For cosmetologists, barbers, nail techs and estheticians
Bloodborne Pathogens Training for Cosmetologists, Barbers, Nail Techs and Estheticians
One hour, online, $25. Certificate PDF the moment you pass. Verifiable by anyone with the number.
Who this is for
- Cosmetologists and hair stylists
- Barbers
- Nail technicians
- Estheticians, electrologists and microblading or lash artists
- Salon owners who need staff trained before a state inspection
What OSHA requires
29 CFR 1910.1030 requires every employee with occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials to be trained at hire and at least once every 12 months, by a course covering a fixed list of topics and giving the chance to ask questions of a knowledgeable person. For cosmetologists, barbers, nail techs and estheticians, the exposure is real and specific:
- Razor and shear cuts to a client or yourself
- Cuticle nippers, credo blades and callus tools drawing blood during nail services
- Electrolysis and microblading needles
- Extractions, dermaplaning and microneedling in an esthetics room
- Reusable tools moving between clients without proper disinfection
What the course covers
Nine narrated lessons, about an hour total:
- How hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV survive on tools and surfaces
- Universal precautions for services that can draw blood
- Gloves and eye protection, and when a service requires them
- Single-use versus reusable tools, and cleaning and disinfecting reusables
- Blood spill cleanup at the chair or table
- Sharps disposal for salons
- What to do in the first minutes after a cut or needlestick
Then a 20-question exam, 80% to pass, unlimited retakes. Full course outline.
Questions from cosmetologists, barbers, nail techs and estheticians
Does this count for my license renewal?
It documents OSHA bloodborne pathogens training. Several states require bloodborne pathogens or infection-control hours for cosmetology, barber and nail license renewal — see the state note below. Some accept any OSHA-compliant course; others require a board-approved provider or a specific hour count.
How long does it take?
About an hour, including a 20-question exam. Unlimited retakes; certificate emailed the moment you pass.
Will my salon accept this?
OSHA does not accredit bloodborne pathogens courses; your employer decides what training it accepts. The course covers the training topics in 1910.1030(g)(2)(vii)(A) through (M), the certificate lists them, and anyone can verify it online. Most employers accept it; if yours needs more, send them the course outline.
Is this the same as sanitation training?
It overlaps. This course is the OSHA bloodborne pathogens standard: exposure, PPE, sharps, cleanup and post-exposure. State sanitation rules on tool disinfection and salon hygiene are broader and are set by your state board.