When the folks at Largo Florida’s Extreme Spray Tan boasted “All Extreme Spray Tan Airbrush Technicians Are Nationally Certified” on their website in March 2011, they knew this hot button would grab attention. Sun worshippers have gotten leery about the dangers of tanning, so knowing that operators of the facility they are considering are credentialed can make a huge difference in bookings and revenues. Your desire to become certified will do lots for both your personal reputation and the salon that employs you, so take care of this important credential now.
Choose a Training Program That Leads to Certification: Not every airbrush-training program offers curricula leading to certification. Some train techs on airbrush techniques in 4 hours and turn them loose on clients. You need more. Before you sign on the dotted line and commit yourself to a specific training program, obtain assurances that you’ll be able to sit for your certification exam once you’ve completed it. Whether the course content is relegated to an in-person, online or DVD experience, expect to learn the proper use of airbrush equipment, safely aspects of sunless tanning and skin prep and application techniques unique to this industry.
Learn From a Certified Instructor: It’s no secret. There are plenty of spray tan practitioners who haven’t bothered to get their sunless tanning certifications, but they can still legally practice because they’ve received cosmetology licenses. You want a certified instructor who knows the ins and outs of federal regulations and chemical processes involved with spray tanning, so always ask to see your instructor’s certificate so you’re sure to learn electrical safety practices and client care tips. It’s a fact of the profession: slips and falls are common when dealing with spray tan products and a certified instructor will already have been schooled in techniques so this doesn’t happen.
Study for Your Certification Exam: Learning all aspects of the art of spray tanning will prepare you for the certification exam, but you’ll also need to study before you take it. Most states use the same certification examination, but if you live in Ohio and Florida (or Canada), requirements differ from the remainder of the U.S. Take your cue from your state’s guidelines and download a copy of the exam guidelines and sample questions so you know what to expect when the test is administered. Pay particular attention to the cleaning and maintenance of your airbrush equipment, face- and body-specific airbrush applications and the ins and outs of “body gun” operation.
Take the Certification Exam: In addition to be asked questions about the practice and precautions involved with airbrush tanning application, you may be asked about U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Food and Drug Administration guidelines, warnings and mandates. Expect questions that deal with how to protect sensitive areas of client’s bodies and caring for your airbrush equipment so it’s hygienically maintained. Your school may administer the test in person or you may be able to take it on line. Once you pass the exam, you’ll receive a certificate that’s your ticket to a career in this trendy business.
