Australia’s Most Comprehensive Dog Grooming Course

The Industry Certification Pathway

A structured pathway for learning, working, and growing as a professional dog groomer.

An industry-based learning pathway for dog groomers

This is not a single course and it’s not a fast-track qualification.

The Industry Certification Pathway is a staged learning framework designed to support groomers from initial training through to confident, independent professional practice.

Early Blocks focus on structured training and skill foundations. Later Blocks provide guided development alongside work, allowing groomers to continue refining technique, judgement, and confidence as experience grows.
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An overview of the five Industry Certification Blocks, designed to support groomers as they move from foundational training to advanced professional development.

Train. Practice. Succeed.

The Industry Certification Pathway is designed to support groomers as they move from learning the fundamentals to building confidence and consistency in professional practice.

Early Blocks focus on structured training and skill development. Later Blocks provide guided support as groomers gain experience, refine technique, and grow into their role over time.
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Structured training phase (Blocks 1–3)
  • Blocks 1 to 3 form the core training phase of the pathway.
  • These Blocks are completed alongside a structured practical training program and focus on building essential grooming skills, safe handling, correct workflows, and confidence completing full pet grooms.
  • This phase provides a strong foundation and prepares students to begin working in the grooming industry with clear expectations and professional standards.
Supported Professional Development (Blocks 4–5)
  • Blocks 4 and 5 are completed alongside work and focus on continued skill development once formal training has finished.
  • These Blocks support groomers as they gain experience in the workplace, refining technique, developing professional judgement, and building confidence across a wider range of grooms.
  • Both Blocks include practical and theory assessments, with structured feedback built in to support progress as skills develop over time.

How the Pathway is structured

Each Block has a distinct purpose, supporting groomers at different stages of learning and professional development as they move through the pathway.

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Understanding dogs, safety, and the fundamentals of professional care
Block 1 establishes the theoretical foundations required before practical training begins. The focus is on understanding dogs as living, feeling animals, alongside the essential knowledge that underpins safe, ethical grooming practice.

This stage covers:

  • Canine behaviour, communication, and stress signals
  • Skin health, coat structure, and life stages
  • Grooming tools, equipment safety, and workplace hygiene
  • Infection control, parasites, and basic first aid
  • Core WHS principles and professional responsibility

Block 1 ensures students enter practical training with a clear understanding of dog welfare, safety, and the expectations of professional grooming environments.


“The information is really up to date and very well thought out. It goes beyond tools and techniques and covers health, hygiene, and safety properly. It feels like a solid foundation for training staff, not just surface-level learning.”

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Tools, coat types, and preparation
Block 2 builds on foundational theory by focusing on the practical knowledge required to support grooming work. Learning is timed to prepare students just before they enter hands-on training, strengthening confidence and readiness.

This stage focuses on:

  • Correct use and care of grooming tools and equipment
  • Bathing, drying, and coat preparation across coat types
  • Hygiene routines and safe handling during preparation work
  • Understanding products and coat-specific requirements
  • Practical assessments aligned to grooming support tasks

Block 2 supports students to step into training environments with a solid grasp of preparation skills and back-of-house workflows.
From student to stylist
Block 3 runs alongside practical training and focuses on applying theory to complete pet grooms from start to finish. Emphasis is placed on gentle handling, consistency, and developing confidence through repetition and guided practice.

This stage supports students in:

  • Completing full pet grooms with increasing independence
  • Developing scissoring and clipping techniques
  • Working safely with puppies, seniors, and varied temperaments
  • Managing workflow and time during grooming sessions
  • Applying theory consistently during hands-on work

Block 3 marks the transition from learning individual skills to confidently completing full grooms to professional expectations.
Refining technique, decision-making, and professional confidence
Block 4 supports groomers as they continue developing their skills while working in the industry. Learning is designed to progress alongside employment, allowing techniques to be refined gradually as experience grows.

This stage focuses on:

  • Refining scissoring, finishing, and styling techniques
  • Understanding breed standards and professional interpretations
  • Managing more complex grooms and coat challenges
  • Strengthening judgement around behaviour, safety, and welfare
  • Receiving structured feedback through practical assessments and feedback pitstops

Block 4 is where skills become consistent, decisions become clearer, and groomers gain fluency across a wider range of grooming work.

Advanced skill development and long-term professional growth
Block 5 represents the final stage of the Industry Certification Pathway and supports continued professional development beyond foundational competency. Learning is largely self-directed, allowing groomers to refine advanced skills and explore areas of personal and professional interest.

This stage supports:

  • Advanced scissoring, finishing, and specialist techniques
  • Deeper understanding of breed standards and creative grooming
  • Leadership, ethics, and professional judgement
  • Continued skill development through assessment and feedback
  • Engagement with the broader grooming industry and ongoing education

Block 5 recognises that professional mastery develops over time, supporting groomers as they build depth, confidence, and long-term standards in their work.

CREATED BY IGROOMHUB + DOG DIVERSITY

Backed by over 50 years of combined education experience, the Industry Certification Pathway has been developed by experienced grooming educators to support confident, capable groomers through training and early career development. 

Why Choose the igroomschool Industry Certification Pathway?

Industry-developed and experience-led

Created by experienced grooming educators who understand the progression from training into professional practice, and the support new groomers need along the way.

Structured, supported progression

A deliberately staged pathway that supports long-term skill development, allowing groomers to build confidence, technique, and professional standards over time.

Designed to support learning alongside work

Learning continues as groomers begin working, supporting ongoing skill refinement, sound professional judgement, and consistency as experience grows.

Alternative entry and study options for the Industry Certification Pathway

While most students complete the Industry Certification Pathway from Block 1, alternative entry and study options are available depending on experience and location.

Already Working?

Groomers with prior experience may be eligible to apply for direct entry into later Blocks.


Eligibility is assessed individually to ensure skills align with the expectations of that stage of the pathway.

Structured feedback and assessment support is built in, even for groomers working independently.

Live Remotely?

Students who are unable to attend practical training in person can access igroomschool’s online theory Blocks as standalone study options.


These theory Blocks can be completed independently but do not form part of the Industry Certification Pathway without practical training.

It was a super fun and rewarding experience, the trainers were the best and helped me finesse my grooming skills within such a short period of time. It was very challenging but absolutely worth it.

— LAURA B. 2025
This has been a genuinely excellent course. The content is logical, well structured, and thoughtfully paced, allowing skills and confidence to build naturally over time. The theory is very well complemented by the practical salon work placement, which brings the learning to life and prepares students for real-world grooming environments.

— LYNNE J. 2025
A fantastic experience overall. The staff and trainers were very supportive and encouraging. The practical setting was great with real hands on experience and a variety of dogs to learn from. the theory component of the training was clear and informative and easily retained.

— LISA S. 2025
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Grab the Industry Certification Pathway Guide

Everything you need to understand the structure, learning stages, and study options, in one clear, printable guide.
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