Thank you for your interest in the Training Area.  On this page you will notice a new menu above that will link you to pages containing NAPCH testing requirements.  Our goal at NAPCH is to be transparent in our testing and to provide our members a guide to what they will be tested on to meet the "minimum standards" for the area they are testing in.  Upon successful completion of the test, the NAPCH member will be certified in that area.

 Remember...that meeting "minimum standards" in no way replaces continuing training with a NAPCH Trainer.  Once we as handlers achieve the minimum, it is our responsibility; to our partners and the public at large; to keeping going farther.

This test is to determine the dog's ability to detect Accelerants. For testing the dog CANNOT miss more than one (1) odor. A miss is more than one (1) incorrect response. It will be up to the Master Trainer's discretion to determine if the team will retake the entire test, or just the area that the miss occurred. If the team is retested in only one (1) area, no misses will be allowed. This test may be conducted over a two (2) day period.

For the purpose of testing, the term "aid" will be the accelerant odor used.

The team will be tested on six (6) different odors made up of two (2) odors from each division listed. They are:

Heavy Medium Light

1) #2 Fuel Oil 1) Paint & Varnish Remove 1) Charcoal Lighter Fluid

2) Diesel Fuel 2) Lacquer Thinner 2) Paint Thinner

3) Lamp Oil 3) Kerosene 3) Naphtha

4) Transmission Fluid 4) Gasoline 4) Dry Gas

5) Jet-A-Fuel 5) Gasohol

6) Octane

The testing handler will supply the samples to be used. The Master Trainer will determine which samples will be used for the test.

The maximum amount to be tested shall be ½ cup and the minimum amount will be one (1) drop, to be determined by the Master Trainer. The Master Trainer will determine the amount of odors to be placed in each area from the list of six they have chosen for testing.

Testing will be conducted in a minimum of two (2) and a maximum of three (3) of the following areas. The Master Trainer will determine which areas will be used for testing, subject to their availability.

Structure Fire Scene

The Structure Fire Scene size to be tested will be determined by the Master Trainer. The recommended size of the scene should be no smaller than 1200 square feet and no larger than 3000 square feet.

Open Area

The area will be no larger than 50 yards by 50 yards. In the open area, aids should be poured onto the ground, if practical. Recommended areas are; open fields, construction sites or any other open area suitable for placing aids.

Clothing Line Up

Used clothing will be placed in a line. A minimum of five (5) and a maximum of eight (8) articles of clothing will be used.

Vehicle Interior

A minimum of two (2) vehicles will be used with a least one (1) "clean" vehicle in the search area.

The test will be on a pass/fail basis. The Master Trainer will determine if there will be a break between the testing of areas. There will be no time limits on the test as long as the Master Trainer determines that the team is still working. The Master Trainer reserves the right to modify this test, based on environmental conditions. If the test is modified, the Master Trainer will inform the "testing" handler of the changes before the start of the test.

Any urinating/defecating in training or testing area and/or around a "hide" is immediate grounds for failure!

The Accelerant certification will remain in effect for two years as long as a good standing member of NAPCH and the Team remains intact.

The Aggression Control Test is a comprehensive evaluation of the Team's control and courage under situations simulating on-duty encounters.

The Master Trainer/Trainer will check and approve all equipment prior to the test, as well as attempt to assess the capability of the decoy. At any time the Master Trainer can terminate the test for equipment deficiency, decoy inexperience or any other cause deemed to be of significant safety concern to the handlers, by-standers or K-9s.

A bite suit, sleeve or hidden sleeve can be used by the decoy, per the Master Trainer's instructions.

False Start/Call Out/Recall

K9 will be placed in a down or sit/stay stance. The decoy will proceed quickly away from the team; with no apprehension from the K9 (distance 50'-150'). The handler will then "send" the K9 and terminate (call out) the send at a distance of approximately one half of the total distance. The "send" can be terminated by a sit, down or a recall. There can be no contact between the decoy and the K9. The handler will bring the K9 to a heel position by either recalling the K9 to a heel, or proceed to the downed K9 and placing the K9 into a heel position.

Gunfire/Pat Down

The decoy will fire two (2) shots at a distance of 75'-150'. The K9 will be deployed for the apprehension, with a third (3^rd) shot fired after the K9 leaves the handler. The K9 must make the apprehension to pass. The handler will then either call out the K9 and have the K9 return to the heel position, or down the K9 at a location of approximately 75' from the decoy. The handler will approach the decoy and conduct a "pat down" search with NO apprehension made by the K9.

Master Trainers will have the authority to not grant a "pass" rating based on an excessively weak or poor bite. Failure to "call out" the K9 in a timely manner, or any unauthorized bite by the K9, will result in failure.

Handlers may use whatever "duty gear" on a K9 that is used, approved or mandated by his/her Department or Employer; with the approval of the Master Trainer. However, NO, "external stimulus" will be allowed during any phase of the Aggression Control Test.

Any urinating/defecating in training or testing area and/or around a "hide" is immediate grounds for failure!

The Aggression certification will remain in effect for two years as long as a good standing member with NAPCH and the Team remains intact.

The Area Search Test is a comprehensive evaluation of the Team's ability to locate a hidden human being in an outdoor area.

The Master Trainer will inform the handler that the test has been failed, if the Master Trainer determines that the dog is not working or that the hidden human being was not located. All testing and times will be at the discretion of the Master Trainer.

Suspect

The suspect will be hidden for a minimum of ten (10) minutes prior to the test. The suspect will be hidden in a place that is not visible to the K9 Team. For protection, the suspect will have a sleeve.

Handler

The handler will provide equipment that is normally used on the job. The test can be preformed on of off lead. The Master Trainer will confer and accompany the handler. The Master Trainer will have the authority not to pass the team, if the handler cannot control his/her K9 in the search area.

Any urinating/defecating in training or testing area and/or around a "hide" is immediate grounds for failure!

The Area Search certification will remain in effect for two years as long as a good standing member with NAPCH and the Team remains intact.

The Article Search Test is a comprehensive evaluation of the Team's ability to locate items that have recent human odor on them.

The Master Trainer will inform the handler that the test has been failed, if the Master Trainer determines that the dog is not working or at least three (3) of the four (4) test items have not been located. All testing and times will be at the discretion of the Master Trainer.

Search Area

The search area will be no less than forty feet (40) by forty feet (40) with moderate vegetation and contamination.

Handler

The handler can retrieve the article, or have the dog retrieve the article, once the indication is made. The dog must find three (3) out of the four (4) articles to pass this test.

Any urinating/defecating in training or testing area and/or around a "hide" is immediate grounds for failure!

The Article certification will remain in effect for two years as long as a good standing member with NAPCH and the Team remains intact.

The Building Search Test is a comprehensive evaluation of the Team's ability to locate a human being hiding in a closed structure.

The Master Trainer will inform the handler that the test has been failed, if the Master Trainer determines that the dog is not working or that the hiding human being was not located. All testing and times will be at the discretion of the Master Trainer.

Buildings

There will be three basic types of building used in this test, they are:

1. Residence

2. Warehouses, barns

3. Schools, hotels, office buildings

The Master Trainer may also use his/her discretion to select other types of closed structures depending on availability. There will be a minimum of two (2) "clean" rooms in the test area.

Suspects

The suspect will be hidden ten (10) minutes prior to the test. The suspect will be hidden in a place that is not visible to the K9 Team. For protection, the suspect will have a sleeve.

Handler

The handler will provide equipment that is normally used on the job. The test can be preformed on or off lead. The Master Trainer will confer and accompany the handler. The handler will not open any doors and will inform the Master Trainer where the suspect is hidden.

Any urinating/defecating in training or testing area and/or around a "hide" is immediate grounds for failure!

The Building Search certification will remain in effect for two years as long as a good standing member with NAPCH and the Team remains intact.

The Cadaver is designed to test the K9's ability and proficiency in searching designated areas for the scent of a cadaver. This testing is also intended to test the handler's ability to read the alert/indication of their K9.

Cadaver certification consists of two (2) parts. The Cadaver test includes a land search and a water search.

All safety precautions for biohazards will be followed at all times. No teeth, dry bleached bones or pseudo aids may be used for this certification. The handler will inform the Master Trainer of the alert the K9 will give upon a positive find. The handler may not "cue" or help the K9, except to motivate and encourage the K9 to work. The K9 must indicate both cadaver training aids and must not indicate on the animal remains, to successfully pass this test. Alerts or indications to the animal remains, consumption of any amount of the "hides" or alerting or indicating to the blank areas are all grounds for failure. The handler shall advise the Master Trainer of how the K9 alerts or indicates prior to testing. If the testing team has any misses, the test will be considered a failure. The team may attempt one (1) re-test, on the same day, if circumstances permit. If the team fails a second time on the same day, the team can be re-tested at the discretion of the Master Trainer. Teams must pass all areas of testing in the same certification day.

There will be no time limits on the test as long as the Master Trainer determines that the team is working. The Master Trainer reserves the right to modify this test based on environmental conditions. If the test is modified, the Master Trainer will inform the handler of the changes before the start of the test. The test is a pass/fail test.

All teams desiring to be tested must provide all training aids and safety items, i.e. latex gloves, personal flotation devices. Teams must also provide their own boats as well as any equipment required to complete the test. All teams should be able to show a general knowledge of safety precautions, search techniques and GPS usage.

Cadaver Certification - Land Search

Collapsed Structure: Rubble area or rubble piles may be used to simulate a collapsed structure.

Open Area: Training aids should be covered with dirt, leaves or brush. Training aids should be buried in a highly vegetated area or woods. The buried training aid should be placed at a depth of twelve (12) inches and several "clean" holes should be in the same general location. Training aids should also be placed in an elevated position, no higher than six (6) feet above the surface.

Vehicles: Vehicle interiors will be included in the Land Search. It is recommended that six (6) vehicles be used. A minimum of two (2) vehicles having training aids hidden inside and four (4) having no training aids.

Cadaver Certification - Water Search

Shoreline: The search area will be approximately 100 yards or more in length. The training aid, if placed, will be placed off-shore in approximately two (2) to four (4) feet of water.

Running Water: The K9 team will be required to search an open moving or running area of water (such as a stream, creek or river). The team will be required to conduct the search from a boat. The search area will be determined by site availability, with an area of 50 yards by 100 yards or more, preferable. Two (2) or more people will stand along the shoreline to act as distractions to the team. Other distractions, approved by the Master Trainer, may be substituted.

Open Water: The training aid will be placed off shore at a reasonable depth, depending on site availability, but is recommended to be in water no less than six (6) feet. No divers may be used for this search. . Two (2) or more people will stand along the shoreline to act as distractions to the team. Other distractions, approved by the Master Trainer, may be substituted.

Any urinating/defecating in training or testing area and/or around a "hide" is immediate grounds for failure!

The Cadaver Certification will remain in effect for two years as long as a good member in standing with NAPCH and the Team remains intact.

This test is to determine the dog’s ability to detect explosive odors, proper indication, and the ability of the handler and canine to work together as a team. It is the handler’s responsibility to identify when the canine is in “odor” and when the canine had “indicated” properly, prior to rewarding the canine. The Master Trainer will use “reasonable judgment” when determining if the team is at “source” based on placement of the explosive odor (“aid” will be used interchangeably with explosive odor), wind current, and substance/aid weight. Prior to starting a search the testing team will be briefed by the Master Trainer on the search area, starting point and expectations of the team.

All training aids will be provided by the hosting organization, and will be handled with extreme care. All aids will be placed by the Master Trainer or designated assistant. Testing detection teams will be tested on at least one (1) odor from each of the six (6) categories. Each aid will be at least ½ pound. Aids must be set at least thirty (30) minutes prior to testing. Pseudo explosive odor aids will NEVER be utilized for testing purposes.

Explosive Odor/Aid Categories

1. Powders (Black, Pyrodex, double base or single base smokeless powders)

2. TNT

3. Commercial Dynamite

4. C-4, Flex-X, or Data Sheet, (if available) Semtex

5. Det-Cord (PETN)

6. Slurries or Water Gels

The testing detection team cannot “miss” any of the training aids or falsely indicate during any phase of the certification. The canine cannot show any aggression towards the training aid; such as biting, or scratching. Any aggression will count as a failure for that phase. The certification is a “pass or fail test”. If a team fails at any phase only that phase will need to be retaken.

The testing area is solely at the discretion of the testing Master Trainer. Testing must be conducted in at least two (2) of the six (6) approved areas.

Approved Testing Areas

1. Open Area

2. Buildings (Interior and/or Exterior)

3. Vehicles or Watercraft

4. Aircraft

5. Baggage or Luggage

6. Commercial Carriers (Mass Transit)

Open Area

May consist of large open rooms, such as a warehouse; exterior of buildings, open fields or wooded areas. The size of the area to be searched is at the discretion of the Master Trainer. The training aid may be placed below the surface or as high as ten (10) feet.

Buildings

Will be any enclosed structure with at least four (4) rooms. Not more than one (1) aid will be placed in a room and at least two (2) rooms will be “clean”. The size of the building and rooms is at the discretion of the Master Trainer. The handler must not move, open, or disturb any portion of the structure. The training aids may be placed from the floor to a height of ten (10) feet.

Vehicles

Searches shall be conducted on no less than five (5) vehicles. No more than one (1) training aid will be on a vehicle at a time. Training aids may be placed on the interior, exterior, under the hood or under the vehicle, and must not be accessible to the canine. There will be a minimum of one (1) clean vehicle in the search area.

Aircraft

Searches may be conducted on the interior and or the exterior, depending on the size and availability of aircraft. One (1) or more training aids may be placed on or in the aircraft based on size and at the discretion of the Master Trainer. The handler must not open any cabin or compartment at any time.

Baggage or Luggage

Searches must consist of no fewer than eight (8) suitcases, briefcases, duffle bags, backpacks, or purses. The baggage or luggage may be hard or soft sided, made of plastic, leather, nylon, cloth, aluminum, etc. There shall not be more than two (2) training aids for every eight (8) articles to be searched. The handler will not open, handle, or disturb the baggage or luggage at any time.

Commercial Carriers

Carriers may consist of ships, trains, buses, tractor-trailers, etc. The number of training aids on or in each carrier will depend on the size and availability and at the discretion of the Master Trainer. The training aid may be placed on the interior or exterior of the carrier. The handler will not open any cabin or compartment at any time.

Any urinating/defecating in training or testing area and/or around a “hide” is immediate grounds for failure!

The Explosive Certification will remain in effect for two years as long as a good member in standing with NAPCH and the Team remains intact.

1) The applicant must be a regular member with the National Association of Professional Canine Handlers, for a minimum of one (1) year.

2) The applicant must have served one year as an approved NAPCH Trainer.

3) The applicant must have at least eight (8) years of experience as a handler. They must also have handled a minimum of two (2) dogs.

4) The applicant must have in writing, the support of at least two (2) Master Trainers with the National Association of Professional Canine Handlers.

5) The applicant must have assisted in the certification of canine teams by the National Association of Professional Canine Handlers and attended at least one (1) N.A.P.C.H. national workshop.

6) The applicant must provide a detailed resume describing their experience as a canine handler and trainer. They must provide a letter expressing the areas of accreditation they wish to apply for and send the information to the Accreditation Chairperson no later than September 1st.

7) The applicant must have trained a minimum of three (3) canines and assisted with the training of canine teams.

8) The applicant will complete an oral interview in front of the Executive Board and have the approval of the Majority, for accreditation.

9) The Executive Board reserves the right to take into account the applicant’s total training experience and make modifications to the above requirements, if they believe that the accreditation of the applicant will benefit the National Association of Professional Canine Handlers.

Upon accreditation, the applicant will remain active in the National Association of Professional Canine Handlers by performing certifications and attending workshops. The Accreditation Chairperson will review the applicant’s participation every two (2) years.

This test is to determine the dog’s ability to detect narcotics. For testing the dog CANNOT miss more than one (1) odor. A miss is more than one (1) incorrect response. It will be up to the Master Trainer’s discretion to determine if the team will retake the entire test, or just the area that the miss occurred. If the team is retested in only one (1) area, no misses will be allowed.

TESTING RULES

1) The reward used by the handler will not contain any narcotics.

2) Pseudo narcotics will not be used for testing.

3) The narcotics, and amounts, to be used for testing will be determined by the Master Trainer and provided by the Hosting Agency.

Testing will be conducted in two (2) of the following areas. The Master Trainer will determine which areas will be used for testing.

Vehicles

The Master Trainer will use only one (1) hide for each odor being tested, which will be placed on the exterior or interior of the vehicles. A minimum of three (3) vehicles will be used, with at least one (1) being a “clean” vehicle.

Buildings

There will be one (1) hide for each odor being tested. The size and amount of rooms used will be at the discretion of the Master Trainer. There will be at least one (1) “clean” room used during testing.

Any other Designated Area

Other areas used will be at the discretion of the Master Trainer and will depend on availability. Suggested areas are; lockers, luggage, boxes or any other area deemed suitable for testing by the Master Trainer.

The test will be on a pass/fail basis. The Master Trainer will determine if there will be a break between the testing of areas. There will be no time limits on the test as long as the Master Trainer determines that the team is still working.

Any urinating/defecating in training or testing area and/or around a “hide” is immediate grounds for failure!

The Narcotic certification will remain in effect for two years as long as a good standing member with NAPCH and the Team remains intact.

This test is to determine the handler’s ability to control their dog with “Basic Obedience Skills” that all Police/Professional Service Dogs should possess. This test MUST be passed before the team can attempt any other phases which involve working off-lead. The “Duty Collar” worn by the dog on Patrol can be used during this test. If an “E Collar” is used, the handler may NOT use the controller. The Master Trainer has the discretion to determine if a collar is inappropriate for use during this test.

TEST

The test will consist of two (2) phases:

1) Heeling Phase

2) Stay Phase

Each phase will be completed “Off-Lead”, and may be performed in any order determined by the Master Trainer. The test will be judged on a pass/fail basis.

Heeling Phase

This phase of the Obedience test is to judge the control of the team while heeling. The team will perform a minimum of two (2) right turns, two (2) left turns and two (2) about turns. The turns will be performed on leg lengths to be determined by the Master Trainer, but not to exceed 100 feet. The pace of the heel phase will be determined by the Master Trainer, but should include at least one (1) change of pace.

Stay Phase

This phase of the Obedience test is to determine if the dog understands the command “Stay”. At a point designated by the Master Trainer, the handler will place his/her dog in a “Stay”. This will be in a “Sit or Down” as determined by the handler. The handler will then leave their dog in a “Stay”, at a distance to be determined by the Master Trainer, but no greater than 100 feet. Upon direction of the Master Trainer, the handler will turn and face the dog. The handler will stop and pause, before returning to their dog.

After the handler returns to their dog, they will call the dog to the “heel” and repeat the process from a moving “heel”. At the direction of the Master Trainer, the handler will again place their dog in a “Stay” and continue walking until directed to stop facing their dog. The handler will wait until directed by the Master Trainer before returning to their dog. This stay will be for one (1) minute, but no more then two (2) minutes. When directed by the Master Trainer, the handler will “recall” their dog. While the dog is returning to the handler, the handler will order the dog to “Stay” by hand or voice. After a short pause the dog will be recalled to a “heel”.

Any urinating/defecating in training or testing area and/or around a “hide” is immediate grounds for failure!

The Obedience certification will remain in effect for two years as long as a good standing member with NAPCH and the Team remains intact.

The SAR Test is designed to test the K9’s ability and proficiency in searching designated areas for the scent of a human. This testing is also intended to test the handler’s ability to read the alert/indication of their K9.

SAR certification consists of three (3) parts for Search and Rescue teams. The SAR test includes a basic odor recognition test in addition to a land and water search. The basic odor recognition test must be completed before the SAR team can participate in the land and water searches.

All safety precautions for biohazards will be followed at all times. No teeth, dry bleached bones or pseudo aids may be used for this certification. The handler will inform the Master Trainer of the alert the K9 will give upon a positive find. The handler may not “cue” or help the K9, except to motivate and encourage the K9 to work. The K9 must indicate both training aids and must not indicate on the animal remains, to successfully pass this test. Alerts or indications to the animal remains, consumption of any amount of the “hides” or alerting or indicating to the blank areas are all grounds for failure. The handler shall advise the Master Trainer of how the K9 alerts or indicates prior to testing. If the testing team has any misses, the test will be considered a failure. The team may attempt one (1) re-test, on the same day, if circumstances permit. If the team fails a second time on the same day, the team can be re-tested at the discretion of the Master Trainer. Teams must pass all areas of testing in the same certification day.

There will be no time limits on the test as long as the Master Trainer determines that the team is working. The Master Trainer reserves the right to modify this test based on environmental conditions. If the test is modified, the Master Trainer will inform the handler of the changes before the start of the test. The test is a pass/fail test.

All teams desiring to be tested must provide all training aids and safety items, i.e. latex gloves, personal flotation devices. Teams must also provide their own boats as well as any equipment required to complete the test. All teams should be able to show a general knowledge of safety precautions, search techniques and GPS usage.

SAR Odor Recognition Test

This test should be conducted indoors to limit wind and weather effects on the test. A twenty (20) minute set-up time is suggested before beginning the test. The handler may supply single or double holed cinder blocks with a perforated cover, a drop-in container with perforated top, wood boxes with a drop-in container and a perforated top, small cardboard box with a drop-in container and a perforated top or any other available container acceptable to the Master Trainer. Each container will be free of external markings and all perforations will be small enough to eliminate the presence of visual clues. There should be a minimum of twelve (12) containers and there should be at least two (2) training aids placed in the containers, with the locations unknown to the testing team. A small portion of animal remains should be placed in one (1) of the remaining ten (10) containers as a distraction material.

Land Search

Collapsed Structure: Rubble area or rubble piles may be used to simulate a collapsed structure.

Open Area: Training aids should be covered with dirt, leaves or brush. Training aids should be buried in a highly vegetated area or woods. The buried training aid should be placed at a depth of twelve (12) inches and several “clean” holes should be in the same general location. Training aids should also be placed in an elevated position, no higher than six (6) feet above the surface.

Vehicles: Vehicle interiors will be included in the Land Search. It is recommended that six (6) vehicles be used. A minimum of two (2) vehicles having training aids hidden inside and four (4) having no training aids.

Water Search

Shoreline: The search area will be approximately 100 yards or more in length. The training aid, if placed, will be placed off-shore in approximately two (2) to four (4) feet of water.

Running Water: The K9 team will be required to search an open moving or running area of water (such as a stream, creek or river). The team will be required to conduct the search from a boat. The search area will be determined by site availability, with an area of 50 yards by 100 yards or more, preferable. Two (2) or more people will stand along the shoreline to act as distractions to the team. Other distractions, approved by the Master Trainer, may be substituted.

Open Water: The training aid will be placed off shore at a reasonable depth, depending on site availability, but is recommended to be in water no less than six (6) feet. No divers may be used for this search. . Two (2) or more people will stand along the shoreline to act as distractions to the team. Other distractions, approved by the Master Trainer, may be substituted.

Any urinating/defecating in training or testing area and/or around a “hide” is immediate grounds for failure!

The SAR Certification will remain in effect for two years as long as a good member in standing with NAPCH and the Team remains intact.

This certification is designed to show that the canine is capable of tracking an unknown person in an unfamiliar area. The certification is meant to be similar to real life working conditions that a team would encounter. This certification is a test of the canine and handler’s ability to work as a team and the handler’s ability to read their canine.

Handlers

Handlers may use tracking lines and harnesses, leather collars, and or training collars while tracking. Handlers will not use spiked collars, whistles or e-collars while tracking.

Suspect/Track Layer

When possible the suspect (also known as the track layer) will be unknown to the testing team. The track layer will receive instructions from the Master Trainer on the details of the track. The track layer will not change the instructions, given by the Master Trainer, during the track. Before the track is ran by the testing team, they will be informed by the Master Trainer, if the track layer or an article will be at the end of the track.

Track

When the track is being laid, the testing team will not be in the area. The Master Trainer will notify the testing team when the track is ready and where the general area for the start of the track is located. The track will be a minimum of 300 yards long and a minimum of twenty (20) minutes old. The track will have at least three (3) turns and one (1) scented article along the track. The track must have at least one (1) change of vegetation (grass, cement, blacktop, forest, etc.). There must be one (1) cross track laid by a second track layer, within ten (10) minutes of the beginning of the track to show the teams ability to track their suspect and read a cross track. The cross track will not be laid near any turns or during a change in vegetation. It is the Master Trainers discretion if the track needs to be run at a different time due to climate or age of the track or other circumstances deemed important to the Master Trainer.

All certifications are either pass or fail. The Master Trainer will have the final say if the team will be certified at the end of the testing track.

Any urinating/defecating in training or testing area and/or around a “hide” is immediate grounds for failure!

The Tracking certification will remain in effect for two years as long as a good standing member of NAPCH and the Team remains intact.

1) The applicant must be a regular member with the National Association of Professional Canine Handlers, for a minimum of one (1) year.

2) The applicant must have at least four (4) years of experience as a handler. They must also have handled a minimum of one (1) dog.

3) The applicant must have in writing, the support of at least two (2) Master Trainers with the National Association of Professional Canine Handlers.

4) The applicant must have assisted in the certification of canine teams by the National Association of Professional Canine Handlers and attended at least one (1) N.A.P.C.H. national workshop.

5) The applicant must provide a detailed resume describing their experience as a canine handler and training they assisted with. They must provide a letter expressing the areas of accreditation they wish to apply for and send the information to the Accreditation Chairperson no later than September 1st.

6) The applicant must have assisted in training canine teams for the National Association of Professional Canine Handlers.

7) The applicant will complete an oral interview in front of the Executive Board and have the approval of the Majority, for accreditation.

8) The Executive Board reserves the right to take into account the applicant’s total training experience and make modifications to the above requirements, if they believe that the accreditation of the applicant will benefit the National Association of Professional Canine Handlers.

Upon accreditation, the applicant will remain active in the National Association of Professional Canine Handlers by performing certifications and attending workshops. The Accreditation Chairperson will review the applicant’s participation every two (2) years.