CPG’s Five W’s:
Who are we?
We are a certifying organization made up of some of Canada's top stylists and facilitators that are dedicated to the continuing education of our country's stylists.
What is the CPG?
The Canadian Professional Groomer’s is an organization of Groomer’s proud to be our own governing and registration body that holds its members to the highest standards and ethics.
Where is CPG?
We are all across Canada! In English and French. Ready to facilitate your educational path in canine cosmetology.
Why are we needed?
Although other certification organizations exist, through out North America, we are truly Canadian. You will be testing on dog breeds recognized in Canada, and to the breed standards as set by the Canadian Kennel Club. Your testing fees will be in Canadian dollars, so no added expense of a U.S. exchange rate. Members have access to networking, employment listings, client referrals and general grooming tips on our website.
When can I certify?
Certifications will be held at various grooming shows and private locations (ie: grooming shops) across Canada, check our website for a show closest to you. If enough people can get together to cover costs we can come to your area.
CPG Certification & Study Material:
There are three levels of certification that are available to members of Canadian Professional Groomer. Written and practical tests must be passed with 70% or better to get to level two or 85% on all tests to finish level three. Written tests can be given by a CPG Certifier at any time. Practical tests must be given by two CPG Certifiers. All upcoming testing can be found at www.CanadianProfessionalGroomer.ca
Canadian Canine Salon Technician Level 1 (CCST)
Books Needed: Groomer’s Guide to Pet First Aid, Injuries & Health & The CKC Breed Standards (Anatomy Only).
Salon Technician Written & Practical (Brushing, Ears, Prep work)
Dog must be bathed and brushed out, in front of a Certifier. Facilities for testing require a tub, dryer and table.
Practical Fees: $75.00 Written Fees: $35.00
Sub-Total: $110.00
Canadian Canine Stylist 2 (CCS2) (Non-Sporting, Terrier & Sporting)
Books Needed: The CKC Breed Standards (2010 edition)
Non Sporting Written and Practical
Sporting Written and Practical
Terrier (Long and short legged) Written and Practical
2 Certifiers Required (exceptions: Acts of God, unforeseen circumstances)
Practical Fees: $75.00 per test Written Fees: $35.00 per test
Sub Total (for all 3 writtens and 4 practicals): $405.00
Canadian Canine Master Stylist Level 3 (CCMS3)
Books Needed: Groomer’s Guide to Pet First Aid, Injuries & Health & CKC
Masters Written (85% or higher to pass)
The testing process is a method of validation for the professional Canine Stylist. Showing their peers and clients that they are willing to expand their knowledge and are dedicated to professional advancement. For employers it provides a standard they would like their prospective employees to meet.
Written: $100.00
Total cost to attain a CCMS (with no failed tests): $615.00
Where do I start?
Written
Sometimes starting a new adventure or stepping out of your comfort zone can be a daunting task. Here is a breakdown to start this adventure with the CPG to make it as comfortable and informative as possible.
Start with your study material. All books can be purchased online through various websites here is a list:
Groomer’s Guide to Pet First Aid, Injuries & Health by Dr. Boyd Harrel, DVM
Can be purchased online through Barkleigh.com
http://www.barkleigh.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=1537&idcategory=272
You can also purchase this on Amazon.com
Notes from the Grooming Table by Melissa Verplank
Can be purchased online through MelissaVerplank.com
The CKC Official Breed Standards by The CKC
Can be viewed for free or purchased through www.CKC.ca
http://www.ckc.ca/en/Default.aspx?tabid=339
Please note that breed profiles are constantly being updated. Try to always purchase the most current version, especially of the breed standards, by the Canadian Kennel Club. In our Study Lounge you have full access to view the test pictures and follow the links to view each breed standard for free. This can easily be viewed from your iPhone, Blackberry, Mac or PC!
Practical
Now that you have the written study material and the pictures of each breed, you will need to focus on getting your practical test dogs. Using the most correctly coated and structured dogs will aid in your testing, as you will not have to hide poor conformation or struggle with a bad coat.
Where would I find dogs to use?
~> Client dogs
~> Personal dogs
~> Breeder’s dogs
~> Mentor/Teacher’s dogs
Clients Dogs – These are dogs you work on all the time, the clients trust you and will let you borrow their dogs for certification. Depending on your area this might be your best bet for the greatest range of dogs.
Personal Dogs – Although you might only have one or two personal dogs, you will know the dog in and out. Conformation, temperament and coat issues are ones that you should be very familiar with and practice on all the time.
Breeder’s Dogs – If you establish a relationship with different breeders you may get access to retired show dogs, with great coats and conformation. These dogs are usually great on tables and patient. Going to local dog shows are the best way to start talking to different breeders.
Mentor Dogs – If you have a mentor or teacher that has helped you through your grooming education, they might have access to dogs to use for certification. A mentor or teacher would also hopefully have gone through the testing process and give you ideas of what to look for.
What dogs can I use?
For the first level of CPG, also known as CCST1 you will need a dog with at leach 2 inches of coat. This dog does not need to be purebred. For dogs measuring 16 inches or under at the withers, you will be given 1 hour for the practical test. For dogs measuring 17 inches or over you will be given 1.5 hours for the practical test.
Here is a list of the breeds that can be used in each section of the CCS2 level testing. Keep in mind that for your Terrier test you will need to do both a long and short legged Terrier. Long legged Terriers are marked with an LL for your convenience.
Non Sporting Practical Test (Pick one dog):
Poodle (any size)
Bichon Frise
Sporting Practical Test (Pick one dog):
Irish Setter
English Setter
Gordon Setter
American Cocker
English Cocker
English Springer Spaniel
Irish Water Spaniel
Terrier Practical Test (Pick one LL dog and one non LL dog):
Airedale (LL)
Bedlington (LL)
Cairn
Cesky
Dandie Dinmont
Kerry Blue (LL)
Lakeland (LL)
Min Schnauzer (LL)
Scottish
Sealyham
SCWT (LL)
Welsh (LL)
Westie