The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is pleased to announce the acquisition of the Professional Grooming Credential (PGC) from the World Pet Association (WPA).
The PGC measures foundational knowledge, safety, and technical skills of groomers, and is the only nationwide grooming industry credential. The successful passing of the PGC exam indicates a groomer has core competency knowledge and skills to offer professional and safe grooming services.
“Integrating the PGC within the already robust AKC grooming certifications will continue to strengthen the grooming industry,” said Dennis Sprung, President & CEO of the American Kennel Club. “This will ensure the credential is available to workforce development programs and community colleges around the country.”
WPA founded this important program in 2020 and is thrilled to watch the program grow with the American Kennel Club.
“At WPA we are continually reinvesting in the pet and service industry. The idea that we can offer groomers a way to define their business and reinforce their expertise with their clients was a valuable path for us,” said Vic Mason, President of WPA.
Learn more about AKC’s grooming certifications at https://www.akc.org/groomer-hub/. To learn more about the PGC, visit https://www.akc.org/akc-professional-grooming-credential/.