Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1) I wish to do my Certification at the Sydney Royal, how do I proceed?

• If you're starting at Level C, simply pay a $25 registration fee when entries open.

• If you wish to begin at Level B or higher, you'll need to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Download the RPL form here

 

2) What are the requirements for Level B certification?

To qualify for Level B certification, you must first have obtained your Level C certification. However, you can apply for RPL to potentially be exempt from Level C and qualify directly for the Level B assessment. Same process applies for those who're seeking Level A certification.

 

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3) What is the RPL fee?

The RPL fee is $50 per category, and capped at $150.

 

4) What happens after I successfully obtain my RPL?

Once you've obtained your RPL, you'll need to pay the certification fee for the approved level before sitting for the next examination.

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5) I am a Master Groomer and have a Breed Specialist Certificate issued under my name. Can I apply for the A+ Champion Canine Groomer or  title?

No, to apply for the A+ Champion Canine Groomer title, groomers must pass Level A with a minimum score of 90 points.

 

6) What are the benefits of earning the A+ Champion title?

Once you have earned three A+ titles, you become eligible to apply for the prestigious Master Champion title. This recognition highlights your advanced skills and achievements in the grooming industry.

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7) Will there be a timeframe set in which I must complete the entire certification course?

No, there is no set timeframe. You can complete the Dogs Australia certification course at your own pace. Enter and progress through the levels only when you feel ready.

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8) I am classified as a Level A groomer from previous AGS competitions. Does that mean I will be assessed at Level A even though I don’t have a Dogs Australia certification?

You will need to apply through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to determine your certification level, as competition and certification are two separate processes.

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9) For those of us at Level A in competition, do we need to be certified at Level C, then B, and then A, or can we attempt Level A directly?

Yes, you may skip levels. To do that, you will need to go through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) application process to determine which assessment level you can be exempted

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10) Could you explain the difference between Competition and Certification Levels?
Competition and certification are two distinct pathways. For example, you may compete at Level A, but your certification level could still be at Level B or lower. To be certified at Level A, you first need to obtain Level B certification. Through your RPL application, you'll apply for Level B certification. Once your RPL is approved, a Level B certificate will be issued in your name, which allows you to then sit for the Level A examination. Since you've already been certified at Level B, you do not need to start from Level C.

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11) Could you explain the difference between the entry requirements for Competition and Certification levels?

Competition and Certification are two distinct pathways, each with its own structure and purpose.

The former  is experience-based to determine which level of the competition. In which we have 3 experienced based levels. Certification, on the other hand, follows a progressive, step-by-step structure. All candidates shall start at the entry level (Level C) and can only move to the next level after passing each stage.

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Example:

Ms. Y is a first-time contestant with over 4 years of grooming experience. She also signs up for Certification.

• In Competition, she will compete at Level A (due to her experience).

• In Certification, she will begin at Level C (the entry level) and progress step by step upon passing.

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However, if Ms. Y wishes to align her Certification level with her Competition level, she may apply through RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning). This process allows her prior experience and skills to be formally assessed, and if approved, she may be placed into a higher Certification level, reducing the gap between the two pathways.

 

12) Why are the competition levels and certification levels different? Shouldn't they be the same, like in other countries?

Ideally, yes, they would be the same, with all candidates starting at Level C. However, at the moment, we are unable to implement this uniform system because many experienced groomers are already qualified to start at higher levels. We anticipate that within a 4- to 5-year period, we will reach an equilibrium where both skill levels and competition levels align. At that point, everyone will begin at Level C. For now, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) will help bridge the gap between certification and competition levels.

 

13) Is it possible to be certified in just one discipline, like Handstripping?

Yes, absolutely! You can be certified as an A+ Groomer specifically for Handstripping.

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14) I just had a look at the RPL form but there’s no level A, I’m sorry I have no idea what or how this works can I still do this?

Absolutely, you can! You have the skills and work experience, and this is all part of the RPL process. On the form, indicate that you’re requesting an exemption from Level B and attach a photo of your groom in Group 5 Salon Trim. Once approved and paid the cert fee, DNSW will issue you a Level B certificate. With that certificate, you'll be eligible to sit for Level A at the Sydney Royal Show. Hope this clarifies everything!

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15) 𝑃𝑒𝑟ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑑𝑢𝑚𝑏 𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛, 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝐼 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒𝑛’𝑡 𝑔𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑦 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝 𝑐𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑏𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑛𝑜 𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑚𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑎𝑠𝑘. 𝑊ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑤𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑏𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑓𝑖𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑔𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 ℎ𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑙𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑙 𝑐𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛? 𝐷𝑜𝑒𝑠 𝑖𝑡 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑐𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑎/ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑡𝑜 𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛? 𝐷𝑜𝑒𝑠 𝑖𝑡 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘 𝑡𝑜𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠 (𝐴𝑠𝑖𝑎𝑛 𝑓𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦)?

Answer, 

Certification – More Than Just a Credential
Certification is a way to demonstrate that you have the knowledge and skills required to groom within a specific breed group, as recognised by Dogs Australia's leading purebred peak body. But at Dogs Australia, our certification offers much more.

If you progress through and pass an A-Level certification, you can apply and obtain the A+ Champion title with a designation as A+ CH— a mark of excellence at no cost to you.

In competition, we have a Designated A+ Champion Levels, allowing you to compete within nd against other A+ Champions, ensuring a fair and rewarding experience.

You can continue to elevate your professional profile through our advanced titles:
AA+ Champion – with 2 passed Level A
Master Groomer with 3* passed Level A
SUPREME CHAMPION with 4* passed Level A. This is our highest honour, carrying the designation SUP CH
If competition isn't your preferred path, your A+ qualification can also serve as a gateway into our Grooming Trainee Judge Program (GTJP). This opens the door to becoming a certified Dogs Australia Grooming Judge, giving back to the community by guiding the next generation of groomers with your expertise.

In addition, you’re A+ qualifications can serve as entry credentials to becoming an FCI Grooming Judge. The FCI Grooming Commission, comprising almost 100 member countries, has collectively agreed to only appoint judges registered under the FCI Judges Database for their grooming events.

And there’s more — in the event a National Team member resigns and we are unable to find a suitable replacement, priority will be given to A+ Champion groomers as potential candidates for the Dogs Australia National Team.

Your certification isn’t just a title — it’s a platform we would like to provide you with recognition, growth, and contribution on national and international stages.

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