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AKC Professional Groomers

The time has come to earn your certificate. Find out about our latest testing options, and start your Professional Groomer journey today.
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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.

Wire Coat

Wire coats consist of a hard, dense outer coat and a soft layer of undercoat. This coat type is maintained at a variety of lengths depending on the breed, and requires the act of pulling out the hair follicle to encourage new coat production. Dogs must be hand stripped.
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Drop Coat

Drop coats consist of a continuously growing coat that naturally falls to each side of the dog. Texture of coat varies from straight and thin - to thick and wavy strands of hair.
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Curly Coat

Curly coats consist of a continuously growing, stand-away hair. This coat typically does not follow a yearly shed cycle, but grows until it is cut. Rustic breeds will be evaluated as breed standard requires.
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Jacketed

Jacketed coats consist of a hard, dense outer coat and a soft layer of undercoat. This coat type typically naturally patterns, longer furnishings follow the dog's outline, and is most often seen in spaniels and setters. Dog's jacket must be hand stripped.
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Groomer Credentials