Certified Professional Groomer (CPG) 


Class size:  6 participant

Items included in All ICMG courses:

• Text books and student login portal where your instructor will review all that you have completed. 
• Grooming Uniform
• Grooming kit consisting of - Comb, Slicker brush, Scissor set: thinning scissor, chunkers, curves, straights, curved thinners
• Exam fees
• Those who pass the course have an opportunity to work in our salon and gain paid salon experience which is invaluable on your CV

Stage 1 Examination: Bath and Dry


This qualification is designed to help learners understand the roles and responsibilities of a professional dog groomer and the requirements for offering grooming services to clients.Learners will be required to demonstrate practical skills in:

• Safe handling and restraint
• Effective bathing and drying of a coated breed
• Hygiene area care
• Nail trimming


Knowledge and understanding will cover:


• Animal Welfare Legislation and Codes of Practice
• Canine Health and Disease
• Groomer Wellbeing


Assessment:


• Practical Exam: Bath and Dry (Duration: 1 hour; Pass mark: 86% or above)
• Written Exam: 100 questions (Duration: 1 hour)
• Open Book: Pass mark 92% or above
• Non-Open Book: Pass mark 86% or above

Assessement Requirements:


• All dogs used for assessment must have a minimum at least 8 preferably 10 weeks of fur growth. 

A comprehensive resource manual is provided, covering both practical and written exam content, including:


• Canine Handling and Behaviour
• Skin and Hair Anatomy
• Bathing and Drying Techniques
• Canine Health and Diseases
• Parasites and First Aid
• Sanitation and Disinfection
• Groomer Health and Safety


Stage 2 Examination: Kennel/Pet Trim

This advanced qualification builds on the foundational skills from Stage 1 and expands the learner’s understanding of pet grooming techniques, with a focus on pet or kennel trims.

Learners will be required to demonstrate practical skills in:


• Safe handling and restraint
• Clipping and styling for a pet or kennel trim
• Proficient use of clippers, blades, and scissors


Knowledge and understanding will cover:


• Animal Welfare and Handling (including aggressive dogs)
• Chemical safety
• Dog handling and care
• Skin anatomy, hair growth, and epidermal structures
• Emergency procedures and groomer liability

Assessment:


• Practical Exam: Kennel/Pet Trim (Duration: 1 hour; Pass mark: 86% or above)
• Written Exam: 100 questions (Duration: 1 hour)
• Open Book: Pass mark 92% or above
• Non-Open Book: Pass mark 86% or above


Topics include:


• Pet/Kennel Trimming Techniques
• Handling Aggressive Dogs
• Dog Grooming Importance
• Skin Layers and Appendages (e.g., hair follicles, erector pili muscle)
• Equipment Use and Maintenance (clippers, blades, scissors, comb attachments)
• Emergency Response
• Legal and Professional Responsibilities

Note:

 All written exam questions are taken directly from the provided study guides. Answer formats include True/False and Multiple Choice.