The AKC Professional Groomer Certification is for experienced dog groomers; our program is unique, as it evaluates proficiency on 4 different coat types. Professional grooming candidates must demonstrate technical skill in Wire, Curly, Jacketed, and Drop coats.
Our AKC Professional Groomer program continues to embrace our culture of safety. All applicants must also complete the AKC Safety in the Salon program and maintain current SAFE protocols in practice. Click here to complete the AKC SAFE program today.
Enroll in our AKC Professional Groomer orientation class to learn more.
The 4 Required Coat Modules for Professional Testing. Groomers must demonstrate technical proficiency in each module. Click sign-up for more information.
Do you own a larger-sized salon or a mobile grooming business? The AKC Safety in the Salon course helps you show your customers, community, and employees how important you consider a pet’s safety while in your care. It covers vital information on safety measures and protocols within the grooming facility and can be completed at your own pace.
You’ll receive course access for yourself as the salon/business owner, plus online course access and certification for four employees (totaling 5 certifications for your salon).
The AKC Safety in the Salon course covers vital information on safety measures and protocols within the grooming facility and can be completed at your own pace.
Topics Covered:
All salons/businesses who pass the course exam are eligible to become AKC S.A.F.E. Certified Salons. Just complete your application, which includes salon safety oath commitment, photos submission, and an emergency/disaster plan, and submit it to the AKC for processing.
AKC S.A.F.E. Certified Salons receive valuable marketing support from the AKC, including:
* For U.S. residents only. Access for employees will be emailed to you within 48 hours of purchase.
* AKC S.A.F.E. Certified Salon criteria include always having at least one AKC S.A.F.E. Certified Groomer onsite during grooming business hours
** Please allow 2-4 weeks for application review and processing. If you do not pass the test, you can re-take it multiple times for 30 days at no additional charge. You’ll receive AKC GroomerFinder profile page access (via email) upon AKC S.A.F.E Certified Salon application approval.
Note: AKC S.A.F.E Certified Salon certification is valid for one year from the application approval date.
Contact AKC Groomer Education at groomer@akc.org for more information.
