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 organisation, 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 licence 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 recognised 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 licence 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.

Primary sources

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