AIM Level 3 Diploma for Dog Grooming (Ofqual Regulated Qualification)

The AIM Level 3 Dog Grooming course is designed to create professional and commercially effective dog groomers. The course enables prospective students to learn and understand what it takes to become a commercially effective pet stylist. The  qualification is Ofqual approved and is a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) with the same credits as other NVQ Level 3 qualifications. It is the new industry standard for professional dog groomers. Achieving this qualification ensures you will have the ability to set up your own business should you wish to do so. 

Ideally for those who are passionate about pets, serious about changing career or wanting to start a new business. Our award-winning tutors will guide you and build your knowledge, skills and confidence throughout your course.

This is a very intensive programme designed to deliver the best commercial results. It is advisable to book a minimum of one month in advance to give you sufficient time to access relevant material before you start the course. 

While you're with us we support you in building your portfolio and completing your assignments. But best of all: this course has no final exam!

What you'll learn on your AIM Level 3 Dog Grooming Course

Canine first aid

Carry out styling and finishing of dogs

Health checking a dog by a dog groomer

Promote and maintain the health and well-being of animals

Welcome, receive and care for customers

Assessing, planning and recording your dog grooming work

What is an AIM Level 3 diploma equivalent to?

AIM Qualification awards credits at different levels, with each level indicating a different level of difficulty. An AIM Level 3 Diploma is a National Certificate that is equivalent to a Grade A-C at A-level and other Advanced Level qualifications, such as Level 3 NVQs or BTECs. Unlike some other awarding bodies, the previous level does not need to be completed in order to undertake a level 3 course. 

Why is this AIM Level 3 grooming qualification different to other courses?

The AIM Qualifications and City and Guilds are both Awarding bodies that are regulated under Ofqual (The national qualifications regulator). They are both recognised by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) and offer a large variety of National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ). Both offer qualifications that are recognised throughout 182 countries worldwide. 

The AIM Level 3 Diploma is identical to the City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in terms of the national standard for education within the sector and they are identical in terms of the educational credits.

So, where do AIM Qualifications and City & Guilds differ?  

The key differences are that City & Guilds requires the student to have attained the Level 2 qualification prior to acceptance onto the Level 3 Diploma course. Additionally, the student will be required to sit an external exam in a centre which is available at only two points in the year (June and November). The average cost at a private school for both is around £6,500 and you could wait for several months before becoming qualified.  

In contrast the AIM Level 3 Diploma does not require the student to have attained the Level 2 in order to be accepted on to the Level 3 Diploma course. There is also slightly more emphasis on your practical skills and critically the course is portfolio-based which means that you will only be assessed on the quality of your work and will not have to sit a final exam. So, when you have completed your portfolio and your assignments then your work will be submitted to the awarding body for approval. The Cost of the AIM Level 3 Diploma is £4,950.

What you'll get from the AIM Level 3 Dog Grooming course

The confidence and skills to set up your own dog grooming business

Theory of 5 book by Melissa Verplanck to help with your shaping and styling

A professional GroomArts Academy certificate

An AIM Level 3 Diploma

A Wahl equipment bag

A professional comb and slicker brush

Duration

The course runs Monday to Friday for 4 consecutive weeks, the choice of course dates can be found at the bottom of the page. There are three groups with different start and finish times you can choose from to best suit you. Either 8am until 5pm, 8:30am until 5:30pm or 9am until 6pm.

All lessons are held at our academy in London Colney, Hertfordshire.

To ensure that our students achieve a commercial standard, our focus is to deliver the very best training through an intensive format and therefore this is a full-time only course.

Just give us a call to find out more information!

What you'll need to buy

We require students to buy their own scissors so that they can get used to their own equipment. You do not need to buy these before you join us, we have our own professional range of scissors which you can purchase from our website or at the academy. You use your scissors every day so invest in them!

All other equipment we will provide during your course.

Frequently Asked Questions

Take a sneak peak behind the scenes

What qualification will I receive?

A Level 3 Diploma, which is equivalent to an A Level.

Is the qualification internationally recognised?

Yes, in 182 countries.

Will this qualification allow me to get a job or run a business?

Yes, a Level 3 Diploma will fully qualify you to do all aspects of grooming, as well as allowing you to run your own business.

Is funding available?

You can find all the information on this under Affording Your Course in our Student Advice section. We also have finance options available, please contact us to find out more.

What qualifications do I need?

None, all you need is to have a good grasp of English and a pen and paper!

How often do the courses run?

Monthly, and we tend to book up about 2 - 3 months in advance.

  • 2023
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    Monday 3rd April - Fri Apr 28th
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    Monday 8th May - Fri Jun 2nd
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    Monday 5th June - Fri Jun 30th
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    Monday 3rd July - Fri Jul 28th
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    Monday 31st July - Fri Aug 25th
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    Monday 4th September - Fri Sep 29th
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    Monday 2nd October - Fri Oct 27th
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