PPAB offers the only Accredited Training Technician and Professional Canine Trainer  certification for professionals who believe there is no place for shock, choke, prong, fear or intimidation in canine training and behavior practices. 

PPAB also offers the only psychometrically developed examination for Training & Behavior Consultants who also support  these humane and scientific practices


Please note, until further notice, the criteria has been amended for "Coaching Videos" for each of the three Accreditation levels. The updated criteria can be found in this supplemental guide. This is due to social distancing and the inability to hold in person coaching sessions. 


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  • Credential Levels

The Pet Professional Accreditation Board currently provides for three levels of credential. 

Each level has an application eligibility criteria, an online test that assesses academic knowledge and a skill video requirements that demonstrate practical skills.  The "Study Guide" for each level clearly describes each of these in great detail. You can also download the Study Guide for each level from the partiular page relating to that credential. Please see page menu below. 


Let's Get Started Today. 

  1. Review your eligibility for each level
  2. Download your guide
  3. Apply Now and begin your accreditation journey

Want To Transfer a

Credential Into PPAB?

If you carry a valid credential at this time, or it has expired within the last 12 months then learn about how you can transfer your existing credential into PPAB. Click here to learn more and review the transfer process


Level 1. Canine Training Technician Study Guide



Level 1: Canine Training Technician Eligibility 

  •  All applicants must agree to the Pet Professional Accreditation Board Guiding Principles and operating policies.  
  •  Applicants must be over the age of 21
  • All Applicants must be able to demonstrate their training experience in at least one of the following ways:
  • 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

  • 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

Level 2. Professional Canine Trainer Study Guide



Level 2: Professional Canine Trainer Eligibility

  •  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 over the age of 21.
  •  All Applicants must be able to demonstrate their training experience in at least one of the following ways:
  • 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

  •  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 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

Renewal eligibility occurs every 24 months. Professional Canine Trainers must provide proof of 20 CEU's 

If you are applying to undertake the Professional Canine Trainer credential and you have passed the Canine Training Technician credential within 12 months of your CTT-A attainment, please apply to the PPAB for credit for your videos.  

Level 3. Professional Canine Behavior Consultant


 A recommended reading list can be found here 


Level 3: Canine Behavior Consultant Eligibility

  • 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 over the age of 21.
  •  All Applicants must be able to demonstrate their training experience in at least one of the following ways:
  •   300 hours over the past 24 months of group training classes and/or 150 hours of private training consultations.  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
  •  Renewal eligibility occurs every 24 months. Professional Canine Behavior Consultants must provide proof of 30 CEU's 
 If you are applying to undertake the Professional Canine Behavior Consultant credential and you have passed the Professional Canine Trainer credential within 24 months of your PCT-A attainment, please apply to the PPAB for credit for some of your videos.  


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