IPG Titles and Certifications
IPG Certification
The IPG Certification process is a series of practical and written examinations whereby the expertise and proficiency of professional groomers may be demonstrated and certified. It recognizes groomers whose professional knowledge, techniques and abilities have been certified as having met the high standards set forth by the International Professional Groomers, Inc.
To become IPG Certified groomer, achieved an International Model of Pet Grooming Distinction in one to four phases, applicants must pass up to five practical tests and four written tests with scores of 70% or better.
Salon Details: practical test and written test
Non-Sporting Breeds: practical test and written test
Sporting Breeds: practical test and written test
Terrier Breeds: two practical tests and written test
To become an IPG International Certified Master Groomer (ICMG), applicants must pass all tests with scores of 86% or better and pass an extensive Master’s Exam with a score of 86% or better.
Eligibility for Certification
IPG membership is open to all persons interested in the Pet Grooming Industry. The process of obtaining IPG certification is open to all professional groomers who are IPG members in good standing who agree to abide by the IPG Code of Ethics. You must show your IPG membership card at testing site to verify membership!
Written Examinations
Written examinations are administered in each of the four phases, which are Salon Details, Non-Sporting, Terrier, and Sporting breeds. All questions will be from the AKC Complete Dog Book, 20th Edition and the IPG Certification Guidelines. You will be allowed one hour for each test. These tests may be taken in any order and need not be taken at the same time you take the practical skills test.
Questions will place emphasis on the parts of the breed standards and breed histories that may pertain to grooming that breed, recognition (size, color, coat, etc.), or temperament. There will questions on equipment, anatomy, terminology, safety and sanitation.
Practical Skills Examinations
There are five practical skills exams which demonstrate grooming skills before two IPG certifiers. Two hours will be allowed for the completion of each practical exam. All testing is managed with the strictest confidence. Decisions of Certifiers are final!
In order to certify practical grooming skills, IPG, Inc has established an “International Model of Pet Grooming Distinction”. This includes preparation of the dog’s coat, scissor techniques, clipper techniques, thinning shear techniques, carding and hand-stripping techniques, and finishing techniques.
Dogs are to be bathed and fluff dried and completely mat-free prior to the testing, with the exception of the Salon Details test, by the applicant. NO CRATE DRYING please! Nails should be trimmed and ears cleaned. Pads and sanitary trimming may be done prior to testing. The dog should have at least six weeks of growth prior to testing. REMEMBER proper preparation and choice of dogs is a vital part of a good finished groom and will be scored accordingly!
If you would like to groom a breed not listed below, please contact IPG to see if it is allowed.
The Certifiers are aware that as a pet groomer, you are frequently working with less than perfect specimens. Allowances will be made by the Certifiers for variations necessitated by less than perfect structure and conformation of your dog. However, allowances will not be made for faults and variations necessitated by poor grooming technique, rough handling or lack of knowledge.
Salon Details Practical (1) and Written
Applicant will demonstrate bathing, drying, and brush-out skills on any coated breed. You will be asked to demonstrate the use of a forced Hi Power dryer, fluff dryer, various brushes and combs, nail clippers, etc.
Coat must be a minimum of two inches. Dogs 16 inches and under have one hour. Over 16 inches have two hours.
Practical Exam should demonstrate skills in:
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Bath, shampoo, temperate of water |
Type of Brushes Used and Technique |
Rinse (Conditioner Used if needed) |
Combing Out Technique |
Use and knowledge of dryers |
De-matting Technique |
Nail Clipper and Nail Grinder |
Table/ Arm/ Noose Technique |
Pads (Scissor or Clippered) |
Over All Use of Equipment |
Ears Clean (Use of Ear Powder) |
Over All Appearance of Dog |
Handling of Dog |
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Written Questions include Bathing and Drying, Dog Behavior, Skin and Hair, Ears, Eyes and Nose, Nails, Mouth and Teeth, Health and First Aid and Groomer Safety and Disease. There will questions on equipment, anatomy, terminology, safety and sanitation.
Non-Sporting Breeds Practical (1)
Applicant will demonstrate grooming skills on a Toy, Miniature or Standard Poodle, or a Bichon Frise. Some of the grooming may be done with a snap-on comb, especially with larger dogs, but the groomer must demonstrate safe and competent use of scissors as well as scissor-finishing. You will be asked by the Certifiers to demonstrate the proper use of scissors and clippers for this test. Be sure you have these tools with you.
Sporting Breeds Practical (1)
Applicant will demonstrate grooming skills on their choice of a Cocker Spaniel, English Cocker Spaniel, English Springer Spaniel, English Setter, Gordon Setter, or Irish Setter. Show grooming is not required for sporting breeds. The use of clippers on the body is allowed. Cockers may be trimmed in a “suburban” type trim with shorter scissored legs. Thinning shear and carding techniques are an integral part of the Sporting Breeds practical skills examination. You will be asked to demonstrate expertise and knowledge of thinning shears and stripping knives. You are required to bring these tools when testing on Sporting Breeds!
Terrier Breeds Practical’s (2)
Applicant will demonstrate grooming skills on two terriers, a long-legged terrier and a short-legged terrier. A long-legged terrier includes: Schnauzer, Kerry blue terrier, Welsh terrier, Wire Fox Terrier, Lakeland terrier, Bedlington terrier or an Airedale terrier. A short-legged terrier includes: Scottish Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier or a Sealyham Terrier. Again, show grooming is not required for terriers. You may use clippers on their backs, but leave enough coat to show breed profile and coat type. “Carding” and “plucking” techniques are an integral part of the Terrier Breeds examinations. You will be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and usage of these tools and the techniques required to use them. You are required to bring your “carding” and “plucking” tools when testing on terrier breeds.
International Model of Pet Grooming Distinction
Upon successfully completing and passing all the “Practical Skills Tests” and “Written” examinations for Salon Details, Non-Sporting Breeds, Sporting Breeds and Terrier Breeds with a passing grade of “C” or higher (70%), you will be issued an IPG Certificate with seals for each Phase, stating that you have met the
International Model of Pet Grooming Distinction.
International Certified Master Groomer Examination
Upon completion of all the written and practical skills tests with a score of 86% or better, the applicant is eligible to take the Master’s Examination. The Masters Examination will cover the breeds from the Herding, Working, Toy, and Hound groups. This test will place emphasis on the parts of the breed standards that may pertain to grooming that breed, breed recognition (color, coat, etc.), or temperament.
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In order to attain ICMG status, this Masters Examination must be completed with a score of 86% or better. Upon passing these examinations, and achieving the International Model of Pet Grooming Distinction you will be awarded a certificate as an
International Certified Master Groomer and you may
use the letters
ICMG
following your name and in all advertising.
Testing Fees
| Practical Tests | $75.00 each | 5 tests |
| Written Tests | $45.00 each | 4 tests |
| Master’s Exam | $120.00 | 1 test |
| Total Testing Fees: | $655.00 | |
Retakes of any test…………half of original price
(Retakes allowed 30 days following date of last testing or
last re-testing of exam to be retaken).
STUDY MATERIAL NEEDED FOR TESTING
The research and majority of questions listed on all written examinations were derived from the
AKC Latest Edition of "The Complete Dog Book" 20th Edition and the IPG Guidelines.
IPG, Inc. advises each professional pet groomer who plans to participate in certification testing to study and be knowledgeable on each of the breed standards, description, glossary, general health section and the canine anatomy section.