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.
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 canines. 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. Each test is based on a pass or fail basis.

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.

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.

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.