Qualifications and Certificates

The best way to find a good groomer, is via personal recommendation from a friend/colleague, whom have had positive experiences. However, if this is not possible, then never be afraid to ask a Groomer what qualifications they hold. Many groomers will appreciate the fact you're asking!

Try to choose a Groomer who is City & Guilds 7763-03 (previously called 7750-03 Advanced Dog Grooming), level 3 qualified, as this is the ONLY nationally recognised qualification for Groomers in th UK.

The following information summarises briefly and may help you to cut through the jargon:

City & Guilds Dog Grooming Qualifications START at Level 2 (there is no level 1)

Level 2:
7763-02 City & Guilds Certificate for Dog Grooming assistants (previously the 7750-02) : bathing and coat preparation.

Level 3:
7763-03 is split into 2 parts and both parts are required to gain the full level 3 qualification.
PART 1: Certificate in Introductory Dog Grooming (written module and basic clipping module)
PART 2: Diploma in Professional Dog Grooming (3 practical styling modules + handstrip)

The 7763-03 (both parts) is the equivolent to the 7750-03 : 4 modules: 3 Practical exams, plus 1 written paper, covering amongst other things: Anatomy, infectious diseases, correct handling, styling, Health & Safety etc.
There are varying levels of marks for these: Fail, Pass, Credit and Distinction.

Then finally onto the Higher Diploma: levels 4 & 5
The Higher Diploma is a hard qualification to achieve and when fully completed (all 9 modules), allows the holder to enter the elite 'Guild of Master groomers'.

The Higher Diploma consists of 9 modules: 7 practical exams, plus 2 written papers.
Level 4: LCGI = 2 out of the 9 modules, plus additional training and development qualifications and experience. LCGI = Licentiateship to the City & Guilds Institute = recognition as a European Master Craftsman
Level 5: Complete Higher Diploma (all 9 modules completed) = Guild of Master Groomers.

So NEVER be afraid to ask your Groomer exactly what qualification(s) they hold.
Bad Grooming, at its best can leave your dog looking scruffy, but at its worst, lack of Groomer knowledge/skill, can transmit infectious diseases, damage the coat and skin and may cause psychological damage too.