Advancing standards in permanent cosmetics practice
AAM membership provides Board Certification that clearly communicates your qualifications to clients, students, regulators, and insurers. Credentials that reflect your documented training and current responsibilities.
Why Membership Matters
When "permanent" defines your practice, standards are non-negotiable
You're working in an industry where "permanent" isn't just part of the job title—it's a promise to your clients. But with inconsistent training, shifting regulations, and growing scrutiny from health departments and insurers, even skilled artists can feel like their qualifications get lost in the noise.
AAM membership cuts through that. It's your structured way to prove you're qualified—for clients, students, regulators, and yourself. Start where you are today. Advance as you grow.
Addressing industry realities
What PMU Professionals Are Up Against in 2026
The industry is crowded with inconsistent training; verifiable credentials cut through the noise.
Regulations are tightening rapidly; standards must evolve to protect practitioners and clients alike.
Clients, students, and regulators demand clear signals of competence—not just marketing claims.
Clarity in a complex & changing landscape
In an environment of increasing regulatory attention and heightened public awareness, informal titles and unverified claims can create uncertainty for patients, clients, and institutions.
AAM membership offers a defined credentialing structure that clarifies your role and demonstrates your commitment to safe, ethical practice.
How AAM Membership Works
A straightforward path from practitioner to trainer
Membership is organized into levels that correspond to your current role and responsibilities. You begin where your documented training and experience support you, then advance as you meet new criteria.
01
Identify Your Membership Eligibility
Review the membership descriptions or complete the Eligibility Assessment to see which level matches your background.
02
Submit documentation & complete your exam
Provide required training records and, where applicable, sit for the appropriate examination.
01
Receive your credential & Gain Authority
Give patients, clients, students, and regulators a clear signal that you take your responsibilities seriously.
Membership Levels at a Glance
Choose the membership level that reflects your current role
foundational membership
Community
For individuals learning permanent cosmetics, building skills, or re-engaging with best practices.
Focus: Education and professional orientation
You gain: Access to learning resources and community support
You are not: Listed as Board Certified or recognized as a trainer at this level
Board Certified Artist
Gold
For practicing artists who have completed recognized training and met Board Certification requirements.
Focus: Safe, competent independent practice
You gain: Board Certified Artist designation and eligibility for directory listing
You signal: You meet defined standards for permanent cosmetics practice
Board Certified Artist (NJ Only)
Gold NJ
For New Jersey-based artists who meet Board Certification requirements in alignment with state expectations.
Focus: Practice in or focused on New Jersey
You gain: Gold-level recognition with NJ-specific alignment
You signal: Attention to state-level regulatory requirements
Board Certified Trainer
Diamond
For Board Certified Artists who educate practitioners using AAM-aligned curricula.
Focus: Training and curriculum delivery
You gain: Board Certified Trainer designation and visibility to prospective students
You signal: Your program has been reviewed for alignment with AAM training standards
Board Certified Trainer (NJ Only)
Platinum
Intended for New Jersey-based trainers whose programs meet both AAM training standards and applicable New Jersey requirements.
Focus: Training under NJ regulatory framework
You gain: Most stringent trainer designation within AAM
You signal: Compliance with AAM and NJ expectations for training and oversight
Membership Comparison Table
Recognition & responsibilities by membership level
The table below is designed to assist applicants in understanding how recognition, scope of responsibility, and public signaling change across membership categories.
ASPECT
Primary role
Credential type
Test Fee/Renewal
Public directory listing
Use of AAM logo
Access to education
Other key benefits
Liability Insurance
Core eligibility highlights
Principal responsibility
Typical applicant profile
Community
Primary Role
Developing practitioner
Credential type
Foundational membership
Public directory listing
Not listed as Board Certified
Use of AAM logo
Not applicable
Access to education
Online education (Community level)
Other key benefits
First year membership included with test fee
Complimentary study guide
Interactive group coaching
1:1 latex review
Access to industry forms and downloads
Liability Insurance
Liability Insurance ($1M aggregate/$1M per occurance/$1M products completed)
Liability Insurance
Micropigmentation Training Certification
Bloodborne Pathogen Certification
Photograph of Tray Setup
Identification
Community Exam (Online)
Principal responsibility
Acquisition and demonstration of core competencies
Typical applicant profile
Acquisition and demonstration of core competencies
Community
Developing practitioner
Foundational membership
$197 (USD) Test Fee/ $197 Annual Membership Renewal
Not listed as Board Certified
Not applicable
Online education (Community level)
Liability Insurance ($1M aggregate/$1M per occurance/$1M products completed)
Acquisition and demonstration of core competencies
Early‑stage or returning practitioner seeking structure and support
Community
Developing practitioner
Foundational membership
$197 (USD) Test Fee/ $197 Annual Membership Renewal
Not listed as Board Certified
Not applicable
Online education (Community level)
First year membership included with test fee
Complimentary study guide
Interactive group coaching
Access to industry forms and downloads
Proof of Insurance Insurance ($3M liability)
Micropigmentation Training Certification
Bloodborne Pathogen Certification
Photograph of Tray Setup
Identification
Community Exam (Online)
Acquisition and demonstration of core competencies
Early‑stage or returning practitioner seeking structure and support
Gold / Gold NJ
Practicing artist
Board Certified Artist
$397 (USD) Test Fee / $397 Annual Membership Renewal
Eligible for listing as Board Certified Artist
Use of AAM GOLD logo permitted
Online education (Community and Gold levels)
Digital Certificate: Gold Board Certified
First year membership included with test feeComplimentary study guide
Interactive group coaching
Access to industry forms and downloads
Proof of Insurance Insurance ($3M liability)
Gold Requirements
• 100-hour Micropigmentation Training Certification -or- Proof of 2 years industry experience
Bloodborne Pathogen Certification
• Business License
• 5 Procedure Samples: Before & After Photos that show entire procedure area clearly
• Photograph of Tray Setup
• Sample of Client Intake Forms
• Identification
• Gold Exam (online)
$397 (USD) Test Fee (includes 1 FREE year of Gold Membership once completed)
• Membership Renewal (required)
• Recertification required every 2 years**
Gold NJ Requirements
• 100-hour Micropigmentation Fundamentals Training Certification (machine brows, eyeliner, and lips) from an approved AAM or SPCP Instructor
• Bloodborne Pathogen Certification
• Letter of Apprenticeship (5 brows, 5 eyeliner, 5 lips)
• Before & After Photos of 15 Procedures (must show entire procedure area clearly)
• Sample of Client Intake Forms
• Identification
• Gold NJ Exam (online)
$397 (USD) Test Fee (includes 1 FREE year of Gold Membership once completed)
• Membership Renewal (required)
• Recertification required every 2 years**
Safe, ethical delivery of permanent cosmetics services consistent with Board standards
Established practitioner seeking formal Board Certification and public recognition
Diamond
Educator / Trainer
Board Certified Trainer
$400 (USD) One-time Upgrade / $397 Annual Membership Renewal
Eligible for listing as Board Certified Trainer
Use of AAM DIAMOND logo permitted
Online education at Community, Gold, Diamond and Platinum levels
Digital Certificate: Diamond Board Certified
Complimentary study guide
Access to industry forms and downloads
Proof of Insurance Insurance ($3M liability)
Active Gold Membership
4 Years Industry Experience (demonstrated through training certificates or business license)
15 Hours of Continued Education (in most recent 18 months)
Identification
5 Before & Afters for every procedure taught
Syllabus – Summary of Course Breakdown (must include at least 2 supervised procedures and review of additional 4 unsupervised procedures)
Full Curriculum
Diamond Exam (online)
Safe, ethical preparation of practitioners through an AAM‑aligned curriculum
Practitioner with formal teaching responsibilities and a defined curriculum to be evaluated against AAM standards
Platinum
Educator / Trainer (NJ)
Board Certified Trainer (NJ)
$500 (USD) One-time Upgrade / $397 Annual Membership Renewal
Eligible for listing as NJ Board Certified Trainer
Use of AAM PLATINUM logo permitted
Online education at Community, Gold and Platinum levels
Digital Certificate: Platinum Board Certified
Complimentary study guide
Access to industry forms and downloads
Apprenticeship letter template for students
Proof of Insurance Insurance ($3M liability)
Active Gold NJ Membership
4 Years Industry Experience (demonstrated through training certificates or business license)
15 Hours of Continued Education (in most recent 18 months)
Identification
5 Before & Afters for every procedure taught
Syllabus – Summary of Course Breakdown (must include at least 6 supervised procedures)
Full Curriculum
Platinum Exam (online)
Safe, ethical preparation of practitioners through a curriculum meeting AAM and New Jersey requirements
Trainer operating in, or primarily focused on, New Jersey who requires alignment with state training requirements
Community
Primary Role
Developing practitioner
Credential type
Foundational membership
Test Fee/Renewal
$197 (USD) Test Fee/ $197 Annual Membership Renewal
Public directory listing
Not listed as Board Certified
Use of AAM logo
Not applicable
Access to education
Online education (Community level)
Other key benefits
First year membership included with test fee
Complimentary study guide
Interactive group coaching
Access to industry forms and downloads
Liability Insurance
Not applicable
Core eligibility highlights
Micropigmentation Training Certification
Bloodborne Pathogen Certification
Photograph of Tray Setup
Identification
Community Exam (Online)
Principal responsibility
Acquisition and demonstration of core competencies
Typical applicant profile
Acquisition and demonstration of core competencies
Community
Developing practitioner
Foundational membership
$197 (USD) Test Fee/ $197 Annual Membership Renewal
Not listed as Board Certified
Not applicable
Online education (Community level)
First year membership included with test fee
Complimentary study guide
Interactive group coaching
1:1 latex review
Access to industry forms and downloads
Liability Insurance ($1M aggregate/$1M per occurance/$1M products completed)
Micropigmentation Training Certification
Bloodborne Pathogen Certification
Photograph of Tray Setup
Identification
Community Exam (Online)
Acquisition and demonstration of core competencies
Early‑stage or returning practitioner seeking structure and support
Gold / Gold NJ
Primary Role
Practicing artist
Credential type
Board Certified Artist
Test Fee/Renewal
$397 (USD) Test Fee / $397 Annual Membership Renewal
Public directory listing
Eligible for listing as Board Certified Artist
Use of AAM logo
Use of AAM GOLD logo permitted
Access to education
Online education (Community and Gold levels)
Other key benefits
Digital Certificate: Gold Board Certified
First year membership included with test feeComplimentary study guide
Interactive group coaching
Access to industry forms and downloads
Liability Insurance
Proof Of Insurance ($3M Liability)
Core eligibility highlights
Gold Requirements
• 100-hour Micropigmentation Training Certification -or- Proof of 2 years industry experience
• Bloodborne Pathogen Certification
• Business License
• 5 Procedure Samples: Before & After Photos that show entire procedure area clearly
• Photograph of Tray Setup
• Sample of Client Intake Forms
• Identification
• Gold Exam (online)
$397 (USD) Test Fee (includes 1 FREE year of Gold Membership once completed)
• Membership Renewal (required)
• Recertification required every 2 years**
Gold NJ Requirements
• 100-hour Micropigmentation Fundamentals Training Certification (machine brows, eyeliner, and lips) from an approved AAM or SPCP Instructor
• Bloodborne Pathogen Certification
• Letter of Apprenticeship (5 brows, 5 eyeliner, 5 lips)
• Before & After Photos of 15 Procedures (must show entire procedure area clearly)
• Sample of Client Intake Forms
• Identification
• Gold NJ Exam (online)
$397 (USD) Test Fee (includes 1 FREE year of Gold Membership once completed)
• Membership Renewal (required)
• Recertification required every 2 years**
Principal responsibility
Safe, ethical delivery of permanent cosmetics services consistent with Board standards
Typical applicant profile
Established practitioner seeking formal Board Certification and public recognition
Community
Developing practitioner
Foundational membership
$197 (USD) Test Fee/ $197 Annual Membership Renewal
Not listed as Board Certified
Not applicable
Online education (Community level)
First year membership included with test fee
Complimentary study guide
Interactive group coaching
1:1 latex review
Access to industry forms and downloads
Liability Insurance ($1M aggregate/$1M per occurance/$1M products completed)
Micropigmentation Training Certification
Bloodborne Pathogen Certification
Photograph of Tray Setup
Identification
Community Exam (Online)
Acquisition and demonstration of core competencies
Early‑stage or returning practitioner seeking structure and support
Diamond
Primary Role
Educator / Trainer
Credential type
Board Certified Trainer
Test Fee/Renewal
$400 (USD) One-time Upgrade / $397 Annual Membership Renewal
Public directory listing
Eligible for listing as Board Certified Trainer
Use of AAM logo
Use of AAM DIAMOND logo permitted
Access to education
Online education at Community, Gold, Diamond and Platinum levels
Other key benefits
Digital Certificate: Diamond Board Certified
Complimentary study guide
Access to industry forms and downloads
Liability Insurance
Proof Of Insurance ($3M Liability)
Core eligibility highlights
Active Gold Membership
4 Years Industry Experience (demonstrated through training certificates or business license)
15 Hours of Continued Education (in most recent 18 months)
Identification
5 Before & Afters for every procedure taught
Syllabus – Summary of Course Breakdown (must include at least 2 supervised procedures and review of additional 4 unsupervised procedures)
Full Curriculum
Diamond Exam (online)
Principal responsibility
Safe, ethical preparation of practitioners through an AAM‑aligned curriculum
Typical applicant profile
Practitioner with formal teaching responsibilities and a defined curriculum to be evaluated against AAM standards
Community
Developing practitioner
Foundational membership
$197 (USD) Test Fee/ $197 Annual Membership Renewal
Not listed as Board Certified
Not applicable
Online education (Community level)
First year membership included with test fee
Complimentary study guide
Interactive group coaching
1:1 latex review
Access to industry forms and downloads
Liability Insurance ($1M aggregate/$1M per occurance/$1M products completed)
Micropigmentation Training Certification
Bloodborne Pathogen Certification
Photograph of Tray Setup
Identification
Community Exam (Online)
Acquisition and demonstration of core competencies
Early‑stage or returning practitioner seeking structure and support
Platinum
Primary Role
Educator / Trainer (NJ)
Credential type
Board Certified Trainer (NJ)
Test Fee/Renewal
$500 (USD) One-time Upgrade / $397 Annual Membership Renewal
Public directory listing
Eligible for listing as NJ Board Certified Trainer
Use of AAM logo
Use of AAM PLATINUM logo permitted
Access to education
Online education at Community, Gold and Platinum levels
Other key benefits
Digital Certificate: Platinum Board Certified
Complimentary study guide
Access to industry forms and downloads
Apprenticeship letter template for students
Liability Insurance
Proof Of Insurance ($3M Liability)
Core eligibility highlights
Active Gold NJ Membership
4 Years Industry Experience (demonstrated through training certificates or business license)
15 Hours of Continued Education (in most recent 18 months)
Identification
5 Before & Afters for every procedure taught
Syllabus – Summary of Course Breakdown (must include at least 6 supervised procedures)
Full Curriculum
Platinum Exam (online)
Principal responsibility
Safe, ethical preparation of practitioners through a curriculum meeting AAM and New Jersey requirements
Typical applicant profile
Trainer operating in, or primarily focused on, New Jersey who requires alignment with state training requirements
Community
Developing practitioner
Foundational membership
$197 (USD) Test Fee/ $197 Annual Membership Renewal
Not listed as Board Certified
Not applicable
Online education (Community level)
First year membership included with test fee
Complimentary study guide
Interactive group coaching
1:1 latex review
Access to industry forms and downloads
Liability Insurance ($1M aggregate/$1M per occurance/$1M products completed)
Micropigmentation Training Certification
Bloodborne Pathogen Certification
Photograph of Tray Setup
Identification
Community Exam (Online)
Acquisition and demonstration of core competencies
Early‑stage or returning practitioner seeking structure and support
Advisory note:
Applicants are encouraged to select the category that reflects their current qualifications and responsibilities. Advancement to higher categories should occur when eligibility criteria are demonstrably met.
Determine your certification pathway
Eligibility Assessment
The Eligibility Assessment is an optional, structured tool designed to support appropriate category selection. It may be particularly helpful for applicants whose responsibilities overlap multiple areas (for example, practicing and teaching, or practicing in more than one jurisdiction).
Jurisdictional and Regulatory Considerations
Relationship to regulatory requirements
Permanent cosmetics practice is governed by distinct regulatory frameworks across jurisdictions. AAM membership is intended to complement, not replace, these legal requirements.
Key principles:
Members remain responsible for compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and licensing or permitting standards in their jurisdiction.
AAM standards are informed by prevailing health and safety expectations and may, in some cases, exceed minimum legal requirements.
New Jersey-specific membership categories (Gold NJ and Platinum) reflect alignment with additional expectations applicable in that state.
Prospective applicants who are uncertain about regulatory requirements in their area are encouraged to consult their local health department or regulatory authority before submitting an application.
commitment to continuing education
Maintenance & progression over time
AAM membership is intended as an ongoing professional affiliation. Members are expected to maintain standards consistent with their credential and to remain attentive to developments in practice, safety, and regulation.
Key points:
Access to educational resources and communications that support adherence to evolving standards
Opportunities to apply for advancement to higher membership categories once eligibility criteria are met
Continued emphasis on safety, ethics, regulatory awareness, and responsible practice—particularly for those in training roles
Members do not need to enter at their anticipated “end point.” Beginning at the category that accurately reflects current qualifications and responsibilities and progressing as those change is encouraged.
What To Expect
Application process
The AAM application process is structured to provide clarity, consistency, and fair review. While specific documentation requirements differ by category, the overall sequence is similar for most applicants.
01
Complete the Eligibility Assessment
Identify the membership category most consistent with your education, experience, and current responsibilities.
02
Assemble required documentation
Prepare training certificates, records of completed hours, relevant licenses or permits, documentation of infection-control training, professional liability coverage where applicable, and any case or curriculum materials required for your requested category.
03
Submit the online application and applicable fees
Complete all sections of the application form, upload supporting documentation, and remit payment. Applications that are incomplete or inconsistent may require additional correspondence and time for clarification.
04
Complete the certification examinations
Eligible applicants will be scheduled for the relevant examination(s) and, for trainer-level categories, any necessary curriculum review. Following completion, applicants are notified of the determination and, if approved, receive details regarding credential use and ongoing expectations.
Proceed with your membership application
Prospective members who have reviewed the categories and considered their eligibility are invited to begin the application process. The AAM looks forward to partnering with practitioners and trainers who are committed to maintaining high standards in permanent cosmetics.
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