Already a pro or shop owner? Go to the Pro track → For beginners & aspiring artists

Start Tattooing From Scratch

No gatekeeping, no secret handshake. Learn the real fundamentals online, train in person every week, and build a portfolio that gets you taken seriously, all at your own pace.

Your beginner paths

Pick How You Want to Learn

Every path is built for someone just starting out. Begin online, add in-person training, or grab the free apprenticeship guide.

Most Popular

Hybrid Tattoo Training

The complete online course plus 6 hands-on, in-person training sessions.

$5,000 $997
  • Lifetime access to the full online course
  • 6 weekly in-person training sessions
  • Direct guidance from professional instructors
  • Practice materials provided in-studio
Add-On

In-Person Course Guidance

6 hands-on studio sessions with personalized feedback for course grads.

$2,000 $500
  • 6 hands-on in-person studio sessions
  • Personalized 1-on-1 feedback
  • Practice materials provided
  • Direct access to professional instructors
Free

Get a Tattoo Apprenticeship

The free playbook for landing an apprenticeship without the gatekeeping.

Free
  • Free digital course
  • Portfolio fundamentals
  • Shop etiquette guide
  • Founder’s insider tips
In-person tattoo training

Train Hands-On Every Week

Join the beginner track in the studio and get a pro watching your hand, correcting your angles, and answering questions in real time. Plus a free weekly call open to everyone.

In-person Wednesdays: 6:00 to 8:00 PM

Upcoming Training Dates

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Choose your dates during checkout. Seats are limited each week.

Weekly Programs and Calls

  • How to Tattoo: Beginner Program

    Weekly
    In person every Wednesday at both studios

    Hands-on fundamentals with Master Mentors Jeremiah Salas and OG Libra. Learn the right way from day one.

  • Tattoo Empire Builders Coaching

    Referral Only
    Mondays at 12:00 PM and 7:00 PM with Nando

    High-level systems, client pipelines, and brand growth. Ask your Certified mentor for a personal referral to join.

  • Free Weekly Artist Training Call

    Open
    Thursdays at 6:00 PM MST

    Technique demos, Q and A, and portfolio feedback. Follow Nando on Instagram for the weekly join info posted before the call.

    Follow Nando on Instagram →
  • Masterclasses

    Limited
    Resident and guest artists

    Advanced topics and live demos. New dates are announced here first.

Meet your mentor

Hey Future Tattoo Artist, I'm Nando Mondragon

Head Tattooer in Charge at Certified Tattoo Academy. I went from a self-taught newbie to running a multi-million-dollar tattoo empire, and now I'm sharing all of it.

If you've ever dreamt of breaking into the tattoo industry but found the doors slammed shut, you're in the right place. The good guys in the tattoo community are here to help you carry the torch, with proven strategies, real standards, and zero ego.

Follow Nando on Instagram
Nando Mondragon, founder of Certified Tattoo Academy $1M+ self-taught to empire
Real results

Past Academy Artist Showcase

Our graduates turned their passion into professional tattoo careers. It worked for all of them: why not you?

Tattoo work by a Certified Academy artist
Tattoo work by a Certified Academy artist
Tattoo work by a Certified Academy artist
Tattoo work by a Certified Academy artist
Tattoo work by a Certified Academy artist
Tattoo work by a Certified Academy artist
Tattoo work by a Certified Academy artist
Tattoo work by a Certified Academy artist
Learn anywhere

Get the Certified Tattoo Academy App

Take your courses, community, and live Q&As with you, on iOS and Android.

Your tattoo journey starts here

Start with the beginner course or the free apprenticeship guide, no experience needed.