Course Prep

Course Preparation

So you’ve made the first step to becoming a professional dog groomer. You’ve made the step to get your career started and finally get the life that you’ve been working for. You want to learn the best methods from experienced, internationally recognised groomers and to learn how to be better than your competition and stay ahead of the curve to ensure you are a success in something you love. If you truly want to achieve the highest standards and get the most out of this life-changing process, being prepared is essential.

Education top 5 FAQs

1. What qualifications do I need to become a pet stylist?

This is a question that will be continually evolving in terms of the answer. Dependant on the route you wish to follow in terms of academic and professional development, you can actually train to become a pet stylist without any previous qualifications. As with the standard qualification system, you are required to demonstrate enough knowledge and experience at the level below before you can progress. Here is a brief overview of the academic structure involved in your career as a pet stylist.

• City and Guilds, level 3 Introductory Dog Grooming and Diploma for
  Professional Dog Stylists (7763-03)
  This is currently under the guidance of 150 minimum learning hours. We however run this closer to 200 hours. You are taught how to groom dogs to a professional standard and we also offer training with cat grooming as well. You will learn the theory and practical aspects of washing, drying and grooming a dog, learn the different techniques involved in pet styling including hand stripping, scissoring, clipping and de-matting. Additionally, you learn the laws and legislation essential for running a business, maintaining the health and safety of your dogs, dealing with possible conditions and of course, learning how to groom a variety of breeds. You are assessed through coursework and an EVOLVE exam and graded at either pass, merit or distinction.

• Diploma in Professional Dog Styling
  This is a continuation from the certificate, which must be complete before the diploma can be done. You are required to have gained more experience and be able to provide evidence of your experience. Then you are required to practically show you can hand strip a dog, style and trim a spaniel’s coat, a short-legged terrier’s coat and either a poodle’s or long-legged terrier’s or schnauzer’s coat.

• BDGA Higher level Diploma
  This is currently under restructuring but is a step on from the diploma and demonstrates a higher level of grooming expertise. This would look to be taken on after several years experience within the grooming industry. The current structure allows experienced groomers to bring recognition to the skills they have developed. This can be done through specialist workshops and through experience grooming and competition. This is largely practically based but does also include theory exams and a graded project that would be done within a place of work. Below is the current structure.

• PRA (Professional Recognition Awards)
  This is the highest level of accreditation that can be offered and is is replacing the LCGI as a Level 4 award recognised at the level of Master Craftsmen in Europe.
  
  To complete this you need to:

• have first line responsibility for managing day to day activities
• manage resources in own area of responsibility
• constructively work with others to develop and maintain good working relationships
• develop and maintain good customer relationships
• identify and access opportunities for professional development
• be able to apply professional standards in own area of responsibility
• communicate effectively and manage information in line with organisational and
• legal requirements
• consistently meet aims and objectives
• exercise autonomy and judgement in work role
• consider the views and perspectives of others in decision making
• address problems that are well-defined but non-routine

2. How am I assessed for my Level 3 course?

The course has several areas of assessment. The first aspect is practical. You are required to be able to demonstrate 3 dogs from start to finish and also demonstrate 3 heads, showing you understand the shapes that you a required to make. The next area is 5 written assignments, these are set throughout the course with the material being taught during theory lessons. You will also have a written assessment to demonstrate the knowledge you have learnt before you will sit an EVOLVE exam. These are two separate papers, both lasting an hour and will cover a range of topics including dog breeds, cuts, anatomy and physiology, correct standards of practice, protocol and law and legislative requirements.

3. What if I have experience grooming?

If you have experience as a groomer and you are looking to progress your skills further, outside of the qualifications mentioned earlier, there are some alternatives.

• Fast track to Level 3 Introductory Dog Grooming and Diploma for Professional Dog Stylists (7763-03)
  For this process, you are required to come and complete a quick assessment of your grooming ability and then if you have met the standard required and can submit evidence of working the suggested minimum hours of 150 hours, you’ll be eligible for our 4 day fast track course. You are still expected to submit the assignments required for a standard level 3 course and practically prove your grooming ability with 3 dogs.
• Specialist workshops
  Wanting to improve your business knowledge, your first-aid ability, your grooming styles or just learning how to survive the high street and get the best out of your business? You can take one day course to extend your ability and give you the edge over your competitors. Click here for a list of current workshops available.