Infection Control Certification & Training
Nationally Recognised Certification & Training for the Beauty and Skin Penetration Industries
For skin penetration treatments and beauty services, infection control certification is a legal and ethical requirement. Artisan Training Academy delivers two nationally recognised units of competency:
- SHBBINF002 Maintain Infection Control Standards (from the SHB Beauty Training Package)
- HLTINF005 Maintain Infection Prevention for Skin Penetration Treatments (from the HLT Health Training Package)
Each unit supports professionals in maintaining safe, hygienic practices in accordance with public health regulations and industry standards.
Why Infection Control Training Is Essential
Infection control protects you, your clients, and your business. It’s not just about compliance—it’s about ensuring that every treatment is delivered in a clean, safe environment, free from the risk of cross-contamination or infection.
These courses teach you how to:
- Identify and respond to potential infection risks
- Apply hygiene protocols and standard precautions
- Clean, disinfect and store equipment appropriately
- Prevent the transmission of blood-borne viruses and bacteria
- Dispose of sharps and clinical waste safely
- Maintain a safe and hygienic treatment environment
Whether you operate a beauty salon, cosmetic clinic, or tattoo studio, infection control training is mandatory in most states and territories—and essential for local council registration.
Which Infection Control Course Is Right for You?
We offer both units to cater for different industry roles and service types.
HLTINF005 Maintain infection prevention for Skin Penetration Treatments
This unit is ideal for practitioners performing higher-risk procedures involving penetration or compromise of the skin, such as:
- Cosmetic tattooing and PMU
- Skin needling and dermal therapies
- Tattooing, body piercing and advanced modalities
- Injectable treatments (for nurses or clinical staff under supervision)
HLTINF005 aligns with health and council regulations for skin penetration premises, particularly for those working in clinical or advanced aesthetic environments. It is suitable for both beauty professionals and healthcare practitioners.
SHBBINF002 Maintain infection control standards
This unit is designed for beauty professionals delivering non-invasive or low-risk personal appearance services, including:
- Waxing, tinting, brow and lash services
- Makeup artistry and spray tanning
- Manicures, pedicures and nail technology
- Facials and other surface skin treatments
SHBBINF002 is often required for beauty therapists operating in salons and spas and is recognised by councils in Queensland and other states where infection control certification is mandatory for business licensing.
Which Infection Control Unit Do You Need? HLTINF005 vs SHBBINF002
The unit you need depends on whether your work penetrates the skin:
- HLTINF005 Maintain Infection Prevention for Skin Penetration Treatments — for skin-penetration work: cosmetic tattooing, tattooing, skin needling, dermal therapies and body piercing. It is the unit councils most often require for higher-risk Personal Appearance licensing.
- SHBBINF002 Maintain Infection Control Standards — for non-penetrative beauty and salon services: lash and brow, waxing, facials, nails and general beauty therapy.
Doing a mix, or moving from beauty into cosmetic tattoo? HLTINF005 is the broader, higher-risk unit, and the one our cosmetic tattoo pathway requires. Not sure which fits you? Call 0422 624 966 and we will point you to the right one.
HLTINF005 — for Cosmetic Tattoo, Tattoo & Skin Penetration
HLTINF005 is the nationally recognised infection-control unit for skin-penetration work — the certification cosmetic tattoo and tattoo artists need, covering standard precautions, sharps and waste handling, skin preparation, and sterilisation and workspace standards.
It is the prerequisite for our cosmetic tattoo training: built into the Diploma of Cosmetic Tattooing SHB50321 and included with our short cosmetic tattoo courses. See full details, delivery and enrolment on the HLTINF005 course page.
SHBBINF002 — for Beauty & Salon Services
SHBBINF002 Maintain Infection Control Standards is the nationally recognised infection-control unit for non-penetrative beauty and salon work — lash and brow, waxing, facials, nails and general beauty therapy.
See full details, online delivery and enrolment on the SHBBINF002 course page.
Online & Australia-Wide Delivery
Both units are studied online and self-paced, so you can complete your infection-control training from anywhere in Australia — Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and beyond — with the practical and assessment arranged online or in person on the Gold Coast. Because HLTINF005 and SHBBINF002 are nationally recognised units, your Statement of Attainment is valid Australia-wide, not just in the state you studied in. Choose your unit above to see delivery options and enrol.
Council Licensing & RTO 46085 Recognition
Most Australian local councils require operators of skin-penetration and Personal Appearance businesses to hold infection-control certification, and HLTINF005 is the unit most commonly accepted for higher-risk licensing. Requirements vary by council, so always confirm with your local authority.
Artisan Training Academy is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO 46085), registered with ASQA to deliver these nationally recognised units. That means your HLTINF005 or SHBBINF002 certification is genuine, nationally recognised training accepted Australia-wide — not a generic certificate of completion.
Infection Control Course FAQs
Which infection control course do I need for cosmetic tattooing?
For cosmetic tattooing, skin needling, tattooing, body piercing and other treatments that involve penetration of the skin, HLTINF005 Maintain Infection Prevention for Skin Penetration Treatments is generally the more suitable infection control course. This unit is designed for higher-risk skin penetration environments and supports practitioners in developing infection prevention knowledge for services where the skin is penetrated or compromised.
What is the difference between HLTINF005 and SHBBINF002?
HLTINF005 is designed for skin penetration treatments such as cosmetic tattooing, tattooing, body piercing, skin needling and other advanced treatments where infection prevention requirements are higher. SHBBINF002 is designed for beauty and personal appearance services where infection control standards are still required, but the treatment may not involve the same level of skin penetration risk. Artisan Training Academy offers both units through the Infection Control Certification & Training hub.
Is HLTINF005 nationally recognised?
Yes. HLTINF005 Maintain Infection Prevention for Skin Penetration Treatments is a nationally recognised unit of competency from the HLT Health Training Package. It is suitable for practitioners who need infection prevention training for skin penetration treatments, including cosmetic tattooing, skin needling and other higher-risk personal appearance services.
Do I need HLTINF005 before I can perform cosmetic tattooing?
In many Australian council and licensing contexts, practitioners performing cosmetic tattooing or other skin penetration treatments may be required to show evidence of appropriate infection prevention training. HLTINF005 is commonly the preferred unit for cosmetic tattooing because it is specific to skin penetration treatments. Students should always check their local council, employer or licensing requirements before enrolling.
Do I need access to an autoclave to complete HLTINF005?
No. You do not need access to an autoclave to complete the HLTINF005 assessment with Artisan Training Academy. The course still supports students in understanding infection prevention principles, safe work practices and hygiene requirements relevant to skin penetration treatment environments.
Who should complete SHBBINF002 Maintain Infection Control Standards?
SHBBINF002 Maintain Infection Control Standards is suitable for beauty and personal appearance practitioners who need infection control training for salon or clinic-based services. It may be relevant for beauty therapists, lash and brow technicians, makeup artists and other practitioners working in the beauty industry where infection control procedures are required.
Can I enrol in an infection control course before starting cosmetic tattoo training?
Yes. Many students complete infection control training before beginning cosmetic tattoo training because it helps them understand hygiene, cross-contamination risks, safe treatment setup and infection prevention responsibilities. Completing the correct infection control unit early can also support a smoother pathway into cosmetic tattoo, skin needling or other skin penetration training.
Which infection control course should I choose if I am unsure?
If you are planning to perform cosmetic tattooing, skin needling, tattooing, body piercing or any treatment involving skin penetration, HLTINF005 is usually the better starting point. If you are working in general beauty services and your treatments do not involve higher-risk skin penetration, SHBBINF002 may be more suitable. When unsure, contact Artisan Training Academy before enrolling so the team can help you choose the most appropriate unit for your treatment goals.
Nationally Recognised Certification
Upon successful completion of either unit, you’ll receive a Statement of Attainment that:
- Is recognised across Australia
- Meets the requirements of state and local government health departments
- May be used to apply for council permits or business registration
- Demonstrates your commitment to safety, compliance, and professionalism
Not sure which unit is right for you? Our team is here to help you choose the most suitable infection control course for your services and career goals.
Why Choose Artisan Training Academy?
- Trusted by industry professionals Australia-wide
- Current and compliant training, mapped to real-world beauty and clinical settings
- Responsive trainer support and approachable learning materials
- Flexible options to suit business owners, mobile operators, and employees
- Council-compliant certificates delivered quickly upon successful completion
We understand the day-to-day realities of the beauty and aesthetic industries—and we’re here to support your growth with training that protects your clients and your reputation.
Enrol Today
Keep your services compliant and your clients safe. Enrol in HLTINF005 or SHBBINF002 today and take the next step toward professional excellence.
Other Course Pathways at Artisan
Cosmetic Tattoo Courses
Train in brows, lip blush, eyeliner, scar camouflage and advanced cosmetic tattoo techniques on the Gold Coast.
Brow Tattoo Courses
Specialise in modern brow tattooing with hands-on training in Nano Strokes, Ombré, and Combination Brow techniques.
Beauty Courses
Train in eyelash extensions, lash and brow services, advanced makeup, skin needling and the Certificate III in Beauty Services.
Schedule a Free Tour
We invite you to experience our facilities firsthand. To organize a free tour of Artisan Training Academy RTO 46085, please give us a call at 0422 624 966. Discover how our comprehensive training programs, expert instructors, and extensive resources can help you achieve your professional aspirations in the beauty industry.