Virginia Permanent Makeup
(PMU) DPOR Exam Study Guide |
2026/2027 Edition
1. Which agency regulates the licensing of Permanent Makeup (PMU)
practitioners in Virginia?
A. Virginia Department of Health (VDH)
B. Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR)
C. OSHA
D. CDC
Correct Answer: B — DPOR
Rationale: Permanent Makeup and Cosmetic Tattooing licensure in Virginia is
regulated under the DPOR Board for Barbers and Cosmetology. VDH, OSHA, and
CDC provide guidance but are not licensing authorities.
2. What is the minimum age to receive a permanent makeup procedure in
Virginia without parental consent?
A. 16
B. 18
C. 21
D. No minimum age
Correct Answer: B — 18
,Rationale: Virginia law (18 VAC 41-70-10) prohibits performing tattooing or
permanent makeup on anyone under 18 years of age, regardless of parental
consent. There are no exceptions for parental consent for minors.
3. A Virginia PMU license must be renewed every:
A. 1 year
B. 2 years
C. 3 years
D. 5 years
Correct Answer: B — 2 years
Rationale: Virginia tattooer and permanent cosmetic licenses must be renewed
every 2 years. Continuing education may be required as part of the renewal process
per DPOR regulations.
4. Which of the following is required to obtain a Virginia PMU license?
A. Completion of a DPOR-approved training program and passing the examination
B. Only a high school diploma
C. A medical degree
D. An esthetics license only
Correct Answer: A — Completion of a DPOR-approved training program and
passing the examination
,Rationale: Applicants must complete a DPOR-approved training program covering
bloodborne pathogens, infection control, technique, and Virginia regulations, and
pass the required examination. An esthetics license alone does not authorize
permanent makeup.
5. The Virginia PMU establishment license must be:
A. Displayed in a conspicuous place visible to the public
B. Kept in a file drawer
C. Not required
D. Displayed only when requested
Correct Answer: A — Displayed in a conspicuous place visible to the public
Rationale: Establishment licenses must be prominently displayed so clients can
verify that the facility is properly licensed. The individual practitioner license must
also be displayed.
6. According to Virginia regulations, how long must client records be retained?
A. 1 year
B. 2 years
C. 5 years
D. 10 years
Correct Answer: C — 5 years
, Rationale: Schools and practitioners are required to keep school and client records
for 5 years.
7. A person currently licensed as a permanent cosmetic tattooer in another
state may be issued a Virginia license through:
A. Reciprocity
B. License by endorsement
C. Grandfathering
D. Provisional license
Correct Answer: B — License by endorsement
Rationale: This regulation falls under 18-VAC-41-50-30 License by
endorsement. Any person licensed in another jurisdiction who has completed
equivalent training and examination may be issued a license.
8. If a person does not pass the reexamination within one year of the initial
examination date, they must:
A. Retake only the practical exam
B. Submit a new application and examination fee
C. Complete additional training hours
D. Wait two years before reapplying
Correct Answer: B — Submit a new application and examination fee
(PMU) DPOR Exam Study Guide |
2026/2027 Edition
1. Which agency regulates the licensing of Permanent Makeup (PMU)
practitioners in Virginia?
A. Virginia Department of Health (VDH)
B. Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR)
C. OSHA
D. CDC
Correct Answer: B — DPOR
Rationale: Permanent Makeup and Cosmetic Tattooing licensure in Virginia is
regulated under the DPOR Board for Barbers and Cosmetology. VDH, OSHA, and
CDC provide guidance but are not licensing authorities.
2. What is the minimum age to receive a permanent makeup procedure in
Virginia without parental consent?
A. 16
B. 18
C. 21
D. No minimum age
Correct Answer: B — 18
,Rationale: Virginia law (18 VAC 41-70-10) prohibits performing tattooing or
permanent makeup on anyone under 18 years of age, regardless of parental
consent. There are no exceptions for parental consent for minors.
3. A Virginia PMU license must be renewed every:
A. 1 year
B. 2 years
C. 3 years
D. 5 years
Correct Answer: B — 2 years
Rationale: Virginia tattooer and permanent cosmetic licenses must be renewed
every 2 years. Continuing education may be required as part of the renewal process
per DPOR regulations.
4. Which of the following is required to obtain a Virginia PMU license?
A. Completion of a DPOR-approved training program and passing the examination
B. Only a high school diploma
C. A medical degree
D. An esthetics license only
Correct Answer: A — Completion of a DPOR-approved training program and
passing the examination
,Rationale: Applicants must complete a DPOR-approved training program covering
bloodborne pathogens, infection control, technique, and Virginia regulations, and
pass the required examination. An esthetics license alone does not authorize
permanent makeup.
5. The Virginia PMU establishment license must be:
A. Displayed in a conspicuous place visible to the public
B. Kept in a file drawer
C. Not required
D. Displayed only when requested
Correct Answer: A — Displayed in a conspicuous place visible to the public
Rationale: Establishment licenses must be prominently displayed so clients can
verify that the facility is properly licensed. The individual practitioner license must
also be displayed.
6. According to Virginia regulations, how long must client records be retained?
A. 1 year
B. 2 years
C. 5 years
D. 10 years
Correct Answer: C — 5 years
, Rationale: Schools and practitioners are required to keep school and client records
for 5 years.
7. A person currently licensed as a permanent cosmetic tattooer in another
state may be issued a Virginia license through:
A. Reciprocity
B. License by endorsement
C. Grandfathering
D. Provisional license
Correct Answer: B — License by endorsement
Rationale: This regulation falls under 18-VAC-41-50-30 License by
endorsement. Any person licensed in another jurisdiction who has completed
equivalent training and examination may be issued a license.
8. If a person does not pass the reexamination within one year of the initial
examination date, they must:
A. Retake only the practical exam
B. Submit a new application and examination fee
C. Complete additional training hours
D. Wait two years before reapplying
Correct Answer: B — Submit a new application and examination fee
