How do I get a certificate?
At the CGC test, owners should be given 2 parts of a three-part test form. On the form, owners are instructed to send in one copy of the test form with the recording fee for the CGC title to receive the certificate. Owners may choose to not purchase a certificate and to use the copy of their test results as proof of passing the CGC test. Certificates take 4-6 weeks for processing and printing. The high-quality certificate has the same format as other AKC certificates and the CGC logo is embossed in gold at the bottom. The new official CGC certificate is very attractive and is suitable for framing.
PLEASE NOTE THAT IN ORDER TO RECEIVE THE CERTIFICATE, THE OWNER MUST SEND THE PAPERWORK TO REQUEST THE CERTIFICATE TO AKC WITHIN 1 YEAR OF THE CGC TEST DATE. AFTER THAT TIME, THE DOG WILL NEED TO BE RETESTED.
At this time, there is no expiration on CGC certificates, however, because behavior can change over time, we encourage owners to have their dogs retested every few years. When the CGC award is used as one of the requirements for therapy dog work, admission to a dog park, insurance, etc. these agencies will most often require that the dog will have passed the CGC test within the last 2 years.