Introducing K-AAM: The Korean AAM Certification Pathway
The American Academy of Micropigmentation has partnered with the Korea Tattoo Federation to bring AAM standards, education, and board certification to Korea's world-renowned PMU industry.
Explore K-AAM
Two Industry Leaders. One Global Standard.
A historic partnership, built to carry Korean artistry into internationally recognized certification.
American Academy of Micropigmentation
For over three decades, AAM has set the benchmark for education, certification, safety, and professional standards in permanent makeup and micropigmentation.
Korea Tattoo Federation
The Korea Tattoo Federation is Korea's leading professional organization for the tattoo and beauty industry, advancing education standards, instructor development, and industry recognition nationwide.
Together, we have created K-AAM: a certification pathway designed for Korean artists, built on AAM standards.
Why K-AAM Exists
Four commitments behind the pathway.
Bridge Korean beauty education with AAM standards, connecting Korea's artistry with internationally recognized certification.
Support certified Korean instructors, empowering educators to train the next generation.
Create a clear certification pathway, from education to K-AAM Gold and beyond.
Elevate PMU education in Korea, raising standards for artists and clients alike.
Choose Your Pathway
Every candidacy below is delivered in Korean, with one exception noted on the card. Registration runs through the AAM board.
Begin a Candidacy
Community
The entry point to AAM membership, open to artists at any stage. This candidacy is not currently offered in Korean.
Gold Standard
Board certification for qualified artists, taught and examined to AAM standards for practitioners outside New Jersey.
Gold New Jersey
The Gold pathway for artists working under New Jersey's state-approved curriculum and licensing requirements.
Korea Diamond Trainer
For experienced artists ready to teach. Requires four or more years in permanent makeup, a portfolio, review, and final AAM board approval.
Sit the Examination
Gold Brows & Lips Exam
The Gold candidate examination for brow and lip work, assessed against AAM standards.
Gold Paramedical Exam
The Gold candidate examination for paramedical work, assessed against AAM standards.
Retests
Retests are reserved for artists with an existing candidacy. You will need to sign in to your AAM account to purchase one.
Gold Standard Retest
A further attempt at the Gold Standard examination for current candidates.
Sign In to RetestGold New Jersey Retest
A further attempt at the Gold New Jersey examination for current candidates.
Sign In to RetestAlready Certified
Diamond Trainer Membership
Ongoing membership for approved Diamond Trainers, renewed annually once certification is granted.
Compare Memberships
How recognition, responsibility, and public signalling change across the levels available through K-AAM. Platinum is not shown: it is reserved for New Jersey based trainers.
| Aspect | CommunityFoundationalTap to focus |
GoldBoard Certified ArtistTap to focus |
Gold NJBoard Certified Artist, NJTap to focus |
DiamondBoard Certified TrainerTap to focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary role | Developing practitioner | Practicing artist | Practicing artist in New Jersey | Educator / Trainer |
| Credential type | Foundational membership | Board Certified Artist | Board Certified Artist (NJ only) | Board Certified Trainer |
| Korean fee | $197 candidacy, 3 months | $397 candidacy, 3 months $100 exam, 90 days |
$397 candidacy, 3 months $100 exam, 90 days |
$200 candidacy, 90 days $100 membership, 1 year |
| Focus | Education and professional orientation | Safe, competent independent practice | Practice in or focused on New Jersey | Training and curriculum delivery |
| Public directory listing | Not listed as Board Certified | Eligible as Board Certified Artist | Eligible as Board Certified Artist | Eligible as Board Certified Trainer |
| Use of AAM logo | Not applicable | AAM GOLD logo permitted | AAM GOLD logo permitted | AAM DIAMOND logo permitted |
| Access to education | Community level | Community and Gold levels | Community and Gold levels | Community, Gold, Diamond and Platinum levels |
| Other key benefits |
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| Core eligibility |
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| Principal responsibility | Acquisition and demonstration of core competencies | Safe, ethical delivery of permanent cosmetics services consistent with Board standards | Safe, ethical delivery of permanent cosmetics services consistent with Board and NJ standards | Safe, ethical preparation of practitioners through an AAM aligned curriculum |
| Typical applicant | Early stage or returning practitioner seeking structure and support | Established practitioner seeking formal Board Certification and public recognition | Established practitioner in New Jersey needing alignment with state expectations | Practitioner with formal teaching responsibilities and a curriculum to be evaluated |
| Recertification | Annual renewal | Annual renewal, recertification every 2 years | Annual renewal, recertification every 2 years | Annual renewal |
Advisory note: select the category that reflects your current qualifications and responsibilities. Advancement to a higher category should follow once its criteria are demonstrably met.
The People Behind K-AAM
A board ambassador in Korea, and the founding class of K-AAM certified educators.
Esther Yim
Esther Yim sits on the AAM Board of Directors as the Academy's Korean Ambassador, representing Korea's artists to the board and carrying AAM standards into Korean education. She issues the Bloodborne Pathogens Certification within the K-AAM curriculum, covering sanitation, hygiene, and cross-contamination prevention.
Our First Batch of K-AAM Diamond Instructors
These five leaders represent the founding class of K-AAM certified educators in Korea.
K-AAM Registration Is Open
Begin your certification journey with K-AAM today.
K-AAM is a joint initiative of the American Academy of Micropigmentation and the Korea Tattoo Federation (사단법인 대한문신사중앙회).