CERTI FICATIO N

EXAMINATI ON
FOR
PROFESSI ONAL DOG
TRAINERS –
Kno wled ge Assessed
Handbook for Candidates

SPRING 2010 TESTING PERIOD

Application Deadline: January 15, 2010
Testing Begins: Saturday, March 13, 2010
Testing Ends: Saturday, March 27, 2010

FALL 2010 TESTING PERIOD

Application Deadline: July 31, 2010
Testing Begins: Saturday, September 11, 2010
Testing Ends: Saturday, September 25, 2010

PROFESSIONAL TESTING CORPORATION

1350 BROADWAY 17th FLOOR
NEW YORK, NY 10018
(212) 356-0660
[Link]
Mission Statement

The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers

(CCPDT) serves to establish and maintain recognized
standards of competence in dog training by certifying
trainers through criteria based on experience,
standardized testing, and continuing education, and
identifies those individuals to the dog owning public.

The Guiding Principles of the Certification Council

for Professional Dog Trainers
 To develop a recognized standard of
proficiency and scientific exactitude in the
profession of pet dog trainers through an
independent, not for profit certification process
of standardized testing.

 To maintain a current, empirically validated,

certification test that is psychometrically
sound, based on science content in the field,
and independent of commercial influence.

 To recognize documented training experience

as valid, functional criteria relevant to the
certification process.

 To encourage growth in and fluency of

knowledge in the field, and thus foster a link in
the community of trainers, academics and pet
professionals.

 To benefit animal and human welfare by

promoting training strategies and methods
based on humane practices as supported by
current scientific research.

 To promote and protect the CPDT designation

as the publicly recognized credential of trainers
committed to education, experience and
professional excellence.
CERTIFICATION

The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers

(CCPDT) endorses the concept of voluntary, periodic
certification by examination for all professional dog trainers.
Certification is one part of the credentialing process. It
focuses specifically on the individual and is an indication of
relevant current knowledge in a specialized area of practice.
Certification in professional dog training is highly valued and
provides formal recognition of basic dog training knowledge.

The CCPDT reserves the right to change any of the

requirements concerning its Certified Professional Dog
Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) credential, including
but not limited to the eligibility requirements, examination
content, recertification requirements, fees, use of the mark,
name of the mark, and the website. Information published in
the current version of the Handbook for Candidates on the
CCPDT website supersedes all other printed or electronic
versions of the Handbook. Neither the handbook, the
examination application form, the examination, nor the
CCPDT credential constitute a contract between the
candidate or the certificant and the CCPDT.

PURPOSES OF CERTIFICATION

TO PROMOTE DELIVERY OF SAFE AND EFFECTIVE DOG

TRAINING THROUGH THE CERTIFICATION OF QUALIFIED
PROFESSIONAL DOG TRAINERS BY:

1. Recognizing formally those individuals who meet the

eligibility requirements of the CCPDT and pass the
Certification Examination for Professional Dog Trainers –
Knowledge Assessed.

2. Encouraging continued personal and professional growth

in the practice of professional dog training.

3. Establishing and measuring the level of knowledge and

training skills required for certification in professional
dog training.

4. Providing a standard of knowledge and training skill

requisite for certification; thereby assisting the
employer, public, and members of the professional dog
care industry in the assessment of the professional dog
trainer.

1
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

1. At least 300 hours experience in dog training within the

last five years. Two hundred twenty-five (225) hours or
75% of experience must be actual teaching hours (group
class, private lessons) as a ‘Head Trainer’ or Instructor.
Seventy-five (75) hours or 25% of experience can be in
other related areas such as working with shelter
animals, assisting in classes, working as a veterinary
technician or grooming (bather position not applicable).
Occasionally, it has been necessary to verify the
experience of a candidate, even after passing the
examination. It is advised that a document listing your
experience with names and contact information be kept
in a safe place for future verification.

2. A high school diploma or equivalent.

3. One reference from each of the following:

 Veterinarian
 Client
 Colleague

4. Completion and filing of an Application for the

Certification Examination for Professional Dog Trainers –
Knowledge Assessed.

5. Signing and filing the CCPDT Code of Ethics.

6. Payment of required fee.

APPEALS ON ELIGIBILITY

Candidates who have been deemed ineligible to sit for the

examination may appeal in writing to the Certification Council
for Professional Dog Trainers. The letter must be
accompanied by supporting documents. The appeal must be
received within 21 calendar days after the postmark on the
notice of ineligibility sent to the candidate. The Certification
Council for Professional Dog Trainers will review the appeal
and notify the candidate in writing of its decision within 10
days of receipt of the written appeal.

NON-DISCRIMINATION

The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers does

not discriminate against any individual on the basis of race,
color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any
other characteristic prohibited by law.

2
ADMINISTRATION

The Certification Program is sponsored by the Certification

Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). The
Certification Examination for Professional Dog Trainers –
Knowledge Assessed is administered for the CCPDT by the
Professional Testing Corporation (PTC), 1350 Broadway -
17th Floor, New York, New York 10018, (212) 356-0660,
[Link]. Questions concerning the examination
should be referred to PTC.

ATTAINMENT OF CERTIFICATION AND RECERTIFICATION

Eligible candidates who pass the Certification Examination for

Professional Dog Trainers – Knowledge Assessed are eligible
to use the designation, Certified Professional Dog Trainer-
Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA), after their names and will
receive a certificate verifying their certified status from the
CCPDT. This certificate is the property of CCPDT. A registry
of Certified Professional Dog Trainers will be maintained by
the CCPDT. Certified Professional Dog Trainers’ names and
contact information will be posted on the CCPDT website at
[Link]. Other dog training organizations and
associations may list the CPDT-KA designation in their
listings.

The Certification for Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge

Assessed designation is recognized for a period of three
years at which time the certificant must accumulate
continuing education credits at CCPDT approved programs
and meet any new requirements or measures of qualification
or retake and pass the current Certification Examination for
Professional Dog Trainers – Knowledge Assessed.

REVOCATION OF CERTIFICATION

Certification will be revoked for any of the following reasons:

1. Falsification of any part of an Application.

2. Conviction of charges of animal cruelty or neglect.

3. Misrepresentation of certification status.

The Appeals Committee of the CCPDT provides the appeal

mechanism for challenging revocation of CCPDT Certification.
It is the responsibility of the individual to initiate this process.

3
APPLICATION PROCEDURE

To obtain additional Handbooks for Candidates and

Applications for the Certification Examination for Professional
Dog Trainers – Knowledge Assessed, contact the
Professional Testing Corporation, 1350 Broadway - 17th
Floor, New York, New York 10018, (212) 356-0660, or by
visiting the PTC website at [Link].

Read and follow the directions on the Application and in this

Handbook for Candidates.

COMPLETION OF APPLICATION

Complete and fill in as appropriate all information requested

on the Application. Mark ONE response only unless otherwise
indicated. Please ensure that all responses are legible.

CANDIDATE INFORMATION: Starting at the top of the

Application, print your name, address, daytime phone
number, evening phone number, and e-mail address.

ELIGIBILITY AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION: All

questions must be answered. Mark only ONE response
unless otherwise indicated.

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION; Complete the items

regarding your current employment situation.

OPTIONAL: These questions are optional. The information

requested is to assist in complying with equal opportunity
guidelines and will be used only in statistical summaries.
Such information will in no way affect your test results.

CANDIDATE REFERENCE SHEET: The following references

are required to be eligible to take the CPDT-KA certification
examination: one from a veterinarian, one from a client, and
one from a CPDT-KA colleague. Distribute a reference sheet
to reference sources who know you well enough to provide
information about your dog training knowledge and skills and
ask them to complete the reference sheet, seal it in an
envelope, sign across the sealed back flap, and return it to
you.

SUBMITTING THE REFERENCE SHEET: Each reference

should return the completed reference sheet in a sealed
envelope to the candidate. Candidates MUST submit all three
references in their sealed envelopes with the application and
fee to the Professional Testing Corporation.

4
CODE OF ETHICS: All applicants must agree to adhere to the
CCPDT Code of Ethics and submit a signed copy with their
application.

CANDIDATE SIGNATURE: When you have completed all

required information, sign and date the Application in the
space provided.

Mail the Application, Code of Ethics, references, and the

appropriate fee (see FEES below) in time to be received by
the deadline shown on the cover of this Handbook to:

CCPDT EXAMINATION
PROFESSIONAL TESTING CORPORATION
1350 Broadway – 17th Floor
New York, New York 10018

FEES

Application fee for the Certification Examination for

Professional Dog Trainers – Knowledge Assessed.

APDT, NADOI, IAABC, IACP, CAPPDT Members .... $335.00

Non-Members ........................................................ $385.00

MAKE CHECK OR MONEY ORDER PAYABLE TO:

CCPDT EXAMINATION

Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are also accepted.

Please complete the credit card payment form on the
Application.

REFUNDS

There will be no refund of fees. Candidates unable to take

the examination as scheduled may request a transfer to the
next examination date if request is submitted with the
transfer fee of $185 and received within 30 days after the
testing periods ends.

5
EXAMINATION ADMINISTRATION

The Certification Examination for Professional Dog Trainers –

Knowledge Assessed is administered during an established
two-week testing period, at computer-based testing facilities
managed by PSI/LaserGrade Computer Testing, Inc.
PSI/LaserGrade has several hundred testing sites in the
United States as well as Canada. Please note: Hours and
days of availability vary at different centers. Scheduling is
done on a first-come, first-serve basis. To find a testing
center near you visit: [Link] or call
PSI/LaserGrade at (800) 211-2754. You will not be able to
schedule your examination appointment until you have
received an Eligibility Notice from PTC.

ONLINE TUTORIAL AND SAMPLE TEST

A Tutorial and a Sample Demonstration Test can be viewed

online.
 Browse to [Link]
 Select Test Taker/Candidates menu
 Select Testing Software Demo
 Select the "General Education Demo Test"
 Click on the "Start LaserGrade Online Demo Test"
button.

This online Tutorial and Sample Test can give you an idea
about the features of the testing software.

SCHEDULING YOUR EXAMINATION APPOINTMENT

Once your application has been received and processed, and

your eligibility verified, you will be mailed an Eligibility Notice.
The Eligibility Notice plus current government issued
photo identification must be presented in order to gain
admission to the testing center. A candidate not receiving
an Eligibility Notice or other correspondence at least three
weeks before the beginning of the two-week testing period
should contact the Professional Testing Corporation by
telephone at (212) 356-0660.

The Eligibility Notice will indicate where to call to schedule

your examination appointment as well as the dates in which
testing is available. Appointment times are first-come, first-
serve, so schedule your appointment as soon as you receive
your Eligibility Notice in order to maximize your chance of
testing at your preferred location and on your preferred date.

It is highly recommended that each candidate becomes

familiar with the testing site before the scheduled test
date.

6
INDIVIDUALS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Special testing arrangements will be made for individuals

with special needs. Submit the Application, Examination Fee,
and a completed and signed Request for Special
Accommodations Form, available from [Link] or by
calling PTC at (212) 356-0660. Requests for special testing
for individuals with special needs must be received at least
EIGHT weeks before the testing date.

CHANGING YOUR EXAMINATION APPOINTMENT

If you need to cancel your examination appointment or

reschedule to a different date within the two-week testing
period, you must contact PSI/LaserGrade at (800) 211-2754
no later than 12:00 PM, Eastern Standard Time, of the second
business day PRIOR to your scheduled appointment.

RULES FOR THE EXAMINATION

1. No books or other reference materials may be taken into

the examination room.

2. No signaling devices, including pagers, cellular phones,

and alarms, may be operative during the examination.

3. No test materials, documents, or memoranda of any sort

are to be taken from the examination room.

4. No questions concerning content of the examination

may be asked during the testing period. The candidate
should listen carefully to the instructions given by the
Proctor and should read carefully directions in the test
booklet.

5. No dogs are permitted in the testing center, except

those assisting the disabled.

REPORT OF RESULTS

Candidates will be notified by mail within four weeks of the

close of the testing period whether or not they have passed
the CPDT-KA examination. Scores on the major areas of the
examination and on the total examination will be reported.
Successful candidates will also receive certificates from the
CCPDT.

7
PASSING SCORE

The examination is graded as Pass or Fail only. The method

used to set the passing score for the examination is in
accordance with standard criterion-references passing score
standards. The passing score is set by the Board of Directors
of the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers using
generally accepted psychometric principles and methods to
determine what constitutes a competent dog training
professional. Each candidate is measured against a standard
of knowledge, not against the performance of other
individuals taking the examination.

The examination consists of 250 multiple-choice questions,

with 4 responses, only one of which is correct. The passing
score is 188.

EXAMINATION CHALLENGES

It is the policy of the Certification Council for Professional Dog

Trainers to provide every candidate with an opportunity to
question the reliability, validity, and/or fairness of a test and
its questions. Candidates may comment about any test
question or questions, test procedures, and/or the test itself
by completing the comment form, which is found at the end
of every examination. Alternatively, a candidate may submit a
complaint in writing to the Council’s administrative offices no
later than fourteen (14) calendar days after taking the
examination. Complaints and challenges must be
communicated in writing and within this time frame; the
Council will NOT consider late challenges or complaints, or
challenges or complaints not submitted in writing.

All challenges and complaints shall receive the Council’s full

attention. The Council shall investigate each challenge or
complaint and acknowledge it in writing to the complainant.

RE-EXAMINATION

The Certification Examination for Professional Dog Trainers –

Knowledge Assessed may be taken as often as desired upon
filing of a new Application and fee. There is no limit to the
number of times the examination may be repeated.

CONFIDENTIALITY

1. The CCPDT will release the individual test scores ONLY

to the individual candidate and only by mail.

2. Any questions concerning test results should be referred

to CCPDT or the Professional Testing Corporation.

8
CONTENT OF EXAMINATION

1. The Certification Examination for Professional Dog

Trainers – Knowledge Assessed is a computer-based
examination composed of a maximum of 250
multiple-choice, objective questions with a total testing
time of four (4) hours.

2. The content for the examination is described in the

Content Outline starting on page 10.

3. The questions for the examination are obtained from

individuals with expertise in dog training and are
reviewed for construction, accuracy, and
appropriateness by the CCPDT.

4. The CCPDT, with the advice and assistance of the

Professional Testing Corporation, prepares the
examination.

5. The Certification Examination for Professional Dog

Trainers – Knowledge Assessed will be weighted in
approximately the following manner:

I. INSTRUCTION SKILLS ..............................................32%

II. ANIMAL HUSBANDRY ............................................... 6%
III. ETHOLOGY ...............................................................20%
IV. LEARNING THEORY..................................................32%
V. EQUIPMENT .............................................................10%

9
CONTENT OUTLINE

I. INSTRUCTION SKILLS
A. Interpersonal Skills
1. Communication
a. Establishing client rapport
b. Active listening
c. Giving feedback
d. Targeting the audience
2. Interacting with clients
a. Clients with special needs, under the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
b. Difficult clients
B. Teaching Skills
1. Explain, Demonstrate, Assist
2. Development of lesson plans
3. Development of handouts
4. Knowledge of available resources
C. Managing the Training Environment
1. Safety
2. Physical layout
3. Distractions/Disruptions
D. Dog Skills
1. Selecting a dog for demonstration
2. Handling disruptive/difficult dogs
3. Barking dogs
4. Recognizing and managing individual differences

II. ANIMAL HUSBANDRY

A. Required Vaccinations
B. Symptoms of Contagious Diseases
C. Symptoms that Suggest Veterinary Referral
D. Symptoms that Suggest Limiting Training
E. Preventive Nutrition
1. Orthopedic diseases of large breeds
2. Body condition
3. Age specific
F. Parasites
1. Identification
2. Control of in the training environment
G. Spay/Neuter
1. Effects on behavior
2. Effects on health
3. Age consideration
4. Population control
H. Function of Animal Control and its Relevance to Dog
Training
I. Health/Hygiene

10
III. ETHOLOGY
A. Domestication
B. Body Language
C. Development
1. Physical
2. Social
D. Behavior Problems
E. Physical and Sensory Characteristics

IV. LEARNING THEORY

A. Operant Conditioning
1. Understanding behavioral consequences
a. Reinforcement – positive and negative
b. Punishment – positive and negative
c. Extinction
2. Application of behavioral consequences
a. Types of reinforcers and punishers
1. Primary
2. Secondary or Conditioned
b. Selection of reinforcers and punishers
c. Factors influencing effectiveness
d. Schedules of reinforcement
e. Teaching duration of behaviors
f. Discrimination and generalization
g. Cueing behavior and stimulus control
3. Training techniques
a. Prompting
b. Shaping
c. Targeting
B. Classical Conditioning
1. How conditioning occurs
2. Extinction
3. Behaviors influenced by classical conditioning
C. Environmental Control

V. EQUIPMENT
A. Basic Training Equipment (Purpose, Safety, and Fit)
1. Buckle collar
2. Halter
3. Slip and limited collars (Choke Chain, Martingale,
snap chokes)
4. Pinch/Prong Collar
5. Harness
6. Fixed length leash
7. Long line
8. Retractable leash
9. Clicker
B. Ancillary Equipment (Purpose and Safety)
1. Bark collar (shock, citronella, sound)
2. Containment system (shock, citronella, sound)
3. Remote collar (shock, citronella, sound)

11
SAMPLE EXAMINATION QUESTIONS

In the following questions, choose the one best answer.

1. If an owner calls before class and says that a puppy has

had diarrhea for the past two days, the trainer should

1. advise the owner to change the puppy’s food.

2. tell the owner not to worry, as diarrhea is common
in puppies.
3. tell the owner not to bring the puppy to class and to
call the veterinarian.
4. ask the owner for more details to determine
whether the puppy should come to class.

2. Which of the following information would be most

important to obtain before a dog comes to class?

1. Dog’s name, breed, and sex

2. Number of people living with the dog
3. Whether there are any children living in the
household
4. Vaccination history and information about behavior

3. Which of the following are most important for the average

pet dog owner to learn from a puppy class?

1. How to teach the dog to sit and do tricks

2. How to teach the dog precision heeling and straight
sits
3. How to housetrain the dog and control
mouthing/chewing
4. How to recognize and deal with aggression toward
dogs and children

4. A slip collar should not be left on an unsupervised dog

because

1. the collar may loosen and slip off the dog.

2. the dog may catch the collar on something and
strangle.
3. the dog can only tolerate the collar for a short period
of time.
4. it is difficult to put identification tags on this type of
collar.

5. When an unpleasant stimulus is removed following a

response, which of the following is used?

1. Shaping
2. Negative punishment
3. Positive reinforcement
4. Negative reinforcement
12
6. How should a dog trainer handle an owner with limited
mobility?

1. Refer owner to another trainer

2. Tell the owner to bring a friend to assist
3. Train the dog and when the training is completed,
give the dog back to the owner with written
instructions
4. Discuss a variety of options and agree on
reasonable accommodations

7. A frightened dog may display which of the following

behaviors?

1. Plays tug with owner

2. Wags tail with ears forward
3. Mounts other dogs in class
4. Is unable to focus on owner and looks everywhere

8. Which of the following is the most appropriate type of

equipment for a dog with a collapsed trachea?

1. Prong
2. Harness
3. Limited slip
4. Leash that beeps when dog pulls

9. Which of the following conditions is common in large,

deep-chested breeds and is associated with exercise,
excessive food and water intake, or stress?

1. Bloat
2. Cancer
3. Hip dysplasia
4. Low blood glucose

CORRECT ANSWERS TO SAMPLE QUESTIONS

1.3, 2.4, 3.3, 4.2, 5.4, 6.4, 7.4, 8.2, 9.1

13
REFERENCES

The following list of references may be of some help in

preparing for the examination. This list does not attempt to
include all acceptable references nor is it suggested that the
Certification Examination for Professional Dog Trainers –
Knowledge Assessed is necessarily based on these
references.

BOOKS

Alexander, Melissa. Click For Joy. Sunshine Books, 2003.

Arden, Andrea. Dog-Friendly Dog Training. Howell Book

House, Second edition, 2007.

Bailey, Gwen. The Perfect Puppy. Reed International Books

LTD., Reader’s Digest Publications, 2009.

Booth, Sheila. Purely Positive Training. Podium Publications,

1998.

Donaldson, Jean. The Culture Clash. James & Kenneth

Publishers, 1996.

Dunbar, Dr. Ian. Doctor Dunbar’s Good Little Dog Book.

James & Kenneth Publishers, 2003.

Dunbar, Dr. Ian. How to Teach a New Dog Old Tricks. James
& Kenneth Publishers, 1998.

Hetts, Suzanne, Ph.D. Pet Behavior Protocols. AAHA Press,

1999.

Lindsay, Steven. Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and

Training. Wiley-Blackwell, 2000.

Manning & Dawkins. Introduction to Animal Behavior, 5th

Edition Cambridge University Press, 1998.

McConnell, Patricia, Ph.D., London, Karen, Ph.D. Feisty Fido:

Help For The Leash Aggressive Dog. Dog’s Best Friend, LTD.,
McConnell Publishing, 2003.

McConnell, Patricia, Ph.D., I’ll Be Home Soon. Dog’s Best

Friend, LTD., McConnell Publishing, 2000.

McConnell, Patricia, Ph.D., The Other End Of The Leash.

Ballantine Books, 2003.

Pryor, Karen. Don’t Shoot The Dog. Ringpress Books, Ltd,, 3rd
Edition 2002

14
Reid, Pamela, Ph.D. Excelerated Learning. James & Kenneth
Publishers, 1996.

Schwartz, Barry, Robbins, Steven & Wasserman, Edward A..

Psychology of Learning and Behavior. 5th Edition. W.W.
Norton & Co., 2001.

Serpell, James (Editor). The Domestic Dog: Evolution,

Behaviour, and Interactions with People, Cambridge Press,
1996.

Stanovich, Keith. How to Think Straight About Psychology,

Allyn & Bacon, 9th Edition, 2009.

Tucker, M.T. (Editor). Professional Standards for Dog

Trainers: Effective, Humane Principles. Delta Society, Renton,
WA, 2001.

Text Book Chapters

Coon, Dennis & Mitterer, John O. Introduction to Psychology,

Chapters on Learning and Conditioning, Social Behavior, and
Interpersonal Communication (Applied Psychology).*

* This is an example of an Introductory Psychology text.

Other similar texts are available for reference.

Videos

Bauman, Allan. Paw-sitive Dog Training. Goldenbrook

Kennels, 1998.

Burmaster, Corally. Puppy Kindergarten Video. The Clicker

Training Center, 2002.

Hetts, S. & Estep. Canine Behavior: Body Postures,

Evaluating Behavioral Health. Denton, TX. D. ACT Inc., 2000.

Pryor, Karen. Clicker Magic. Sunshine Books, 2007.

Pryor & Klark. Puppy Love. Sunshine Books, 2007.

Software

Alloway, T., Wilson, G., Graham, J., & Krames, L. Sniffy the
Virtual Rat. Wadsworth/Thompson Learning, 2000.

Books and Videos on the recommended reading list can be

purchased at Dogwise, All Things Dogs. Order online at
www. [Link] or call 1-800-776-2665. APDT members
get special discounts.
PTC09121
15
NOTES

16
 Application for Page 1
CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION FOR PROFESSIONAL DOG TRAINERS -
Knowledge Assessed
MARKING INSTRUCTIONS: This form will be scanned by computer,
so please make your marks heavy and dark, filling the circles
completely. Please print uppercase letters and avoid contact with
the edge of the box. See example provided.

Candidate Information
Last Name

First Name Middle Initial

Number and Street Apartment Number

City State/Province Zip/Postal Code

Daytime Phone Evening Phone

- - - -
E-mail Address

Are you applying to renew your CPDT certificate?

Examination Date
No CPDT Certificate Number
Yes Spring Fall

Eligibility and Background Information

Darken only one choice for each question unless otherwise directed.
A. HOW MANY HOURS OF EXPERIENCE IN DOG F. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TRAINING DOGS AS
TRAINING HAVE YOU HAD OVER THE LAST FIVE AN INSTRUCTOR? (Do not include apprenticeship
YEARS? programs or assistant instructor positions.)
225 to 399 hours 500 to 599 hours Less than 2 years 3 to 5 years More than 10 years
400 to 499 hours More than 600 hours 2 years 6 to 10 years

B. HOW MANY HOURS OF EXPERIENCE IN OTHER G. IF YOU APPRENTICED UNDER ANOTHER TRAINER,
DOG-RELATED AREAS HAVE YOU HAD OVER THE HOW LONG WERE YOU IN THAT PROGRAM?
LAST FIVE YEARS? Less than 2 years 3 to 5 years
75 to 399 hours More than 500 hours 2 years Not applicable
400 to 499 hours
H. IF YOU TRAINED AS AN ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR,
C. HOW MANY HOURS PER WEEK DO YOU SPEND HOW LONG WERE YOU IN THAT PROGRAM?
TRAINING DOGS? (Include group classes and private Less than 2 years 3 to 5 years
lessons.) 2 years Not applicable
1 to 10 hours 21 to 30 hours More than 40 hours
11 to 20 hours 31 to 40 hours I. HIGHEST LEVEL OF EDUCATION ATTAINED:
High School Diploma or Equivalent Bachelor's Degree
D. HOW MANY DOGS ON AVERAGE DO YOU GIVE Some college Some Graduate School
PRIVATE LESSONS TO IN A TYPICAL WEEK? Associate's Degree Graduate Degree
None 11 to 20 More than 30
J. HAVE YOU TAKEN THIS EXAMINATION BEFORE?
1 to 10 21 to 30
No Yes If yes, indicate month, year, and name under
which examintaiton was taken.
E. HOW MANY GROUP LESSONS ON AVERAGE DO
YOU GIVE IN A TYPICAL WEEK? Date (month/year):
None 6 to 10 Name:
1 to 5 More than 10
(Continue on page 2)
59042
CCPDT, PROFESSIONAL TESTING CORPORATION, 1350 BROADWAY, 17th FLOOR, NEW YORK, NY 10018
[Link] (212) 356-0660 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED PTC09091
 Application for Page 2
CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION FOR PROFESSIONAL DOG TRAINERS -
Knowledge Assessed
Employment Information
K. EMPLOYMENT STATUS: P. HOW DID YOU FIND ABOUT THIS PET DOG
Own a dog-training or dog-related business TRAINING CERTIFICATION PROGRAM?:
Employed by someone else who owns a dog-training business Colleague
Other Brochure displayed in veterinarian office
L. IF SELF-EMPLOYED, NUMBER OF YEARS IN Brochure displayed in other location
(pet shop, groomer,pet sitter, etc)
BUSINESS:
Not self-employed 2 to 5 years More than 10 years Client
Less than 1 year 6 to 10 years CCPDT website
Internet
M. NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES WORKING FOR YOU: APDT
Not applicable 1 to 5 More than 10 Other (please explain)
None 6 to 10
R. PRIMARY TRAINING SERVICE OFFERED:
N. PRIMARY BUSINESS ACTIVITY: (Darken only one Puppy classes
response.)
Basic obedience classes
Group class training Boarding Other
Competition obedience classes
Private lessons Grooming
Therapy training
Daycare Retail
Conformation classes
O.1. ARE YOU A MEMBER OF APDT?
APDT Membership Number Agility classes
No Yes
If yes, please indicate APDT
Sporting and field classes
Membership Number in the Search and Rescue (SAR)
boxes provided. (NOTE: Membership is not required.)
Behavior Consulting
2. ARE YOU A MEMBER OF CAPPDT, NADOI, IAABC,
OR IACP? Other (please specify)
No Yes

Optional Information
Note: Information related to race, age, and gender is optional and is requested only to assist in complying with general guidelines pertaining to
equal opportunity. Such data will be used only in statistical summaries and in no way will affect your certification.
Race: Age Range: Gender:
African American Native American Under 25 40 to 49 Male
Asian White 25 to 29 50 to 59 Female
Hispanic Other 30 to 39 60+

Candidate Signature
I have read the Handbook for Candidates and understand I am responsible for knowing it's contents. I certify that the information
given in this Application is in accordance with Handbook instructions and is accurate, correct, and complete. Please be sure to
include a signed copy of the CCPDT Code of Ethics with this Application.

CANDIDATE SIGNATURE: DATE:

CREDIT CARD PAYMENT FOR OFFICE USE ONLY

If you want to charge your application fee on your credit card provide all of the following information.
Date
Name (as it appears on your card):

Address (as it appears on your statement):

Charge my credit card for the total fee of: $

Fee:
Expiration date (month/year):
/ CC Check
Card type: Visa MasterCard American Express

Card Number:

Signature:
59042
CCPDT, PROFESSIONAL TESTING CORPORATION, 1350 BROADWAY, 17th FLOOR, NEW YORK, NY 10018
[Link] (212) 356-0660 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED PTC09091
 CODE OF ETHICS

1. To represent myself and my CPDT certification mark in an honest and ethical

manner in accordance with the CCPDT’s Guidelines for Use.

2. To provide accurate, truthful advertising and representations concerning my

qualifications, experience, performance of services, the preparation of costs of
services and expected results.

3. To act in an honest and ethical manner and work within my professional limits
when interacting with the public and providing dog training services.

4. To refrain from providing guarantees regarding the specific outcome of training.

5. To develop and apply training programs in accordance with the CCPDT's Mission
Statement and Guiding Principles.

6. To comply with applicable laws, regulations and ethical standards governing

professional practice in the state/province and/or country when interacting with
the public and when providing dog training services.

7. To maintain and respect the confidentiality of information obtained from clients

in the course of professional activities.

8. To continue professional development as required for maintaining CPDT

credential in accordance with the policies of the CCPDT.

9. To maintain and respect the confidentiality of the contents of the CPDT

credential exam.

I have read the Code of Ethics of the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers
and agree to abide by this code in my dog training practice.

Signature:__________________________________________ Date:________________

Ratified December 2, 2005

 Certification Examination for Professional Dog Trainers – Knowledge Assessed
Reference Sheet - Client
Candidate Name: ______________________________________________________________________

The above candidate is applying to sit for the examination for certification as a Professional Dog Trainer through the
Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). In addition to references from a veterinarian, client and
colleague, the certification process requires at least 300 hours of experience in dog training within the last five years. Two
hundred twenty-five (225) hours or 75% of experience must be actual teaching hours (group class, private lessons) as a
‘Head Trainer’ or Instructor. Seventy-five (75) hours or 25% of experience may be from other related areas such as
working with shelter animals, assisting in classes, working as a veterinary technician or groomer (a bather position is not
applicable). A high school diploma or equivalent is also required.

Please darken the bubble that represents your assessment of the candidate’s skills:

How do you rate the candidate in the Highly Needs Rarely

Excellent Satisfactory Not Known
following areas: Effective Improvement Effective
Organization of class/training materials      
Effectiveness in handling/training dogs      
Effectiveness in teaching others to train dogs      
Knowledge of learning and behavioral science      
Ability to communicate with dog owners      
Ability to demonstrate compassion for dogs and
owners      

The candidate has worked with my dog and me in the following ways. (Please check all that apply.)
o I have participated in a group class.
o I have participated in private training sessions.

Please share any additional comments to describe your experience with the candidate in his/her ability to be an
effective teacher of dogs and dog owners:

Attestation: I have read the certification eligibility requirements listed above. I am familiar with the candidate’s dog
handling, training and instruction skills through the ways noted above. I support this candidate’s application for certification
in Professional Dog Training.

Name: __________________________________ Signature: _______________________________

Date: __________________________________ Telephone: _______________________________

Please enclose completed form in a sealed envelope and return to the candidate named above.
 Certification Examination for Professional Dog Trainers – Knowledge Assessed
Reference Sheet - Colleague
Candidate Name: ______________________________________________________________________

The above candidate is applying to sit for the examination for certification as a Professional Dog Trainer through the
Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). In addition to references from a veterinarian, client and
colleague, the certification process requires at least 300 hours of experience in dog training within the last five years. Two
hundred twenty-five (225) hours or 75% of experience must be actual teaching hours (group class, private lessons) as a
‘Head Trainer’ or Instructor. Seventy-five (75) hours or 25% of experience may be from other related areas such as
working with shelter animals, assisting in classes, working as a veterinary technician or groomer (a bather position is not
applicable). A high school diploma or equivalent is also required.

Please darken the bubble that represents your assessment of the candidate’s skills:

How do you rate the candidate in the Highly Needs Rarely

Excellent Satisfactory Not Known
following areas: Effective Improvement Effective
Organization of class/training materials      
Effectiveness in handling/training dogs      
Effectiveness in teaching others to train dogs      
Knowledge of learning and behavioral science      
Ability to communicate with dog owners      
Ability to demonstrate compassion for dogs and
owners      

I am familiar with the candidate’s dog handling, training and/or instruction skills through the following ways.
(Please check all that apply.)
o I have worked with the candidate in a group class or private training.
o My clients have reported positively about the candidate’s training.
o Personal discussions with the candidate regarding training experience, techniques, background.
o Word of mouth recommendations from other dog related professionals.

I have been aware of this candidate’s work as a trainer in the community for ____ years.

Please use the reverse side of this form for any additional comments to describe your experience with the
candidate in his/her ability to be an effective teacher of dogs and dog owners.

Attestation: I have read the certification eligibility requirements listed above. I am familiar with the candidate’s dog
handling, training and instruction skills through the ways noted above. I support this candidate’s application for certification
in Professional Dog Training.

Name: __________________________________ Signature: _______________________________

Date: __________________________________ Telephone: _______________________________

Please enclose completed form in a sealed envelope and return to the candidate named above.
 Certification Examination for Professional Dog Trainers – Knowledge Assessed
Reference Sheet - Veterinarian
Candidate Name: ______________________________________________________________________

The above candidate is applying to sit for the examination for certification as a Professional Dog Trainer through the
Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). In addition to references from a veterinarian, client and
colleague, the certification process requires at least 300 hours of experience in dog training within the last five years. Two
hundred twenty-five (225) hours or 75% of experience must be actual teaching hours (group class, private lessons) as a
‘Head Trainer’ or Instructor. Seventy-five (75) hours or 25% of experience may be from other related areas such as
working with shelter animals, assisting in classes, working as a veterinary technician or groomer (a bather position is not
applicable). A high school diploma or equivalent is also required.

Please darken the bubble that represents your assessment of the candidate’s skills:

How do you rate the candidate in the Highly Needs Rarely

Excellent Satisfactory Not Known
following areas: Effective Improvement Effective
Organization of class/training materials      
Effectiveness in handling/training dogs      
Effectiveness in teaching others to train dogs      
Knowledge of learning and behavioral science      
Ability to communicate with dog owners      
Ability to demonstrate compassion for dogs and
owners      
I am familiar with the candidate’s dog handling, training and/or instruction skills through the following ways.
(Please check all that apply.)
o I have taken a group class or private training.
o Member(s) of my staff have taken group or private training.
o My clients have reported positively about the candidate’s training.
o Personal discussions with the candidate regarding training experience, techniques, background.
o Word of mouth recommendations from other dog related professionals.

I and/or my staff have been aware of this candidate’s work as a trainer in the community for ____ years.

Please use the reverse side of this form for any additional comments to describe your experience with the
candidate in his/her ability to be an effective teacher of dogs and dog owners.

Attestation: I have read the certification eligibility requirements listed above. I am familiar with the candidate’s dog
handling, training and instruction skills through the ways noted above. I support this candidate’s application for certification
in Professional Dog Training.

Name: __________________________________ Signature: _______________________________

Date: __________________________________ Telephone: _______________________________

Please enclose completed form in a sealed envelope and return to the candidate named above.