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8 Best Dog Grooming Certifications of 2026
This list is for aspiring pet groomers deciding which credential to earn first, and for working groomers planning the next step. Dog grooming has no national license in the US, so certifications fall into three groups: independent exams and practical evaluations (AKC PGC, NDGAA NCMG, AKC Coat Type, IPG), short safety or handling credentials (AKC S.A.F.E., Fear Free), and school programs that teach you to groom (QC Pet Studies, Nash Academy). We compared documented requirements, formats and published prices; we did not take the exams. Scores weigh features (recognition, depth and practical testing) at 40 percent and ease of use and value at 30 percent each.
By the Mojolin research desk · Updated November 11, 2026 · 8 tools compared · Prices checked on vendor pages, latest November 11, 2026
Questions or corrections: editorial@mojolin.com
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The AKC Professional Grooming Credential is our top pick: it is a proctored national exam, it costs $179.99, and new groomers can qualify with 25 hours of education plus 180 hands-on hours. The NDGAA's NCMG is the master-level goal for experienced groomers who can test four breed groups in person. If you have never groomed a dog, start with training, either online with QC Pet Studies or on campus at Nash Academy, then add an AKC credential. AKC S.A.F.E. at $149.99 is the quickest first certificate, and Fear Free suits groomers who handle anxious dogs.
Top picks
Best overall
AKC Professional Grooming Credential (PGC)
8.8 / 10
New groomers with a few hundred hours of salon time who want a recognized national credential
Read the review →Runner-up
NDGAA National Certified Master Groomer (NCMG)
8.3 / 10
Experienced groomers who want a master title in breed-standard grooming
Read the review →Also great
QC Pet Studies International Dog Grooming Professional (IDGP)
8.2 / 10
Beginners with no grooming experience who want to learn from home
Read the review →Comparison table
| # | Tool | Pricing | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AKC Professional Grooming Credential (PGC) | New groomers with a few hundred hours of salon time who want a recognized national credential | $179.99 exam fee on AKC Canine College, includes the online application | 8.8 |
| 2 | NDGAA National Certified Master Groomer (NCMG) | Experienced groomers who want a master title in breed-standard grooming | $350 testing bundle on AKC Canine College for all online exams and practical recording fees; evaluators typically charge $100 to $150 per in-person practical | 8.3 |
| 3 | QC Pet Studies International Dog Grooming Professional (IDGP) | Beginners with no grooming experience who want to learn from home | $2,098 paid in full, or a $99 deposit plus 18 monthly payments of $133.27 | 8.2 |
| 4 | AKC S.A.F.E. Certified Groomer | Brand-new groomers and bathers who want a quick, low-cost first credential | $149.99 for the Safety in the Salon for Groomers course and exam; free retakes | 8.1 |
| 5 |  Fear Free Groomer Certification | Groomers who handle anxious or reactive dogs | See vendor pricing (USD check pending) | 7.9 |
| 6 |  International Professional Groomers (IPG) Certification | Groomers who want a step-by-step path from safety basics to master status | See vendor pricing (USD check pending) | 7.8 |
| 7 | AKC Coat Type Certification | Working groomers who want a practical credential without traveling to test events | $499.99 bundle with Safety in the Salon, four coat type practical exams and the written exam; single coat evaluations $100 | 7.7 |
| 8 |  Nash Academy Dog Grooming and Styling Program | Aspiring groomers who want hands-on training on campus | Combination diploma: $100 application fee, $7,700 tuition and $489 books, $8,289 total; Traditional diploma $11,689 total | 7.4 |
Scoring weights
Every tool gets three editorial scores out of 10, from vendor documentation, product pages and the published price. The overall score is the weighted average below, the same method on every list. Full method
The full ranking
Rank 1 · Best overall
AKC Professional Grooming Credential (PGC)
A proctored, standardized exam from the American Kennel Club that tests core grooming knowledge, safety and professionalism.
akc.org8.8
out of 10
Best for: New groomers with a few hundred hours of salon time who want a recognized national credential
The Professional Grooming Credential (PGC) is the American Kennel Club's entry level grooming certification, and it is the one we would point most new groomers toward once they have some salon time. The exam has 100 multiple-choice questions, runs online with a 3-hour limit, and covers eight domains: groomer safety, pet safety, humane handling, behavior management, sanitation, dog anatomy and physical traits, grooming practices, and business soft skills. The NDGAA says it is based on the AKC National Core Professional Dog Grooming Educational Standards and was built from a job task analysis led by psychometric experts. You qualify with 360 verifiable grooming hours in the past 18 months, with 25 hours of grooming education plus 180 hands-on hours, or with 240 hours plus show, competition or teaching experience. The exam costs $179.99 on AKC Canine College and the credential lasts five years with 25 continuing education hours. It does not test scissor work on a live dog, so pair it with a practical certification later.
Standout feature
AKC PGC is the best choice for aspiring groomers because it is a standardized 100-question exam that costs $179.99 and lasts five years.
Use cases
Bathers moving up to groomer
Prove core grooming and safety knowledge to an employer
Outcome: A five-year AKC credential earned through an online proctored exam
Graduates of an online grooming course
Add an independent credential on top of a school certificate
Outcome: Eligibility through 25 education hours plus 180 hands-on hours
Key features
- 100 multiple-choice questions in a secure online exam with a 3-hour time limit
- Eight tested domains, from groomer safety (12%) to sanitation procedures and business soft skills (13% each)
- Based on the AKC National Core Professional Dog Grooming Educational Standards
- Valid for five years, with 25 hours of continuing education (25 CEUs) to maintain it
- Three eligibility routes: work experience, education plus hands-on hours, or relevant industry experience
Pros
- Costs $179.99, less than any training program on this list
- Taken online, so there is no travel to a test site
- The NDGAA describes it as the first standardized, third-party examination for groomers in the United States
Cons
- You need verifiable experience first, for example 360 grooming hours in the past 18 months
- A knowledge exam only, with no hands-on grooming test
- Does not teach grooming; you must train elsewhere
Rank 2 · Runner-up
NDGAA National Certified Master Groomer (NCMG)
The National Dog Groomers Association of America's master-level certification, earned through breed-group practical evaluations and written exams.
nationaldoggroomers.com8.3
out of 10
Best for: Experienced groomers who want a master title in breed-standard grooming
The National Certified Master Groomer (NCMG) program is run by the National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA), now powered by the AKC, and it is the most demanding credential on this list. You complete four in-person practical evaluations, one per breed group: Non-Sporting (Poodle or Bichon Frise), Sporting (Cocker or Springer Spaniel), Long-Legged Terriers and Short-Legged Terriers. Each groom is timed; a Bichon gets 1 hour 45 minutes and a standard Poodle over 23 inches gets 2 hours 15 minutes. Four online written exams cover breed identification, structure, breed standard cuts and tools. An 85% average across all tests qualifies you for the Master exam, and a workshop is mandatory. The NDGAA FAQ lists a $350 testing bundle on AKC Canine College, with evaluators usually charging $100 to $150 per practical. Most candidates spread testing over 1 to 2 years, partly because they must find dogs with suitable coats. It is not a starting credential, but it is the clearest proof of breed-standard skill.
Standout feature
NCMG is the best choice for experienced groomers because it tests four breed groups on live dogs with a $350 testing bundle.
Use cases
Groomers with several years of salon work
Prove breed-standard scissoring and hand-stripping skills
Outcome: A master title backed by in-person practical evaluations
Salon owners
Raise prices or train staff to a published standard
Outcome: Group certifications in Terrier, Sporting or Non-Sporting along the way
Key features
- Four in-person practical evaluations: Sporting, Non-Sporting, Long-Legged Terrier and Short-Legged Terrier
- Four online written exams on breed identification, structure, breed standard cuts and tools
- Timed practicals, for example 1 hour 45 minutes for a Bichon Frise
- An 85% average across all written and practical tests is needed to sit the Master exam
- Mandatory NDGAA workshop and NDGAA membership to obtain and keep NCMG status
Pros
- Tests real breed-standard grooming on dogs you bring
- $350 bundle covers all online exams and practical recording fees
- Partial paths let you certify in Terrier, Sporting or Non-Sporting groups
Cons
- Typically takes 1 to 2 years, according to the NDGAA FAQ
- You must supply dogs with at least 8 weeks of coat growth
- Evaluator fees of about $100 to $150 per practical are extra
Rank 3 · Also great
QC Pet Studies International Dog Grooming Professional (IDGP)
A self-paced online dog grooming course with mentor feedback on hands-on assignments, a starter tool kit and the IDGP certification.
qcpetstudies.com8.2
out of 10
Best for: Beginners with no grooming experience who want to learn from home
QC Pet Studies runs an online dog grooming course that ends with the International Dog Grooming Professional (IDGP) designation, and it is the most complete way on this list to start from zero. The course is split into five parts: an introduction to professional grooming and dog first aid, bathing and brushing, pet cuts and breed styling with video from certified master groomers, practicum units, and an optional business unit. You practice on real dogs, upload photos or videos and receive personalized audio feedback from a mentor. Along the way you can earn six skills certificates, such as Teddy Bear Cut and Non-Sporting Breed. Enrollment includes a grooming kit with a 3-piece scissor set, brushes and combs. As of November 2026 the page lists $2,098 paid in full, a $400 saving, or a $99 deposit plus 18 payments of $133.27. Most students can finish in under six months, with a year allowed. The credential comes from the school, so add an AKC exam later for outside recognition.
Standout feature
QC Pet Studies is the best choice for beginners because its $2,098 course includes mentor feedback on real grooms and a starter tool kit.
Use cases
Career changers with no salon access
Learn grooming from scratch at home
Outcome: IDGP certification plus up to six skills certificates within a year
Aspiring mobile or home groomers
Learn grooming and basic business setup together
Outcome: An optional Business Essentials unit after the practicum
Key features
- Five-part course from grooming fundamentals and first aid to bathing, breed styling and an optional business unit
- Practice on real dogs, upload photos or videos and get audio feedback from a grooming mentor
- Up to six extra skills certificates, including Dog Grooming First Aid and Terrier Grooming
- Starter kit with a 3-piece scissor set plus brushes and combs
- Online-Only Track or an Externship Track in a professional setting
Pros
- No experience needed to enroll
- Finish in under six months or take up to a full year
- 14-day money-back guarantee and lifetime course access
Cons
- IDGP is a school certification, not an independent exam
- You must find your own dogs to practice on
- Costs over ten times the AKC PGC exam fee
Rank 4
AKC S.A.F.E. Certified Groomer
The AKC's online Safety in the Salon course and exam, which leads to S.A.F.E. Certified Groomer status.
akc.org8.1
out of 10
Best for: Brand-new groomers and bathers who want a quick, low-cost first credential
The AKC S.A.F.E. Certified Groomer status is earned through Safety in the Salon for Groomers, a self-paced online course on AKC Canine College. The 10 modules cover salon safety rules and decision making, retrieving pets and refusing service, accident avoidance, sanitation and special cases. After you pass the exam you submit an application that includes a salon safety oath, and the AKC reviews it in 2 to 4 weeks. Approved groomers get a frameable certificate and a digital badge, and the certification lasts two years from approval. The course costs $149.99, and a failed test can be retaken at no extra charge. It does not teach clipping or scissoring, so it will not prove styling skill. What it does is show clients and employers that you know safety protocols, and the AKC Dog Grooming Institute lists an active S.A.F.E. certificate as a requirement for its AKC Master Groomer title, so it is a sensible first step.
Standout feature
AKC S.A.F.E. is the best choice on a budget because the course and exam cost $149.99 with free retakes.
Use cases
New bathers at a salon
Show safety training in the first months on the job
Outcome: A two-year AKC certificate and digital badge
Groomers planning the AKC Master Groomer route
Meet the active S.A.F.E. certificate requirement
Outcome: A prerequisite completed online
Key features
- Self-paced online course in 10 modules on salon safety, handling animals, accident avoidance and sanitation
- Course exam plus an application that includes the salon safety oath
- Frameable certificate and AKC S.A.F.E. Groomer digital badge
- Valid for two years from application approval
- Free retake if you do not pass the test
Pros
- Lowest price on this list at $149.99
- No experience requirement listed on the course page
- Required for the AKC Master Groomer title
Cons
- Covers safety only, not grooming technique
- Must be renewed every two years
- Approval takes 2 to 4 weeks after you apply
Rank 5
Fear Free Groomer Certification
An online certification on reducing fear, anxiety and stress in pets during grooming, included with a Fear Free groomer membership.
fearfree.com7.9
out of 10
Best for: Groomers who handle anxious or reactive dogs
Fear Free's Groomer Certification Program comes with a groomer membership and teaches the organization's approach to cutting fear, anxiety and stress in pets during grooming. It has four online modules: Fear Free Core Concepts, Body Language, Successful Salon Setup and Communication Skills. To certify you pass each module with at least 80%, sign the Fear Free Pledge and keep the membership active. The course is approved for 5 hours of PACCC continuing education. The program page lists a membership price for individuals and lower per-person rates for teams of 2 or more, plus an annual renewal; we could not confirm the USD price from this location, so check the vendor page. There is no practical test, and the content does not teach scissor or clipper work. It works best as a second credential for groomers who see nervous dogs, and salon owners can certify a whole team.
Standout feature
Fear Free is the best choice for groomers who handle anxious dogs because its four modules cover body language and salon setup.
Use cases
Groomers with many nervous or senior dogs
Learn low-stress handling and salon setup
Outcome: A certification kept active through an annual membership
Salon owners
Train the whole team on one standard
Outcome: Per-person team pricing for 2 or more groomers
Key features
- Four online modules: Fear Free Core Concepts, Body Language, Successful Salon Setup and Communication Skills
- Pass each module with a score of 80% or higher
- Approved for 5 hours of PACCC CEUs
- Certification is kept with an active annual membership
- Team pricing for 2 or more groomers
Pros
- Fully online and self-paced
- Focuses on dog body language and low-stress handling
- Group rates for salons
Cons
- Annual renewal fee to keep the certification
- No hands-on grooming assessment
- Does not cover clipping or styling technique
Rank 6
International Professional Groomers (IPG) Certification
A three-track certification program from International Professional Groomers, from a safety-focused groomer certificate to the master level.
ipgicmg.com7.8
out of 10
Best for: Groomers who want a step-by-step path from safety basics to master status
International Professional Groomers (IPG) certifies groomers in three tracks, each ending in its own certificate. Track 1 is a safety track with three options: Certified Professional Groomer (CPG), Certified Pet Professional (CPP) for bathers and salon managers, and Certified Cat Groomer. The CPG package includes two resource manuals, master's tips, bathing and head trim videos, written tests and testing information, and testers look for safety first in the bath, dry and pet trim. Track 2 leads to Advanced Professional Groomer, and Track 3 is a five-module master's track for members who have finished the APG, with testing done live or on Zoom. Track 1 packages include membership through December 2027, and renewing members list continuing education each year. IPG lists package prices in US dollars, but its site blocked our price re-check, so treat the starting price as unconfirmed. It suits groomers who want a structured ladder and remote master testing.
Standout feature
IPG is the best choice for a step-by-step path because each of its three tracks ends in a standalone certificate.
Use cases
Bathers and salon managers
Get a credential without full grooming tests
Outcome: Certified Pet Professional status from Track 1
Groomers far from in-person test events
Work toward a master title
Outcome: Master's track testing done live on Zoom
Key features
- Three tracks, each with a standalone certificate
- Track 1 safety certifications: Certified Professional Groomer, Certified Pet Professional and Certified Cat Groomer
- Track 1 packages include resource manuals, videos, written tests and testing information
- Track 2 Advanced Professional Groomer and a Track 3 master's track with live or Zoom testing
- Track 1 safety certifications include membership through December 2027
Pros
- A separate Certified Pet Professional option for bathers and salon managers
- Master testing can be done live on Zoom
- Covers cat grooming as well as dogs
Cons
- Annual membership and continuing education are needed to renew
- Track 1 testing format is not described in detail on the page
- The site blocks some automated requests, so we could not re-check prices
Rank 7
AKC Coat Type Certification
An AKC practical certification that evaluates grooming on curly, drop, jacketed and wire coats through virtual submissions and a written exam.
akc.org7.7
out of 10
Best for: Working groomers who want a practical credential without traveling to test events
The AKC Coat Type Certification (AKC-CT) tests whether you can groom the four coat types a salon groomer meets most: curly, drop, jacketed and wire. Each practical is graded on prep work, profile, detail work and finish, and the virtual version lets you submit photos and videos of your groom rather than travel to an event. The $499.99 bundle on AKC Canine College includes the Safety in the Salon for Groomers course, all four practical exams and the online written exam, and individual coat evaluations cost $100 each. The AKC Groomer Hub says the written assessment needs an 80% passing score. Wire and jacketed dogs must be hand stripped, which rules out many pet trims. AKC states that this is an evaluation only, with no instruction, and sales are final. Paired with the NCMG, it leads to the AKC Master Groomer title, so it fits groomers who already work on a range of coats.
Standout feature
AKC Coat Type Certification is the best choice for remote practical testing because all four coat exams can be graded from photos and videos.
Use cases
Salon groomers with steady client dogs
Prove skill across coat types without travel
Outcome: Four coat certificates from photo and video submissions
Groomers aiming for AKC Master Groomer
Complete the coat type half of the requirement
Outcome: AKC-CT to combine with NCMG
Key features
- Four practical exams: Curly, Drop, Jacketed and Wire coats
- Virtual practical: submit photos and videos of your groom for grading
- Online written Coat Type exam (80% passing score per the AKC Groomer Hub)
- Bundle includes the Safety in the Salon for Groomers course
- Combined with NCMG, leads to the AKC Master Groomer title
Pros
- Practicals can be done virtually from your own salon
- Bundle includes the S.A.F.E. course
- Single coat evaluations available for $100 each
Cons
- An evaluation only, with no grooming instruction
- Wire and jacketed coats must be hand stripped
- No refunds after purchase
Rank 8
Nash Academy Dog Grooming and Styling Program
An in-person and blended pet grooming school in Lexington, Kentucky, with diploma programs and stackable certificates.
nashgroomingschool.com7.4
out of 10
Best for: Aspiring groomers who want hands-on training on campus
Nash Academy of Animal Arts in Lexington, Kentucky, is a traditional grooming school with diploma programs for students at every level. Beginners choose the Traditional diploma, which is fully onsite, the Combination diploma, which pairs self-paced online theory with practical hours on campus, or an On the Job Training diploma that lets you work at a salon while you learn. Experienced bathers, groomers and stylists can test out into shorter Credit for Previous Experience programs. Nash also sells stackable certificates, Bathing Basics, Grooming Basics, Styling Basics and Profile Basics, for students who want one skill at a time. The programs page lists the Combination diploma at $8,289 including a $100 application fee and $489 in books, and the Traditional diploma at $11,689. The school is approved by the Kentucky Commission on Proprietary Education and lists start dates about twice a month. The cost and travel are the main drawbacks, but no online course here matches supervised practice on real dogs.
Standout feature
Nash Academy is the best choice for hands-on learners because its Combination diploma pairs online theory with practical hours on campus for $8,289.
Use cases
Career changers who learn best in person
Train from zero with an instructor
Outcome: A Nash diploma after onsite practical courses
Bathers with salon experience
Skip the basics and move into grooming
Outcome: A shorter Credit for Previous Experience program after a test-out
Key features
- Traditional diploma (fully onsite) and Combination diploma (online theory plus onsite practicals)
- On the Job Training diploma lets you work at a salon while learning
- Credit for Previous Experience diplomas for bathers, groomers and stylists
- Stackable certificates: Bathing Basics, Grooming Basics, Styling Basics and Profile Basics
- Approved by the Kentucky Commission on Proprietary Education
Pros
- Hands-on practical training on campus
- Test-out options shorten the program if you have experience
- Start dates roughly twice a month through 2027
Cons
- Combination diploma totals $8,289, the most expensive option here
- Practical hours require travel to Lexington, Kentucky
- A school diploma rather than an independent exam
Frequently asked questions
+What is the best dog grooming certification?
The AKC Professional Grooming Credential (PGC) is the best dog grooming certification for most new groomers. It is a 100-question proctored online exam, costs $179.99 on AKC Canine College and is valid for five years with 25 continuing education hours.
+What is the best certification for dog grooming if I have no experience?
Start with a training program, then take an exam. QC Pet Studies teaches grooming online for $2,098 paid in full and awards the IDGP designation, and AKC S.A.F.E. ($149.99) is an online safety certificate with no listed experience requirement.
+Do you need a license to be a dog groomer?
No national license exists in the US. The NDGAA states that dog grooming does not have a regulatory board or specific entry requirements, which is why voluntary certifications such as the AKC PGC and NCMG matter to employers.
+How much does dog grooming certification cost?
Exams cost from $149.99 to $499.99 at AKC Canine College, and the NCMG testing bundle is $350 plus evaluator fees of about $100 to $150 per practical. Training programs cost more: $2,098 for QC Pet Studies and $8,289 for Nash Academy's Combination diploma.
+How long does it take to become a certified master groomer?
Usually 1 to 2 years for the NCMG, according to the NDGAA. You must pass four online written exams, four in-person practicals, a workshop and an 85% average before the Master exam.
+Can I get a dog grooming certification online?
Yes. The AKC PGC exam, AKC S.A.F.E., Fear Free and QC Pet Studies are completed online, and the AKC Coat Type practicals are graded from photos and videos. NCMG practicals still require in-person evaluation.
About this list
Updated November 11, 2026 by the Mojolin research desk. Mojolin is self-funded
Questions or corrections: editorial@mojolin.com
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