Certification Overview
and Authority Statement
All American Police Dog Association Certification tests are administered and evaluated by a Master Trainer recognized by the APDA. Each Master Trainer has demonstrated advanced proficiency, experience, and instructional competence in their respective K9 disciplines. Their certification authority ensures that all testing adheres to nationally recognized operational standards for professional working K9 teams.
Successful completion of an APDA certification test signifies that the K9 team has met or exceeded the established proficiency standards for their designated discipline.
Each test is conducted under controlled and objective conditions, ensuring impartial evaluation and integrity in all results.
The APDA certification process is structured to provide credible and defensible evidence of a K9 team's proficiency and reliability. As such, successful certification is recognized as acceptable testimony in court to verify the training, testing, and operational readiness of the certified team.
Certification Validity
All American Police Dog Association certifications are valid for one (1) year from the date of issuance. Re-certification is required annually to ensure continued proficiency, reliability, and compliance with current APDA standards. Any change in handler, K9, or operational discipline requires re-evaluation and re-certification prior to deployment. Handlers are responsible for maintaining certifications.
Commitment to Professional Standards
Commitment to Professional Standards
Commitment to Professional Standards
American Police Dog Association upholds the highest standards in working dog performance, handler responsibility, and public accountability. Every certified team reflects the professionalism, control, and reliability essential to the integrity of the K9 Profession.
Evaluation & Documentation
-The APDA evaluator will evaluate the team's performance based on accuracy, control, and search efficiency.
-An official evaluation form will be completed for the specific discipline(s). This documentation will include date, location of certification, weather and terrain, places/number of hides, set times, TFR type, ect.