Very few people realize the commitment it takes to become a licensed tattoo artist in the State of Rhode Island. What should be reassuring to you as the general public is, it takes a lengthy apprenticeship, knowledge, and demonstration of skills to receive a Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) tattoo artist license. And thanks to our state’s centralized licensing system, the general public can verify a public health license right online, anytime at: https://healthri.mylicense.com/verification/
Other states go by city permits or only the facility gets a permit. We are lucky enough to live in a state that takes public health seriously (I am not just saying that because I work there, I actually believe it wholeheartedly). So, whether you live in Providence, Pawtucket, Newport, or Westerly, RIDOH handles your license, and all the world can verify it exists.
I cannot stress this enough, USE THAT LINK!
If the artist’s name is not showing up, start asking questions. The facility, as well as the artist, needs a RIDOH issued, active license.
To become a licensed artist a person needs to be registered as an apprentice under an active RI licensed tattoo artist in a licensed tattoo facility for a period of 18 months. Unfortunately, that actually sounds easier than it is. The apprentice needs to be registered within 30 days from the beginning of their training- step one that is frequently missed. Often, the artist and the facility are also not licensed, so strikes two and three. And this is why the Rhode Island Tattoo Academy, LLC (RITA) exists.
So, if you are serious about becoming a tattoo artist in the State of RI, aside from attending RITA, what can you do?
- Find a licensed tattoo artist that is willing to take on an apprentice. A list of licensed artists is available online here: https://health.ri.gov/find/licensees/ under “Tattooing/Body Piercing” and “Tattoo Artist”
- Verify the facility is licensed online under “Tattooing/Body Piercing” and “Tattoo Parlor”
- Complete a RIDOH apprentice application (available by emailing [email protected]) or online at https://health.ri.gov/licenses/detail.php?id=214
- Return the components of the application promptly to the RIDOH “Attn: Tattoo Program Manager Room 306” and look out for follow up emails from RIDOH
- All emails from RIDOH follow the same format [email protected], look out for a registration confirmation email
- During your apprenticeship the following time and topic requirements exist:
- Practical Operation: 150 hours
- Aseptic Tattooing Technique: 50 hours
- Anatomy and Physiology: 30 hours
- Skin and Skin Disorders: 20 hours
- Aftercare Instruction: 10 hours
- Equipment and Supplies: 20 hours
- Rhode Island Rules and Regulations for Tattoo Artists and Tattoo Parlors: 20 hours
- Once you have completed all of the requirements, your mentor agrees that you have done so and are sufficiently trained, and 18 months has passed, you reach out to RIDOH schedule your licensure test.
- The test you will receive will be related to tattoo regulations, aseptic technique, proper medical waste disposal, and all the things that are required to keep people safe.
- Once you pass your exam you will need to practice your craft in a licensed tattoo facility (that is a topic for another article, you have to walk before you run)
Instead of discouraging you from becoming a licensed tattoo artist, I hope this information has restored your faith in the tattoo industry. Like any other profession, there are a few bad apples, but there are definitely more good artists than bad. Don’t trust your health to just anyone, verify! And don’t trust your education and training to just anyone, find a situation where your needs are met and your growth is supported. Thank you for taking the time to learn about how hard tattoo artists work to accomplish licensure and to educate yourself on the process.
-Autumn