Can I take the CCPDT examination if I've worked primarily with shelter dogs rather than private clients?

Yes, shelter dog training experience counts toward your required hours. The CCPDT recognizes various forms of dog training experience, including shelter work, as long as you can document your hours appropriately. You'll need to demonstrate that you've engaged in hands-on training and can provide proper documentation of your experience.

What happens if I fail to complete the required continuing education units before my certification expires?

If you don't complete your CEUs before expiration, your certification becomes inactive. You'll have a grace period of 30 days, during which you can still complete the requirements and pay a late fee to reinstate your certification. After this period, you may need to retake the exam to regain certification. To maintain active status, you need to complete 36 CEUs every three years.

Is there a difference in recognition between online and in-person training hours when applying for certification?

The CCPDT has specific guidelines regarding online versus in-person training hours. While both can count toward your required hours, at least 75% of your documented training hours must be from in-person training sessions. This means of your 300 required hours, a maximum of 75 hours can come from online training sessions. This requirement ensures candidates have substantial hands-on experience with dogs and clients.

Can international dog trainers apply for CCPDT certifications, and are there any additional requirements?

Yes, international trainers can apply for CCPDT certifications. The requirements remain the same as for U.S.-based trainers, but there are some additional considerations: All documentation must be submitted in English. Experience hours must be verifiable. You may need to take the exam at an approved international testing center. Additional fees may apply for international testing locations.

If I hold multiple CCPDT certifications, do I need to complete separate continuing education requirements for each?

While you do need to maintain CEUs for each certification, there is some overlap allowed. Many continuing education activities can count toward multiple certifications if they meet the requirements for each. However, you should carefully track which CEUs apply to which certification, as some specialized certifications (like CBCC-KA) may require specific types of continuing education that won't apply to other certifications.

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