Body piercing involves the deliberate puncturing of human skin for ornamentation. Due to inherent risks, practitioners must maintain stringent health and safety standards. Oregon mandates a structured licensing process to ensure piercers possess the necessary technical skill and sanitation knowledge.
Understanding Oregon’s Regulatory Framework
The governance of body piercing in Oregon falls under the jurisdiction of the Oregon Health Authority (OHA). Oversight is managed by the Health Licensing Office (HLO) in consultation with the Board of Electrologists and Body Art Practitioners. This framework requires practitioners to adhere to strict standards of conduct and infection control.
The individual body piercer license verifies the practitioner’s competence. A separate facility license ensures the physical location meets all structural and operational health requirements for performing body art services.
Fulfilling Required Education and Training
Oregon requires prospective piercers to complete 750 hours of combined theoretical and practical instruction for licensure. This ensures a deep understanding of safety, anatomy, and proper procedure.
The 750 hours are divided into 250 hours of theory and 500 hours of practical experience. Theory must include a minimum of 70 hours in anatomy, physiology, and histology, and 50 hours focused on infection control. Other required topics include jewelry, equipment, ethics, legalities, and client consultation.
Apprenticeship Requirements
A common pathway is a supervised apprenticeship, known as a trainee license program. The applicant must secure a licensed supervisor to oversee and document all training activities. The trainee must obtain a temporary trainee license from the Health Licensing Office before beginning practical work on the public.
The supervisor verifies the completion of required hours and procedures using an official HLO form. Direct supervision means the supervisor must be present in the facility and actively involved in the oversight and training. This agreement functions as structured, on-the-job education.
Approved Body Piercing School Programs
An alternative route is enrollment in an OHA-approved body piercing career school course. A formal school program must meet the same 750-hour curriculum and requirements as an apprenticeship. The theoretical portion must be completed before the practical experience begins.
A school provides a structured environment that guarantees the required hours and content are covered, culminating in an official transcript. This transcript serves as the primary proof of education when applying for the final license.
Required Training Hours
The 500 hours of practical experience must include a minimum of 300 meticulously documented procedures. These procedures must encompass client consultation, cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization techniques.
The HLO mandates that 100 procedures involve observation and participation by the trainee. The remaining 200 procedures must be performed by the trainee under the direct supervision of the approved mentor, without assistance.
The practical experience must also include specific types of standard body piercings, such as procedures on the septum, eyebrow, navel, male and female nipples, and earlobes. This ensures the piercer is exposed to a variety of anatomical sites and develops a broad set of technical skills.
Obtaining Required Health and Safety Certifications
Before applying for the license, candidates must secure documentation of specific health and safety training. This ensures applicants are ready to implement infection control protocols and manage risks associated with infectious materials and medical emergencies.
A current certification in Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) training is mandatory and must be obtained from an HLO-approved provider. This training must comply with U.S. federal guidelines for occupational exposure, educating practitioners on pathogen transmission, proper use of personal protective equipment, and safe handling of sharps. This certification is valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
Applicants must also provide proof of current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and basic first aid training. The HLO requires these certifications be obtained through a hands-on course or a blended format that includes a demonstrable skills assessment. These certifications prepare the piercer to manage common emergencies such as fainting or allergic reactions.
Applying for the Oregon Body Piercer License
The final stage is the administrative application, submitted after all training and prerequisite certifications are complete. The applicant must submit a comprehensive application form to the Health Licensing Office, along with the required application fee.
Required documents include proof that the applicant is at least 18 years of age and proof of a high school diploma or GED. The most substantial documentation is the signed certificate of training, verifying the completion of the 750 hours of theory and practical experience.
Once the HLO accepts the application, the applicant is authorized to take the state-prepared written and practical examinations. These exams test theoretical knowledge of Oregon laws, anatomy, and infection control, as well as the ability to perform a procedure safely. A minimum passing score of 75 percent is required on both exams. Upon passing and paying the final licensing fees, the initial standard body piercer license is issued, typically valid for one year.
Navigating Facility Licensing and Inspection Requirements
An individual body piercer license requires practice to occur within a currently licensed facility. The OHA requires a separate body art facility license to ensure the physical environment meets public health standards. The facility owner is responsible for securing this license.
Facility licensing involves a detailed inspection and requires compliance with standards for sanitation, waste disposal, and equipment sterilization. This includes proper ventilation, durable non-porous surfaces, and dedicated areas for sterilization equipment like autoclaves. The piercer must ensure their specific workspace is compliant with operational and infection control standards.
Facilities must maintain detailed records of sterilization equipment maintenance and spore testing. The piercer must only use single-use, sterile needles and ensure all reusable instruments are properly cleaned and sterilized between clients. Working in an unlicensed facility is a violation for both the piercer and the owner, potentially leading to immediate disciplinary action.
Maintaining and Renewing Your License
Maintaining an active body piercer license requires ongoing compliance with deadlines and health requirements. The standard license is valid for one year and must be renewed before expiration. Renewal involves submitting an application form and paying the associated fee to the Health Licensing Office.
The renewal process mandates the continuation of health and safety education. This is primarily fulfilled through the annual renewal of the Bloodborne Pathogens certification from an OHA-approved provider. The piercer must also promptly notify the HLO within ten calendar days of any change in employment status or work location.