Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed, CPDT-KA

Up until the creation of the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers in 2001, there was no true certification process for dog trainers.

The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers is a true certification entity pursuing accreditation from NOCA, the National Organization for Competency Assurance. The Council administered its first test September 28, 2001. All test sites are professionally secured and moderated by Professional Testing Corporation of New York.

This unprecedented process was originally implemented by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), the largest association of dog trainers in the world, founded by noted veterinarian, behaviourist and author Dr. Ian Dunbar. Early on, the APDT recognized the need for certification for its profession. Pet dog trainers needed a credible means of measuring their knowledge and skills and the dog-owning public needed a credible barometer for choosing a trainer. A task force of approximately 20 nationally known dog training professionals and behaviourist worked for three years to research and develop the comprehensive written examination. The APDT also hired Professional Testing Corporation to ensure the process met professional testing standards. It then created a separate, independent council--the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers--to manage the accreditation and pursue future development.

Candidates who pass the exam earn the title Certified Professional Dog Trainer and may use the designation, CPDT-KA. All certified trainers must earn continuing education credits to keep their CPDT-KA designations.
 
DOGSmart is pleased to have 3 CPDT-KA® Trainers: