What is the CCPDT? Dog Training Certification Requirements & Costs
The CCPDT, or The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, is the leading certifying body for dog trainers in the U.S. The council was created by 26 different animal professionals and has been certifying dog trainers since 2001. At The Academy of Pet Careers, we recognize the CCPDT’s exams as an excellent way to gain credentialing certifications after completing one of our programs. Obtaining a certification from an accredited organization can strengthen your resume by verifying that you have the knowledge and skills required of dog trainers.
What does the CCPDT do?
The CCPDT offers three distinct credentialing certifications depending on the trainer’s level of expertise. The CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed) certification serves as the foundation-level credential, demonstrating a trainer's theoretical understanding of dog training principles. The CPDT-KSA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge and Skills Assessed) certification is the second level, requiring candidates to undergo a practical skills assessment. The advanced level of certification, the CBCC-KA (Certified Behavior Consultant Canine-Knowledge Assed), is designed for trainers who specialize in addressing complex behavioral issues. This certification focuses on behavior modification techniques and requires more extensive experience as a dog trainer.
The Different Levels of Certification
Each certification builds off of the previous level, while still being distinct from the others. The first certification (CPDT-KA) is the CCPDT’s most sought after credential, making it the most popular amongst dog trainers. The skills assessment (CPDT-KSA), the next level of certification, is less popular, even though it’s the least expensive credential to earn. The final certification (CBCC-KA) is the rarest. Many dog trainers claim to be experts in behavior modification without relevant education or experience, making this credential extremely valuable.
Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA)
The CPDT-KA test contains 200 multiple choice questions and takes about 3 hours to complete. It can be administered by a testing company in the US or Canada or taken remotely. This certification also has practice tests available for those interested.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Pay a $400 fee.
- Be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED.
- Track 300 hours of dog training in the last 3 years.
- Sign an Attestation Statement from a CCPDT certificant, veterinarian, or other approved professional.
- Confirm compliance with their Standards of Practice and Codes of Ethics.
- Confirm compliance with their Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) Effective Behavior Intervention
Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge and Skills Assessed (CPDT-KSA)
The CPDT-KSA is submitted over video recording and evaluated by a committee of subject matter experts. This test is also proctored by a professional testing company but can take place at a location chosen by the candidate. There are no practice tests available.
Eligibility requirements:
- Pay a $240 fee.
- Complete an online application.
- Confirm compliance with their Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.
- Confirm compliance with their Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) Effective Behavior Intervention.
Certified Behavior Consultant Canine-Knowledge Assessed (CBCC-KA)
The CBCC-KA is set up similarly to the first knowledge assessment, consisting of 200 multiple-choice questions to be taken at a computer-based testing facility in the US, Canada, or remotely. This test has a practice exam as well.
Eligibility requirements:
- Pay a $400 fee.
- Be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED.
- Track 300 hours of experience in canine behavior consulting within three years.
- Sign an Attestation Statement from a CCPDT certificant, veterinarian, or other approved professional.
- Confirm compliance with their Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.
- Confirm compliance with their Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) Effective Behavior Intervention.
Maintaining Certification: Does my CCPDT certification expire?
Dog trainers are encouraged to maintain their credentials to ensure that they stay up to date on the latest dog training and animal behavior science. The CPDT-KA and CPDT-KSA certifications last three years before they must be renewed, while the CBCC-KA certification must be renewed every five years. Trainers can simply retake the exams or apply Continuing Education Units (CEUs) toward their certification renewal. Thirty-six CEUs must be acquired within the recertification period and are earned by attending educational events. Qualifying events can always be found on the CCPDT’s website.
Ethics of CCPDT Dog Training
The CCPDT tests individuals using the same humane and science-backed practices that are an integral part of The APC’s pet empowerment philosophy. All trainers must confirm compliance with the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, as well as the LIMA Effective Behavior Intervention Policy in order to take any of the three certification tests. These standards focus on preventing abuse and putting the health and safety of the animal first. That includes the consistent application of positive reinforcement (R+), which is the same methodology taught by our instructors at The Academy of Pet Careers.
Key Takeaways
The pros of getting certified in dog training are mainly reputational but no less beneficial. As a trainer, having credentials will provide credibility in the industry and build recognition amongst peers. It can also enrich relationships with potential clients by building trust in the dog trainer and raising confidence in their abilities. Remember that the CCPDT only provides a credentialing certification, so it’s important to attend an educational certificate program first to get hands-on experience. The Academy of Pet Careers’ Dog Training Program is a great way to get started on your journey to become a dog trainer before taking the CCPDT’s exams.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hope Allen
Hope Allen combines her lifelong passion for animals with her digital marketing expertise. Growing up in a veterinary family, she gained hands-on experience working as an office assistant and sterilization tech at their mobile practice. This foundation, coupled with her degree in design and digital content strategy from Lindenwood University, allows her to bring unique insight to pet-focused content.
