Certification Information — NDGAA
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Certification Information

Start Earning your NCMG Today!

The National Certified Master Groomer® (NCMG) certification represents the pinnacle of professional recognition for groomers. This credential is awarded to those who have successfully demonstrated their knowledge, techniques, and grooming abilities through rigorous testing. The NCMG program, developed by the National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA) and endorsed by the American Kennel Club (AKC), ensures that certified groomers meet the highest industry standards.

Certification involves both practical skills exams and written exams, ensuring comprehensive evaluation across key breed groups: Non-Sporting, Sporting, Long-Legged Terriers, and Short-Legged Terriers.

Why Pursue NCMG Certification?

Achieving NCMG certification offers numerous benefits, including:

  • Professional Validation: Instant credibility and recognition as an expert in the field.

  • Career Advancement: Certified credentials can open doors to greater job responsibilities and opportunities.

  • Higher Earnings Potential: Certification can justify upward mobility in pricing structures.

  • Skill Recognition: Provides a documented assessment of your abilities for potential employers.

  • Personal Growth: Boosts confidence, self-esteem, and career development.

  • Employee Evaluation: Helps employers assess potential hires based on certified qualifications.



Practical Exams Testing Requirements

Non-Sporting Group

  • Breeds: Poodle (size-specific time limits) and Bichon Frise.

  • Time Allotment:

    • Bichon Frise: 1 hour 45 minutes.

    • Poodle:

      • Under 11”: 1 hour 30 minutes.

      • 11”-17”: 1 hour 45 minutes.

      • 17”-23”: 2 hours.

      • Over 23”: 2 hours 15 minutes.

  • Requirements: Groomers must bring a Poodle or Bichon Frise with at least 8 weeks of coat growth suitable for scissoring and/or pattern work. Dogs must be bathed, fluff dried, and dematted, with nails trimmed and ears cleaned.

Sporting Group

  • Breeds: American or English Cocker Spaniel, or Springer Spaniel.

  • Time Allotment: 1 hour 30 minutes.

  • Requirements: Dogs must have at least 8 weeks of coat growth and be prepped (bathed, fluff dried, ears cleaned, and nails trimmed). All clipper and scissor work must be performed during testing.

Long-Legged Terriers

  • Breeds: Miniature Schnauzer, Wire Fox Terrier, Bedlington Terrier, Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier, Kerry Blue Terrier.

  • Time Allotment:

    • Miniature Schnauzer, Wire Fox Terrier: 1 hour 30 minutes.

    • Bedlington Terrier, Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier, Kerry Blue Terrier: 2 hours.

    • Optional: Add 30 minutes for hand-stripping.

  • Requirements: Dogs must have at least 8 weeks of coat growth, be prepped, and all grooming must be completed during testing.

Short-Legged Terriers

  • Breeds: Scottish Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, Sealyham Terrier, Cairn Terrier (hand-stripped only).

  • Time Allotment:

    • Cairn Terrier (hand-stripped): 2 hours.

    • All other breeds: 1 hour 30 minutes.

    • Optional: Add 30 minutes for hand-stripping (excluding Cairn Terrier).

  • Requirements: Dogs must have 8 weeks of coat growth, be prepped, and all grooming must be completed during testing.

Written Exam Testing Requirements

In addition to practical exams, groomers must complete written exams for each breed group. These tests assess:

  • Breed Knowledge: Familiarity with AKC-recognized breeds in each group.

  • Grooming Standards: Understanding of grooming techniques and patterns specific to each breed.

  • History & Identification: Knowledge of breed history and visual recognition.

Study Resources:

  • AKC Complete Dog Book (20th Edition).

  • AKC Breed ID Poster.

  • Notes from the Grooming Table by Melissa Verplank.

  • NDGAA Breed Profiles and study aids.

To qualify for the Master Exam, candidates must achieve an average score of 85% across all written and practical tests.

Completing the Workshop Requirement

NDGAA workshops are designed to help groomers improve their skills, stay updated on industry trends, and connect with fellow professionals. Participation is strongly encouraged for all groomers and is mandatory for those completing their NCMG certification.

These workshops provide valuable opportunities for:

  • Continuing education and skill enhancement.

  • Networking with industry peers.

  • Improving grooming and scissoring techniques.

  • Boosting career success and confidence.

Workshop Highlights

  1. Orientation:

    • Overview of the NCMG certification process and NDGAA membership benefits.

    • Q&A session to clarify testing procedures and membership perks.

  2. Breed Demonstrations:

    • Live demos on certifiable breeds, showcasing proper breed profiles.

    • Focus on balance, symmetry, and a smooth finish.

  3. Stripping, Thinning & Carding:

    • Learn or refine techniques for grooming hard coats and managing blown coats.

    • Guidance on using stripping knives, thinning shears, blocks, and carding blades.

  4. Pattern Placement:

    • Correct line placements for terrier and sporting breeds.

    • Proper grooming techniques for feet, ears, heads, and poodle topknots.

Join us to enhance your skills, gain valuable knowledge, and connect with the grooming community!