Level 4 Micropigmentation Training – Everything You Need to Know

Are you ready to step into a life-changing, high-earning career in permanent makeup with a qualification that not only future-proofs your business but puts you ahead of the curve? Then let’s dive deep into the truth about Level 4 Micropigmentation, what it really means, and how it can unlock the most powerful version of your professional self.

I’m Amy, founder of UK PMU Experts, and I know what it’s like to start from zero. I was a single mum juggling jobs, commuting, struggling to make ends meet, and dreaming of something more. I didn’t want to miss bedtime stories or school plays. I wanted freedom, flexibility, and financial security. I wanted to be present for my kids and build something powerful.

Then I found permanent makeup. And everything changed.

At first, it was just a course. Then it was a client. Then a word-of-mouth referral. And before long, it was a full-blown business. I stopped renting rooms and started building my brand. And now? I run a thriving PMU academy with a multi-award-winning reputation—and I get to help women like you do the same.

This page is your ultimate guide to everything you need to know:

How long does Level 4 Micropigmentation take?
What qualifications do you need to do Level 4 Micropigmentation?
What is Level 4 Micropigmentation certificate equivalent to?
What’s the difference between VTCT Level 4 Micropigmentation and ProQual?
How much do PMU artists earn?

Let’s break it all down and get you ready to build a beautiful new career.

What Is Level 4 Micropigmentation?

Level 4 Micropigmentation is the highest-level, Ofqual-regulated qualification available in the permanent makeup industry. It teaches you advanced skills in cosmetic tattooing and prepares you for council licensing, insurance approval, and clinical-level treatment standards.

It’s accepted across all UK councils, including Central London, and is recognised internationally. If your goal is to offer brows, eyeliner, lip blush, or corrective work in a way that’s safe, legal, and highly professional—this is the course for you.

But here’s what makes this even more powerful: Level 4 Micropigmentation is equivalent to an A-Level qualification on the UK education framework. So when you complete this course, you're not just adding another training day to your belt—you’re stepping up as a qualified, professional PMU artist with the legal status to back it.

Why Is It So Important to Choose an Ofqual-Regulated Course?

If you want to work in London—or in any area where licensing is strict—you’ll need a Level 4 qualification that’s Ofqual-regulated. Without this, you may be refused a skin piercing or special treatment licence, even if you're talented.

At UK PMU Experts, we’ve built a dedicated support system around this. We even provide a step-by-step Skin Piercing Licence Course exclusively for our students, so you know exactly how to:

Register with your local council
Prepare your clinic for inspection
Submit your Level 4 qualification as evidence
Tick every single box for hygiene, health, and safety compliance

This isn’t just theory. It’s real-world, actionable preparation that puts you in the top tier of the industry.

Is This the Same as VTCT Level 4 Micropigmentation?

This is one of the biggest questions we get.

VTCT Level 4 Micropigmentation is one version of the regulated qualification. But there are multiple Ofqual-recognised awarding bodies that deliver the same qualification outcome. These include:

VTCT
ITEC
ProQual (our awarding body)
Qualifi
Focus Awards

The qualification is the same across all of them. What’s different is the delivery.

I chose ProQual for a deeply personal reason. I’m Dyslexic. I struggled in school. I’ve always been creative, practical, and driven—but not academic. And I know I’m not alone. So many incredible PMU artists don’t fit the one-size-fits-all system.

With ProQual, you get freedom. You can:

Write your assessments—but without stressful word count rules
Record video answers, speaking to the camera
Mix both styles to match your learning needs

And guess what? That’s how our students pass faster and with more confidence. We don’t just prepare you for a certificate—we prepare you for real-world success.

How Long Does Level 4 Micropigmentation Take?

Let’s answer another top question: How long does Level 4 Micropigmentation take?

Officially, it requires a minimum of 180 guided learning hours. This includes:

In-academy practical days
Online learning modules
Assignments
Case studies
Final assessments and portfolio

Most students complete it in 3 to 6 months, depending on your pace, availability, and confidence. You’ll get lifetime access to learning materials and ongoing tutor support.

We’re flexible because life is real. Some of our students are mums with small children, carers, shift workers, or neurodivergent learners—and we adapt to YOU. That’s our promise.

What Qualifications Do You Need to Do Level 4 Micropigmentation?

To enrol on Level 4, you need either:

A Level 3 Beauty Therapy qualification, or
An Ofqual-regulated Level 3 Anatomy & Physiology certificate

If you don’t have one, we offer the Level 3 Anatomy course for just £350. It’s fully recognised and can be taken before or alongside your PMU training.

Our admissions team can check your current qualifications and create a plan tailored to your background.

What If You’ve Already Trained in Permanent Makeup?

If you’ve taken an accredited micropigmentation course—either with us or elsewhere—you might be wondering whether you need to start from scratch.

Good news: you don’t.

If you trained with us, you can upgrade to Level 4 Micropigmentation for just £500 within 3 years.

If you trained elsewhere, we’ll carry out a prior learning assessment and help you build a conversion package so you only train in the areas you actually need.

We don’t believe in wasting time—or money. Just real, tailored, effective training.

What If You Don’t Need Level 4 Yet?

Not every student needs to jump straight into Level 4.

If you’re starting out, and your council doesn’t require Level 4, you might begin with our ABT-accredited Permanent Makeup course.

It’s fully insurable, recognised across most of the UK, and covers:

Brows
Eyeliner
Lip blush
Colour theory
Machine handling

The best part? You can still upgrade to Level 4 later for a reduced fee if you train with us.

What’s Training Like Day-to-Day?

Every in-person training day is structured to build your confidence.

A typical day includes:

Welcome briefing and Q&A
Live demonstrations by your trainer
Supervised model work
Portfolio support
Group reflection and confidence coaching

You’ll also have access to:

Business modules (including pricing and marketing)
PDF downloads
Student WhatsApp group
Weekly drop-in Zooms for support

And the most important part? You’ll never feel alone. We’re in your corner—cheering you on.

Student Success Stories & Testimonials

Sophie started with us as a nervous mum of two. Within a year, she was running a fully booked home clinic, charging £350 per client, and giving up her 9–5.

Harpreet, a previous student, said: “Amy made me believe in myself. I never thought I’d pass anything academic, but now I’m licensed and fully booked!”

Jasmine, a former hairdresser, built a PMU business that out-earned her salon in less than six months.

These stories aren’t rare—they’re what happens when women are properly supported, encouraged, and trained in a way that works for them.

How Much Do PMU Artists Earn?

Let’s talk money. Because yes—this career can be life-changing.

A typical PMU artist charges £300–£400 per treatment. Each one takes about 2 hours. So even part-time, your income could look like:

3 clients/week = £1,000/week
12 clients/month = £4,000/month

Many of our students go on to:

Open salons
Specialise in medical tattooing
Train others
Win national PMU awards

It’s not just a job. It’s a profession.

What qualifications do you need to do Level 4 Micropigmentation?
A Level 3 Beauty Therapy qualification or Level 3 Anatomy & Physiology (we offer the latter).

How long does Level 4 Micropigmentation take?
180 guided learning hours, typically completed over 3–6 months.

What is Level 4 Micropigmentation certificate equivalent to?
It’s equivalent to an A-Level and fully Ofqual-recognised.

Is this the same as VTCT Level 4 Micropigmentation?
Yes—same qualification, different awarding body. We use ProQual for its flexibility.

Can I train if I’ve already done PMU somewhere else?
Yes. We’ll assess your training and help you upgrade to Level 4.

How do I get licensed to practice?
We include a whole training module that shows you exactly how to get your skin piercing licence with your local council.

Ready to Change Your Life?

This isn’t just about tattooing faces. This is about empowering women to take control of their time, income, and impact. Whether you're a complete beginner or ready to elevate your PMU career—this is your moment.

Join the UK PMU Experts family. Learn from someone who’s walked your path. And let’s create a career you’re proud of.

Book a consultation, download the prospectus, or message us now.