AKC Dog Professional Groomers
AKC Professional Grooming Credential
The Professional Grooming Credential Exam (PGC) assesses knowledge of industry standards and grooming competencies.
Exam participants must provide verifiable experience during the application process to prove eligibility to sit for the exam.
Eligible participants will be provided proctored exam access through the online portal or at a scheduled testing event.
The AKC PGC exam evaluates a dog groomer’s working knowledge of the industry, as well as the competencies.
Apply for AKC PGC Exam Now
Participants must renew their credentials every five years. Exam fee is $179.99
Official AKC PGC Exam Eligibility
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Work Experience
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At least 360 hours of verifiable work experience in the grooming field within the last 18 months. (Separate document with suggested checklist in development.)
Examples of verifiable work experience may include the following:
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- Business References
- Employer References
- Business or Occupational Licenses
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Education
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Completed a minimum of 25 verified hours of education in grooming completed in the past five years. Proof of 180 hours of hands-on-dog experience in a salon setting or similar environment.
Examples may include badge scans, receipts or proof of purchase, or instructor authorization for the following:
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- Community College or Trade School
- In person at a trade show conference, at a school, or education retreat
- Online/virtual course or training
- Certification through a recognized practical certification body (AKC, NDGAA, etc.)
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Relevant Experience
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At least 240 hours of relevant and verifiable grooming experience in the past five years.
Examples may include badge scans, receipts or proof of purchase, or attendance certificate for any combination of the following:
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- Dog/cat grooming competition history (placement and win)
- Dog/cat show experience: handler, handler’s assistant, breeder (include relevant details)
- Relevant experience within another pet profession (work experience and responsibilities)
- Published content in industry publication (include copy of the publication or course link, etc.)
- Speaker, educator, or contest judge at industry events (include a source that allows verification)
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Professional Dog Groomer Journey
The AKC Dog Grooming Institute offers a unique program for experienced dog groomers. Rather than providing a curriculum or traditional instruction, we focus on assessing groomers’ expertise and practical skills across several levels of proficiency. View the AKC Master Dog Groomer Journey.
AKC® S.A.F.E. Dog Grooming Certificate: The AKC® S.A.F.E. Dog Grooming Certificate is earned by completing an online course on Safety in the Salon for Groomers, Mobile Units, or Salons, with renewal required every two years.
Professional Grooming Credential Exam (PGC): The Professional Grooming Credential Exam (AKC – PGC) assesses knowledge of industry standards and grooming competencies, requiring renewal every five years.
AKC Coat Type Certification: The AKC Coat Type Certification (AKC-CT) evaluates technical proficiency in handling various coat types through virtual or in-person practical testing, along with a computer-based assessment requiring an 80% passing score.
National Certified Master Groomer (NCMG): The National Certified Master Groomer (NCMG) certification tests breed-specific grooming skills and knowledge, requiring attendance at an
8-hour approved workshop or equivalent and an average score of 85% across all tests.
AKC Master Groomer: The AKC Master Groomer (AKC-MG) certification is achieved by completing both AKC-CT and NCMG certifications, earning 2 CEUs annually, and maintaining an active AKC® S.A.F.E. Dog Grooming Certificate.
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Program Disclaimer
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Program Disclaimer
American Kennel Club Dog Grooming Institute
The American Kennel Club (AKC®) is not a federal or state licensing agency. The AKC Dog Grooming Institute evaluates groomers based on defined standards of knowledge and skill.
Participation in the program signifies that an individual has met AKC evaluation standards at the time of assessment. However, the AKC Dog Grooming Institute does not guarantee or assume responsibility for the quality, performance, or conduct of any individual who has completed the program.
Recognition by the AKC Dog Grooming Institute does not imply endorsement or recommendation of any groomer, business, or service.
Program standards and evaluation criteria may be updated or revised at any time without prior notice.
For questions or additional information, please contact groomer@akc.org.
Use of this program and related services is subject to the AKC Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The 4 Required Coat Modules for the Professional Groomer Skills Assessment are Curly, Drop, Wire, and Jacketed coat types. Groomers must demonstrate technical proficiency in each module. Click sign-up for more information.
AKC® S.A.F.E. Salon Designation
Do you own a grooming salon or mobile grooming unit? 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.
The AKC® Safety in the Salon course covers vital information on safety measures and protocols within the dog grooming facility and can be completed at your own pace.
Topics Covered:
- Dog groomer and safety protocols
- Best practices focusing on pet care and safety
- Accident avoidance and sanitation
- How to handle special cases
All salons/businesses who complete the course, exam, and application will receive a certificate of completion.
Once the application is approved, you will receive valuable marketing support, including:
- Printable digital certificate
- AKC® S.A.F.E. Groomer/Salon Oath counter card
- Free profile listing on AKC GroomerFinder for one year
- AKC® S.A.F.E. digital badge
- AKC® S.A.F.E. window decal
* Mailed benefits are for U.S. residents only.
** Salons or mobile units are expected to have at least one AKC® S.A.F.E. Groomer onsite during grooming business hours.
*** Please allow 2-4 weeks for application review and processing.
Note: AKC® S.A.F.E certificates are valid for two years from the application approval date. Contact AKC® Groomer Education at groomer@akc.org for more information.