Level 3 Certificate in Dog Grooming (RQF)

The Level 3 Certificate in Dog Grooming (RQF) is a nationally recognised, Ofqual-regulated qualification awarded by SEG Awards (Qualification Number: 610/3151/3). It sits between the introductory Level 3 Award and the full Level 3 Diploma on the dog grooming pathway, providing six assessed units that cover coat preparation, cutting techniques, canine health checks, first aid, and client consultation. It is designed for learners who want to work professionally in the grooming industry or progress their skills beyond the basics.

Learners have up to 24 months to complete all six units of the Level 3 Certificate in Dog Grooming. The online study is entirely self-paced, so you can progress faster if your schedule allows. The practical training component at an approved centre is scheduled separately once you have passed the relevant online units and cleared your course fees. Many learners complete the qualification in 6–12 months when studying consistently alongside work or other commitments.

There are no formal academic entry requirements for the Level 3 Certificate in Dog Grooming. You should be aged 16 or over, working at a Level 2 standard, and confident handling dogs of all sizes, breeds, and temperaments. Some familiarity with basic grooming tasks is helpful but not required. If you are entirely new to dog grooming, you may wish to consider starting with the Level 3 Award as an introductory step before progressing to the certificate.

The practical training for the Level 3 Certificate in Dog Grooming takes place at one of the approved training centres in England (currently locations in Moreton and Bedfordshire). During your practical sessions you work alongside experienced grooming professionals, applying the coat preparation, cutting, and health assessment skills developed in your online units to real clients in a supervised salon environment. Practical training is booked once you have met the relevant academic thresholds and settled your course fees.

The certificate is awarded by SEG Awards — Skills and Education Group Awards — an Ofqual-regulated awarding organisation. SEG Awards qualifications are also regulated by CCEA and Qualifications Wales, making them recognised across the UK. The Ofqual Qualification Number for this certificate is 610/3151/3, which can be verified on the Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications.

The certificate qualifies you for a range of roles in the UK pet care sector. Most graduates work as professional dog groomers in salons, mobile grooming businesses, pet retail outlets, or boarding kennels. Self-employed mobile groomers with a strong local client base can earn between £22,000 and £35,000 per year. You can also use the certificate as a stepping stone to the Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming, which covers advanced breed styling and the business skills needed to set up and manage your own grooming operation.

Yes — the online component of the certificate is entirely self-paced and can be studied at any time of day or night through the online learning platform. Most learners work through units in the evenings or on days off, fitting study around existing employment or family commitments. The practical training sessions are scheduled in advance at approved centres, so you can plan these around your work diary. There is no requirement to attend college or take time off from employment for the online units.

Each of the six units is assessed through online internal assessments at the end of the unit, marked by a qualified animal care tutor. There are no external written examinations. All six units must be passed to achieve the full certificate. The practical component is assessed at the approved training centre by experienced grooming professionals. Certification is issued by SEG Awards following External Quality Assurance (EQA) review, and learners should allow up to six months from completion for their certificate to be issued.

The Level 3 Award is the entry-level qualification covering the basics of coat maintenance and animal welfare in just two units, including two days of practical training. The Level 3 Certificate (this qualification) builds on the Award with six units covering cutting techniques, health checks, first aid, and client management, alongside practical training. The Level 3 Diploma is the most comprehensive qualification, covering advanced breed-specific styling, grooming salon management, and the full business side of professional grooming. The three qualifications form a progressive pathway for those pursuing a full career in dog grooming.