Drawer menu
Not all spray tan certifications are created equal. Some prove you can deliver a flawless tan. Others prove you watched a few videos. Before you invest your time and money, here is what to look for in a spray tan certification that actually means something to your clients.
If you can’t fail it, it doesn’t prove anything to clients. Look for a written knowledge exam with a set passing score, not a quiz you can click through until you get it right.
Someone should actually evaluate your application, not just your quiz answers. A filmed or in-person practical on a live model, graded against a clear rubric, is the only way to show you can deliver even coverage, clean hands and feet, and a natural finish.
Understanding undertones and DHA is what separates a natural glow from an orange tan. A strong program teaches you how to read a client’s skin and choose the right solution strength every time.
You should leave knowing how to prevent and correct streaks, patchiness, and color issues. Learn more in our guide on fixing a streaky spray tan and avoiding an orange one.
Great technique only matters if clients book again. Look for training on consultation, aftercare, pricing, and the client experience that turns first-time clients into regulars.
Learn from someone who is still tanning real clients and knows what holds up in real life and on camera.
The Sunless Bar Exam™ was built around every item on this list. It is an online, self-paced spray tan certification you earn by passing a 75-question written Board Exam and a filmed practical graded by Maddie on a 100-point rubric. See how The Sunless Bar Exam™ works.
