APP Portal - For Members, Corporate Sponsors, & Prospects
APP Portal header - Model Megan Naito - Photographer Autumn Swisher
Established in 1994, the Association of Professional Piercers is a California-based, international non-profit organization dedicated to the dissemination of vital health and safety information about body piercing to piercers, health care professionals, legislators, and the general public.

Welcome to the APP Portal

This section of the website is intended for APP Members and APP Corporate Sponsors. There are also resources available to prospective industry professionals who are thinking about applying for APP membership or attending an APP event.

We appreciate your support of our industry, organization, and the safe piercing mission.

Free Resources Available for Digital Download

APP COVID-19 Recommended Response and Recovery Interim Protocol

2020 APP Apprentice Piercer Guidelines and Curriculum - Version 3 APP Procedure Manual - 2013 Edition The Point - Journal of Body Piercing: Issue 88

Additional Resources

  • Jewelry Standards—Body piercing jewelry should be biocompatible and safe for prolonged contact with skin and mucous membranes. The APP continues to revise the body jewelry standards for initial and healed piercings as new research and materials become available.
  • Body Art Legislation & Regulation—Legislative change will only happen in positive ways if we are proactive. That means each of us must work to improve our own area by staying informed and getting involved. The APP is here to help with information, advice and experience. If you are anticipating regulations in your area, or are experiencing difficulty with your legislators, please don't hesitate to contact the Legislation & Regulatory Affairs Committee.
  • Harassment & Abuse in the Piercing Industry—Industry-specific resources to identify, address, and report harassment and abuse pertaining to body piercers and/or studios. As well as information on accountability and justice, and what the APP can and can not do when addressing harassment and abuse in the piercing industry.

Informational Brochures

Pre-printed packs of 100 available for purchase in the APP Shop or download a pdf version for printing from any desktop computer or local print shop.

  • What is The Association of Professional Piercers
  • Picking Your Piercer
  • Body Piercing Troubleshooting for you and your Healthcare Professional
  • Preparing for Medical and Dental Procedures
  • Oral Piercing Risks & Safety Measures
  • Jewelry for Healed Piercings
  • Jewelry for Initial Piercings
  • Stretching Your Piercing
  • Taking Care of Your New Piercing (Minor)
  • Taking Care of Your New Oral Piercing (Minor)
  • Suggested Aftercare Guidelines for Body Piercings
  • Suggested Aftercare Guidelines for Oral Piercings