Unfortunately, you do not currently meet the qualifications required to apply for the IACP Certified Dog Trainer (CDT) examination. We recommend continuing to gain experience in your dog training career and reapplying once you meet the minimum requirements for certification.

We encourage you to continue developing your skills and look forward to the opportunity to support your future success. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at support@iacpdogs.org.

Three (3) letters of reference must be submitted from different individuals and may not include any case study clients.

• (1) letter must be provided by an IACP Professional Member.
  
  
• (1) letter must be provided by a veterinarian, professional dog groomer, professional dog trainer, or a staff member of a rescue or shelter.
  
  
• (1) letter must be provided by a personal acquaintance, such as a friend or neighbor. This may be a former client but may not be a case study client.

Each referring individual must submit their letter of reference directly via email to: exams@iacpdogs.org

Please use the following subject line:
CDT Applicant LOR – {Applicant First and Last Name}

Letters of reference must be emailed from the referring individual and received before the application can be approved.

Applicants have 60 days to ensure that all three (3) letters of reference are received and accepted by IACP. Applications that do not meet this requirement within 60 days will be rejected.

Employment History & Resume / Curriculum Vitae Requirements
Your resume or CV must include a written summary of your professional work history demonstrating a minimum of 300 hours or three (3) years of dog training experience, whichever is greater.

The IACP recognizes that dog training business models do not always align with traditional fixed schedules or consistent weekly hours. If applicable, please include additional non–dog training employment, work history, or relevant training to provide a complete picture of your professional experience.

Required Resume / CV Format
Your resume or CV must include the following:

• Start and end dates for each position (month and year).
  
  
• Employment status for each position, clearly identified as:
  • Full-time (30 or more hours per week / 120 or more hours per month)
  • Part-time (15 or more hours per week / 60 or more hours per month)
  • Less than part-time (fewer than 15 hours per week / fewer than 60 hours per month)
    
    
• If self-employed, include:
  • Business name, Business address
  • Email address, Telephone number
    
    
• If not self-employed, include:
  • Employer name, Employer address
  • Email address, Telephone number
    
    
• A brief summary of duties, outlining the work performed for each position.
  
  
• Any certifications, credentials, or degrees earned.
  
  
• Any local or state licensing requirements applicable to your work. If licenses are held, copies must be included with your submission.

Consent to Criminal Background Check

I, hereby authorize the International Association of Canine Professionals (the “Organization”)  and/or its agents to make investigation of my background, references, and criminal history record information which may be in any state or local files, including those maintained by both public and private organizations, and all public records, for the purpose of confirming the information contained on my application and/or obtaining other information which may be material to my qualifications for certification. A telephone facsimile (fax) or xerographic copy of this consent shall be considered as valid as the original consent.

I hereby consent to the Organization’s verification of all the information I have provided on my application form. With regard to the foregoing disclosures, I hereby agree to release any person, company, or other entity from any and all causes of action that otherwise might arise from supplying the Organization with information it may request pursuant to this release. I understand that any false answers or statements, or misrepresentations by omission, made by me on this application or any related document, will be sufficient for rejection of my application or for my immediate discharge from the organization should such falsifications or misrepresentations be discovered.

Submission Declaration

I hereby submit this CDT Exam Application Form and registration fee for review and approval by the IACP.

I understand that all application and registration fees are non-refundable.

I understand that certification renewals, including required Continuing Education Units (CEUs), which are earned at my own expense, are required should I be awarded certification.

I understand that I am not permitted to begin any portion of the portfolio until I receive official written confirmation from the IACP via email, including my welcome notice, anonymity ID, and authorized start date.

I confirm that I am qualified to apply and that all information submitted is true and accurate. I understand that any falsification or misrepresentation of information may result in certification revocation and/or termination of IACP membership.