Salon Trim Certifcation

The Certificate in Teddy Bear Trimming (Salon Trimming), part of the Dogs Australia (DA) Canine Grooming Certification, provides the skills necessary to work as a Grooming Salon Assistant, earning Level C Certification. This program focuses on essential salon day-to-day grooming techniques, with an emphasis on popular trims like the "Teddy Bear" style, helping you become a valuable member of a professional grooming team.

Progressing to higher-level DA qualifications will be Level A+ Champion and can lead to opportunities such as becoming a more senior canine groomer specialised in Teddy Bear Trims.

This certification offers canine groomers the chance to broaden their expertise and advance within the industry.

The DA Salon Trim Grooming Certification is structured into three levels, consisting of four modules, with two modules in Level A. The certification levels are:

Level C – Novice
Level B – Intermediate
Level A – Advanced

To enroll in the program, candidates must first become a member of a Dogs Australia Member Body.

Classification of Levels

The classification of levels for the DA Salon Trim Grooming Certification is as follow :

Level C – Novice Level

Suitable for candidates who are new graduates from grooming school or have less than two years of experience from their first full grooming session.
Participants must use dogs with curly or wavy coats, such as toy poodles, miniature poodles, or poodle mixes.
Required to groom only the dog's face, while the body and legs are to be groomed off-site. Participants can "touch up" the body and legs during the examination.
Pass mark: 70%

Judge's Assessment:

Judges will evaluate basic salon styling, focusing on overall tidiness, dog handling skills, and tool usage.

Level B – Intermediate Level

This level is for participants who have obtained the Level C certification.
Participants must use dogs with curly or wavy coats, such as toy poodles, miniature poodles, or poodle mixes.
Required to groom the dog's face, body, and legs within 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Pass mark: 80%

Judge's Assessment:

Judges will assess the ability to complete a salon teddy bear style, with points awarded for dog handling, tool usage, and overall scissor finish.

Level A – Advanced Level

For participants who have obtained both Level C and Level B certifications.
This level includes two parts:

Part 1: Drop Coat

Teddy bear styling with flared legs.

Part 2: Curly or Wavy Coat

More advanced face styling, such as a "mushroom" head, with scissored flare legs.
Participants must groom the dog's face, body, and legs within 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Pass mark: 90%

Judge's Assessment:

Part 1 (Drop Coat): Judges will evaluate the advanced teddy bear styling with scissored legs, focusing on the trim’s suitability, dog handling, tool use, and overall scissor finish.

Part 2 (Curly or Wavy Coat): Judges will assess advanced head styling (e.g., "mushroom" head) and scissored flare legs, scoring based on trim suitability, symmetry, handling skills, tool usage, and scissor finish.

Salon Trim Certification Fees

The Examination Fee is included in your entry fee. The DA Member Body will determine the entry fee for the DA Grooming Competition (entry fee per candidate).

Candidates are advised to familiarize themselves with the DA Grooming Rules.

A Grooming Certificate Fee applies upon passing the examination:

Level C: $100
Level B: $150
Level A: $300

Candidates who pass must pay the certificate fee within 30 days of the event date. The certificate fee is applicable for those participating solely in the competition.