So, you’re thinking about getting into permanent jewelry or maybe you’ve already ordered your welder (😏 we see you). But now you’re wondering:
“Wait… do I have to be certified to do permanent jewelry?”
It’s a great question. And the answer is: No, you don’t need to be officially certified. But that doesn’t mean you should skip all the prep and just dive in. There’s a little more to it.
Let’s talk about what you actually need to get started and how to build a business you can be proud of.
1. No Certification Required, But That Doesn’t Mean “No Rules”
Here’s the deal: there’s currently no official license or government-issued certification required to offer permanent jewelry in the U.S. You won’t find a federal test or a universal “permanent jewelry” license. BUT... that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook completely.
Depending on where you live, you might need and most likely will need:
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A business license if you're trying to start a permanent jewelry business
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A sales tax permit
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Vendor registration for events
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Or even a cosmetology space license if you're working out of a salon
Always check your local laws or call your city or county office.
2. What You Should Have: Insurance and Training
Just because certification isn’t legally required doesn’t mean you shouldn’t train like a pro.
Here’s what we always recommend for anyone getting started:
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Take a hands-on training course — in person or online
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Practice, practice, practice (on yourself or friends before charging clients)
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Get permanent jewelry insurance — it protects you and it’s often required at events
This industry moves fast, and the more confident and safe you are, the better your client experience will be. (And let’s be honest, you’ll sleep better knowing you’re protected.)
Note: there’s actually no such thing as a policy called “permanent jewelry insurance.” What you're really looking for is a mix of general liability, professional liability, and equipment coverage.
3. No Cert? No Problem. Clients Want Confidence.
Here’s the truth: clients don’t care about a piece of paper. What they really care about is:
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Feeling safe
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Seeing that you know what you’re doing
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A clean, calm experience
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A gorgeous, sparkly piece that stays on
If you’ve taken the time to train, practice, and invest in your setup trust us, that speaks volumes.
4. Can I Call Myself Certified?
You can say you're “trained” if you’ve taken a course. Just be transparent.
If your program gave you a certificate of completion, go ahead and share that with your audience, just be clear that it’s not a government-mandated license. Avoid saying “certified” unless your trainer specifically uses that language (and it’s accurate!).
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a certification to do permanent jewelry, but you do need intentionality, training, and professionalism.
This is a real service with real tools, and when you approach it with care, your clients will feel that. Whether you're just getting started or already welding like a pro, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Let us know where you're at in your journey! Have you trained yet? Are you looking for a course? We love hearing your stories 💛