The IGS Professional Development Certificate (PDC):

Supporting Lifelong Learning in Professional Grooming

In a profession that evolves constantly — scientifically, technically, and ethically — ongoing education is no longer optional. At the International Grooming Society (IGS), we believe that professional credibility is built not only through certification, but through continuous learning and long-term commitment.

This is why we created the IGS Professional Development Certificate (PDC).

What is the Professional Development Certificate?

The Professional Development Certificate (PDC) is a structured continuing education program designed for IGS members only.It recognises and formalises a groomer’s ongoing investment in education, welfare-based practices, and professional excellence.

The PDC allows members to:

• Accumulate Professional Development Points

• Obtain an official Professional Development Certificate

• Maintain the validity of their IGS Certification

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to lifelong learning

How does the PDC work?

The system is simple and transparent:

• Members earn Professional Development Points by completing:

  • IGS online courses

  • IGS-approved educational events, including those organised by IGS Chapters

• Once 100 points are reached, the member receives theIGS Professional Development Certificate, valid for one year

• Each year, the certificate is renewed by earning 100 new points

This ensures that certified professionals remain up to date, engaged, and aligned with current best practices.

Why is the PDC important?

The PDC plays a key role in the IGS professional framework:

• ✅ It supports continuous education, not one-time learning

• ✅ It helps maintain the validity of IGS Certification

• ✅ It reinforces ethical, welfare-centred, and science-informed grooming

• ✅ It provides international recognition of ongoing professional development

The certificate is not just a document — it reflects a professional mindset.

How are points recorded?

• Points earned through IGS online courses are recorded automatically on the member’s profile after successful completion.

• Points earned through IGS Chapter events are recorded manually, based on attendance and participation, and validated through the IGS system.

To ensure fairness and consistency worldwide, an official points framework is used across all Chapters.

A system that values past learning

To recognise the commitment of our existing members,Professional Development Points have been applied retroactively for members who previously completed IGS online courses successfully.

Your learning journey already counts.

Who can access the PDC?

👉 The Professional Development Certificate is exclusively available to IGS members.

By becoming a member, you gain access to:

• The PDC system

• All IGS educational resources

• An international professional community

• A structured pathway for long-term professional recognition

Building the future of the profession together

The PDC reflects the core values of the International Grooming Society:education, welfare, ethics, professionalism, and sustainability.

By supporting lifelong learning, the IGS aims to elevate the profession globally — for groomers, for animals, and for the future of grooming itself.

👉 Join the IGS and start building your Professional Development Certificate today🔗 www.internationalgroomingsociety.org

International Grooming Society (IGS)Holistic • Science-Informed • Ethical • Professional Grooming