Is My Current PMU or SMP Curriculum Good Enough?” (What to Ask Yourself)

VALERIE KRUEGER • October 24, 2025

Is My Current PMU or SMP Curriculum Good Enough?” (What to Ask Yourself)

Most trainers build their programs with good intentions. You start with what you know, what worked for you, and maybe even what your trainer once taught you. But over time, the industry evolves, and what once felt “good enough” may no longer meet today’s standards—or student expectations.

So, how do you know if your current curriculum is actually preparing your students for real-world success? Let’s break it down.


1. Are You Teaching Facts or Just Techniques?

It’s easy to fill a class with how-to demonstrations. But does your curriculum explain why certain decisions are made? Can your students explain undertones, melanin influence, or needle theory with confidence—or are they simply mimicking your motions?

👉 Trainers who align with MPE® get access to fact-based theory across pigmentology, anatomy, machine mechanics, and more—so their students aren’t just doing, they’re understanding.


2. Are Your Students Leaving Co-Dependent?

A big red flag in training is when students keep calling months after graduation, unsure how to troubleshoot on their own. Some follow-up is natural. But consistent dependency means your course may not be empowering them to think critically.

Independent students = confident graduates = a stronger reputation for you.

MPE-trained students gain a structured learning path designed to foster self-reliance, not just surface skills.


3. Can You Prove Learning Took Place?

If your only assessment is a healed model photo, it’s time to raise the bar. In a high-risk field like micropigmentation, you need real assessments—quizzes, hands-on skill rubrics, final exams—so your students (and regulators) know you’re delivering measurable education.

MPE® includes gated quizzes, homework uploads, a 100-question digital exam, and skill-based rubrics to keep your training credible and trackable.


4. Do You Have to Reinvent the Wheel Every Class?

If your prep still includes reprinting intake forms, rewriting lesson outlines, or wondering what video to show next—you’re wasting valuable time and energy.

MPE® trainers get plug-and-play tools: lesson plans, templates, intake forms, model packets, and more. No more scrambling. Just smart, scalable education.


5. Could Your Program Stand Up to State Oversight?

Even in unregulated states, the bar is rising. Artists and regulators alike are starting to look for training that resembles vocational-level instruction—not a weekend crash course.

If your curriculum was submitted to a board tomorrow, would it pass?

MPE® provides a standards-based, layered learning system that meets most state requirements and exceeds many certification body expectations.


Helpful Tip: Try This Curriculum Self-Check

Ask yourself:

  • Can I list exactly what students learn each day?
  • Are there clear objectives and evaluations tied to each lesson?
  • Would another trainer understand and be able to deliver my program?
  • Have I updated anything in the last 12 months to reflect industry shifts?

If the answer is no to more than one… it’s probably time to uplevel.


You Don’t Have to Start Over—Just Start Smarter

Most trainers don’t need to throw everything out. You just need a reliable foundation to layer your artistry on top of. That’s what MPE® is built for.

Our trainers add their own techniques, style, and delivery—while resting easy knowing the essentials are factual, organized, and professionally presented.


If you’re ready to stop guessing and start training with clarity and confidence, it’s time to see what MPE® can do for your business.


👉 Apply to Join MPE® Today and explore how our curriculum can support your unique teaching style—without compromising standards.

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