Why become certified?
- Personal satisfaction. With a CCPDT certification, you know you have tested yourself against and passed rigorous standards for knowledge and skills in science-based dog training.
- Continuing education. Maintaining a CCPDT certification is motivation for lifelong learning and demonstrates that you keep current on the science and techniques of the profession.
- Marketing edge. Independent certification makes a big difference to clients and prospects—if they are informed about it. For help educating your audience, see Marketing Your Certification.
- Professionalize the field. Certification represents an individual step toward a future when only qualified professionals are allowed to call themselves dog trainers.
CPDT- KA
Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA®) measures a broad range of knowledge and skills in ethology, learning theory, dog training technique, and instruction.
To be eligible for the examination, you have to:
√ A minimum of 300 hours’ experience in dog training within the last 3 years.
√ Provide a signed attestation statement from a CCPDT certificant or a veterinarian
√ Sign and file our Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics (PDF)
√ Sign and file our Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) Effective Behavior Intervention (PDF)
The CPDT-KA exam consists of 180 multiple-choice questions. The exam is given at computer-based testing facilities throughout the U.S. and Canada. Learn more about the examination.
Want to learn more?
- Download the CPDT-KA 2020 Candidate Handbook (PDF)
- Download the CPDT-KA 2021 Candidate Handbook (PDF)
- Click here for the CPDT-KA Candidate Certification Application
- Download the CPDT-KA Study Objectives (PDF)
- Download the CPDT-KA Training Log
- Download the CPDT-KA Training Log Sample (PDF)
- Download the Attestation Statement (PDF)
- Download the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics (PDF)
- Download the Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) Effective Behavior Intervention (PDF)
CPDT-KSA
Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge and Skills Assessed (CPDT-KSA®) is our skills based certification. It tests expert training and instruction skills through hands-on exercises.
To be eligible for the examination, you have to:
√ Hold a current CPDT-KA credential
√ Complete the online application and upload a video of assigned training exercises
√ Confirm compliance with our Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics (PDF)
√ Confirm compliance with our Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) Effective Behavior Intervention (PDF)
√ Pay the examination fee
The CPDT-KSA exam takes place over a three-week testing period and consists of four hands-on exercises to be completed and video recorded at the candidate’s chosen location. Learn more about the examination.
Want to learn more?
- Download the CPDT-KSA Candidate Handbook (PDF)
- Click here for the CPDT-KSA Candidate Certification Application
- Download the CPDT-KSA Video Recording Tips