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advanced pet stylist dog grooming certificate depicted by groomer creating stylized legs on a standard poodleadvanced pet stylist dog grooming certificate depicted by groomer creating stylized legs on a standard poodle

Pro Level – Breed Standard Stylist Certification

This is one of our most advanced and in-depth programs focused on practicing, perfecting, and testing your grooming skills on AKC Breed dogs while concentrating on specific techniques to prepare you for future Master Groomer certification work. Paragon combines online learning with hands-on practice assignments and one-to-one feedback from our professional grooming Mentors. (*Formerly Level 3 – Pet Stylist)

Pro Breed Standard Stylist Certification

Getting Started

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Level 2

Training Time: Up to four months

Pro Level Breed Standard Stylist Certificate Tuition, Tools & Textbook Options

  • Tuition with processing fee ($1495)
  • Books ($245) *if not already purchased
  • Complete Toolkit ($1145) (if not already purchased)
  • OR Left-Handed Toolkits
  • If first-time enrollment or level-up, your tuition now includes a FULL YEAR Membership in Paragon’s Groominar® Network at Learn2GroomDogs.com with more than 1200 streaming video tutorials!

Enroll NowEnroll an Employee

What You’ll Learn

  • AKC Breed History, Theory, and Identification
  • Advanced Skill & Technique Development
  • Pattern and Breed Specific Trims
  • Corrective Grooming
  • Basic Hand Stripping
  • Continuing Education
  • Client Communications

How You’ll Learn

Students receive access to the web-based, mobile friendly Level 3 Professional Pet Stylist Certification Study Content which includes:

  • Complete Online Study Guide
  • Video Lessons
  • Online Practice Quizzes and Tests
  • Hands-on Skill Assignments with Mentor Assessment
  • Tracking Journals
  • Photo Submission Guide
  • Personal One-on-One Mentor Communications
Wondering Which Pro Level Program Is Right for You?

Together or Separate: Our Pro Series Takes You to the Next Level!

  • NEW! Pro Level – Advanced Stylist Certification
    Designed for working pet groomers who want to elevate their everyday grooming skills, the Pro Level – Advanced Stylist Certification Program focuses on the dogs most commonly seen in today’s salons. Students learn advanced handling techniques, efficiency strategies, doodle and mixed-breed coat care, puppy and geriatric grooming considerations, client communication, finishing techniques, and creative ways to add polish and style without adding time to the groom. This program is an excellent next step after completing Levels 1 and 2, or as a professional development program for experienced groomers.
  • Pro Level – Breed Standard Stylist Certification
    The Pro Level – Breed Standard Stylist Certification Program is designed for groomers who want to deepen their breed-specific knowledge and work toward higher levels of professional achievement. Students develop skills based on AKC Breed Standards, with practical assignments evaluated accordingly. This program is ideal for those pursuing AKC or NDGAA Master Groomer Certification, interested in competitive grooming, or working closely with breeders. Access to AKC-recognized breed-standard dogs is required to complete the program.

Check out Paragon President Cara Evans’ article on the differences between the two Pro Level tracks here: The Difference Between a Pro Advanced Stylist and an Pro Breed Standard Stylist.

How Our Professional Dog Grooming Certificate Programs Work

Enroll Online

You will get access to all the Level 3 online certification curriculum material, including videos, quizzes, and tests. You will be assigned an instructor.

Start Work

Each module has a study guide to lead you through, step by step. You will use a blend of illustrated textbooks & online content.

Video Tutorials

Many of the modules include video lessons to better illustrate the techniques you're learning. Watch the pros at work!

Online Tests

Each lesson gives you a chance to take (and repeat, if needed) a practice quiz before performing the online graded unit test.

Practice

Level 3 has five practical assignments to help reinforce the skills you're learning. You will upload photos of your work for grading.

Congratulations!

After completing Level 3 certification, you'll receive your Professional Pet Stylist Certificate and be ready to work in any salon, or start your own!

Need More Information?

Meet the mentors who guide our students through the program to career success! Learn why MENTORS make the difference! Still have questions? Book time with our enrollment counsellor:

Let’s Chat!