What certifications are required for Connecticut tattoo artists?

Updated January 5, 2020

Connecticut tattoo artists (formally known as Tattoo Technicians) are licensed by the state’s Department of Public Health.  One of the licensure requirements since January 1, 2015 is for Tattoo Technicians to provide a current American Heart Association or American Red Cross First Aid certification when they submit their license application.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also recognizes tattoo artists as having a risk of bloodborne pathogen exposure so annual training in Bloodborne Pathogens is also necessary.  An OSHA standard interpretation on this was written to reflect this requirement as it pertains to tattoo artists.

Code One has a couple easy options to get your First Aid and Bloodborne Pathogens training:

• BEACON Heartsaver First Aid:  Participants complete a portion of their training online and then schedule an appointment at any Code One location to complete their skill session.  Upon successful completion participants receive a Heartsaver First Aid certificate from the American Heart Association which fulfills Connecticut’s first aid training requirements for tattoo artists.

• BEACON Heartsaver Bloodborne Pathogens:  This is an online course which fulfills the OSHA bloodborne training requirement.

The Connecticut DPH has a Tattoo Technician Licensing guide at: https://www.ct.gov/dph/cwp/view.asp?a=3121&q=545770