Information for examiners

Clubs and organisations hosting tests should note the changes to the criteria for examiners, which came into force from 1 May 2014.

We can help you find an approved Good Citizen Dog Training scheme test examiner. Please email our Good Citizen Dog Training scheme office.

Examiner assessment courses at the following levels:

• A1 list (up to and including gold level) - received a pass at the Bronze, Silver and Gold award levels of our Good Citizen Dog Training scheme examiner assessment course
• A2 list (up to and including silver level) - received a pass at the Bronze, Silver and Gold levels of our Good Citizen Dog Training scheme examiner assessment course
• A3 list (bronze level only) - received a pass at the Bronze award level of our Good Citizen Dog Training scheme examiner assessment scheme

Examiners who are placed on the A2 and A3 examiner list may also feature on the B list through previous Good Citizen Dog Training scheme examining experience at silver and gold award levels prior to May 1, 2014. Applications in writing were required prior to this date.

Further applications will not be accepted.

Examiners who are listed on the B list through previous Good Citizen Dog Training scheme examining experience at prior to 1 May 2014. All approved examiners are issued with an authorisation number to confirm their qualification. Examiners whose name appears on the B list are eligible to examine at all levels (Bronze, Silver and Gold).

Applications for the B list have closed. All new examiners after 1 May 2014 must have taken and passed the Good Citizen Dog Training scheme examiner assessment course at the relevant levels of achievement i.e. Bronze, Silver and Gold).

Paperwork and certificates are only provided to the approved club hosting the test. The club is also responsible for providing a scanner for each test. Other items such as a gate, grooming table and appropriate matting should be provided by the club, however check with them prior to the test to make sure you have everything you need. All approved examiners have been issued with a copy of the Good Citizen Dog Training scheme guideline handbook, authorisation number and examiner checklist.

Induction seminars provide a comprehensive explanation of the scheme's standards and testing procedures, including practical demonstrations. Although primarily aimed at dog training instructors and potential examiners, seminars are open to anyone with an interest in the workings of the scheme.

Topics include: preparing for tests, laws that affect dogs, the usage of equipment/training aids and practical demonstrations of requested exercises. Attendees have the opportunity to request on their application form any specific exercises or questions that they would like covered.

The aim of the Bronze examiner assessment course is to provide a route to examine Good Citizen Dog Training scheme tests, eligible for instructors who have a minimum of five years' involvement with the scheme. This may include being part of a training club, taking part in a test with your own dog, and/or stewarding/assisting a test. Candidates will also require three years' dog training instructing experience in a class situation and can show where they have instructed a class without assistance. This course will also be beneficial to current scheme examiners who are already qualified but wish to develop their knowledge.

Candidates who attend the course and successfully achieve a pass grade will be approved to examine the Bronze Award and placed on the Good Citizen Dog Training scheme examiner A3 list. Results of the assessment will be given at the end of the course day and successful candidates will receive a certificate of confirmation.

The aim of the silver examiner assessment course is to provide a route to examine the Good Citizen Dog Training scheme Silver Award level. Candidates must have passed the bronze award assessment to take part on this course. It is also preferable that candidates have examined a Good Citizen Dog Training scheme test since passing the scheme's bronze examiner course.

Candidates who attend the course and successfully achieve a pass grade will be approved to examine the Silver Award and placed on the Good Citizen Dog Training scheme examiner A2 list. Results of the assessment will be given at the end of the course day and successful candidates will receive a certificate of confirmation.

The aim of the gold examiner assessment course is to provide a route to examine the Good Citizen Dog Training scheme Gold award level. Candidates must have passed the silver award assessment to take part on this course and have examined a bronze or silver award test.

Candidates who attend the course and successfully achieve a pass grade will be approved to examine the Gold Award and placed on the Good Citizen Dog Training scheme examiner A1 list. Results of the assessment will be given at the end of the course day and successful candidates will receive a certificate of confirmation.

An examiner should be given as much notice as possible. Ideally they should be invited at the beginning of a training course so that preparations can be made.

Examiners should have a clear understanding of the aims, objectives and standard required for each test level they will be invited to examine. They should have a copy of the Good Citizen Dog Training scheme Guideline Handbook.

Examiners are not responsible for providing the scheme's paperwork for testing and sessions cannot be conducted without the correct paperwork. It is the responsibility of the club hosting the test to order and provide all the required stationery.

Examiners will have their own style of setting up and conducting each exercise. Within the scheme's guidelines, it is up to the examiner to specify how each test should be conducted, bearing in mind that each test has a clearly defined objective.

It is always advisable to practice an exercise, in more than one place and in more than one way.

The caller should play no part as to the manner in which the exercises making up the test are conducted. This is entirely at the discretion of the examiner. Examiners must ensure that their testing instructions are complied with. Please note that it is advisable to use someone other than the class instructor to act as the steward.

Examiners should always introduce themselves and try to put candidates at ease. Remember that most handlers being tested will be nervous.

It is advisable that the club/organisation discuss the test requirements before the test takes place. This can be done upon invitation and will help to avoid any confusion.