Minimum Standards
and Code of Ethics
Building the foundation for safe, professional piercing.
CPPA Minimum Standards outline the essential baseline expectations for safe piercing practices, hygiene, sanitation, sterilization, client education, and professional conduct within Canadian piercing studios. These standards are designed to protect clients, support piercers, and encourage safer, more consistent practices across the industry.
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Standards designed to protect everyone.
Our minimum standards reflect evidence-informed practices and professional expectations intended to support safety, accountability, and consistency in piercing environments across Canada.
Safety First
Protecting the health and wellbeing of clients, piercers, and studio teams.
Professionalism
Maintaining accountability, ethical conduct, and high standards of practice
Responsibility
Recognizing the impact professional piercing has on clients and communities.
Consistency
Encouraging clearer and more consistent expectations across the industry
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Canadian Focused
Developed with consideration for Canadian studios, regulations, and professional environments.
Our Standards Are Built On These Principles
Minimum Standards Overview
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Studio Environment
Studios should maintain clean, organized, and properly equipped environments designed to support safe piercing procedures.
Hygiene & Sanitation
Strict hygiene protocols, cleaning practices, and disinfection procedures are essential to reducing contamination risks.
Sterilization
Appropriate sterilization equipment, monitoring procedures, and documentation practices must be used to ensure effectiveness and safety.
Single-Use & Disposables
Single-use needles and appropriate disposable supplies should be used whenever possible to minimize risk and maintain hygienic practices.
Professional Conduct
Professional piercers should demonstrate integrity, accountability, respect, and a commitment to continuing education.
Aftercare Information
Clients should receive clear, accurate aftercare guidance to support safer healing and informed decision-making.
Why Minimum Standards Matter.
Reduce the risk of infection and complications.
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Encourage safer and more consistent practices.
Promote client confidence and trust.
Support continuing professional education.
Strengthen the reputation of the piercing industry.
Help protect clients, piercers, and studios.
Who Should Follow These Standards?
These standards apply to professional piercing studios and individuals providing piercing services in Canada, including
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Piercing Studio
Apprentices
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Guest Piercers
Visiting Professionals
Studio Owners & Operators
​Code of Ethics
Integrity. Respect. Accountability.
The foundation of trust in professional piercing
The CPPA Code of Ethics outlines the ethical principles and professional responsibilities expected of all CPPA members.
Together with the CPPA Minimum Standards, it provides the foundation for safe, respectful, and professional body piercing practice across Canada.
These principles promote integrity, accountability, respectful communication, and public trust while supporting a safe and inclusive professional community.
Professionalism goes beyond technical skill.
How we communicate, educate, and treat others shapes the future of our industry every day. These standards help guide respectful interactions with clients, colleagues, apprentices, and communities both inside and outside the studio.
Our Professional
Code of Ethics
Respect
Treat every client, colleague, and community member with dignity, empathy, and professionalism.
Integrity
Act honestly, transparently, and ethically in all professional interactions and decisions.
Communication
Provide clear, accurate, up-to-date information and encourage open, respectful dialogue.
Responsibility
Take accountability for your actions, maintain safe practices, and recognize your limitations.
Professionalism
Represent the piercing industry with knowledge, respect, reliability, and care.
Continuous Growth
Commit to ongoing education, self-improvement, and the advancement of safe piercing practices.
Professional Conduct Standards
1. Client Respect & Dignity
Treat all clients with kindness, professionalism, and respect. Discrimination, harassment, or judgment based on identity, appearance, ethnicity, gender, body type, religion, disability, or background has no place in professional piercing.
2. Informed Consent
Clients must receive clear and accurate information about procedures, jewelry options, risks, healing expectations, and aftercare before services are performed. Consent must always be informed, voluntary, and respected.
3. Honest Communication
Provide accurate information regarding services, pricing, jewelry materials, healing timelines, and potential risks. Avoid misleading claims, fear-based sales tactics, or misinformation.
4. Confidentiality & Privacy
Respect client confidentiality and protect personal information, records, and private discussions in accordance with applicable privacy regulations and professional ethics.
5. Professional Boundaries
Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with clients, coworkers, apprentices, and peers. Personal relationships should never compromise safety, consent, or professional judgment.
6. Safe & Ethical Practice
Follow accepted safety protocols, evidence-informed practices, and established industry standards. Client safety must always take priority over convenience, speed, or profit.
7. Know Your Limits
Only perform procedures you are appropriately trained and experienced to provide. Seek mentorship, continuing education, or referrals when necessary.
8. Respect for Colleagues
Support a collaborative and respectful professional environment. Encourage education, constructive discussion, and mutual respect within the piercing community.
9. Zero Tolerance for Harassment
Harassment, intimidation, discrimination, bullying, or abusive behaviour will not be tolerated in studios, educational spaces, online communities, or industry events.
10. Representation of the Industry
Professional conduct reflects on the piercing industry as a whole. Members are encouraged to uphold standards that build public trust and strengthen the reputation of professional piercing.
All CPPA members are expected to uphold the Code of Ethics whenever representing themselves or the association in a professional capacity, including within studios, educational environments, online spaces, and industry events. Concerns regarding potential breaches may be reviewed in accordance with CPPA's membership policies.
Why It Matters?
Builds trust with clients and communities
Strengthens the reputation of professional piercing
Encourages safer and more inclusive environments
Supports long-term professional growth
Promotes accountability and ethical practice
Who It Applies to?
These standards apply to:
Professional Piercers
Apprentices
Studio Owners & Managers
Guest & Visiting Professionals
Educators & Industry Leaders
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