How To Transfer a Dog Training or Behavior Consulting Credential into PPAB by The Pet Professional Guild

How To Transfer Your Existing Credential Into PPAB

Working Towards Professionalizing The Pet Industry by Encouraging Pet Dog Trainers and Behavior Consultants to Demonstrate Competency!

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The PPAB Credential Transfer Program What you need to know in terms of criteria & submission guidelines for completing your credential transfer

Introduction Transfer Your Existing Credential and/or Gain a New One! Many of you have an existing and recognized credential in the Pet Industry through an independent third party that may not completely reflect your philosophy or you would like to use your existing credential to obtain a new one! If your current credential was achieved prior to the development and launch of the Pet Professional Accreditation Board, or you would like to use your existing credential to transfer into a second credential then this is the place for you. •

Now you can transfer your credential or elements of your credential to achieve one of the three PPAB credentialing levels all at a minimal cost and with minimal work!

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All you need to do is meet the eligibility criteria and provide the necessary proof of your existing credential.

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In some cases, you may need to complete a video or a test to ensure your total transferal submission meets the minimum requirement of the PPAB credential level you are transferring into.

Get Started Now – This Guide will help you through the process. •

Choose the level you want to transfer into

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Check you meet the eligibility criteria

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Complete the application and submit your documents

Share a credential carried by colleagues who believe Shock, Choke & Prong, Pain, Fear and Force are just not necessary!

Contents The PPAB Credential Transfer Program............................................................................................................... 1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................ 1 Transfer Your Existing Credential and/or Gain a New One! ............................................................................ 1 The Required Steps...................................................................................................................................... 3 The Guidelines ............................................................................................................................................. 3 Transfer Gatekeepers .......................................................................................................................................... 4 Gatekeeper One - Eligibility Criteria and Your Current Credential Documents .............................................. 4 Gatekeeper Two - What Else Do You Need to Submit? .................................................................................. 4 Gatekeeper Three - Examinations ................................................................................................................... 5 Gatekeeper Four- Skill Videos ......................................................................................................................... 5 Gatekeeper Five - For Behavior Consultants, Case Studies Only .................................................................... 5 Choose Your Level! .............................................................................................................................................. 6 Canine Training Technician -A definition......................................................................................................... 6 Professional Canine Trainer -A definition........................................................................................................ 6 Professional Canine Behavior Consultant - A definition................................................................................. 6 Providing Your Documentation ........................................................................................................................... 7 The PPAB Approved Certification Process....................................................................................................... 7 Persons who can certify your documents ....................................................................................................... 7 The person you ask should NOT be: ............................................................................................................ 7 Certifying a Translation ............................................................................................................................... 8 How to Transfer into The Canine Training Technician – Accredited (CTT-A) ...................................................... 8 Eligibility - you meet the eligibility criteria below ........................................................................................... 8 Knowledge ....................................................................................................................................................... 9 Skills ................................................................................................................................................................. 9 How to Transfer into The Professional Canine Trainer – Accredited (PCT-A) ..................................................... 9 Eligibility - you meet the eligibility criteria below ........................................................................................... 9 Knowledge ..................................................................................................................................................... 10 Skills ............................................................................................................................................................... 10 How to Transfer into The Professional Canine Behavior Consultant – Accredited (PCBC-A) ........................... 11 Eligibility - You meet the eligibility criteria below ......................................................................................... 11 Knowledge ..................................................................................................................................................... 11 Skills ............................................................................................................................................................... 11 Case Studies................................................................................................................................................... 12 The Transfer Matrix ........................................................................................................................................... 13 2

The Required Steps 1. Determine into which credential you would like to transfer 2. Read the eligibility requirements for the level you have chosen a. These can be found in each of the guides online – see links below 3. Ensure you are in compliance with and, where necessary, provide evidence for all eligibility criteria for your chosen level 4. Ensure you have read and are in agreement with the PPAB Member Code of Conduct 5. Complete the application form and pay your transfer fee of $50.00 6. Receive your application email confirmation and a link to the form where you will submit all your eligibility documents 7. Complete the documentation form and submit your necessary documents a. You have up to 6 months to complete this 8. We will work with you to audit your current credentials and determine what is missing to expedite the transfer process. 9. An additional small fee may apply if you need to re-take and examination with PPAB or submit additional skill videos

The Guidelines PPAB currently operates three levels of pet industry credentials. Each level requires the candidate to meet specific eligibility criteria and then follow an incremental process to reach accreditation. At each credential level this process includes the testing of both academic knowledge and mechanical skills. To transfer a credential into PPAB at any level candidates must be able to demonstrate that they have correlating ethics in place, a competent knowledge and the practical skills to carry out their craft at the level to which they are applying. If only one component of the credential requirement can be demonstrated through the candidate’s current credential, then the candidate will be required to supplement their application by either the taking of an examination or the submission of specific skill videos, or possibly both. These links take you to the study guides for each level

Transfer Gatekeepers Gatekeeper One - Eligibility Criteria and Your Current Credential Documents Each credential level has its own eligibility criteria that can be found in the individual credential level guides. You must meet all eligibility criteria before your application will be considered. On application to PPAB, you will receive a submission form that enables you to upload copies of all of the requested credentials, certificates or any other credential confirmation documents from the organization that awarded you your current credential. *If requested you will need to submit a certified copy of your current examination and/or skills and ID* • •

For all levels you will have to provide copies of your current credentials. Please check the eligibility for the level you are requesting to transfer into. If we cannot establish your identify from the documents and ID you provide then we will request you certify your documents. Click here to understand what certified copies means. You will also need to meet the hour experience eligibility, and reference letter criteria as outlined in the credential level guide*

Gatekeeper Two - What Else Do You Need to Submit? We have created a matrix to help you understand what is required from you. Organizations that appear in the current matrix have provided PPAB with the necessary information regarding skills and knowledge assessed through their program. This has enabled PPAB to determine what additional requirements need to be met by the individual initiating the transfer to ensure the integrity of the PPAB credential is maintained. We add eligible credentialing organizations to the matrix as we receive applications from their administrative officers. We review their requirements and add them to the matrix if appropriate. • • •

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Please look up the credential or credentials you currently hold. You can use skills assessed from one credential and knowledge from another if this helps you meet the requirement. Then look to the credential you wish to transfer into You can compare your current credential assessments with what PPAB requires to grant your desired credential. This comparison will show you what knowledge and skills you may still require to supplement your application documents. Next, download your specific credential guide to read the specific information and instructions regarding those things that you still need to demonstrate or whether you need to sit one of the PPAB examinations.

Gatekeeper Three - Examinations In some cases, if your current credential has not tested for knowledge, it may be necessary for you to take an examination. Please contact us so we can help you set this up. The prices for the examination are as follows: • • •

CTT-A is $45.00 PCT-A is $45.00 PCBC-A is $85.00

Once you have passed Gatekeeper Three you can move on to Gatekeeper Four.

Gatekeeper Four- Skill Videos If your current credential has not assessed all the technical skill outlined in the PPAB study guide,

then you may be required to submit any missing skill videos. Please see the study guide relevant for the PPAB credential level you are applying to transfer into to determine the video length and requirements. The price for video submission is as follows: •

$5.00 per video with a cap of $50.00 if you need to submit more than 10 videos.

Gatekeeper Five - For Behavior Consultants, Case Studies Only If your current credential did not require you to complete behavior case studies and you are applying for PCBC-A then please follow the directions to submit your case studies.

Choose Your Level! Canine Training Technician -A definition Level 1: Canine Training Technician A Technician is skilled in the manual application of science and artistic endeavor and delivers results through empathy and mutual respect for both client and pet. At this level, the Technician is capable of teaching pet manners classes with the knowledge of their own limitations in resolving behavior problems due to a lack of experience and/or further study. They have the ability to understand when a referral to a more qualified professional is necessary. This individual may operate a business specializing in group training services and/or work with, or for, a more qualified professional.

Professional Canine Trainer -A definition Level 2: Professional Canine Trainer A Trainer is skilled in the application of science and artistic endeavor and delivers results through empathy and mutual respect for both client and pet, and also teaches obedience classes, pet manners classes, day training, private training sessions, and board and train programs that focuses primarily on pet dog skills and manners. This level of service to the community would offer similar abilities as the Technician, but with a deeper understanding of the scientific principles involved in training, as well as the ability to better understand and assist with minor behavioral problems and the knowledge of appropriate referral to an animal behavior consultant when necessary.

Professional Canine Behavior Consultant - A definition Level 3: Professional Canine Behavior Consultant A Behavior Consultant is a professional who undertakes private consultations with pets and their owners and focuses primarily on modifying behavior problems that are elicited by the animal’s emotional state in a given context (e.g. fear, anxiety). Behavior Consultants are often professional dog trainers who can competently teach pet manners classes, obedience classes, day training, private training sessions, and board and train programs that focus on pet dog skills and manners. For the purposes of this description, a Behavior Consultant is defined as a behavior and training professional skilled in the application of science and artistic endeavor who delivers results through empathy and mutual respect for both client and pet. The Behavior Consultant is aware of their limitations in terms of ability to prescribe psychotropic or any other kind of medication and diagnose illness, as well as their ethical responsibility in such cases, and can refer to a Veterinarian or Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist with greater academic and expansive knowledge.

Providing Your Documentation For a successful credential transfer the Pet Professional Accreditation Board needs to be provided with copies of any current credentials you carry and are submitting as part of your credential transfer. These copies are documented proof of your current credential and the results from your prior knowledge and or skill testing. You will upload these copies into the transfer submission form. These copies prove that you currently hold the credential and that you are as stated. To support the documents, you will also upload a copy of an official Photo ID. If we cannot establish your identity from the documents and ID you provide then we will request you certify your documents. This may happen in cases where your official Identification has a different name to your credential certificate or examination results.

The PPAB Approved Certification Process If your initial document submission does not meet the requirements and we cannot confirm your identify using your identification card then you will be required to certify your documents. Take the photocopied document and the original and ask the person to certify the copy by: 1. writing on the document, ‘Certified to be a true copy of the original seen by me’ 2. signing and dating the copy 3. printing their name under the signature 4. adding their occupation, address and telephone number

Persons who can certify your documents To certify documents, ask a professional person or someone well-respected in your community (‘of good standing’) for example: •

Bank or building society official

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Minister of religion

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Doctor or Dentist

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Chartered accountant

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Solicitor or notary

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Teacher or lecturer

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Veterinarian

The person you ask should NOT be: •

related to you

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living at the same address as you

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in a relationship with you 7

Certifying a Translation If you need to certify a translation of a document that’s not written in English, then you will need to ask a translation company to confirm in writing on the translation: •

that it’s a ‘true and accurate translation of the original document’

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the date of the translation

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the full name and contact details of the translator or a representative of the translation company

How to Transfer into The Canine Training Technician – Accredited (CTT-A) Applicants may transfer a current credential or component of a credential to the CTT-A credential in the following circumstances:

Eligibility - you meet the eligibility criteria below • • •

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All applicants must agree to the Pet Professional Accreditation Board Guiding Principles and operating policies. A violation in this code of ethics will result in an immediate removal of any credentials. Applicants must be 21 years of age or over the age of accountability in their country of residence. All Applicants must be able to demonstrate their training experience in at least one of the following ways: o Over a period of 12 months, a minimum of 50 hours’ experience of group training classes or 50 hours of private training of pet dog manners to be eligible to apply. One training hour unit is defined as 1 x 45-60 minutes of one group class or 1 x 45-60 minutes of private training. Or o Over a period of 24 months, a minimum of 70 hours’ experience of group training classes or 70 hours of private training of pet dog manners to be eligible to apply. One training hour unit is defined as 1 x 45-60 minutes of one group class or 1 x 45-60 minutes of private training. Applicants must have completed 10 continuing education credit hours at professional seminars, workshops and/or webinars during the previous two years or less. Applicants can be either full-time or part-time professionals or volunteers in a force-free training environment; eligibility is determined by the number of hours of experience and acquisition of CEU points. Applicants must provide one written references from a colleague or PPG member who can confirm their date of entry into the industry and confirm their logged hours of training. A second reference must be provided from a client of the applicant or a veterinarian. Applicants must provide proof of business insurance. (North America, Australia and any other countries that provide professional insurance.) or insurance cover for the organization in which they are working or volunteering.

Knowledge •

The knowledge testing component of your existing credential was administered by way of written assignments and/or testing of knowledge and a copy of the results can be provided

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You can provide an official picture identification with the same legal name as the credential results

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The organization with which this knowledge testing was undertaken, was force-free based with ethical standards demanding adherence to force-free principles e.g. Delta Cert IV Companion Animal Services, Animals on Course Cert IV Companion Animal Services, APDT UK Residential Instructors Dog Training Advanced Course, UK Kennel Club Accredited Instructor Program, Victoria Stilwell Academy Dog Trainers Course, Canine Behavioural School’s Aspiring Instructor Course or similar force-free credential. •

Should any other credential than those suggested above be offered for consideration, full details, including website and details of those administering the credential must be included.

Skills •

Hands on skills must be assessed •

It is necessary to demonstrate conditioning a +CER, 10 basic skills and two videos of class teaching. The full video skills requirements can be found in the CTT-A Study Guide

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If this has not been completed as part of an existing credential, applicants will have to submit the required skill videos to be assessed through PPAB.

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If the candidate has achieved CAP 1 & CAP 2 (Kay Laurence’s Learning About Dogs) with distinction, then the 10 basic skills part of the assessment will be automatically credited

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A notarized copy of the CAP assessments must be provided

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A notarized picture identification with the same legal name as the credential results must be provided

The cost for video assessment is $50.00.

How to Transfer into The Professional Canine Trainer – Accredited (PCT-A) Applicants may transfer a current credential or component of a credential to the PCT-A credential in the following circumstances:

Eligibility - you meet the eligibility criteria below You must be able to demonstrate your training experience in at least one of the following ways:

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All applicants must agree to the Pet Professional Accreditation Board Guiding Principles and operating policies. A violation in this code of ethics will result in an immediate removal of any credentials. Applicants must be 21 years of age or over the age of accountability in their country of residence. All Applicants must be able to demonstrate their training experience in at least one of the following ways: a) 170 hours over the past 12 months of group training classes and/or private training of pet dog manners. One training hour unit is defined as 1 x 45-60 minutes of one group class or 1 x 45-60 minutes of private training. Or b) Over a period of 24 months, a minimum of 200 hours’ experience of group training classes and/or private training of pet dog manners to be eligible to apply. One training hour unit is defined as 1 x 45-60 minutes of one group class or 1 x 45-60 minutes of private training. Applicants must have completed 20 continuing education credit hours at professional seminars, workshops and/or webinars during the previous two years or less. Applicants can be either full-time or part-time professionals or volunteers in a positive reinforcement-based training environment; eligibility is determined by the number of hours of experience and acquisition of CEU points. Applicants must provide references. a) one written reference from a colleague or PPG member who can confirm their date of entry into the industry and confirm their logged hours of training. b) A second reference must be provided from a client of the applicant or a veterinarian. Applicants must provide proof of business insurance. (North America, Australia, and any other countries that provide professional insurance.) or insurance cover for the organization in which they are working or volunteering. Pay a $50.00 transferal fee.

Knowledge •

The knowledge testing component of your existing credential was administered through a written assessment and you can provide a copy of your results.

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You can provide an official picture identification with the same legal name as the examination results.

Skills •

Your skills must have been assessed.

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If this has not been completed as part of an existing credential, then you will have to submit the required skill videos to be assessed through PPAB.

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The cost for video assessment is $50.00.

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Skill video requirements include conditioning a +CER, basic skills video demonstration, and a video on coaching skills (i.e. teaching a class). The full skill requirements can be found in the PCT-A Study Guide.

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If you achieved CAP 1 & CAP 2 (Kay Laurence’s Learning About Dogs) with distinction, then the 10 basic skills part of the assessment will be automatically credited •

A notarized copy of the CAP assessments must be provided

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A notarized picture identification with the same legal name as the credential results must be provided

How to Transfer into The Professional Canine Behavior Consultant – Accredited (PCBC-A) Applicants may transfer a current behavior consultant credential or component of a credential to the PBCB-A credential in the following circumstances:

Eligibility - You meet the eligibility criteria below • • • •

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All applicants must agree to the Pet Professional Accreditation Board Guiding Principles and operating policies. A violation in this code of ethics will result in an immediate removal of any credentials. Applicants must be 21 years of age or over the age of accountability in their country of residence. All Applicants must be able to demonstrate their training experience in at least one of the following ways: 300 hours over the past 12 months of group training classes and/or 150 hours of private training consultations during that time. One training hour unit is defined as 1 x 45-60 minutes of one group class or 1 x 45-60 minutes of private training. Applicants must have completed 30 continuing education credit hours at professional seminars, workshops and/or webinars during the previous two years or less. Applicants can be either full-time or part-time professionals or volunteers in a force-free training environment; eligibility is determined by the number of hours of experience and acquisition of CEU points. Applicants must provide one written references from a Colleague or PPG Professional Member confirming their date of entry into the industry and confirming their logged hours of training. A second reference must be provided from a client of the applicant and a third from a veterinarian. Applicants must provide proof of business insurance. (North America, Australia and any other countries that provide professional insurance.) or insurance cover for the organization in which they are working or volunteering. Pay a $50.00 transferal fee.

Knowledge •

The knowledge testing component of your existing credential was administered by a thirdparty testing company which was invigilated, and you can provide a copy of the results.

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You can provide an official picture identification with the same legal name as the examination results.

Skills •

Your skills must have been assessed. 11

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If this has not been completed as part of an existing credential, then you will have to submit the required skill videos to be assessed through PPAB.

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The cost for video assessment is $50.00.

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Skill video requirements include conditioning a +CER video, basic skills video demonstrations, and a video on coaching skills (i.e. teaching a class). The full skill requirements can be found in the PCBC-A Study Guide.

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If the candidate has achieved CAP 1 & CAP 2 (Kay Laurence’s Learning About Dogs) with distinction, then the 10 basic skills part of the assessment will be automatically credited o A notarized copy of the CAP assessments must be provided o A notarized picture identification with the same legal name as the credential results must be provided

Case Studies •

The candidate must have provided a minimum of four case studies using applied behavior analysis terms and had them independently assessed.

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Case studies must have been completed on a selection of the following:

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Leash reactivity

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separation related issues

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resource guarding

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fear of people

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fear of dogs

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dog-human aggression

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dog-dog aggression

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fighting amongst dogs in multi-dog household

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integration of a new dog with existing dog(s).

Case study assessment must be available in writing and the candidate must be able to provide a copy to PPAB. If your credential has not provided for this, you can submit case studies as per the PPAB guidelines. Assessment fee of case studies is $50.00

The Transfer Matrix 1. Locate the credential you hold now 2. Determine from the matrix which areas of your skills and knowledge you would need to supplement Examples a. If you wish to transfer into the PCT-A credential and you currently hold a KPA certificate and a CPDT-KA then the following would apply ✓ Your CPDT-KA would require you to complete 5 skill videos, 1 x CER video and 2 x coaching videos. However, your KPA credential covers two of those criteria and only requires you to submit 1 x CER video. So, you would only need to submit the CER video *If your current credentialing organization does not appear on the matrix then please contact us. We can work with you to audit the credential and determine what components can be transferred into the PPAB program*

Pet Professional Accreditation Board Credential Transfer Requirements.

1. Find your current credential. 2. Find the credential you wish to transfer into 3. Review your submission requirements 4. Download the credential guide for detailed information on how to meet the requirements. CPDT-KA

CPDT-KSA

CCBC-KA

RQIEC For French speakers

CTT-A requires: Skills videos x 5 CER video Coaching videos x 2 PCT-A requires: Skills videos x 10 CER video Coaching videos x 1 PCBC-A requires: Skills videos x 10 CER video Coaching videos x 1 Case studies CTT-A requires: CER video Coaching videos x 2 PCT-A requires: CER video Coaching videos x 1 PCBC-A requires: CER video Coaching videos x 1 Case studies CTT-A requires: Skills videos x 5 CER video Coaching videos x 2 PCT-A requires: Skills videos x 10 CER video Coaching videos x 1 PCBC-A requires: Skills videos x 10 CER video Coaching videos x 1 Case studies CTT-A requires: Skills videos x 5 CER Video Coaching videos x 2 PCT-A requires: Skills videos x 10 CER Video Coaching Video x 1 PCBC-A requires: Skills videos x 10 CER video Coaching videos x 1 Case studies

The Academy

DN-DTC

DN-DBC

VS Academy

KPA

CCT-A requires: Coaching videos x 2 PCT-A requires: Coaching videos x 1 PCBC-A requires: Proctored Examination Coaching videos x 1 Case studies CTT-A requires: Coaching videos x 2 PCT-A requires: Coaching videos x 1 PCBC-A requires: Proctored Examination Case Studies CTT-A requires: PCT-A requires: PCBC-A requires: Proctored Examination Case Studies CTT-A requires: CER video PCT-A requires: CER video Coaching videos x 1 PCBC-A requires: Proctored Examination CER video Coaching videos x 1 Case studies CTT-A requires: CER Video PCT-A requires: CER Video PCBC-A requires: Proctored Examination CER Video Case studies

Canine Behavioral School CTT-A requires:

Delta Institute

Examination CER Video PCT-A requires: Examination CER Video PCBC-A requires: Proctored Examination CER Video Case studies CTT-A requires: CER video PCT-A requires: CER video PCBC-A requires: Proctored Examination CER video Case studies

CAP

CCT-A requires: Examination CER video Coaching videos x 2 PCT-A requires: Examination CER video Coaching videos x 1 PCBC-A requires: Proctored Examination CER video Coaching videos x 1 Case studies

BSc Canine Behaviour Management

CCT-A requires:

PCT-A requires:

PCBC-A requires: Proctored Examination