In recent years, body piercing has become increasingly popular. Not only as a form of personal expression but also as a career path. With the growth of the industry, more people are looking for ways to become professional piercers. You may have noticed advertisements for “piercing courses” that promise to teach you everything in just a few days or weeks. But how do these short programs compare to a full piercing apprenticeship? And what’s the best route for someone serious about a long-term, ethical career in body piercing?
Let’s break it down.
Piercing Courses: A Starting Point, Not a Shortcut
Piercing courses, often marketed as quick, all-inclusive trainings, usually last anywhere from a single weekend to a couple of weeks. Some offer hands-on experience, others don’t. Many are taught by individuals or studios with varying levels of professionalism or connection to the broader body piercing industry. These programs are often seen as a fast track. But that doesn’t mean they prepare someone to work as a safe, knowledgeable piercer.
That said, not all piercing courses are created equal.
I personally attended the Comprehensive Piercing Seminar at Fakir Intensives. It was a powerful and eye-opening experience that deepened my understanding of the technical and cultural aspects of piercing. Fakir Intensives provides an immersive environment led by experienced educators, rooted in the findings of Fakir Musafar and his influence on modern body piercing.
However (and this is important) even a course as thorough and valuable as Fakir does not automatically make you a piercer.
A course can provide foundational knowledge, build connections, and inspire passion—but without continued, supervised hands-on training under an experienced mentor, most students leave still needing a great deal more education.
Piercing Apprenticeships: Learning the Right Way
A true piercing apprenticeship is a long-term commitment to learning under the guidance of an experienced, reputable piercer. This process typically spans 1–2 years and includes intensive training in safety protocols, anatomy, jewelry quality, sterilization, studio hygiene, and, eventually, live piercing practice under supervision.
Here’s why apprenticeships matter:
✅ Hands-On, Real-Time Experience
Apprentices get the opportunity to observe and eventually perform piercings in a controlled, supervised setting. Unlike short courses, apprenticeships involve months of observation and practice, not just a few hours.
✅ Deep Understanding of Safety and Sterilization
You’ll learn how to properly use an autoclave, read spore tests, maintain a sterile environment, and follow best practices for cross-contamination prevention—skills critical to client safety.
✅ Client Communication & Aftercare
Apprenticeships also prepare you to talk to clients professionally, give aftercare guidance, and troubleshoot problems—skills that can’t be developed overnight.
✅ Accountability & Community
A good mentor will hold you to high standards. They’ll teach you the “why” behind every technique and help you understand your responsibilities not just to your clients, but to the entire piercing community.
The Bottom Line
While piercing courses may offer a helpful introduction, they are not a substitute for a piercing apprenticeship. Being a professional piercer requires more than just knowing how to pass a needle through skin—it’s about anatomy, ethics, safety, and continued learning.
As someone who has been through both a respected course (Fakir Intensives) and years of hands-on professional experience, I can confidently say that nothing replaces the depth of knowledge and skill gained from a real apprenticeship.
If you’re considering a future in body piercing, choose a mentor who follows industry standards, supports your growth, and believes in doing things the right way—because your future clients deserve nothing less.