The Professional Grooming Credential Exam (PGC) Evaluates 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 exam evaluates a groomer’s working knowledge of the industry, as well as the competencies outlined in the AKC Grooming Education Standards.
Participants must renew their credentials every five years. See the official AKC® PGC Handbook for more information.
Eligibility Pathways
6 months of verifiable work experience in the grooming field within the last 18 months.
Examples of verifiable* work experience may include – DO NOT provide documents with SSN.
Completed a minimum of 25 hours of class-room education AND 120 hours of hands-on-dogs experience in a salon setting or similar environment.
Examples of verifiable* education may include any combination of:
240 hours of relevant experience.
Examples of verifiable* education may include any combination of:
The Professional Grooming Credential Exam will be weighted in approximately the following manner:
Online practice tests are available. The practice test is 8 questions each, consisting of one question from each core standard division. Sign-up is $12.99. There is no time limit. Your score will be listed when completed, and you may review all the questions that have been answered. You may retake this practice test three times.
For the paid practice test, see below:
WHY TAKE IT? Taking a practice test will give you an idea of what it is like to take a test on a computer. It also allows you to get an idea of the type of topics and questions included in the PGC Exam. You will also learn more about question format, style, and exam difficulty level. Test your computer system to see if it will support proctoring software.
WHAT IS THE FEE: $12.99 per test, payable by credit card
HOW TO APPLY: Request at groomer@akc.org
Mission Statement:
The AKC Dog Grooming Institute is dedicated to preserving the art and science of dog grooming through excellence in education and professional development. We strive to empower groomers with the highest standards of knowledge and skills, ensuring the safety and well-being of every canine we serve. Our commitment is to foster a community of compassionate professionals who uphold the values of quality, care, and integrity in the grooming industry.
The Standards of Practice provide a framework of principles to convey a collective principle of professionalism, skills, job-related knowledge, and values. As credentialed groomers, each individual credentialed groomer will undertake the following:
AKC Dog Grooming Institute Code of Ethics
The AKC PGC Professional Code of Ethics was created to set guidelines for credentialed groomers. Any credentialed groomer is subject to termination of professional credentialing and/or other disciplinary actions if they: (a) are convicted of a felony that involves violence against people or animals, (b) engaged in conduct that could lead to the conviction of a felony, or misdemeanor, related to their qualifications or function of their job, (c) engage in cruelty, abuse, or neglect of animals or humans, crimes against humanity or of violence against animals or humans, (d) fail to cooperate with the organization at any point from the inception of an ethical complaint through the completion of all proceedings regarding that complaint. Any credentialed groomer or candidate applicant who wishes to appeal the termination may do so in accordance with the complaints process. Contact groomer@akc.org for more information.
I agree to:
I agree to:
The AKC Dog Grooming Institute is for experienced dog groomers; our program is unique. We do not provide education or a curriculum, but we serve as a certification body to evaluate proficiency and competency on several tiers of knowledge and skills.
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: 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. Certificate.
The American Kennel Club Dog Grooming Institute
Disclaimer Regarding Certified Products, Services, or Entities
AKC® is not a federal or state licensing agency. Our certificants are held to high standards and are expected to comply with our Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.
The AKC Dog Grooming Institute provides certifications based on specific criteria and standards established by the AKC Dog Grooming Institute. The certification is intended to signify compliance with these standards at the time of certification. However, the AKC Dog Grooming Institute does not assume any responsibility for the performance, quality, or suitability of certified products, services, or entities beyond the criteria specified in the certification process.
Limitation of Responsibility: Certification by the AKC Dog Grooming Institute does not constitute a guarantee or warranty, express or implied, regarding the functionality, safety, reliability, or effectiveness of the certified products, services, or entities. Users of certified products, services, or entities acknowledge and agree that the AKC Dog Grooming Institute does not assume any responsibility for any losses, damages, liabilities, or expenses that may arise from the use or reliance on certified products, services, or entities.
No Endorsement: The certification provided by the AKC Dog Grooming Institute should not be construed as an endorsement of the certified products, services, or entities by the AKC Dog Grooming Institute. The certification merely indicates compliance with specific standards at a particular point in time and does not imply ongoing endorsement or approval.
Consultation Advised: Users are encouraged to conduct their own due diligence and seek professional advice before using or relying on certified products, services, or entities. The AKC Dog Grooming Institute recommends consulting with appropriate experts to assess the suitability of certified products, services, or entities for specific purposes or applications.
Changes and Updates: The AKC Dog Grooming Institute reserves the right to update or revise certification standards and criteria without prior notice. It is the responsibility of certified entities to maintain compliance with the latest standards as specified by the AKC Dog Grooming Institute.
Contact: For questions or further information about our certification process and its limitations, please contact groomer@akc.org.
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.
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.
