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VIRGINIA PMU DPOR EXAM STUDY GUIDE & TEST BANK
2025/2026 Edition | Verified Questions & Answers
SECTION 1: VIRGINIA REGULATIONS AND DPOR REQUIREMENTS
Question 1. Which agency regulates permanent makeup and tattooing in
Virginia?
A. Virginia Department of Health (VDH)
B. Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR)
C. Virginia Board of Medicine
D. Federal Drug Administration (FDA)
Answer : B
Rationale: DPOR, specifically the Board for Barbers and Cosmetology, regulates
tattooing, permanent makeup, and body piercing in Virginia under Chapter 7 of
Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia and 18 VAC 41. The VDH (A) handles food and
health facility regulation, not PMU licensing. The FDA (D) regulates pigments at
the federal level but not practitioner licensing.
Question 2. What is the minimum age to receive a permanent makeup procedure
in Virginia without parental consent?
A. 16
B. 18
C. 21
D. No minimum age
Answer : B
Rationale: Virginia law (18 VAC 41-70-10) prohibits performing tattooing or
permanent makeup on anyone under 18 years of age, regardless of parental
consent. There are no exceptions for parental consent for minors.
Question 3. A Virginia PMU license must be renewed every:
A. 1 year
pg. 1
,2
B. 2 years
C. 3 years
D. 5 years
Answer : B
Rationale: Virginia tattooer and permanent cosmetic licenses must be renewed
every 2 years. Continuing education may be required as part of the renewal
process per DPOR regulations.
Question 4. Which of the following is required to obtain a Virginia PMU license?
A. Completion of a DPOR-approved training program and passing the examination
B. Only a high school diploma
C. A medical degree
D. An esthetics license only
Answer : A
Rationale: Applicants must complete a DPOR-approved training program covering
bloodborne pathogens, infection control, technique, and Virginia regulations, and
pass the required examination. An esthetics license alone (D) does not authorize
permanent makeup.
Question 5. The Virginia PMU establishment license must be:
A. Displayed in a conspicuous place visible to the public
B. Kept in a file drawer
C. Not required
D. Displayed only when requested
Answer : A
Rationale: Establishment licenses must be prominently displayed so clients can
verify that the facility is properly licensed. The individual practitioner license must
also be displayed.
Question 6. According to Virginia regulations, how long must client records be
retained?
pg. 2
,3
A. 1 year
B. 3 years
C. 5 years
D. 10 years
Answer : B (or as specified by DPOR; typically 3-5 years for most records)
Rationale: Virginia regulations require that client records, including consent
forms, health history, and procedure details, be maintained for a minimum of 3
years from the date of the last service. Check the current 18 VAC 41 for the exact
retention period.
Question 7. A client must sign an informed consent form before a PMU
procedure. The consent form must include:
A. Only the client's name
B. Information about the procedure, risks, aftercare, and potential complications
C. Only the price of the service
D. No specific information
Answer : B
Rationale: Informed consent is a critical legal and ethical requirement. The form
must detail the procedure, potential risks (infection, allergic reaction,
dissatisfaction), aftercare instructions, and a statement that the client
understands and consents to the procedure.
Question 8. What must a PMU artist do if a client reports an adverse reaction to a
procedure?
A. Ignore it
B. Document the reaction and advise the client to seek medical attention if
needed; report to DPOR if required
C. Refund the client only
D. Perform the procedure again for free
Answer : B
Rationale: Adverse reactions must be documented in the client record. The artist
should advise the client on appropriate care and referral to a healthcare provider
pg. 3
, 4
if necessary. Some jurisdictions require reporting adverse events to the health
department or DPOR.
Question 9. Which of the following is prohibited under Virginia PMU regulations?
A. Performing a procedure in a licensed establishment
B. Using single-use sterile needles
C. Performing PMU on a client under the influence of drugs or alcohol
D. Wearing gloves during a procedure
Answer : C
Rationale: Performing procedures on clients who are impaired by drugs or alcohol
is prohibited because they cannot give valid informed consent and may have
impaired judgment or increased bleeding. A, B, and D are all required practices.
Question 10. What is the minimum distance a PMU establishment must be
located from a residence, unless properly zoned?
A. No minimum distance
B. Must comply with local zoning ordinances
C. 500 feet
D. 1000 feet
Answer : B
Rationale: Zoning requirements vary by locality. The establishment must comply
with all local zoning laws and ordinances. DPOR may require proof of zoning
compliance as part of the establishment license application.
SECTION 2: INFECTION CONTROL AND BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS
Question 11. What is the most important step in preventing the transmission of
bloodborne pathogens?
A. Wearing a lab coat
B. Proper hand hygiene and use of Standard Precautions
C. Using bright lighting
D. Working quickly
pg. 4
VIRGINIA PMU DPOR EXAM STUDY GUIDE & TEST BANK
2025/2026 Edition | Verified Questions & Answers
SECTION 1: VIRGINIA REGULATIONS AND DPOR REQUIREMENTS
Question 1. Which agency regulates permanent makeup and tattooing in
Virginia?
A. Virginia Department of Health (VDH)
B. Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR)
C. Virginia Board of Medicine
D. Federal Drug Administration (FDA)
Answer : B
Rationale: DPOR, specifically the Board for Barbers and Cosmetology, regulates
tattooing, permanent makeup, and body piercing in Virginia under Chapter 7 of
Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia and 18 VAC 41. The VDH (A) handles food and
health facility regulation, not PMU licensing. The FDA (D) regulates pigments at
the federal level but not practitioner licensing.
Question 2. What is the minimum age to receive a permanent makeup procedure
in Virginia without parental consent?
A. 16
B. 18
C. 21
D. No minimum age
Answer : B
Rationale: Virginia law (18 VAC 41-70-10) prohibits performing tattooing or
permanent makeup on anyone under 18 years of age, regardless of parental
consent. There are no exceptions for parental consent for minors.
Question 3. A Virginia PMU license must be renewed every:
A. 1 year
pg. 1
,2
B. 2 years
C. 3 years
D. 5 years
Answer : B
Rationale: Virginia tattooer and permanent cosmetic licenses must be renewed
every 2 years. Continuing education may be required as part of the renewal
process per DPOR regulations.
Question 4. Which of the following is required to obtain a Virginia PMU license?
A. Completion of a DPOR-approved training program and passing the examination
B. Only a high school diploma
C. A medical degree
D. An esthetics license only
Answer : A
Rationale: Applicants must complete a DPOR-approved training program covering
bloodborne pathogens, infection control, technique, and Virginia regulations, and
pass the required examination. An esthetics license alone (D) does not authorize
permanent makeup.
Question 5. The Virginia PMU establishment license must be:
A. Displayed in a conspicuous place visible to the public
B. Kept in a file drawer
C. Not required
D. Displayed only when requested
Answer : A
Rationale: Establishment licenses must be prominently displayed so clients can
verify that the facility is properly licensed. The individual practitioner license must
also be displayed.
Question 6. According to Virginia regulations, how long must client records be
retained?
pg. 2
,3
A. 1 year
B. 3 years
C. 5 years
D. 10 years
Answer : B (or as specified by DPOR; typically 3-5 years for most records)
Rationale: Virginia regulations require that client records, including consent
forms, health history, and procedure details, be maintained for a minimum of 3
years from the date of the last service. Check the current 18 VAC 41 for the exact
retention period.
Question 7. A client must sign an informed consent form before a PMU
procedure. The consent form must include:
A. Only the client's name
B. Information about the procedure, risks, aftercare, and potential complications
C. Only the price of the service
D. No specific information
Answer : B
Rationale: Informed consent is a critical legal and ethical requirement. The form
must detail the procedure, potential risks (infection, allergic reaction,
dissatisfaction), aftercare instructions, and a statement that the client
understands and consents to the procedure.
Question 8. What must a PMU artist do if a client reports an adverse reaction to a
procedure?
A. Ignore it
B. Document the reaction and advise the client to seek medical attention if
needed; report to DPOR if required
C. Refund the client only
D. Perform the procedure again for free
Answer : B
Rationale: Adverse reactions must be documented in the client record. The artist
should advise the client on appropriate care and referral to a healthcare provider
pg. 3
, 4
if necessary. Some jurisdictions require reporting adverse events to the health
department or DPOR.
Question 9. Which of the following is prohibited under Virginia PMU regulations?
A. Performing a procedure in a licensed establishment
B. Using single-use sterile needles
C. Performing PMU on a client under the influence of drugs or alcohol
D. Wearing gloves during a procedure
Answer : C
Rationale: Performing procedures on clients who are impaired by drugs or alcohol
is prohibited because they cannot give valid informed consent and may have
impaired judgment or increased bleeding. A, B, and D are all required practices.
Question 10. What is the minimum distance a PMU establishment must be
located from a residence, unless properly zoned?
A. No minimum distance
B. Must comply with local zoning ordinances
C. 500 feet
D. 1000 feet
Answer : B
Rationale: Zoning requirements vary by locality. The establishment must comply
with all local zoning laws and ordinances. DPOR may require proof of zoning
compliance as part of the establishment license application.
SECTION 2: INFECTION CONTROL AND BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS
Question 11. What is the most important step in preventing the transmission of
bloodborne pathogens?
A. Wearing a lab coat
B. Proper hand hygiene and use of Standard Precautions
C. Using bright lighting
D. Working quickly
pg. 4
