Frequently Asked Questions

No prior experience is required for the 4-Day or Hybrid courses. Both are designed for complete beginners. The 2-Day course is suited to those already working in the beauty or hair industry. All students begin with the theoretical foundations before progressing to hands-on practical training.

You must be aged 18 or over to enrol on any Essex Piercing Academy course.

If you're a complete beginner with no industry background, the 4-Day course is our most comprehensive option. If you already work in beauty or hair, the 2-Day course is designed for you. If you need flexibility around work or family, the Hybrid course lets you complete the theory online in your own time. Our courses comparison page has a full breakdown.

Essex Piercing Academy is based at 20 Quadrant Arcade, Romford, Essex, RM1 3ED. Romford is well connected by the Elizabeth line and road, making us accessible from across Essex, including Chelmsford, Brentwood, Basildon, Southend, and beyond.

All tools, jewellery, and consumables are provided as part of your course fee. We recommend wearing comfortable, practical clothing, particularly for practical days. We will send you a full pre-course information pack once your booking is confirmed.

All courses cover the five core piercing types: ear piercings (lobe, cartilage, and helix), nose piercings (nostril and septum), tongue piercings, nipple piercings, and belly button (navel) piercings. All placements taught are from the waist upwards. Full aftercare and safety protocols are covered for every type.

We deliberately keep group sizes small on all courses. This ensures every student receives individual attention from the trainer, sufficient hands-on practice time, and personalised feedback throughout, rather than spending the day watching others.

Yes. All courses include comprehensive theory covering anatomy, skin biology, sterilisation methods, health & safety legislation, jewellery standards (including ASTM F136), client consultation, and aftercare protocols. On the 2-Day and 4-Day courses this is delivered in person; on the Hybrid course it is delivered via self-paced online modules.

The Hybrid course is split into two parts. First, you complete six theory modules online at your own pace (approximately 8–10 hours). Once complete, you attend one in-person practical day at our Romford academy. You'll work through all five piercing types with full trainer support and collect your CPD certificate on the day.

Yes. Each course includes a final practical assessment. This is a supportive, structured process designed to confirm your competence, not a traditional exam built to catch you out. It is completed on the final day of in-person training and results in the award of your CPD certificate.

Yes. All three of our piercing courses (the 2-Day, 4-Day, and Hybrid) are fully CPD accredited. Your certificate is nationally recognised across the UK and accepted by the majority of professional insurance providers.

CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development. A CPD accredited qualification has been formally reviewed and approved by an accreditation body to confirm it meets defined standards. For body piercing, a CPD certificate is the industry-recognised qualification. It is accepted by insurance providers and studios, and in many cases it is required for local authority licensing.

Yes. Our CPD accredited certificates are accepted by the majority of professional insurance providers in the UK. Once you have your certificate, you can update your policy to include body piercing services. We recommend contacting your provider directly to confirm their specific requirements.

Licensing requirements vary by local authority. Many councils require a Special Treatments Licence or Skin Piercing Registration before you can offer piercing commercially. Your CPD certificate is a core requirement for this process. We advise checking with your local council for the specific requirements in your area.

You can book directly on each course page using our enquiry form, or by contacting us directly. We'll confirm your place and send payment details by email within 24 hours. Payment must be completed to secure your booking.

The course fee includes all training materials, all tools and jewellery used during the course, your CPD accredited certificate on completion, a course manual to take away, and lifetime support after the course. There are no hidden extras.

Please contact us to discuss payment options. We may be able to accommodate a deposit and payment plan depending on the course and availability.

Please contact us directly to discuss our cancellation and rescheduling policy. We try to be as flexible as possible and can often transfer your booking to a later date with sufficient notice. Full details will be provided in your booking confirmation.

Course dates are updated regularly. Please contact us or complete the enquiry form on the relevant course page to ask about upcoming availability. We recommend booking in advance as places fill quickly due to our small group sizes.

On completion you will hold a CPD accredited qualification. Before offering piercing services commercially, you will need to update your professional insurance to cover body piercing, and check local council licensing requirements in your area. We provide guidance on both of these as part of the course.

Every Essex Piercing Academy student receives lifetime access to our support network, resource library, and the ability to contact our educators directly with questions. Whether you need advice on a tricky placement, a client complication, or guidance on setting up your business, we're here for the long term.

Yes. We offer additional specialist training and mentorship for students who want to advance their skills further. Contact us to find out what advanced or specialist courses are currently available.

Yes. On successful completion of your course, you will receive a CPD accredited certificate. Please contact us for details on format and delivery.