The IGS Certification Process
A Global Standard in Ethical & Holistic Grooming
The IGS Certification is the official international qualification offered by the International Grooming Society.
It is based on the DAATA-ICDG method, a globally recognized program rooted in skin and coat science, emotional grooming care, and respectful techniques.
This certification is designed for grooming professionals who wish to align their practice with a higher standard of animal care, holistic philosophy, and scientific expertise.
How it works:
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You follow the DAATA-ICDG training courses online. To know when the next sessions will take place please click on webinars.
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Once you have the courses and feel ready, you can apply for certification at the level of your choice.
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The certification process is optional and subject to a separate payment.
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Each level includes a dedicated exam and assessment.
A Two-Level Certification
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You follow the DAATA-ICDG training courses online, directly on the IGS platform.
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Once ready, you can apply for certification at the level of your choice.
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The certification process is optional and subject to a separate payment.
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Each level includes a dedicated exam and assessment.
Important:
You are free to follow the training courses for both levels in any order.
However, you must be certified in Level 1 before applying for the Level 2 certification.
This ensures that all certified professionals have first mastered the foundations of skin science and the DAATA-ICDG method before moving on to advanced dermatological care.
Level 1 – Skin, Coat & DAATA-ICDG Foundations
This first level focuses on:
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The structure and function of skin and coat
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The fundamentals of the DAATA-ICDG grooming method
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How to support the animal’s well-being during basic grooming
Assessment:
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A multiple-choice written exam (QCM)
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A video submission of a complete grooming session applying the method
📈 To be certified, candidates must score a minimum of 80%
Level 2 – Managing Skin, Coat & Grooming-Related Behavioural Issues
This level is designed for grooming professionals who want to specialize in the management of skin and coat disorders through grooming — while also learning how to address grooming-related behavioural challenges using grooming techniques themselves.
It offers an in-depth, practical approach to dermatological care and stress reduction, using the tools, protocols, and methods developed in the DAATA-ICDG program.
Skin & Coat Management
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Identify and understand common and complex skin and coat disorders (seborrhea, dermatitis, keratinisation issues, etc.)
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Choose and apply appropriate grooming routines adapted to sensitive or reactive skin
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Use natural ingredients and therapeutic protocols to support healing
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Observe and track progress over multiple sessions
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Build long-term care strategies for clients with chronic conditions
Assessment
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A multiple-choice written exam (QCM)
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A case study documenting the grooming of one dog or cat over three sessions, including skin evolution, routine adaptation, and behavioural management through grooming
📈 To be certified, candidates must score a minimum of 80%
Level 1 – Skin Science & the DAATA-ICDG Grooming Method
This foundational course is designed to revolutionize your grooming practice by aligning it with the natural physiology of the skin and coat.
It combines scientific knowledge with practical techniques that improve animal well-being, groomer efficiency, and grooming results — without relying on specialized or chemical-laden products.
You will learn how to:
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Understand the complete structure and function of the skin and coat in dogs and cats
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Analyse the impact of each grooming step (washing, drying, brushing, etc.) on skin health and coat quality
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Apply the DAATA-ICDG method to fully respect the skin’s and coat’s physiology
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Significantly reduce grooming-related reactions by up to 95%, simply by working with the animal’s natural rhythm
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Protect your own body and mental energy by working faster, smarter, and more comfortably
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Achieve optimal skin health and coat beauty without depending on aggressive or chemical-based grooming products
Level 2 – Managing Skin & Coat Issues with Natural Care
This advanced training is designed for grooming professionals who want to develop real expertise in understanding and supporting the natural balance of the skin and coat through thoughtful, individualized grooming protocols.
Building on the DAATA-ICDG method, this course focuses on observation, adaptation, and the use of natural ingredients to offer comfort and visible improvement — always within the scope of grooming practice.
You will learn how to:
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Identify and interpret common skin and coat manifestations (dryness, dandruff, itchiness, redness, excess oil, etc.)
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Create personalized grooming routines to support skin comfort and coat appearance
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Select and use natural plant-based ingredients (oils, clays, hydrosols…) that are safe and suitable for grooming use
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Monitor the evolution of the coat and skin condition over several sessions
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Apply techniques that naturally reduce grooming-related reactions, while respecting the animal’s rhythm and tolerance
Explore IGS Certification
Prove your expertise. Elevate your grooming. Make a difference.
✅ Why Get Certified?
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Build credibility and trust with clients and veterinarians
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Gain confidence through science-based knowledge
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Stand out from other professionals
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Raise your prices by offering specialized services
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Join a global network of gentle, ethical groomers
📋 The Certification Process
Please understand that the certification fee does not include the courses and that you must follow the courses before you can take the certification exams.
Level 1 Certification :
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Written test (multiple choice + short answers)
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You must send a video case study demonstrating your DAATA Grooming skills
After you complete the courses for level 1, you will receive a 180 pages PDF guide to help you prepare for the written exam
Level 2 Certification :
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Written test (multiple choice + short answers)
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You must send a detailed report on a practical case of your choice in order to demonstrate your ability to follow a skin problem over several sessions (the report must contain at least 3 sessions)
After you complete the courses for level 1, you will receive a 180 pages PDF guide to help you prepare for the written exam
🧭 Certification Levels
Level Focus Area Certification
Level 1 Skin & coat science, DAATA basics ✅ Available
Level 2 Skin issues: dry, oily, sensitive, etc. ✅ Available
📅 Exam Availability
You can apply for the Level 1 or 2 exam anytime after completing the training — check the webinars page to register for our next session.
Submit your answers and your video case study whenever you feel ready.
Certification requires a separate payment. The current fee is €100.
This means that you must pay for the courses separately.
Apply for Certification
Ready to become a certified DAATA-ICDG groomer? You’re just one step away from validating your skills and joining a global network of professionals.
🎓 Certification and Membership
The DAATA-ICDG certification is now officially recognized as the grooming certification of the International Grooming Society (IGS). To become certified, you must be a member of the IGS. This annual membership gives you access to the certification process, the official certificate, and inclusion in the IGS directory of certified professionals.
Membership details and registration are now available on the new IGS website. In the meantime, feel free to contact us directly at daatacertification@gmail.com to become a member and start the certification process.
📦 What’s Included
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Written exam (MCQs and short answers)
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Submission of a video showcasing a DAATA grooming session
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Evaluation by DAATA-ICDG examiners
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Once you are certified you'll receive an Official certificate issued in your name
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And you'll be added to the Listing in the IGS public directory of certified groomers
You will be redirected to a secure payment page. After completing payment, you will receive instructions by email within 48 hours.
IGS Professional Development Certificate
The IGS Professional Development Certificate (PDC) is the system that ensures certified groomers remain engaged in continuous education and professional growth.
The renewal of the IGS Certification (formerly DAATA-ICDG) is conditioned by the PDC.
To maintain your certification, you must collect at least 100 credit points per year through approved courses, webinars, and training sessions.
This requirement guarantees that every IGS Certified Groomer continues to meet the highest standards of knowledge, animal welfare, and professional excellence.
