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:
-
You follow the DAATA-ICDG training courses online.
-
Once you finish the courses and feel ready, you can apply for certification at the level of your choice.
-
The certification process is optional and subject to a separate payment.
-
Each level includes a dedicated exam and assessment.
A Two-Level Certification
-
You follow the DAATA-ICDG training courses online, directly on the IGS platform.
-
Once ready, you can apply for certification at the level of your choice.
-
The certification process is optional and subject to a separate payment.
-
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:
-
The structure and function of skin and coat
-
The fundamentals of the DAATA-ICDG grooming method
-
How to support the animal’s well-being during basic grooming
​​
Assessment:
-
A multiple-choice written exam (QCM)
-
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
-
Identify and understand common and complex skin and coat disorders (seborrhea, dermatitis, keratinisation issues, etc.)
-
Choose and apply appropriate grooming routines adapted to sensitive or reactive skin
-
Use natural ingredients and therapeutic protocols to support healing
-
Observe and track progress over multiple sessions
-
Build long-term care strategies for clients with chronic conditions
Assessment
-
A multiple-choice written exam (QCM)
-
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:
​
-
Understand the complete structure and function of the skin and coat in dogs and cats
-
Analyse the impact of each grooming step (washing, drying, brushing, etc.) on skin health and coat quality
-
Apply the DAATA-ICDG method to fully respect the skin’s and coat’s physiology
-
Significantly reduce grooming-related reactions by up to 95%, simply by working with the animal’s natural rhythm
-
Protect your own body and mental energy by working faster, smarter, and more comfortably
-
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:
​
-
Identify and interpret common skin and coat manifestations (dryness, dandruff, itchiness, redness, excess oil, etc.)
-
Create personalized grooming routines to support skin comfort and coat appearance
-
Select and use natural plant-based ingredients (oils, clays, hydrosols…) that are safe and suitable for grooming use
-
Monitor the evolution of the coat and skin condition over several sessions
-
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?
-
Build credibility and trust with clients and veterinarians
-
Gain confidence through science-based knowledge
-
Stand out from other professionals
-
Raise your prices by offering specialized services
-
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 :
​
-
Written test (multiple choice + short answers)
-
You must send a video case study demonstrating your DAATA Grooming skills
​​​
​
Level 2 Certification :
​
-
Written test (multiple choice + short answers)
-
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)
​​​
🧠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.
​Submit your answers and your video case study whenever you feel ready.
​
Certification requires a separate payment. The current fee is €100 or FREE for IGS members.
​
Apply for Certification
Ready to become a certified IGS groomer? You’re just one step away from validating your skills and joining a global network of professionals. If you are a member contact us to be guided through your certification process. If you are not member please subscribe first.
Keeping your certification active
Only IGS members can be IGS certified groomers. This means that you must keep your membership active to keep your certification running.
After one year, you will asked to obtain 100 PDC points per year. These points are easily acquired simply by following some IGS Training. Don't worry, a lot of online training are free for members or accessible to reduced price. 100 PDC points are easy to acquire and at the same ensures you're up to date and keep learning.
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.
