Dog training certifications
Dog training certifications are the letters some trainers put after their name, like CPDT-KA or KPA CTP. Each one is awarded by a different organization, in a different way: some are an exam, some a review of real cases, some a training program. Here is how they compare, and how many trainers on Barklopedia list each one.
- CPDT-KACertified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed · CCPDT
- How trainers earn it
- 300 hours of dog training in 3 years, then a 200-question exam
- How they keep it
- Recertify every 3 years
- On Barklopedia
- 487 trainers list it
- CPDT-KSACertified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge and Skills Assessed · CCPDT
- How trainers earn it
- Hold the CPDT-KA, then send 4 training videos graded by experts
- How they keep it
- Recertify every 3 years
- On Barklopedia
- 28 trainers list it
- CBCC-KACertified Behavior Consultant Canine, Knowledge Assessed · CCPDT
- How trainers earn it
- 300 hours of behavior consulting in 3 years, then a 200-question exam
- How they keep it
- See the CCPDT
- On Barklopedia
- 68 trainers list it
- ADTIAABC Accredited Dog Trainer · IAABC
- How trainers earn it
- Recommended: 2 years’ experience and 100 hours of education, then the IAABC’s assessment
- How they keep it
- 36 continuing education units every 3 years
- On Barklopedia
- 16 trainers list it
- CDBCIAABC Certified Dog Behavior Consultant · IAABC
- How trainers earn it
- Recommended: 3 years’ experience and 400 hours of education, then an exam with case studies
- How they keep it
- 36 continuing education units every 3 years
- On Barklopedia
- 11 trainers list it
- CDTIACP Certified Dog Trainer · IACP
- How trainers earn it
- A portfolio of written case reports, with references from each client
- How they keep it
- See the IACP
- On Barklopedia
- 19 trainers list the IACP (membership or a certification)
- KPA CTPKaren Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner · Karen Pryor Academy
- How trainers earn it
- A six-month program in reward-based training, with practical assessments
- How they keep it
- See the Karen Pryor Academy
- On Barklopedia
- 104 trainers list it
From each organization’s own website, checked October 19, 2026. Fees and requirements change, so check with them before relying on a detail.
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