1
Virginia Permanent Makeup Licensing
Examination – Virginia Department of
Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR)
| 2026 Exam Questions and Answers Study Guide
Official 150 Question Practice Bank (Verified Against 18-VAC-41 Regulations)
Regulatory Basis: Virginia DPOR 18-VAC-41 Tattooing/Permanent Cosmetic Regulations, Code of
Virginia § 54.1-700 et seq., CDC/OSHA guidelines
Q1: Consultation Process
What is the most overlooked part of the consultation process in permanent makeup?
A. Taking a health history
B. Taking a photograph
C. Discussing pricing
D. Explaining aftercare
Answer: B
Rationale: According to industry standards and Virginia DPOR exam materials, taking a
photograph is the most frequently overlooked yet essential component of the consultation
process. Photographs document baseline appearance, aid in facial analysis, and provide legal
protection.
Q2: License by Endorsement
Any person currently licensed to practice as a tattooer, permanent cosmetic tattooer, or master
cosmetic tattooer in any other state or jurisdiction of the United States and who has completed
a training or apprenticeship program and an examination equivalent to that required by this
chapter may be issued a license. This regulation falls under:
A. 18-VAC-41-50-30 License by endorsement
B. 18-VAC-41-50-50 Reexamination requirements
C. 18-VAC-41-40-90 Limited term tattooer license
D. 18-VAC-41-50-140 Refunds
, 2
Answer: A
Rationale: 18-VAC-41-50-30 specifically addresses License by Endorsement, allowing individuals
licensed in other states with equivalent training and examination to obtain Virginia licensure
without repeating the entire application process.
Q3: Reexamination Requirements
Any person who does not pass reexamination within one year of the initial examination date
shall be required to submit a new application and examination fee. This regulation falls under:
A. 18-VAC-41-50-30 License by endorsement
B. 18-VAC-41-50-50 Reexamination requirements
C. 18-VAC-41-40-90 Limited term tattooer license
D. 18-VAC-41-50-140 Refunds
Answer: B
Rationale: 18-VAC-41-50-50 establishes Reexamination requirements, specifying the one-year
timeframe for passing reexamination and the requirement for new application and fees if
unsuccessful within that period.
Q4: Limited Term Tattooer License
This is effective for 5 consecutive days prior to the expiration date. A person may obtain a
maximum of 5 limited term tattooer licenses within a calendar year. A person may obtain a
maximum of two limited term tattooer licenses within a thirty consecutive days' time period.
This describes:
A. 18-VAC-41-50-30 License by endorsement
B. 18-VAC-41-50-50 Reexamination requirements
C. 18-VAC-41-40-90 Limited term tattooer license
D. 18-VAC-41-50-140 Refunds
Answer: C
Rationale: 18-VAC-41-40-90 governs Limited term tattooer licenses, establishing the 5-day
validity period, annual maximum of 5 licenses, and the restriction of two licenses within any 30-
day period.
Q5: Gratuitous Services
, 3
What provides tattooing services without receiving compensation or reward?
A. Endorsement
B. Reinstatement
C. Gratuitous service
D. Direct supervision
Answer: C
Rationale: Gratuitous services are defined in § 54.1-701.5 of the Code of Virginia as providing
tattooing services without receiving compensation, reward, or obligation. This does not include
services provided at no charge when goods are purchased.
Q6: Fee Refunds
Which regulation states that all fees are non-refundable and shall not be prorated?
A. 18-VAC-41-50-30 License by endorsement
B. 18-VAC-41-50-50 Reexamination requirements
C. 18-VAC-41-40-90 Limited term tattooer license
D. 18-VAC-41-50-140 Refunds
Answer: D
Rationale: 18-VAC-41-50-140 explicitly addresses refunds, stating that all fees required by the
chapter are non-refundable and shall not be prorated.
Q7: Licensure Variation
What can vary from state to state, and may fall under tattooing laws, medical laws, or no laws at
all?
A. Training requirements
B. Licensure
C. Certification
D. Endorsement
Answer: B
, 4
Rationale: Licensure requirements vary significantly across jurisdictions. Some states regulate
permanent makeup under tattooing laws, others under medical laws, and some have no specific
regulations at all.
Q8: Professional Development
The most successful technicians will always be on the lookout for new information or
innovations that will reap positive results for the client base through...
A. Marketing
B. Certification
C. Training
D. Endorsement
Answer: C
Rationale: Continuous training and education are essential for successful permanent makeup
technicians to stay current with innovations, techniques, and safety protocols that benefit their
client base.
Q9: Marketing Plan Components
The marketing plan should include what?
A. Only social media
B. Direct mail, email, newspaper ads, & literature
C. Word of mouth only
D. Television commercials
Answer: B
Rationale: A comprehensive marketing plan for permanent makeup businesses should include
multiple channels including direct mail, email marketing, newspaper advertisements, and
printed literature to reach diverse client demographics.
Q10: Industry Certification
American Academy of Micropigmentation (AAM) and the Society of Permanent Cosmetic
Professionals (SPCP) established themselves as the self-regulating arms of the permanent
makeup industry in 1994. This type of _________ is important and raises the bar for technicians
performing this service.
Virginia Permanent Makeup Licensing
Examination – Virginia Department of
Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR)
| 2026 Exam Questions and Answers Study Guide
Official 150 Question Practice Bank (Verified Against 18-VAC-41 Regulations)
Regulatory Basis: Virginia DPOR 18-VAC-41 Tattooing/Permanent Cosmetic Regulations, Code of
Virginia § 54.1-700 et seq., CDC/OSHA guidelines
Q1: Consultation Process
What is the most overlooked part of the consultation process in permanent makeup?
A. Taking a health history
B. Taking a photograph
C. Discussing pricing
D. Explaining aftercare
Answer: B
Rationale: According to industry standards and Virginia DPOR exam materials, taking a
photograph is the most frequently overlooked yet essential component of the consultation
process. Photographs document baseline appearance, aid in facial analysis, and provide legal
protection.
Q2: License by Endorsement
Any person currently licensed to practice as a tattooer, permanent cosmetic tattooer, or master
cosmetic tattooer in any other state or jurisdiction of the United States and who has completed
a training or apprenticeship program and an examination equivalent to that required by this
chapter may be issued a license. This regulation falls under:
A. 18-VAC-41-50-30 License by endorsement
B. 18-VAC-41-50-50 Reexamination requirements
C. 18-VAC-41-40-90 Limited term tattooer license
D. 18-VAC-41-50-140 Refunds
, 2
Answer: A
Rationale: 18-VAC-41-50-30 specifically addresses License by Endorsement, allowing individuals
licensed in other states with equivalent training and examination to obtain Virginia licensure
without repeating the entire application process.
Q3: Reexamination Requirements
Any person who does not pass reexamination within one year of the initial examination date
shall be required to submit a new application and examination fee. This regulation falls under:
A. 18-VAC-41-50-30 License by endorsement
B. 18-VAC-41-50-50 Reexamination requirements
C. 18-VAC-41-40-90 Limited term tattooer license
D. 18-VAC-41-50-140 Refunds
Answer: B
Rationale: 18-VAC-41-50-50 establishes Reexamination requirements, specifying the one-year
timeframe for passing reexamination and the requirement for new application and fees if
unsuccessful within that period.
Q4: Limited Term Tattooer License
This is effective for 5 consecutive days prior to the expiration date. A person may obtain a
maximum of 5 limited term tattooer licenses within a calendar year. A person may obtain a
maximum of two limited term tattooer licenses within a thirty consecutive days' time period.
This describes:
A. 18-VAC-41-50-30 License by endorsement
B. 18-VAC-41-50-50 Reexamination requirements
C. 18-VAC-41-40-90 Limited term tattooer license
D. 18-VAC-41-50-140 Refunds
Answer: C
Rationale: 18-VAC-41-40-90 governs Limited term tattooer licenses, establishing the 5-day
validity period, annual maximum of 5 licenses, and the restriction of two licenses within any 30-
day period.
Q5: Gratuitous Services
, 3
What provides tattooing services without receiving compensation or reward?
A. Endorsement
B. Reinstatement
C. Gratuitous service
D. Direct supervision
Answer: C
Rationale: Gratuitous services are defined in § 54.1-701.5 of the Code of Virginia as providing
tattooing services without receiving compensation, reward, or obligation. This does not include
services provided at no charge when goods are purchased.
Q6: Fee Refunds
Which regulation states that all fees are non-refundable and shall not be prorated?
A. 18-VAC-41-50-30 License by endorsement
B. 18-VAC-41-50-50 Reexamination requirements
C. 18-VAC-41-40-90 Limited term tattooer license
D. 18-VAC-41-50-140 Refunds
Answer: D
Rationale: 18-VAC-41-50-140 explicitly addresses refunds, stating that all fees required by the
chapter are non-refundable and shall not be prorated.
Q7: Licensure Variation
What can vary from state to state, and may fall under tattooing laws, medical laws, or no laws at
all?
A. Training requirements
B. Licensure
C. Certification
D. Endorsement
Answer: B
, 4
Rationale: Licensure requirements vary significantly across jurisdictions. Some states regulate
permanent makeup under tattooing laws, others under medical laws, and some have no specific
regulations at all.
Q8: Professional Development
The most successful technicians will always be on the lookout for new information or
innovations that will reap positive results for the client base through...
A. Marketing
B. Certification
C. Training
D. Endorsement
Answer: C
Rationale: Continuous training and education are essential for successful permanent makeup
technicians to stay current with innovations, techniques, and safety protocols that benefit their
client base.
Q9: Marketing Plan Components
The marketing plan should include what?
A. Only social media
B. Direct mail, email, newspaper ads, & literature
C. Word of mouth only
D. Television commercials
Answer: B
Rationale: A comprehensive marketing plan for permanent makeup businesses should include
multiple channels including direct mail, email marketing, newspaper advertisements, and
printed literature to reach diverse client demographics.
Q10: Industry Certification
American Academy of Micropigmentation (AAM) and the Society of Permanent Cosmetic
Professionals (SPCP) established themselves as the self-regulating arms of the permanent
makeup industry in 1994. This type of _________ is important and raises the bar for technicians
performing this service.
