There's no legal requirement to hold any qualifications to work as a dog groomer in the UK.
There is no legal requirement to hold any qualification or attend any training to groom dogs professionally. Unlike veterinary nurses or animal welfare officers, dog groomers are not regulated by law.
This means the person grooming your dog could have years of professional training—or none at all.
Professional grooming involves far more than making dogs look presentable. A qualified groomer understands:
A groomer without formal training may not recognise a suspicious lump, miss early signs of ear infection, or use techniques that could cause discomfort.
Several qualification pathways are recognised within the grooming industry. The key is that they should be Ofqual regulated—meaning they meet government standards for quality and assessment.
The most established and widely recognised qualification in UK dog grooming.
Requires both written examinations and practical assessments. Level 3 also requires 100 hours of work experience in a grooming salon.
A newer awarding body, fully Ofqual regulated, with qualifications designed specifically for the pet industry.
iPET Network courses are assessment-driven with no written exams—all practical based.
OCN qualifications are offered through OCN West Midlands (now partnered with AIM) and OCN Northern Ireland.
An internationally recognised certification focusing on breed-specific grooming to show standards.
ICMG certifications are typically pursued by experienced groomers seeking advanced credentials or competition-level skills.
Entry-level qualification. Covers:
Duration: 16-34 weeks part-time, or intensive courses over 8-16 days
Cost: £1,500-£2,000
A Level 2 holder can work as an assistant but is not considered a fully qualified groomer.
The industry standard for professional groomers. Covers:
Duration: 20-39 weeks part-time, or intensive courses over 30+ days
Cost: £3,000-£5,000
Prerequisite: City & Guilds requires Level 2 completion first. iPET Network allows direct entry to Level 3.
Advanced qualification for experienced groomers seeking to develop specialist skills or teach others.
Search our directory for groomers with verified qualifications and real customer reviews.
Find GroomersNot all certificates are equal. Look for qualifications from these Ofqual-regulated awarding bodies:
| Awarding Body | Ofqual Regulated | Key Qualifications |
|---|---|---|
| City & Guilds | Yes | Level 2 & 3 Dog Grooming |
| iPET Network | Yes | Level 3 & 4 Dog Grooming |
| AIM Qualifications | Yes | Level 3 Dog Grooming |
| OCN Northern Ireland | Yes | Level 3 Commercial Dog Grooming |
| ICMG UK | No (industry certification) | CAPG, Master Groomer |
The following colleges and training schools offer Ofqual-regulated grooming qualifications:
When choosing a groomer, don't be afraid to ask about their qualifications:
Experience matters too. A groomer with 10 years of experience and no formal qualification may be more skilled than a newly qualified Level 3 holder. But qualifications demonstrate a baseline of knowledge and a commitment to professional standards.
Browse our directory of professional groomers with real reviews from pet owners.
Search GroomersWhat qualifications should you look for?
Things to consider:
Your dog deserves to be groomed by someone who knows what they're doing. Qualifications aren't everything, but they're a good starting point for finding a groomer you can trust.
There is no legal requirement for dog groomers to hold qualifications in the UK. Anyone can legally call themselves a professional groomer without any training. However, reputable groomers typically hold at least a Level 3 qualification from City & Guilds, iPET Network, or OCN, demonstrating competency in handling, health checks, and professional grooming techniques.
The City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming (7863-03) is widely considered the industry standard. The iPET Network Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming and Salon Management is equally respected and Ofqual regulated. Both require practical assessments and demonstrate professional competency. Level 3 is the minimum qualification recommended by industry bodies like BIGA.
A Level 2 Certificate takes approximately 16-34 weeks part-time, or 8-16 days intensive. A Level 3 Diploma requires an additional 20-39 weeks depending on the training provider. Fast-track intensive courses can complete both levels in 50+ days of practical training. City & Guilds Level 3 also requires 100 hours of work experience in a grooming salon.
City & Guilds Level 2 courses cost around £1,500-£2,000. Level 3 Diplomas range from £3,000-£5,000 depending on the training provider. Combined Level 2 and 3 intensive courses typically cost £4,000-£7,000. Advanced Learner Loans may be available for eligible students aged 19+.
Level 2 is entry-level, covering health checks, bathing, drying, basic clipping, and nail trimming - holders can work as grooming assistants. Level 3 is the professional standard, covering advanced clipping, scissoring, breed-specific styling, hand-stripping, and salon management. Level 3 is what professional groomers should have.
Both are Ofqual-regulated and equally respected. City & Guilds is more established with written exams plus practical assessments and requires Level 2 before Level 3. iPET Network is newer, entirely practical-based with no written exams, and allows direct entry to Level 3. Choose based on your learning style and local training centre availability.
Ask: "What qualifications do you hold?" (look for Level 3 from City & Guilds, iPET Network, or OCN), "Where did you train?", "Are you insured?", "Do you do any continued professional development?", and "Are you a member of any trade associations?" (BIGA or BDGA membership indicates professional commitment).
Watch for: unwillingness to discuss their training or background, certificates only from non-Ofqual regulated providers, no public liability insurance, reluctance to share credentials, and vague answers about their experience. While experience matters, qualifications demonstrate a baseline of knowledge and professional commitment.