Grooming Certifications: Which Ones Matter and Which Don't

The grooming industry has no universal licensing requirement. Anyone can call themselves a groomer. This creates both opportunity—and confusion.

Certifications exist to fill that gap: credentials that prove your skills and theoretically set you apart from uncertified groomers. But not all certifications carry the same weight. Some open doors. Others are expensive pieces of paper.

Here’s how to evaluate which certifications are worth pursuing.

The Certification Landscape

Grooming certifications come from several sources:

National Organizations

Groups like NDGAA, IPG, and ISCC offer structured certification programs with formal testing requirements.

Breed-Specific Organizations

Kennel clubs and breed associations provide certifications focused on breed-standard grooming.

Schools and Academies

Many grooming schools award certifications upon completing their program.

Private Companies

Tool manufacturers and product companies sometimes offer certifications tied to their equipment or systems.

The prestige—and usefulness—varies enormously across these categories.

National Grooming Certifications

These are generally the most recognized credentials in the industry.

National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA)

The NDGAA offers the Certified Master Groomer (CMG) credential—one of the most respected in the industry.

Requirements typically include:

• Written exam covering safety, breed standards, and business
• Practical exam grooming multiple breeds under time limits
• Evaluation of cut accuracy, breed standard knowledge, and technique

This certification carries real weight. Employers and serious clients recognize it. It demonstrates both knowledge and hands-on skill.

International Professional Groomers (IPG)

IPG certifications emphasize practical skills and offer multiple levels:

• Certified Professional Groomer
• Advanced
• Master

Testing structure includes:

• Written exams
• Practical evaluations
• Continuing education requirements

International Society of Canine Cosmetologists (ISCC)

ISCC offers tiered certifications with an emphasis on both breed-standard work and creative grooming.

Are National Certifications Worth It?

Arguments For

Credibility
In an unregulated industry, credentials differentiate you. Some clients specifically search for certified groomers.

Knowledge Validation
Preparing for exams forces you to master breed standards, anatomy, safety, and technique.

Networking
Certification connects you with serious professionals. The community alone can be valuable.

Career Advancement
Some employers require or strongly prefer certified groomers. Certification can translate into higher pay.

Arguments Against

Cost
Exams, memberships, workshops, and travel can total several hundred to over a thousand dollars.

Time Commitment
Preparation requires significant time. Many exams require travel.

Limited Client Awareness
Many pet owners don’t understand what these credentials mean.

Paper ≠ Skill
There are certified groomers who struggle—and uncertified groomers who excel.

Bottom Line

If you’re aiming for salon management, teaching, competition grooming, or working in high-end markets, national certifications can be a strong investment.

If you’re an independent groomer in a market where clients don’t recognize these credentials, the return on investment may be less clear.

Breed-Specific Certifications

Some organizations offer certifications focused on particular breeds.

Examples include:

• Poodle club certifications
• Terrier and hand-stripping certifications

When They Make Sense

If you’re positioning yourself as a breed specialist, these credentials reinforce your expertise.

If you’re a generalist grooming all breeds, breed-specific certifications offer less practical value.

School Certifications

Almost every grooming school awards a certificate upon completion. Their value varies widely.

Established Schools with Strong Reputations

Graduating from a well-known academy carries credibility because the school’s name has recognition.

Lesser-Known Schools

A certificate from an unknown institution means little to clients or employers. It proves attendance—not necessarily skill.

What to Look for in a School Program

• Substantial hands-on hours with real dogs
• Exposure to a variety of breeds
• Business training in addition to grooming
• Job placement support
• Alumni network
• Recognition by national organizations

The certificate matters less than what you actually learned.

Corporate and Product Certifications

Tool and product companies often offer certification programs.

Examples:

• Clipper manufacturer certifications
• Product line certifications
• Grooming software certifications

Value Assessment

These programs may teach you how to use specific products effectively. That knowledge can be useful—but the credential itself is largely a marketing tool.

Listing “Certified Andis User” won’t typically influence hiring or client decisions.

Exception: If the program includes genuine advanced training, the skills gained may be valuable—even if the certificate isn’t.

Online Certifications

The internet is full of “certifications,” ranging from legitimate to meaningless.

Red Flags

• No practical component
• Instant completion upon payment
• No industry recognition
• Vague curriculum
• Unknown issuing organization

You cannot learn grooming purely online.

Legitimate Uses of Online Learning

Online education can effectively cover:

• Anatomy
• Breed standards
• Theory
• Business skills

But completing online coursework without hands-on evaluation is not equivalent to certifications requiring practical exams.

What Clients Actually Care About

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: most clients don’t understand grooming certifications.

What Clients Look For

• Reviews and ratings
• Before-and-after photos
• Word-of-mouth referrals
• How you treat their dog
• Cleanliness and atmosphere
• Price and convenience

Where Certifications Help

Some clients do search for “certified groomer.” Displaying credentials on your website adds credibility.

Higher-end clients who care about expertise may be more likely to value certifications—and pay premium prices.

What Employers Care About

Employer preferences vary significantly.

Corporate Chains

Often rely on internal training programs. External certifications may carry less weight.

High-End Salons

More likely to value national certifications—especially for senior roles.

Independent Shops

Completely dependent on the owner’s philosophy. Some value certifications heavily. Others prioritize experience and portfolio.

Best Approach

If certification is for employment purposes, research specific employers first. Ask what credentials they value before investing.

Building Credentials Without Formal Certification

Certifications aren’t the only way to build authority.

Portfolio

Strong before-and-after photos often speak louder than certificates.

Reviews

Online reviews from happy clients are powerful credibility builders.

Competition Results

Placing or winning in grooming competitions objectively demonstrates skill—often more impressively than certifications.

Apprenticeship

Training under a respected groomer can carry significant weight.

Teaching & Industry Contribution

Teaching seminars, writing articles, or speaking at events builds professional reputation.

Strategic Certification Planning

If you decide certification is worth pursuing, be strategic.

Prioritize

Start with the most respected credentials (CMG or IPG) before pursuing niche or specialty certifications.

Time It Right

Wait until you have enough experience to pass confidently. Taking exams too early wastes money and morale.

Prepare Thoroughly

Study breed standards. Practice under timed conditions. Attend preparatory workshops if available.

Calculate Cost vs. Benefit

Factor in:

• Exam fees
• Membership dues
• Travel
• Preparation time
• Time off work

Estimate whether higher rates or better job opportunities will justify the investment.

Plan for Maintenance

Most certifications require continuing education. Budget for ongoing costs—not just the initial exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is grooming certification required to work?

In most areas, no. Grooming is largely unregulated. National certifications are voluntary.

How long does it take to get certified?

School programs typically run 4–16 weeks. National certifications usually require years of experience before attempting exams.

How much does certification cost?

National certifications: $300–$1,500+ including fees and preparation.
School programs: $3,000–$20,000+ depending on length and reputation.

Will certification raise my rates?

It can. Whether the increase offsets the cost depends on your market and positioning.

What’s the most respected grooming certification?

The Certified Master Groomer (CMG) credential from NDGAA is often considered the gold standard in the U.S. IPG certifications are also widely respected.