What is a CPDT-KA?
There are plenty of acronyms floating around in the dog training industry. One you may have seen before is "CPDT-KA". But what does it mean?
The title 'CPDT-KA' stands for Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed. This means that the trainer has met the standards set forth by The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), and passed a rigorous exam to demonstrate mastery of humane, science-based dog training practices. Established in 2001, the CCPDT is the leading independent certifying organization for the dog training profession.
In order to become a CPDT-KA, one must not only pass an exam, but must have hundreds of hours of dog training experience, be recommended by a current CCPDT certificate holder and adhere to a code of ethics. Certificants are also required to earn Continuing Education credits to ensure that they are up-to-date with current industry standards and best practices.
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