Become a Certified Petcare Dermatech Specialist (PDS)!
Science of Skin & Coat • Topical Conditioning
How to Certify
To certify for PDS, an individual must be an active PDS, ICPG, or MPS member in good standing and must pass all PDS online written examinations and practical skills examinations. Additional administrative fees of $25.00 per online written exam and 150.00 per practical skills exam are required. Students receive up to 3 attempts in 30 days to pass each online written exam at no additional charge, and 3 attempts in 60 days to pass each practical skills exam at no additional charge. Video uploads are allowed for practical skills exams whenever possible, but individuals taking practical examinations may incur additional fees/expenses (e.g. travel expenses for certifier) to coordinate the physical administration of the practical skills exams if it is not possible to properly evaluate the animals or quality of work via video. Please call (801) 558-9745 to arrange in-person practical skills examinations.
PDS Overview
The Petcare DermaTech Specialist educational and certification programs are designed for individuals wishing to specialize
and certify in animal management and skin and coat care programs. It is also the first step to becoming an ISCC
Certified Master Pet Stylist. It encompasses the understanding of animal behavior and handling techniques, skin and hair anatomy,
topical conditioning of canine/feline coats, basic canine anatomy, health, sanitation, and first aid, ectoparasites and insecticides,
basic canine terminology, and breed identification and coat characteristics.
PDS Written Exams
Exam 101: Anatomy of Skin & Hair
70 Questions, 60 Minutes
Access for 30 Days
Up to 3 Attempts to Pass Included
$25.00
Exam 102: Topical Conditioning of Canine & Feline Skin & Coat
56 Questions, 50 Minutes
Access for 30 Days
Up to 3 Attempts to Pass Included
$25.00
Exam 103: Ectoparasites & Insecticides
29 Questions, 45 Minutes
Access for 30 Days
Up to 3 Attempts to Pass Included
$25.00
Exam 104: Basic Canine Terminology
14 Questions, 30 Minutes
Access for 30 Days
Up to 3 Attempts to Pass Included
$25.00
Exam 105: Pet Injury Prevention, 1st-Aid, & CPR
36 Questions, 60 Minutes
Access for 30 Days
Up to 3 Attempts to Pass Included
$25.00
Exams 106: Animal Behavior & Handling
27 Questions, 45 Minutes
Access for 30 Days
Up to 3 Attempts to Pass Included
$25.00
Exams 107: Animal Behavior & Handling, Part 2
32 Questions, 45 Minutes
Access for 30 Days
Up to 3 Attempts to Pass Included
$25.00
Exam 108: Canine Anatomy
19 Questions, 30 Minutes
Access for 30 Days
Up to 3 Attempts to Pass Included
$25.00
Exam 109: Zoonotic Diseases Commonly Introduced into the Pet Styling Salon
32 Questions, 30 Minutes
Access for 30 Days
Up to 3 Attempts to Pass Included
$25.00
Exam 110: Canine & Feline Breed Identification & Characteristics
50 Questions, 30 Minutes
Access for 30 Days
Up to 3 Attempts to Pass Included
$25.00
Exam 111: Canine & Feline Breed Identification & Characteristics
50 Questions, 30 Minutes
Access for 30 Days
Up to 3 Attempts to Pass Included
$25.00
Exam 112: Canine & Feline Breed Identification & Characteristics (Non-sporting & Herding Groups)
50 Questions, 30 Minutes
Access for 30 Days
Up to 3 Attempts to Pass Included
$25.00
PDS Practical Skills Exams
Exam 105: Pet Injury Prevention, 1st-Aid, & CPR
Requirements: Video submission demonstrating your ability to perform all cardiopulmonary rescussitation techniques on a model or live dog.
PLEASE CONTACT US AT THE INFORMATION BELOW TO PURCHASE THIS EXAM
(801) 558-9745 text/voice
Exam 113: Topical Conditioning of Skin & Coat
Requirements: 2 dogs or 1 dog and 1 cat. Each animal must have a different coat type than the other.
To complete the practical skills test you must:
1. Identify the topical condition of your selected dog(s)
skin & coats.
2. Outline the “ideal” products and methods for topically
conditioning their coats.
3. You must proficiently bath, dry, and topically condition the skin and coats of the animals you have selected.
Note:
Video uploads are allowed for practical skills exams whenever possible, but individuals taking practical examinations may incur additional fees/expenses (e.g. travel expenses for certifier) to coordinate the physical administration of the practical skills exams if it is not possible to properly evaluate the animals or quality of work via video.
In-person practical skills examinations must be administered by an ISCC approved Certifier at an ISCC approved practical skills test site. Contact us at the information below for an approved test site or center nearest you.
Professional consultations and workshops are strongly recommended prior to practical skills testing.
PLEASE CONTACT US AT THE INFORMATION BELOW TO PURCHASE THIS EXAM, GET CONNECTED WITH A CERTIFIER FOR GUIDANCE, OR TO SCHEDULE AN IN-PERSON PRACTICAL SKILLS EXAMINATION:
(801) 558-9745 text/voice
Become a PDS Member
Sign up today to further your education, receive industry discounts, certify, & increase your profits!
$14.99/mo
or
$164.99/yr
Exam Procedure
Purchase an Exam
Setup an Account on Our Online Written Testing Portal
Take Your Exam
Up to 3 Attempts in 30 Days to Pass Each Online Written Exam
For Practical Skills Exams, Email or Upload Your Videos
Up to 3 Attempts in 60 Days to Pass Each Proctical Skills Exam
All Exams Have Time Limits
Multiple Membership Tiers Available
Customize Your Experience
Upgrade or downgrade your membership at any time access exactly the right benefits.
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