APT offers two bloodborne pathogen training options for tattoo practitioners. Whether you're new to the craft or maintaining your annual certification, understanding which course is right for you matters — not just for compliance, but for your clients' safety and your professional standing.
New to tattooing? Starting an apprenticeship? Always start with the PDTT™. The Online BBP Refresher is designed for experienced practitioners maintaining their annual certification — it is not a substitute for comprehensive initial training. That said, we always encourage every practitioner to go above and beyond with our PDTT™ course annually, because your clients deserve that level of care and expertise.
Health department employees are invited to attend the PDTT™ free of charge.
The PDTT™ is APT's comprehensive, 5-hour bloodborne pathogen training course designed specifically for tattoo practitioners and apprentices. It goes far beyond minimum OSHA requirements — equipping you with the knowledge to protect yourself, your clients, and your practice every single day.
Health Department employees are invited to attend free of charge.
The PDTT™ delivers extensive,
in-depth coverage of:
This is not a basic overview. The PDTT™ goes far beyond minimum requirements to give pra
The PDTT™ delivers extensive,
in-depth coverage of:
This is not a basic overview. The PDTT™ goes far beyond minimum requirements to give practitioners a comprehensive, working knowledge of health and safety as it specifically applies to tattooing.
Registration is now open for our June 8th course.
This course is held via Zoom. Course begins at 10am PT.
For Experienced Practitioners Only
The Online BBP Refresher is a convenient, self-paced option for experienced practitioners maintaining their annual certification. It provides basic coverage of key bloodborne pathogen topics specific to tattooing.
⚠️ This is NOT an initial training course. Apprentices and practitioners who have never completed a comprehensive BBP course should register for the PDTT™ instead.
⚠️ Not valid in Florida. Florida practitioners must attend the PDTT™.

Kate Connors is a tattoo artist, educator, and Director of Education on the Board of Directors of the Alliance of Professional Tattooists. She has worked in the tattoo trade since 2003 and has extensive training and experience in professional practice, studio operations, and education.
Her qualifications include certification in trauma-informed care, paramedical tattooing, laser technology, and skin cancer early detection, along with current First Aid certification and prior experience as a first responder. She has also worked as a professional piercer for over a decade.
She has completed extensive, repeated certification in bloodborne pathogens and infection control throughout her career and now serves as an instructor for the Alliance of Professional Tattooists' Prevention of Disease Transmission in Tattooing (PDTT™) course.
Her work focuses on advancing practitioner-informed standards in infection control, health and safety, and professional education within tattooing.
For PDTT™ course inquiries, contact the instructor at instructor@safe-tattoos.com

Completion of this course satisfies the training content requirements of 29 CFR 1910.1030(g)(2) for the individual participant.
OSHA compliance also requires each employer to maintain a written, workplace-specific Exposure Control Plan; offer Hepatitis B vaccination; maintain training and medical records; and maintain a Sharps Injury Log. These are employer obligations separate from this training. A complete ECP template and all required forms are included in the PDTT™ manual.
OSHA requires annual refresher training within 365 days of prior training.
The PDTT™ is approved by the Florida Department of Health for tattoo artist licensure under Section 381.00775, F.S. and Chapter 64E-28, F.A.C.
The Alliance of Professional Tattooists, Inc.
is a legally registered nonprofit trade organization dedicated to education, safety standards, and professional advocacy within tattooing.
APT exists to serve working tattooers through education, industry representation, scientific dialogue, and historical preservation. Our volunteer board provides governance, oversight, and national advocacy on behalf of tattoo professionals.
APT does not enter into formal partnerships or affiliate relationships with any outside organization. Member benefits offered through third-party vendors do not constitute endorsement or affiliation.
Copyright © 1992 alliance of professional tattooists, inc. - All Rights Reserved.
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7770 Regents Rd, Suite 113, #635
San Diego, CA 92122
816-979-1300
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