PMU Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield PMU facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. In Eyebrow Design & Microblading, what is the FIRST step a PMU professional should take when encountering a new case or situation? → Conduct a comprehensive assessment and gather all relevant information
2. What must a client disclose before undergoing a PMU procedure? → Medical history and allergies
3. Why is stretching the skin important during application? → To allow precision and depth control
4. What is the PRIMARY purpose of continuing education requirements in Skin Types & Pigment Behavior for PMU professionals? → Maintaining current knowledge and competency as the field evolves
5. What is the primary purpose of a client consultation before a PMU procedure? → To manage expectations and assess suitability
6. When a conflict arises between standard procedures and a unique situation in Eyeliner Procedures & Safety, what should a PMU professional prioritize? → Safety and ethical obligations while seeking expert consultation
7. Which of the following scenarios represents a HIPAA concern in a PMU studio? → Discussing a client's medical history in the waiting room where others can hear
8. A client discloses she is pregnant during a PMU consultation. What is the correct course of action? → Decline the procedure until after delivery and breastfeeding
9. Which pigment base is best for clients with cool skin undertones? → Warm golden brown
10. What is the primary purpose of a PMU touch-up appointment? → To assess healed results and fill in areas where pigment did not retain well
11. What should an artist assess at a touch-up consultation before adding more pigment? → The healed color tone, retention quality, and shape accuracy
12. Which condition in a healed PMU area would require the artist to postpone a touch-up appointment? → Active acne breakouts or infection in the treated area
13. For non-emergency saline removal, what is the minimum recommended wait time after the original PMU procedure? → 30 days or until the skin is fully healed
14. When a conflict arises between standard procedures and a unique situation in Needle Configuration & Machines, what should a PMU professional prioritize? → Safety and ethical obligations while seeking expert consultation
15. What does the Fitzpatrick scale help determine when planning PMU removal? → Skin phototype to assess risk of post-treatment hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation
16. In Facial Anatomy & Mapping, what is the FIRST step a PMU professional should take when encountering a new case or situation? → Conduct a comprehensive assessment and gather all relevant information
17. In Lip Blush & Liner Techniques, what is the FIRST step a PMU professional should take when encountering a new case or situation? → Conduct a comprehensive assessment and gather all relevant information
18. What type of insurance is specifically designed to cover claims from clients who experience adverse reactions to PMU procedures? → Professional liability (malpractice) insurance
19. What is the best way to prevent cross-contamination during a PMU procedure? → Wearing gloves and using disposables
20. What is the PRIMARY purpose of continuing education requirements in Eyebrow Design & Microblading for PMU professionals? → Maintaining current knowledge and competency as the field evolves
21. How is glycolic acid used in the context of PMU pigment removal? → As a chemical exfoliant to accelerate cell turnover and lift superficial pigment
22. When a conflict arises between standard procedures and a unique situation in Lip Blush & Liner Techniques, what should a PMU professional prioritize? → Safety and ethical obligations while seeking expert consultation
23. How many saline removal sessions are typically required to fully remove PMU pigment? → 6–10 or more sessions
24. What should clients avoid during the healing process? → Swimming and direct sunlight
25. Which of the following is a symptom of an allergic reaction to gloves? → Itching or rash
26. What type of disinfectant should be used on PMU work surfaces? → Hospital-grade disinfectant
27. Which standard of practice is MOST important for ensuring quality in Eyeliner Procedures & Safety? → Following evidence-based protocols while adapting to specific circumstances
28. What technique is best for a soft powder brow finish? → Powder brow technique
29. How does unprotected sun exposure affect healed PMU pigment between appointments? → It causes pigment to fade faster due to UV breakdown of pigment molecules
30. Which Fitzpatrick skin type is most likely to tan easily and rarely burn? → Type IV