CPDT KA HANDBOOK 2026 STUDY GUIDE
FOR PROFESSIONAL DOG TRAINER
KNOWLEDGE ASSESSMENT
◉ How many scored items are on the CPDT-KA exam?
Answer: 180 scored items
◉ What is the purpose of the 20 pre-test items on the CPDT-KA
exam?
Answer: They are evaluated to determine if they will be introduced
as scored items on future examinations.
◉ Who develops the questions for the CPDT-KA examination?
Answer: Individuals with expertise in dog training.
◉ What organization prepares the CPDT-KA exam?
Answer: CCPDT (Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers)
◉ What is the weight of Domain I: Applied Learning Theory in the
CPDT-KA exam?
Answer: 25%
, ◉ What is the weight of Domain II: Instructional and Teaching Skills
in the CPDT-KA exam?
Answer: 32%
◉ What is the weight of Domain III: Canine Behavior, Ethology, and
Well-being in the CPDT-KA exam?
Answer: 26%
◉ What is the weight of Domain IV: Professional Skills, Ethics, and
Laws & Regulations in the CPDT-KA exam?
Answer: 17%
◉ What are Knowledge Areas in the context of the CPDT-KA exam?
Answer: Concepts and topics a professional dog trainer should
understand.
◉ What are Tasks in the context of the CPDT-KA exam?
Answer: Skills that dog trainers should understand and have the
ability to perform.
◉ What is one task under Domain I: Applied Learning Theory?
Answer: Apply learning theory appropriately and humanely to
change and/or maintain behavior.
FOR PROFESSIONAL DOG TRAINER
KNOWLEDGE ASSESSMENT
◉ How many scored items are on the CPDT-KA exam?
Answer: 180 scored items
◉ What is the purpose of the 20 pre-test items on the CPDT-KA
exam?
Answer: They are evaluated to determine if they will be introduced
as scored items on future examinations.
◉ Who develops the questions for the CPDT-KA examination?
Answer: Individuals with expertise in dog training.
◉ What organization prepares the CPDT-KA exam?
Answer: CCPDT (Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers)
◉ What is the weight of Domain I: Applied Learning Theory in the
CPDT-KA exam?
Answer: 25%
, ◉ What is the weight of Domain II: Instructional and Teaching Skills
in the CPDT-KA exam?
Answer: 32%
◉ What is the weight of Domain III: Canine Behavior, Ethology, and
Well-being in the CPDT-KA exam?
Answer: 26%
◉ What is the weight of Domain IV: Professional Skills, Ethics, and
Laws & Regulations in the CPDT-KA exam?
Answer: 17%
◉ What are Knowledge Areas in the context of the CPDT-KA exam?
Answer: Concepts and topics a professional dog trainer should
understand.
◉ What are Tasks in the context of the CPDT-KA exam?
Answer: Skills that dog trainers should understand and have the
ability to perform.
◉ What is one task under Domain I: Applied Learning Theory?
Answer: Apply learning theory appropriately and humanely to
change and/or maintain behavior.