New York Bloodborne Pathogens Training for Tattoo Artists and Piercers

What are the bloodborne pathogens certification requirements in New York State?

(Current as of May 18, 2024.)

There are no current, state-wide, bloodborne pathogens training requirements for New York body art practitioners.  Statewide regulations for tattooing and body piercing are being developed by the NY State Department of Health under the authority of Public Health law 4A.

When these regulations are finalized, they will:

  • require tattoo and body piercing operators to obtain a permit to operate a tattoo or body piercing studio
  • require all tattoo artists and body piercers to obtain an individual permit to perform body art procedures
  • establish operating standards, fees, fines, and penalties for failure to abide by the regulation

Until the new regulations are in place, local regulations, if any, apply. Updates on New York State body art regulations can be found at https://www.health.ny.gov/community/body_art/

Even though New York State does not require bloodborne pathogens training for tattoo artists and piercers, many NY body art practitioners take our Nationwide Bloodborne Pathogens Infection Control Training course because they:

  • need BBP training to comply with local regulations
  • need a BBP certification course that meets OSHA training requirements
  • want body art-specific infection prevention training

If New York tattoo artists or piercers travel out-of-state to do a show or work as temporary guest artists, they should take our Nationwide Bloodborne Pathogens Infection Control Training course or one of our location-specific courses:

California Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Training

Florida Bloodborne Pathogens and Communicable Diseases

Minnesota Bloodborne Pathogens Infection Prevention Training

Los Angeles Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Training

Local jurisdictions in New York State do not have identical training requirements for getting a permit or license to work as a tattoo artist.

Each local jurisdiction can decide what training, if any, is required. For example:

New York City requires tattoo artists to take the NYC Health Department’s Infection Control Course.

Cattaraugus County requires OSHA-compliant bloodborne pathogens training.

Schenectady County requires courses in bloodborne pathogens, first aid, and CPR.

So, don’t assume body art training requirements are the same throughout New York. They’re not.

Contact your local county or city health department for information on the current regulations in your area.

Are New York body art businesses regulated by OSHA?

New York operates an OSHA-approved State Plan covering only state and local government workers. Private sector employers and their workers are covered by federal OSHA.

Federal OSHA requires annual bloodborne pathogens training for any employee who might encounter blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) as part of their job. This is particularly important in settings such as tattoo, body piercing, or permanent makeup studios, where there's a heightened risk of exposure because of the nature of the work, which involves breaking the skin barrier.

This requirement applies to any employee of a body art business. It covers not only tattoo artists but also receptionists, cleaners, and other staff who may come into contact with blood or OPIM during their regular duties. 

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What are the tattoo artist license requirements in New York City?

Any individual tattoo artist working in New York City is required to have a Tattoo License.

New York City has a specific process for tattoo artists to obtain a license:

  • Before receiving a Tattoo License, all tattoo artists and permanent makeup artists must successfully complete the NYC Health Department’s Infection Control Course and pass the written examination. This course is similar to the body art bloodborne pathogens training that is required elsewhere.
  • This three-hour Infection Control Course is conducted by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's Health Academy. The course costs $26 and is given twice a month at the Riverside Health Center, 160 W. 100th Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10025. There is a Tattoo License fee of $100.
  • All applicants who pass the written examination will then have their photo taken at the Health Academy. Applicants who do not pass the examination the first time will be allowed to immediately register for the next available course and examination at the Health Academy at no additional cost. Applicants who do not pass the examination after the second attempt will be required to register for another course and pay the Infection Control Course fee again.
  • A Tattoo License will be mailed to the applicant 4-6 weeks after successful completion of the course. The applicant may not begin to work until the photo ID (badge) and license document have been received. Licensed tattoo artists should keep both items with them while working.

If you wish to obtain a New York City Tattoo License, contact the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to make sure you are aware of the current requirements.