City & Guilds Career Progression in Dog Grooming

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City & Guilds is an awarding organisation which sets the International standards for skills and learning.


All the dog grooming qualifications are skilled Credit Based Qualifications and sit within a regulated framework of all qualifications.


The City & Guilds dog grooming qualifications provide a clear and robust career progression pathway for you to follow and include everything to achieve a successful career in dog grooming.


These qualifications are present in the Regulated Qualification Framework under Ofqual, the government office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation which regulates qualifications, examinations and assessments in England. 



1. Qualification Pathway

    Level 2 - 7863-02 

  • Preparing and grooming dogs prior to bathing
  • Bathing of dogs
  • Drying dogs and preparing a dog for styling
  • Carrying out trimming of a dog’s coat to prepare for styling
  • Moving and lifting dogs
  • Maintaining the cleanliness and biosecurity of the dog grooming environment
  • Professional conduct
  • An introduction to anatomical features, breed characteristics and behaviour of dogs
  • Level 2 certificates and use of logo

    Level 3 - 7863-03 

  • Animal and Groomer Health and safety requirements, including First Aid
  • Legislation and codes of practice for the dog grooming industry
  • Preparing, styling and finishing a dog’s coat, including the Styling of heads, ears, bodies, legs, feet and tails. 
  • Trimming methods of four different coat types
  • Health-checking and handling a dog in a dog grooming environment, including anatomy and Physiology
  • Customer service and record-keeping and managing finances in the dog grooming salon
  • Level 3 certificates and use of logo

2. The Benefits of the Career Progression Pathway

If you want to be a dog groomer, City and Guilds have set out a career progression pathway. The pathway starts at: level 2 which is aimed at a dog groomers assistant position. This qualification covers all relevant health and safety, handling, legislations etc. as well as basic preparations for styling a dog.

Level 3 is a qualification which tests the skills and knowledge of those working as a professional dog groomer. The level 3 tests the candidate’s skills against 4 different breeds from handling and equipment through to techniques and overall finishing.
The level 3 diploma sets the standard for a professional dog groomer in the British Isles.

You can access the qualifications in a variety of ways to suit your own requirements. The qualifications can be taken:

  • On a dog grooming course where you will learn to groom and then access the exams
  • If you are already a seasoned groomer, you can enrol and take the assessments individually with support and tuition as required
For more information about the City & Guilds professional pet grooming qualification pathway, speak to a City & Guilds training provider - please click here to see more about BIGA member training centres.
3. Proceed to Level 4 - Professional Recognition Awards  

The Professional Recognition Awards have been developed for those at the highest professional levels within their chosen careers. It is a management award which enables the candidate to demonstrate their knowledge and skills within their sector or role. 

The professional Recognition Awards are carried out remotely as a portfolio based learning programme.


Find a BIGA training school HERE!



If you would like to continue your learning and add to your current skills and development – the City and Guilds Professional recognition awards are the next step for you. The awards are offered in industrial, business and professional fields.

Successful learners will be awarded a City & Guilds Award in Professional Recognition at the appropriate level and you will be entitled to use the relevant post-nominal letters after your name.

To find out more, please click here


The British Isles Grooming Association (BIGA)

A Not-for-Profit Trade Association and Community Support Network

 Registered at St. George’s House, 14 George Street, Huntingdon, Cambs. PE29 3GH. Reg. No. 10085801

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