August 21, 2025

What Qualifications Do You Need to Do Cosmetic Tattooing in Queensland?

If you’ve ever dreamed of creating flawless brows, defined eyeliner, or a natural lip blush, you might be wondering: What qualifications do you need to become a cosmetic tattoo artist in Queensland?

The answer isn’t as simple as completing a short course. Queensland has specific licensing, training, and council requirements — all designed to protect both practitioners and clients.

At A Fine Line Cosmetic Tattoo, we are fully licensed and accredited, so we’ve created this guide to help you understand exactly what you need to start your career in cosmetic tattooing.

Queensland’s Dual Licensing System

Unlike some other states, Queensland requires two levels of licensing:

State licensing – through the Office of Fair Trading (Tattoo Industry Act 2013)
Local council licensing – for Personal Appearance Services (PAS licence)

This means cosmetic tattooing (brows, lips, eyeliner, etc.) is regulated at both state and local levels.

State Licensing Requirements

To legally practice cosmetic tattooing in Queensland, you’ll need:

Tattooist licence (for individuals)
Tattoo operator licence (for businesses)

This applies whether you are offering cosmetic eyebrow tattooing, lip tattooing, or eyeliner tattooing.

Requirements include:

Criminal history check
Fingerprinting & palm printing
No prescribed offences in the past 10 years
Application fees ($200–$500 depending on licence duration)

Local Council Licensing

Your council requires a Personal Appearance Services (PAS) licence because cosmetic tattooing involves skin penetration.

Your clinic must comply with infection control standards
The premises layout and equipment are inspected by council officers
Fees vary, but usually range from $300–$1,000 annually

At A Fine Line Cosmetic Tattoo in Maroochydore, we proudly display our current PAS licence for clients to verify.

Essential Qualifications & Training

🎓 The Gold Standard: SHB50321 Diploma of Cosmetic Tattooing

Delivered by Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), this qualification covers:

Skin anatomy & healing
Colour theory & pigment selection
Needle configurations & machine use
Infection prevention & hygiene
Safe cosmetic tattooing techniques for brows, lips, and eyeliner

👉 Cost: $15,000–$20,000 (6–12 months part-time).

Alternative Training Options

Skill sets with SHBBSKS003 (now superseded but still recognised)
Short RTO courses specialising in brows, lips, or eyeliner
Non-accredited courses (⚠️ not suitable if you want national recognition)

Always check your provider is an RTO for recognised qualifications.

Mandatory Infection Control Training

Queensland councils and insurers require you to complete:

HLTINF005 – Maintain Infection Prevention for Skin Penetration Treatments

Covers: hand hygiene, PPE, sterilisation, sharps disposal, and cross-contamination prevention.

👉 Cost: $300–$600.

Practical Experience – The Real Foundation

A certificate is just the start. Most reputable training requires work with at least 24 live models, plus artificial skin practice. You’ll learn:

Different skin types & healing responses
Colour corrections & touch-ups
Managing client expectations
Building a professional portfolio of healed results

At A Fine Line, we know that practical experience is what separates safe, skilled artists from poorly trained practitioners.

Licensing Process Checklist (Queensland)

✅ Complete infection control course (HLTINF005)
✅ Enrol in nationally recognised training (ideally SHB50321 Diploma)
✅ Apply for tattooist & operator licences (Office of Fair Trading)
✅ Apply for council Personal Appearance Services licence
✅ Secure insurance (public liability + professional indemnity)
✅ Register your business with ASIC + ABN
✅ Set up compliant premises & equipment
✅ Display your licences in your clinic

Costs to Expect

Diploma of Cosmetic Tattooing: $15,000–$20,000
SHBBSKS003 short course: $5,000–$8,000
HLTINF005 Infection Control: $300–$600
Licensing (state + council): $500–$1,500
Insurance: $800–$2,000 annually
Starter kit/equipment: $2,000–$5,000

Why Proper Licensing Matters

Licensing ensures:

Client safety – council inspections confirm hygiene & equipment standards
Professional credibility – proof you’ve met legal requirements
Insurance coverage – required for claims protection
Peace of mind – for both practitioners and clients

⚠️ Red flag: If a studio cannot show you their licence, makes excuses, or offers extremely cheap prices — walk away.

The A Fine Line Difference

At A Fine Line Cosmetic Tattoo, we:

Hold full state and local licensing
Maintain strict hygiene protocols
Display our PAS licence in the clinic
Continue training in advanced techniques to stay at the top of the industry

Your safety, results, and confidence are our number one priority.

FAQs About Cosmetic Tattooing Qualifications in Queensland

Do I need a licence to do cosmetic tattooing in QLD?
Yes — both a tattooist licence (state) and a Personal Appearance Services licence (local council).

How long does it take to become a cosmetic tattooist in Queensland?
6–12 months for the diploma, plus additional supervised practice.

How much does cosmetic tattoo training cost in Queensland?
Anywhere from $5,000 (short course) to $20,000 (full diploma).

Is cosmetic tattooing regulated the same as body tattooing in QLD?
Yes — both fall under the Tattoo Industry Act 2013.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a cosmetic tattooist in Queensland requires dedication, training, and licensing. While the process can feel complex, it ensures safety, professionalism, and long-term success.

For aspiring artists: research RTO providers, complete infection control, and understand your legal obligations.
For clients: always verify your artist’s licensing and training before booking.

At A Fine Line Cosmetic Tattoo, we are proud to meet every Queensland regulation and uphold the highest standards in eyebrow tattoos, lip tattoos, and eyeliner tattoos.

✨ Your face deserves nothing less than the best — safe, skilled, and fully licensed care.