Certified Professional Groomer (CPG) 


Class size:  6 participant

Learners must demonstrate practical skills in

• Safe handling, bathing, drying, and trimming of a toy breed (small frame and/or senior dog)
• Safe handling, bathing, drying, and trimming of a double-coated breed

Knowledge and understanding will cover:


• Animal welfare and canine wellbeing
• Canine skeletal structure, anatomy, and balance
• Creating style, shape, and symmetry in grooming
• Use and care of grooming tools: blades, scissors, blenders, chunkers
• Grooming techniques for toy breeds and double coats
• Dematting and coat management
• Continued Professional Development (CPD)

Assessment Structure


Practical Examinations (Two components)

1. Toy Breed Groom


• Dog must be from the Toy Group
• Must have a trimmable coat
• Under 10” (25cm) at withers and weigh under 10lb (5kg)
• Dog to be pre-bathed and prepared
• Time Allowed: 45 minutes
• Pass Mark: 86% or above


2. Double-Coated Breed Groom


• Dog must be unbathed at the start of the exam
• Includes full bathing, drying, and grooming
• Time Allowed: 90 minutes(Extra time may be granted for very large breeds)
• Pass Mark: 86% or above

Written Examination

• 50 questions (True/False and Multiple Choice)
• All questions are based on the official Study Guide
• Time Allowed: 30 minutes

• Open Book: Pass mark 92% or above
• Non-Open Book: Pass mark 86% or above

Study Guide Topics Include:

• Advanced scissoring techniques
• Toy Breed Grooming
• Double Coat Grooming
• Skeletal structure and canine anatomy
• Shape creation, balance, angulation, and diagonal lines
• Dematting techniques
• Further Continuing Professional Development (CPD)