their skills, we offer Advanced Piercing Training exclusively for our graduates. These hands-on courses focus on more advanced placements and techniques, including industrials, septums, eyebrows, navels, nipples, tongues, rooks, and daith piercings.
Advanced training allows students to build on the fundamentals learned in the beginner course while gaining confidence with more complex anatomy, placements, and procedures under instructor guidance. Many students choose to enroll after gaining some real-world experience and are ready to take their skills to the next level.

