World Alliance of Grooming Associations Inc.Certification Organizations
“What is Groomer Certificate?” or “What is Pet Groomer Certification?”
There can be confusion regarding what it means that a pet groomer is “certified” such as the title CMG or Certified Master Groomer; as versus having a certificate, which often means the completion of a class, or a certificate of attendance.
The term “Certificate” in pet grooming educational events refers to a document that proves a groomer has attended a class, usually a class that is content rich. It is a Certificate of Attendance.
The term “Certification” in the pet grooming industry is associated with rigorous testing of hands- on grooming skill, performed on live animals, evaluated by an experienced master, using rubrics to determine the scoring, and accompanied by written tests requiring knowledge about breeds, safety, etc. , often taking years to complete. Knowledge of AKC breed standards is required in the United States.
Groomer certifications test both knowledge and skill and require multiple levels of both written and hands on testing
The three certification organizations in the United States are:
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Email groomer@akc.org
NDGAA The National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA) was established in 1969 and is a Non Profit 501C-4 Incorporation
International Professional Groomers, INC (IPG)
6475 Wallace Rd NW, Salem, OR 97304
503-551-2397 E-mail: ipgicmg@gmail.com
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Linda Easton, ICMG, President
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IPG Is a for-profit service-oriented organization
ISCC The International Society of Canine Cosmetologists
ISCC was established in 1988, it is a for-profit service-oriented organization.
Here’s a great article that articulates the differences very well. https://www.doxychain.com/blog/accreditation-certification-and-credentialing
Link to Michelle Knowles article from 2020 in GTG Magazine: https://www.groomertogroomer.com/certificates-and-licensing-getting-prepared/
Continuing Education Units
Aligning classes with Education Standards for Continuing Education Units (CEU) credits is crucial for maintaining industry standards and ensuring professionals stay updated with the latest knowledge and skills. Here are some steps to help align classes with these standards:
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Understand the Standards: Familiarize yourself with the specific CEU requirements and standards set by relevant accrediting bodies or professional organizations in your industry.
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Curriculum Development: Design your curriculum to meet these standards. Ensure that the content is relevant, up-to-date, and provides practical knowledge and skills.
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Qualified Instructors: Ensure that instructors are qualified and experienced in the subject matter. They should also be familiar with the CEU standards and requirements.
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Assessment and Evaluation: Incorporate assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of the training. This can include quizzes, practical exams, or other forms of evaluation.
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Documentation and Record-Keeping: Maintain detailed records of the training sessions, including attendance, assessment results, and feedback. This documentation is often required for CEU accreditation.
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Feedback and Improvement: Regularly seek feedback from participants and use it to improve the training program. This helps in keeping the content relevant and effective.
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Accreditation Process: Submit your course for accreditation to the relevant body. Ensure that all required documentation and evidence of compliance with standards are provided.
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Continuous Updates: Regularly update the course content to reflect new developments in the field and changes in CEU standards.