Certified Dog Trainer Exam (CDT)
Please read the following guidelines for submission of the Certified Dog Trainer Exam Portfolio to ensure that you are eligible and are able to properly submit the portfolio withing the time frame allotted, prior to applying for the exam.
CDT Applicant Goals:
To present yourself with the well-rounded knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA) of a professional
To evaluate the temperament and issues of the dog in front of you and be able to effectively educate the owner(s) at the same time.
To create and utilize a professional training plan for the client and dog which addresses goals, issues and tasks mutually decided by trainer and client at the intake/evaluation.
Tips for Successful Completion of the CDT Portfolio:
Before you start on your portfolio, review the following information, eligibility and application requirements, and understand the requirements necessary to complete the CDT Portfolio.
Writing:
All writing, your Case Studies, your Homework Lessons, and any other Client Handouts must be:
Typed and presented in English
Your writing should be coherent, descriptive, and clear; we encourage the use of spell/grammar check computer programs available on all word document programs.
Step 1: Understand What Application Materials Will be Needed
Your completed application includes:
- Your application fee ($249.99 for members; $449.99 for non-members)
- Three (3) letters of reference
- Your resume or bio
- Consent to a criminal background check
- Complete an affidavit attesting that you have not been convicted of animal neglect, abuse or cruelty.
Once the application items have been received and approved by IACP Certification Administrator, you will receive an email giving you both a start and ending date for your 12 months to complete the Certified Dog Trainer (CDT) Portfolio.
Included in your email, you will also receive a CDT Applicant Unique ID that will be needed to complete the CDT Portfolio v 3.0 and to have Client Feedback Forms submitted on your behalf.
Step 2: Certified Dog Trainer Portfolio Elements
The CDT Portfolio comprises three (3) Case Studies. Each case study is comprised of seven (7) sections:
The CDT Portfolio will be completed online.
Even though you will be able to save your progress within the provided online form, it is highly recommended that you save all documentation and written narratives elsewhere and simply copy them into the provided form when ready. The International Association of Canine Professionals will not be responsible for unsaved work on this platform.
All photographs submitted must be original and clearly represent the dog and resources used in that case study. The use of royalty-free stock images or other unoriginal work will result in rejection of your exam portfolio.
Intake Questionnaire (see IACP form, in the Resource Manual)
Two (2) Photographs of each dog.
Intake Questionnaire for each case
Three (3) Resource Photographs – showing an items, tools, reinforcers, etc. that were used during the training.
Educational Materials, i.e. handouts, audio or video materials
Writing Narrative for three (3) Case Studies – four(4) to eight(8) lessons each
Client Feedback Forms – submitted to the IACP electronically by each client