Already Working as a Dog Groomer but Don’t Have a Recognised Qualification?

Get Qualified

If you are already working as a dog groomer but do not yet hold a recognised qualification, Pampers Grooming Academy can help you work towards gaining one.

This route is suitable for experienced groomers who may be self-taught, trained informally, trained overseas, already working in a salon, or running their own grooming business.

Your Qualification Route

All learners must complete Level 2 first before progressing to Level 3.

If you already have grooming experience, we can consider Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). This allows us to look at the skills, knowledge and experience you already have before deciding what training or assessment you may still need.

What Evidence Will You Need?

We may ask you to provide:

• A link to your professional Facebook or business page showing examples of your grooming work

• Photographs or other evidence of completed grooms

• Details of the breeds and coat types you regularly work with

• Copies of any previous grooming certificates or training

• A short Proof of Learning Statement explaining what you are currently confident and competent in, including areas such as bathing, drying, clipping, scissoring, nail care, ear care, handling and completing full grooms

• Practical evidence of your skills at the Academy, if required

Important Information About RPL

Previous experience does not automatically mean that your Level 2 course will be shortened.

Any prior learning must be supported by suitable evidence and demonstrated to the required qualification standard.

If there are gaps in your knowledge, practical skills or supporting evidence, you may still be required to complete the full Level 2 programme before progressing to Level 3.

This ensures that every learner meets the same required standard, regardless of where or how they originally learned to groom.

How Much Will It Cost?

The cost will depend on how much salon training and assessment you need to meet the qualification standard.

All learners must complete Level 2 first. Once Level 2 has been successfully completed, you can then progress to Level 3.

If you already have experience, we will review your Recognition of Prior Learning and, where required, assess your practical skills. This helps us determine how much additional training and salon time you need at each stage.

Because every experienced groomer comes to us with a different level of knowledge and practical ability, the final cost may vary depending on the training and assessment time required for Level 2 and Level 3.

Already Experienced? Lets Find The Right Route

If you are already an experienced groomer, send us some information about your background and evidence of your work.

We can then discuss your current experience and advise you on the most suitable next step.