Frequently Asked Questions

What programs do you offer?

We currently offer two core programs:

Professional Tattooing
Professional Body Piercing

In addition, we periodically run advanced workshops in both tattooing and piercing for students and industry professionals looking to sharpen their skills or learn new techniques.

Do I need prior experience to enroll?

No prior experience or prerequisites are required to enroll.

Our programs are designed for beginners, so you don’t need any previous tattooing or piercing experience to apply.

**For the tattoo program specifically, having some existing art skills or a strong interest in drawing is highly recommended, this will help you succeed and grow more quickly in your training.

How long are the tattoo and piercing programs?

Our Tattoo and Piercing programs are each 24 weeks long, which is about 6 months of training.

**Occasionally, the schedule may be extended by a week to accommodate holidays when needed.

Is the training hands-on or online?

Our programs use a hybrid learning model.

The first 5 weeks are completed online and focus on theory only.
After that, students attend in-person for the hands-on training portion.

We believe it’s essential to learn tattooing and piercing with direct guidance from experienced mentors. In-person training ensures you receive real-time feedback on technique, sanitization, safety protocols, and professional best practices, all of which are crucial for building strong habits as an artist.

What makes your courses different from an apprenticeship?

Traditional apprenticeships and our program are very different experiences.
Apprenticeships can be hard to secure, often require prior art skills, personal equipment, and unpaid shop work, and usually offer training only when the artist has time. The learning pace isn’t structured, and there’s no guarantee of when (or if) you’ll get hands-on practice.

Our program is a 24-week accredited, structured training experience. You receive:

A planned curriculum taught in a structured format
Online theory + extensive guided practice on fake skin
Supervised hands-on training with experienced professionals
Assessments, support, and consistent feedback
A complete portfolio and industry preparation

You graduate with the knowledge, skills, tools, and confidence to begin your career, without the uncertainty of an unstructured apprenticeship.

Is this a tattoo/piercing shop or real class?

We are a classroom-based training program, not a retail tattoo or piercing shop.
You’ll learn through scheduled lessons, demonstrations, and supervised hands-on practice. Our Public Shop area is used only for model and public practice days so students can work on real skin under instructor supervision.

To book a volunteer appointment please message our volunteer booking page.

For regular tattoo or piercing appointments, please reach out to Cree8iv Ink.

Will I be tattooing or piercing real people?

Yes. There is a live model component of our course. These will ideally be friends & family of the Student, but students will have access to our volunteer Facebook group to book additional models if necessary.

This portion is under strict supervision and ONLY WHEN YOU ARE READY. We reserve the right to delay this component of the Program until such time that we feel you are ready to proceed. We have a responsibility to you, to get you there, but also a responsibility to your model.

Before you apply: Is this program right for you?

Tattooing and piercing are rewarding but demanding careers. Success requires practice, patience, professionalism, and a willingness to learn from feedback. You’ll start on synthetic materials and progress to real clients only when instructors feel you’re ready.

This industry can be competitive, and growth takes time — your dedication and consistency will shape your long-term success. If you’re unsure whether this path is right for you, we encourage you to read our “Before You Apply” section to help you decide.

What are the admission requirements?

There are no prerequisites for either program. No experience is required, though basic art/drawing skills are recommended for the Tattoo Program.

See full admissions requirements HERE

How do I apply?

You can apply online through our Admissions page. Submit your application form and our team will guide you through the next steps.

Apply online HERE

How soon will I hear back after applying?

We’ll get back to you within 1–2 business days after receiving your application.

To avoid delays, please make sure all required documents are submitted with your application. Missing information may require follow-up from our team, which can extend the review process before we can issue an acceptance or denial.

Are there age or education requirements?

Yes. To apply, you must be the age of majority in your province or territory (18 or 19 depending on where you live). We do not accept applicants under 18.

We offer two admission pathways:

General Admission: High School Diploma or GED
Mature Admission: No diploma; Basic Skills Assessment required

All applicants must provide proof of citizenship/PR, photo ID, and English proficiency (if needed).

We do not accept applicants under 18 or international students.

See full admission requirements HERE

Do I need to submit a portfolio or references?

Tattoo applicants must submit a portfolio as part of the application review.
At minimum, your portfolio must include 5 hand-drawn images (pencil or similar medium) that show your ability to draw lines, shapes, script, and shading. These drawings must be original, not traced.

You’re welcome to include digital artwork, paintings, or past tattoos as additional supporting pieces, but these cannot replace the required hand-drawn submissions.

Piercing applicants do not need to submit a portfolio.

How much does each course cost?

Tattoo and Piercing programs cost the same. Your total includes tuition, supplies, books, and professional fees.

For the most accurate and current pricing, please visit our Course Costs page.

View full course costs HERE

Do you offer payment plans or student loans?

Yes. We are approved for government student loans across Canada.
We also accept third-party financing (such as MediCard) and many Indigenous funding organizations offer support for eligible students.

Apply early, as funding approval can take up to 8 weeks.

To inquire about payment plans, please reach out to our Admissions team.
See full funding info HERE

When do new intakes start?

We offer new intakes almost every month for both the Tattoo and Piercing programs.
Start dates vary throughout the year, so please check our Intake Dates page for the most up-to-date schedule.

View upcoming intake dates HERE

Can I work while I study?

Yes, you can work while you study, but it depends on your availability.
Our program runs Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, so any employment must fit outside those hours.

Students are responsible for managing their own work–school balance.

Do I receive any equipment with this course?

Yes. All supplies needed throughout the entire program are included in your program costs. You will have everything required for in-person training.

Upon successful graduation, students receive a basic machine setup. This setup is provided to every graduate, regardless of whether they choose to purchase a kit.

A full, studio-ready kit is available for purchase upon successful completion of the program. Kits are no longer automatically included as we have had students opt out of this kit to build their own. We can also provide recommended supplier lists.

**Basic setups are only issued to students who successfully complete the program.

Is Alberta College of Body Art accredited?

Yes! We are a fully accredited post-secondary institution, the first program of its kind in Canada to achieve this status.

What does Accreditation mean?

Accreditation means our programs meet strict educational, safety, and quality standards set by provincial regulatory bodies. It ensures that our curriculum, instructors, facilities, and student outcomes are regularly reviewed and approved at a post-secondary level.

Because we are accredited, students may also be eligible for government student aid and can trust that their training meets recognized industry and educational standards.

Will I receive a certificate or diploma?

Absolutely. When you graduate, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion plus important safety certifications like BBP, WHMIS, and First Aid.

These credentials help demonstrate your training, safety knowledge, and readiness to work in a professional studio.

Can I work as a professional tattoo artist or piercer after graduating?

Yes. You’ll graduate with the skills and safety training needed to begin working professionally. We teach you how to assess skin, understand risks, follow protocols, and perform tattoos or piercings confidently and safely.

Like any craft, your growth depends on practice and dedication. Some graduates choose to continue developing under an apprenticeship or mentor, which can be a great option but isn’t mandatory.

Do you help graduates find jobs or apprenticeships?

We do not guarantee job placement, but we do support you in preparing for employment.
Tattooing and piercing are competitive fields, and securing a job ultimately depends on your portfolio, professionalism, and dedication. However, when you graduate, you will have the skills, certifications, and qualifications needed to apply for positions or to open your own studio if that is your goal (in compliance with local health regulations).

We offer:

Employment reference letters from instructors and the school
Guidance on resumes, portfolios, and preparing for shop interviews
Optional short-term placement opportunities at Cree8iv Ink Body Studio (based on space and assessment results)

**Please note: Some shops may be hesitant about hiring graduates from formal training programs, while others value structured education. Your success will depend on your continued practice, professionalism, and persistence.

Where is the college located?

We are located in Grande Prairie, Alberta, at:

10001 101 Ave, Grande Prairie, AB, T8V 0X9

Our campus is in a central area within walking distance of restaurants, cafés, retail shops, and other local amenities, making it convenient for students during the school day.

Do you offer student housing or accommodations?

Yes. Out-of-town students can apply for housing through Northwestern Polytechnic (NWP).
All costs, rules, and applications are handled by NWP. Housing is single-resident only.

If NWP housing isn’t available, students must arrange their own accommodations.

View NWP Housing Info HERE

See our entire Accommodations Information HERE

What kind of equipment do I need to bring?

You don’t need to bring any tattoo or piercing equipment, we provide everything you need during the program.

However, we highly recommend bringing:

An iPad + Apple Pencil with Procreate (tattoo students only)
Indoor shoes
Any notebooks, pens, or supplies you like to use in class

What’s the typical class size?

Our class sizes are small and focused. We accept up to 8 students per intake to ensure every student receives personalized instruction and hands-on support.

What Transportation is available?

Grande Prairie has public transit, and taxis are also available.

For Public Bus Pass Information – CLICK HERE