Dogs Australia (DA)
Canine Groomer Certification

Canine Groomer certifications are accredited by Dogs Australia (DA), the peak body that responsible for Registered purebred dogs in Australia.

DA will be validating the groomer's proficiency as a Certified Canine Groomer.

These certifications involve performance testing focused of the set of principles underlying the work of a particular techniques and of your finishing groom, based on the Canine’s breed profile as set forth by DA breed standard.

DA certifications will have Conformation Grooming and Salon Trim (Teddy Bear Trimming) certifications. Anyone who grooms professionally is eligible to sign up through DA certification process. However, it is not a requirement to professionally groom, nor does it guarantee financial success, but having a DA certification can distinguish and give you a competitive advantage over your peers.

DA canine grooming certification is considered the superior recognition Certificate in Australia and may include the privilege of displaying the DA-certifying logo in your business and promotional materials.

Conformation Grooming Certification

The DA Conformation Grooming Certification is divided into three levels, each comprising 12 modules, with 4 in each level.
The levels are as follows:

Level C - Novice
Level B - Intermediate
Level A - Advance

To enrol, the candidate must become a member of Dogs Australia Member Body

Level C – Novice

Any groomer who grooms professionally is eligible to sign up for this level. We refer this level to candidates with less than 2 years of experience from the First Full Grooming experience. It's recommended that an accredited grooming course be completed well before taking on the challenges of groomer certification offered through dog grooming associations.

The pass mark for Level C is 70%

The judge will be looking at candidate understading of the basic techiniques and considerations required for a Canine Groomer. . Safe Handling and restraint, effective use of clipping and scissors for stlying a canine profile, show skill in use of clippers, blades, scissors within the specified time frame. The judge will at the time of judging the dog, he/she may ask the candidate a question about the dogs basic anatomy or the breed history.

Level B – Intermediate
For confirmation of entry into Intermediate Level, participants must must have Level C qualification.

The pass mark for Level B is 80%

The judge will be looking at candidate understading of the techiniques and considerations required for a Canine Groomer. . Safe Handling and restraint, effective use of clipping and scissors to bring the canine profile up at the same time show skill in use of clippers, blades, scissors within the specified time frame. The judge will at the time of judging the dog, he/she may ask the candidate a question about the dogs basic anatomy or the breed history.

Level A – Advanced

For confirmation of entry into the Intermediate Level, participants must have Level B qualification.

The pass mark for Level A is 90%

The judge must satisfied that the candidate is able to demonstrate safe handling and styling to the breed profile of the the breed used. Points are awarded for the skills and technique in the usage of scissors, clippers, or stripping knives and the results on the coat with these tools and skills.

The more detailed the work on the coat, the more points

Master Canine Groomer Classification

A+ Groomer

For A+ Groomer, a groomer must pass Level A qualification in any of the sanctioned group

AA+ Groomer

For Double A+ Groomer, a groomer must pass Level A in any 2 of the 4 sanctioned groups under different judges.

Master Groomer

To become a Master Canine Groomer, a groomer must pass Level A in 3 of the 4 sanctioned groups (one of the groups shall be Poodle), in 2 States (or Territory), under 2 different Judges and from 2 different overseas countries.

Supreme Master Groomer
To become a Supreme Master Canine Groomer, a groomer must pass Level A in All 4 sanctioned groups and with the requirements

1. Poodle Show Trims with Spray-Ups: The groomer must complete any two out of three recognized poodle show trims ( Continental Trim, English Saddle Trim, or Scandinavian Trim), demonstrating proficiency and showcasing the groomer skills in this breed.
2. Long-Legged Terrier Grooming: The groomer must master grooming a dog from the long-legged Terrier group (Airedale, Lakeland, Welsh, or Wire Fox Terriers), breeds known for their distinct and challenging grooming requirements.
3. Multistate Qualification: The groomer must be certified in at least two different Australian States or Territories, ensuring the groomer has experience adapting to varying regional standards and environments.
4. International Judging: The groomer must be assessed by three different judges, with at least two from overseas, ensuring that the groomer's skills are recognized on a global level.

At the examination - What the judge will be looking for?

The judge will assess the candidate's ability to complete the grooming according to the breed standard, awarding points based on the suitability of the trim for the dog, handling skills, use of tools, symmetry of the groom, and overall scissor finish

1. Suitability
Dependent on the balance of the dog, the chosen style should cover up the flaws and emphasize the positive features of the dog

2. Profile
Candidates are expected to be knowledgeable about dog breeds, understand deviations from breed standards, and be capable of covering or correcting these faults during grooming.

3. Dog Handling Skill

The participant’s handling skill is judged based on how they interact with and control the dog while grooming. For example, if the leg is held too high while scissoring, it may put the dog in an uncomfortable position0

4. Technical
Balance, symmetry, and smoothness - For example, length of legs must be balanced with the depth of the body, length of body must be balanced with the height according to the breed standard.

5. Degree of Difficulty
This can be based on what the judge sees from the start of the groom to the finished style. If the groomer can make a big change between before and after, or to handle a coat of poor quality by improving it in relation to the breed standard this will be rated positively. Difficulty level in
descending order of Group 1 Hand Stripping is also taken into consideration i.e. (1) Long Legged Terrier (2) Fully Hand stripped (3) Usage of Clipper and Scissoring.

6. Finishing work
Points are awarded for the skills and technique in the usage of scissors, clippers or stripping knives and the results of the grooming with these tools and skills. The more detailed the workmanship observed, the bigger impact it will have on the judging. For example, in the
scissoring class, whether the finish is plush, velvety and free of scissor marks, and whether the legs are scissored evenly and of sufficient fullness to balance the dog.

7. Presentation
Proper presentation of the breed with the dog standing, candidate will be assessed the proper posing method (stack) for their particular breed. Candidate shall have the knowledge on the proper positioning of the dog’s head and tail. Bait is allowed if needed.

Permitted Breeds for examinations and Time Frame to complete

A 2-Tier format is being formed for DA certifications and segregating them into level A, B and C of skills. Candidates from Class B & C will have breeds that are being grouped based on their merits and abilities while Candidates in Class A will see breeds are explicit, more challenging, and have higher expectations within their level.

Salon Trim Certification

All successful Salon Canine Groomers possess a combination of breed grooming competence, creativity and an outgoing personality.

The Certificate – Teddy Bear Trimming (Salon Trimming) in DA Canine Grooming Certification will prepare you for work in a Canine Groomer team as a salon assistant with Level C Certification

Higher level of this qualification can provide you a pathway to work as a senior Pet Groomer in a salon environment, a freelance session stylist or a technical advisor in some product companies.

The DA Salon Trim Grooming Certification is divided into three levels, comprising 4 modules, with 2 in Level A.
The levels are as follows:

Level C - Novice
Level B - Intermediate
Level A - Advance

To enrol, the candidate must become a member of Dogs Australia Member Body

Classification of Levels

Level C – Novice Level
This level is suitable for candidates who are new graduates from grooming school or with less than two years of experience from their first full groom experience.

Participants are permitted to use dogs with curly or wavy coats example, toy poodle, miniature poodle or poodle mixed breeds.
Participants are required to groom only the dog's face, while the grooming of the dog's body and legs is to be completed off-site. Participants are permitted to 'touch up' the finishing on the body and legs during the examination

The pass mark for Level C is 70%

At the examination - What the judge will be looking for?
The judge will assess the candidate's ability to complete a basic salon styling on the dog, awarding points based on the tidiness of the overall groom, dog handling skill and use of tools.

Level B – Intermediate Level
This level is for participants who have obtained the Level C certification. Participants are permitted to utilise dogs with any curly or wavy coats example, toy poodle, miniature poodle or poodle mixed breeds.
Participants are required to groom the dog's face and the dog's body and legs within the 1 hour and 45 minutes.

The pass mark for Level B is 80%

At the examination - What the judge will be looking for?
The judge will assess the candidate's ability to complete a salon teddy bear styling on the dog, awarding points based on dog handling skill, use of tools, and overall scissor finish on the dog.

Level A – Advanced Level
This level is for participants who have obtained the Level C and Level B certifications. Participants
must complete two parts:

Part 1 Drop Coat
Teddy bear styling with flare legs

Part 2 Curly or Wavy Coat
Participants are required to groom more advanced face styling example, 'mushroom’ head with
scissored flare legs

Participants are required to groom the dog's face and the dog's body and legs within the 1 hour and 45 minutes.

The pass mark for Level A is 90%

At the examination - What the judge will be looking for?

Part 1 Drop Coat
The judge will assess the candidate’s ability to complete a more advanced teddy bear styling with
scissored legs. Points will be given based on the suitability of the trim for the dog, handling skills,
use of tools, and overall scissor finish

Part 2 Curly or Wavy Coat
The judge will assess the candidate's ability to complete more advanced head styling example
'mushroom’ head with scissored flare legs, awarding points based on the suitability of the trim for
the dog, handling skills, use of tools, symmetry of the groom, and overall scissor finish

1. Suitability
Depending on the dog's coat, the style should be chosen to cover up any flaws and highlight the dog's positive features

2. Dog Handling Skill
The participant’s handling skill is evaluated based on their interaction with and control of the dog during grooming. For instance, their ability to manage a situation where the dog pulls away while being groomed showcases their skill in gaining control and maintaining a calm grooming
environment

3. Technical
Evaluation is based on the overall balance, symmetry, and smoothness of the scissor finish of the groom

4. Degree of Difficulty

This can be based on what the judge sees from the start of the groom to the finished style. If the groomer can make a big change between before and after, or to handle a coat of poor quality.

5. Finishing work
Points are awarded for the skills and technique in the usage of scissors, clippers and the results of the grooming with these tools and skills. The more detailed the workmanship observed, the bigger impact it will have on the judging. For example, in the scissoring class, whether the finish
is plush, velvety and free of scissor marks, and whether the legs are scissored evenly and of sufficient fullness to balance the dog.

6. Presentation
Proper presentation of the breed with the dog standing, candidate will be assessed the proper posing method (stack)

RPL Recognised Prior Learning

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) formally recognises a canine groomer’s existing skills and knowledge towards the achievement of a Statement of Attainment.

Skills may have been gained through:
Work experience
Formal training and education
Informal training and education
Voluntary work at Dog centers

This is a process that assesses your competency—acquired through formal and informal learning—to determine if you meet the requirements for a module of certification in which DA will be provided.

DA uses a straightforward RPL assesment process yet robust meaning:

your existing skills and knowledge can be counted toward your certification
you only need to do modules which are higher and challenging
your certification costs may be reduced
you can use your time effectively
you may finish your certification at Master level sooner

If you are applying the necessary skills and knowledge in your current (or recent) job, then don’t underestimate your skills – consider getting them recognised!

How much does RPL cost?

RPL requires enrolment into the process and RPL fees (non-refundable) are required at the time of enrolment

The fees are $50 per unit, capped at $150 per certification.

How to get a DA certificate through RPL?

To receive your RPL certificate, all you need to do is apply to DA Qualify me. You'll need to provide evidence to support your application. This may include documents such as a report or a portfolio of work samples, or evidence of assessment activities, such as a before and after photos of your past grooming works.

Recognition Prior Learning Claim Form

Certification Venue

Besides at the Royal shows venue, DA certifications will be conducted across Australia and will be based on participants numbers.

Wherever there are enough groomers in one area who wish to have their skills being certified we will set up a certification venue.

Participants must have a current DA membership for testing and groomers must pre-register and fees are usually to be paid in advance, once we have enough participants, the certification will go ahead and groomers will be duly notified.

Dogs Australia (DA) Canine Groomer Certification

Conformation Grooming Certification

At the examination - What the judge will be looking for?

Permitted Breeds for examinations and Time Frame to complete

Salon Trim Certification

RPL Recognised Prior Learning

Dogs Australia (DA)
Canine Groomer Certification