Certification Standards
Amended 10/11/2021 - Each certification test is allowed two attempts to pass. After two consecutive fails, K9 teams must wait 30 days before they are eligible to retest for any particular certification. Each test is based on a pass or fail basis.
The following certification standards have been adopted by The United Police Work Dog Association (UPWDA). Each test is designed to determine the proficiency of the Police Service Dog Team for certification in each phase of police work for K9’s. It is highly recommended that a Police Service Dog Team graduating from an accredited training school be tested and accredited. The successful passing of and accreditation of these courses is acceptable testimony in court.
I. Certifying Authority
Master Trainers will act as the certifying authority for all United Police Work Dog Association (UPWDA) certification testing. Teams successfully completing certification testing in a specific phase, with the exception of explosive detection certifications, will be issued a certification certificate. Each certificate issued by the United Police Work Dog Association will be assigned a certificate number and will be valid for a period of one (1) year from the date of issue. Explosive detection certifications will be valid for a period of one (1) year from the date of issue.
II. Prohibited Equipment
Under no circumstances will whips of any kind be utilized during a certification test offered by the United Police Work Dog Association. Pinch collars and electronic collars may be worn by the canine during the testing procedure; however, collars of this type may not be activated during any certification phase.
It should be noted, while the canine team is certifying, the electronic collar remote must be given to the Master Trainer administering the certification phase. At no time during the certification test will the handler be permitted to possess the electronic collar remote.
III. Abuse of a Canine
During any United Police Work Dog Association function, any Master Trainer or Trainer observing what he or she believes to be cruel and/or abusive treatment or behavior towards a canine, reserves the authority to terminate an existing exercise immediately. The team will not be authorized to participate in the remainder of the function. The Master Trainer or Trainer will provide written documentation to the Accreditation Board concerning the facts pertaining to the incident for further investigation and/or decision. The Accreditation Board will issue a decision as to whether or not the team will be allowed to participate in and complete the remaining functions. The Accreditation Board retains sole authority pertaining to the issuance and/or revocation of all Master Trainer and Trainer accreditation and all canine team certifications. The Accreditation Board also retains sole authority as to the implementation and/or discontinuance of all United Police Work Dog Association Certification Testing Standards (UPWDACTS). Decisions issued by the Accreditation Board pertaining to accreditation and certifications shall be final and may not be overruled by the Executive Board. Decisions issued by the Accreditation Board are not subject to a membership vote.
IV. Appeal
Any Police Service Dog Team failing any certification test(s) may reapply for testing at the next and most convenient testing time and date.
Any association member failing a certification test(s), believing to have been judged unfairly, will, at the time of the test, notify the Master Trainer of his or her appeal(s). The member shall file a written report of their personal observations and the reasons they believe to have been judged unfairly.
The Master Trainer, upon being notified of the appeal, will file a written report of his or her observations, all certification test sheets, and his or her basis for failing the team.
All reports will be filed within thirty (30) days of the certification test to the President of The United Police Work Dog Association. The President will then appoint an appeals committee, in which all reports or copies thereof will be forwarded onto the committee by the President. The appeals committee’s findings will be returned to the President; at which time, the President will forward a copy of the findings to the member and the Master Trainer. The decision of the appeals committee must be by a majority vote and it will be final.
V. Membership
Police Service Dog Teams desiring to be tested and certified under the United Police Work Dog Association standards must be, at a minimum, a regular member and in good standing with the United Police Work Dog Association.
VI. Certification Validity
United Police Work Dog Association Certifications issued to a Police Service Dog Team are valid only when the team is being utilized by:
The law enforcement agency the Police Service Dog Team represents and is employed by.
A law enforcement agency in which the Police Service Dog Team is on official assignment of the law enforcement agency for which the team is employed (i.e., County, State, Federal).
A law enforcement agency requesting and receiving official mutual aid from the Police Service Dog Team's law enforcement agency employer.
Under no circumstances will a United Police Work Dog Association certification be valid when the Police Service Dog Team is being used for any non-law enforcement agency purpose.
VII. Certification Fees
There will be no charge for United Police Work Dog Association certifications. Master Trainers may be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses or be given a reasonable stipend to cover travel-related expenses.