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Frequently Asked Questions |
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Certification
Certification is a form of credentialing. A credential is a designation which indicates competence in a subject or area. Certification is usually a voluntary process instituted by a nongovernmental agency in which individuals are recognized for advanced knowledge and skill. Certification requires assessment, including testing, and an evaluation of education and/or experience.
Establishing a credentialing program enhances the reputation of a profession. A certification program is not an endorsement of an individual by the organization, but it signifies to those seeking to use the professional that the professional has sought out a credentialing program and has passed the credential's requirements. Certification is a voluntary program, unlike licensing which is not voluntary for professions such as physicians, nurses, and psychologists.
The goal of the CCPDT is to design a national/international validated, standardized process to assess dog trainer knowledge and competency.
The CCPDT works with experts in creating and administering national certification programs to assure the authenticity of the program. By securing the expertise of the Professional Testing Company (PTC), the CCPDT has developed a knowledge based examination to evaluate individuals who wish to validate a basic knowledge of dog training. The CCPDT issues a certificate indicating that the individual has met the minimum experience and educational level, and passed the CCPDT examination. Those who have passed this examination and met the other requirements of the program are permitted to use the designation CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed) next to their name. The CPDT-KA certification exam was designed to assess the knowledge deemed necessary by dog training experts for an entry level trainer. Eligibility requirements are detailed in the " Handbook for Candidates" available from PTC. The test questions are in multiple choice format, which is the most frequently used in national examinations to validate a candidate's competence to perform the work of the profession, and are based on the general knowledge of dog behavior and application of training techniques in five content areas: Learning/Theory, Instruction Skills, Husbandry, Ethology, Equipment. Our examination is changed each year and is reviewed with a psychometrician prior to being released for the testing period. There is a 50 question practice examination for the CPDT-KA that will give you a glimpse into the CPDT-KA exam and score you by testing area. This is an opportunity to experience taking a computerized exam, to review content included in the Certification Examination for Professional Dog Trainers- Knowledge Assessed, and to learn more about question format, style, and level of difficulty. You will have 2 hours to complete the 50 questions and there is a fee of $60. You can register and take the examination at the Professional Testing Corporation's website.
Exceptions are allowed for testing at other facilities, or to set up new test sites. Details are outlined in the Test Handbook.
No, the certification process is a standardized program specifically designed for fair treatment of all candidates. The only way to ensure the integrity of this standardized process is to require that all candidates are assessed equally.
All dog trainers who earn the Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed designation (CPDT-KAs) can be located through our trainer search.
The test is offered in the Spring and Fall of each year at computerized testing locations across the country and in Canada.
The council is a private, non-profit organization. The Council depends in part on grants for support. As a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, your input regarding grants is welcome.
Information on certification, grants, item writing and testing materials can be obtained by contacting:
E mail:
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Phone: 212-356-0682
The re-certification fee is based on cost estimates for the processing fee paid to PTC; re-certification materials; postage; and future development of the program. Each re-certification costs the CCPDT approximately $75.00. After this expense, the remainder goes directly into program development. Program development includes development of Level II certification, marketing, and consumer awareness.
No. One of the requirements and objectives of certification is for trainers to remain current on new research and new training methods.
Initially, CEUs were only given in full hours. The CCPDT has changed the policy to include the opportunity to earn partial credits. Half CEUs will be given if a program runs at least 30 minutes past the hour but less than a complete hour. For example, if a program runs for 3 hours and 15 minutes, you will earn 3 CEUs. If the program runs for either 3 hours and 30 minutes or 3 hours and 45 minutes, you will earn 3.5 CEUs.
The application and instructions for CEU accreditation is available in the Certificants section of this website. The Program Manager maintains copies of all documents.
There are no plans for financial aid at this time; however, this may become a goal of the program in the future.
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