The American Kennel Club
Founded in 1884, the not-for-profit American Kennel Club® is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for all dogs. AKC® advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership.
AKC® is not a federal or state licensing agency. Our certificants are held to high standards and are expected to comply with our Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.
Limitation of Responsibility: Certification by the AKC® does not constitute a guarantee or warranty, express or implied, regarding the functionality, safety, reliability, or effectiveness of the certified products, services, or entities. Users of certified products, services, or entities acknowledge and agree that the AKC does not assume any responsibility for any losses, damages, liabilities, or expenses that may arise from the use or reliance on certified products, services, or entities.
AKC Coat Type - Curly
Consisting of single, stand-away coat, this coat is continuously growing and does not follow a yearly shed cycle. This coat can require heavy maintenance to remain manicured, while some breeds should remain rustic. Examples include Poodles, Bichons, Irish Water Spaniels, and Logottos. Show off your grooming skills with this virtual grooming exam! Submit ...AKC Coat Type - Drop
Consisting of long hair that tends to fall to each side of dog, this coat is continuously growing and does not follow a yearly shed cycle. Show dogs are primarily presented with a natural finish, typically achieved with thinning shears. Examples include Wheatens, Briards, Yorkies, and Havanese. Show off your grooming skills with this virtual grooming ...AKC Coat Type - Jacketed
Consisting of a harsh, weather resistant jacket and longer furnishings, this coat requires a combination of carding and scissor/clipper work. Examples include Setters, Spaniels, and English Toy Spaniels. Show off your grooming skills with this virtual grooming exam! Submit your photos and videos of the important aspects of grooming this coat type. ...AKC Coat Type - Wire
Consisting of a harsh outer coat and soft undercoat, this coat can be maintained at a variety of lengths; however, it primarily requires the act of pulling the harsh coat to encourage the production of wire-hair. Examples include Airedales, Welshes, Westies, Scotties, and GWPs. Show off your grooming skills with this virtual grooming exam! Submit your ...AKC Master Groomer
Completion of AKC Safety in the Salon
Completion of National Certified Master Groomer
Completion of AKC Professional Groomer (Coat Type Testing)
AKC Professional Wire Coat
AKC Professional Curly Coat
AKC Professional Jacketed Coat
AKC Professional Drop Coat
National Certified in Non-Sporting
National Certified ...AKC Professional Groomer Certificate (Coat Types)
Technical Skill Assessment based on Coat Type.
Complete AKC Safety in the Salon
Certified in each available AKC Coat Type: Wire, Drop, Jacketed and Curly.
Pass Pro Groomer Written ExamNational Certified Master Groomer
Groomers must complete a 8 hour workshop. Pass 4 practical grooming exams. Pass 3 breed group written exams, and pass final written Master exam.National Certified Non-Sporting
Evaluation of technical grooming skills for required AKC breed group (Non-Sporting, Sporting, and 2 different Terriers.) Passing score of accompanying, 100 question, written exam for each AKC breed group.National Certified Sporting
Evaluation of technical grooming skills for required AKC breed group (Non-Sporting, Sporting, and 2 different Terriers.) Passing score of accompanying, 100 question, written exam for each AKC breed group.National Certified Terrier
Evaluation of technical grooming skills for required AKC breed group (Non-Sporting, Sporting, and 2 different Terriers.) Passing score of accompanying, 100 question, written exam for each AKC breed group.
