Dog Grooming Diplomas

City & Guilds · Diploma in Dog Grooming (7863)

Long-established vocational diplomas in dog grooming, assessed through written theory and practical work in the salon.

01 What It Is

City & Guilds is a long-established vocational awarding organization, and its dog-grooming diplomas have certified competence in the trade for many years. The Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming is the senior qualification, taken after a level 2 grounding, and like all grooming qualifications it is voluntary: there is no statutory license to groom a dog in the UK.

02 What It Covers

The diploma combines written theory with assessed practical work. Candidates sit a written examination on the underlying knowledge and complete practical assessments covering health checks, first aid and the grooming of dogs across different coat types and styles, including breed-standard and pet grooms. The practical work is carried out and assessed in a grooming salon.

03 How It Is Checked

Candidates must pass both the written and practical components, with the practical assignment graded pass, merit or distinction and every element achieved at least at pass for the qualification to be awarded. As a recognized vocational qualification it carries external standing rather than being an in-house certificate, though it remains a voluntary credential in an unlicensed trade.

04 Why It Matters

Because no license is required to groom dogs in the UK, qualifications are the main way an owner or employer can judge competence. A City & Guilds diploma signals assessed skill in handling, coat care and the health checks a groomer is often first to spot a problem through, which matters for an animal that cannot say when something is wrong.

Common Questions

Is it required to groom dogs?

No. Grooming has no statutory license in the UK, so the diploma is voluntary. As a recognized vocational qualification it carries external standing rather than being an in-house certificate.

Who awards it?

City & Guilds, a long-established vocational awarding organization regulated by Ofqual. The Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming is the senior qualification.

What does it cover?

Written theory plus assessed practical work: health checks, first aid, and grooming across different coat types and styles, including breed-standard and pet grooms, carried out in a grooming salon.

How is it assessed?

Candidates must pass both the written and practical components, with the practical assignment graded pass, merit or distinction and every element achieved at least at pass.

Who values it?

Owners and employers judging competence in an unlicensed trade.

Why does it matter?

With no license required, qualifications are the main way to judge a groomer. The diploma signals assessed skill in handling, coat care and the health checks a groomer is often first to spot a problem through.

Primary sources

Diploma in Dog Grooming (7863), City & Guildscityandguilds.com