Diploma of Cosmetic Tattooing SHB50321

Overview

The Diploma of Cosmetic Tattooing SHB50321 is the highest nationally recognised qualification in the cosmetic tattoo industry, and Artisan Training Academy (RTO 46085) delivers it as a hands-on cosmetic tattoo course on the Gold Coast. This SHB50321 diploma combines face-to-face workshops, a simulated clinic environment and online self-directed learning, packaged with infection control and business units so you graduate ready to work autonomously as a professional cosmetic tattooist.

Cosmetic tattooing — also known as permanent makeup (PMU) — blends in-depth knowledge of the skin, pigmentology and colour theory with refined technical skill and an artistic eye for design. As a nationally recognised credential, the Diploma of Cosmetic Tattooing demonstrates competence across the full scope of cosmetic tattoo practice and a commitment to safe, professional standards that clients and industry peers recognise.

Key Outcome

On completion you can consult with clients, design and apply cosmetic tattoo treatments for eyebrows, lips and eyes, maintain infection prevention standards for skin penetration, and run or work within a cosmetic tattoo business — all to nationally recognised SHB50321 standards.

Course Facts at a Glance

• Qualification: Diploma of Cosmetic Tattooing (Eyebrows, Lips, Eyes) SHB50321 — nationally recognised
• Provider: Artisan Training Academy, RTO 46085
• Delivery: Face-to-face on-campus workshops, simulated work environment and online self-directed learning
• Duration: 39 weeks (9 months) full time or 52 weeks (12 months) part time; tailored to each learner
• Location: 1/86 Quambone Street, Worongary, Gold Coast QLD 4213
• Course fee: $12,000 (flexible payment options available)
• Entry requirements: None — open entry (not suitable for minors)

Skills You’ll Learn

The Diploma of Cosmetic Tattooing develops the full scope of skills a working cosmetic tattooist needs, mapped to the nine units of competency in SHB50321:

• Conduct professional cosmetic tattoo consultations, including client assessment, contraindication screening and treatment planning
• Apply colour theory and pigmentology to select and mix pigments for predictable, natural-looking results
• Incorporate the elements and principles of design to map and shape balanced, symmetrical features
• Identify the function and structure of skin and hair as it relates to cosmetic tattooing and healing
• Maintain infection prevention and control standards for skin penetration treatments
• Design and perform cosmetic tattoo for eyebrows, lips and eyes on live models
• Manage the full healing and review process, including aftercare and touch-ups
• Market a new cosmetic tattoo business and attract clients

This Diploma is the flagship qualification within our cosmetic tattoo courses at Artisan Training Academy.

Who This Course Is For

The Diploma of Cosmetic Tattooing suits a wide range of learners — from beginners with a genuine passion for beauty to experienced practitioners who want to formalise their skills. Before this qualification existed, cosmetic tattoo training was often delivered as a short course or an elective within a broader beauty diploma, which could leave gaps in technique, skin knowledge and infection prevention. SHB50321 closes those gaps as a standalone, nationally recognised qualification matched to the full scope of the service.

• Aspiring cosmetic tattoo artists new to the industry who want to learn properly from the start, building a strong foundation across consultation, design, safety and application before progressing into advanced artistry.
• Beauty professionals looking to diversify — makeup artists, beauticians and beauty therapists adding cosmetic tattooing to broaden their service menu and earning potential.
• Experienced cosmetic tattooists seeking formal recognition who have worked without a qualification and want nationally recognised certification (often via the RPL pathway).
• Beauty business owners and entrepreneurs who want to offer cosmetic tattooing with confidence, consistency and professionalism.

This course is not suitable for minors.

A Comprehensive Learning Journey

The Diploma is more than a qualification — it is a structured period of professional development that builds capability, confidence and consistency. Across the program you develop the knowledge and practical skills required over the full scope of cosmetic tattooing, so you graduate as a well-rounded professional prepared for safe practice and reliable outcomes.

Health, Safety & Infection Prevention

Health and safety sits at the core of the Diploma. You learn infection prevention, hygiene standards and the practical requirements that support safe cosmetic tattooing practice in Australia — protecting both practitioner and client. This is delivered through the nationally recognised HLTINF005 infection prevention for skin penetration unit (or SHBBINF002), and it is the first unit you complete.

Client Care & Communication

The relationship between artist and client sits at the centre of successful cosmetic tattooing. The program places strong emphasis on thorough consultations, clear communication, managing expectations and confident aftercare guidance. For many clients, cosmetic tattooing is an emotional decision — softening an insecurity, restoring confidence or simplifying a routine — and leading with empathy strengthens the consultation and supports more thoughtful, personalised results.

Hands-On Practice on Live Models

Throughout the program you practise in a professional training environment designed to reflect real-world treatment settings. You apply your skills on live models under the guidance of experienced trainers, which supports steady technique development, stronger decision-making and the confidence that comes from supervised practice and consistent feedback.

Our Philosophy: Enhancing Natural Beauty

Artisan’s approach is grounded in respect for each client’s natural features — balance, harmony and enhancing what is already there. Rather than a one-style-fits-all look, you learn to work with each client’s unique characteristics, natural colouring and facial structure to create results that feel timeless and wearable every day.

Your Trainer

Carlye Pymble

Managing Director & Lead Trainer, Artisan Training Academy

20+ years in cosmetic tattooing and beauty therapy. Nationally recognised assessor for SHB50321 and SHB30121, delivering the Diploma of Cosmetic Tattooing one-on-one and in small groups at the Gold Coast campus.

Read full profile →

Delivery, Location, Inclusions & Certification

The Diploma of Cosmetic Tattooing is delivered through face-to-face on-campus workshops, a simulated work environment and online self-directed learning. As a hands-on cosmetic tattoo course Gold Coast students can attend year-round, face-to-face training and the simulated clinic are conducted at the Artisan Training Academy campus in Worongary. Artisan delivers this qualification over 39 weeks (full time) or 52 weeks (part time), tailored to each learner’s skill level.

How Your Week Looks — Attendance & Practical Cadence

The program is structured to build your competence in clear, manageable stages, combining essential online theory with intensive hands-on practical training across 30–40 live models so you graduate with genuine real-world experience. Classes run every Friday in Artisan’s working studio at Worongary, and your attendance pattern progresses as your skill develops:

• Theory phase — weeks 1 onwards (every 3 weeks, then every 2 weeks): you begin by attending the studio once every three weeks, then step up to once every two weeks as your foundation builds. During this phase you complete your online theory between visits, attend face-to-face lectures on campus, practise techniques on practice mats under supervision, and observe how the working studio operates day-to-day.
• Practical phase — once theory is complete (every Friday): once you’ve finished your theory units, you attend every Friday for your practical training on live models. This is where you apply your skills to real clients in a supervised clinic environment, progressively building toward the 30–40 live-model experience required for confident, work-ready graduation.

This staged cadence is designed to grow your confidence at the right pace: you observe and practise before you treat, and you treat under close supervision before you graduate. Block-training intensives are also available case-by-case for students with scheduling constraints.

Study Load Options — Full Time or Part Time

You can complete the Diploma of Cosmetic Tattooing on a full-time or part-time pathway, depending on your schedule and goals. Both pathways teach the same nine SHB50321 units to the same nationally recognised standard — the difference is pace and how the units are sequenced across terms. A personalised study plan is provided on enrolment and the pace can be tailored to your individual progression.

Full-Time Pathway — 39 weeks across 3 terms

Best suited to students who can commit to a faster-paced schedule and want to be working as a qualified cosmetic tattooist within nine months. Units are grouped into three terms of three units each:

• Term 1 — foundations: Infection control (HLTINF005 or SHBBINF002) • SHBBSSC004 Skin & hair structure • SHBBCOS001 Cosmetic tattoo consultations
• Term 2 — design & business: SHBBCOS003 Design principles • SHBBCOS002 Colour theory & pigmentology • BSBESB404 Market new business ventures
• Term 3 — specialisation practical: SHBBCOS004 Eyebrows • SHBBCOS005 Lips • SHBBCOS006 Eyes

Part-Time Pathway — 52 weeks across 4 terms

Best suited to students balancing study with work or family commitments. The same nine units are spread across four terms with a lighter workload per term, giving you more time between units to consolidate skills:

• Term 1: Infection control (HLTINF005 or SHBBINF002) • SHBBSSC004 Skin & hair structure
• Term 2: SHBBCOS001 Cosmetic tattoo consultations • SHBBCOS003 Design principles
• Term 3: SHBBCOS002 Colour theory & pigmentology • BSBESB404 Market new business ventures
• Term 4 — specialisation practical: SHBBCOS004 Eyebrows • SHBBCOS005 Lips • SHBBCOS006 Eyes

On both pathways the practical specialisation units (eyebrows, lips and eyes) are taught last, after the infection control, theory and design foundations are in place — ensuring you have the underpinning knowledge and safety standards before performing cosmetic tattoo treatments on live models.

Course Inclusions

• Learning guides, learning activities and assessment tasks
• Personalised study plan and workplace documentation
• Access to the latest PMU equipment and product supplies during on-campus and simulated training
• Live models supplied through our working clinic for practical assessments (bringing friends or family is also encouraged)

An optional student kit ($450) is available for students who wish to practise outside scheduled classes — there is no obligation to purchase it, as all resources are provided during face-to-face training.

Prerequisites & Entry

There are no entry requirements for SHB50321. Before enrolment we review your language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills to confirm the course is suitable and to discuss any support or reasonable adjustments. See our Student Guide for details. This course is not suitable for minors.

Certification & National Recognition

On successful completion you receive the nationally recognised SHB50321 Diploma of Cosmetic Tattooing (Eyebrows, Lips, Eyes), issued by Artisan Training Academy (RTO 46085). Artisan delivers all training and assessment directly and does not use third-party providers. The infection control unit can be completed as HLTINF005 infection prevention for skin penetration or SHBBINF002.

Course FAQs

Fees, Payment Options & Enrolment

Course Fee

Full course fee: $12,000. Secure your enrolment today with a $1,500 deposit and gain access to your first units of study.