CPDT KA HANDBOOK FOR CANDIDATES
2026 CERTIFICATION GUIDE AND STUDY
OUTLINE
◉ According to the Humane hierarchy, the first step in training is to
Answer: Confirm that the dog is in good health and receiving proper
nutrition
◉ The CCPDT code of ethics requires all of the following
Answer: Refraining from use of derogatory cultural terms
Regular updating of client contact lists
Recommending other trainers with more experience
◉ The humane hierarchy states that the following comes
immediately before using positive reinforcement training to
establish a new behavior
Answer: Management such as gates and crates
◉ The following is an unacceptable aversive method which could
cause your CPDT-KA certification to be revoked
Answer: Ear pinch method of dumbell retrieve
,◉ Is it acceptable to receive a percentage of income from referrals to
another professional
Answer: No
◉ Telling a new client about the harsh training methods of another
dog trainer is considered
Answer: Defamation of a colleague and unethical
◉ Once you have become a CPDT-KA, you must recertification by
Answer: Earning 36 CEUS every 3 years.
◉ If a client with a disability wants to attend your group class you
should
Answer: Help the client by providing a reasonable accommodation
to mediate her disability
◉ To protect your clients identity at all times you should never
Answer: Keep registration forms where class members can see them
◉ True or False. It is permissible to bring noted into the CPDT-KA
exam testing center.
Answer: False
,◉ True or False. It is permissible to turn clients away if you don't
like their lifestyle choices or breed of dog.
Answer: False
◉ True or False. A CPDT-KA should acquire written permission prior
to photographing or videoing clients
Answer: True
◉ + Positive
Answer: Adding something to the environment giving something to
the learner.
◉ - Negative
Answer: Taking something away from the environment. Removing or
withholding something from the learner.
◉ Reinforcer
Answer: Something the learner will work to earn. Something the
learner finds pleasurable. Something that strengthens the likelihood
that a behavior will repeat.
◉ Punisher
, Answer: Something the learner will work to avoid. Something the
learner finds aversive. Something that diminishes the likelihood that
a behavior will be repeated
◉ Primary reinforcer
Answer: Food, reproductive opportunity, water, physical and
emotional security, and play
◉ Secondary reinforcer
Answer: A stimulus that has been paired with a primary reinforcer. A
clicker, a simple behavior
◉ Tertiary reinforcer
Answer: A behavior or stimulus that has been paired with a
secondary reinforcer
◉ Stimulus
Answer: Something that elicits a behavior
◉ Response
Answer: The behavior elicited by a stimulus
◉ Antecedent
2026 CERTIFICATION GUIDE AND STUDY
OUTLINE
◉ According to the Humane hierarchy, the first step in training is to
Answer: Confirm that the dog is in good health and receiving proper
nutrition
◉ The CCPDT code of ethics requires all of the following
Answer: Refraining from use of derogatory cultural terms
Regular updating of client contact lists
Recommending other trainers with more experience
◉ The humane hierarchy states that the following comes
immediately before using positive reinforcement training to
establish a new behavior
Answer: Management such as gates and crates
◉ The following is an unacceptable aversive method which could
cause your CPDT-KA certification to be revoked
Answer: Ear pinch method of dumbell retrieve
,◉ Is it acceptable to receive a percentage of income from referrals to
another professional
Answer: No
◉ Telling a new client about the harsh training methods of another
dog trainer is considered
Answer: Defamation of a colleague and unethical
◉ Once you have become a CPDT-KA, you must recertification by
Answer: Earning 36 CEUS every 3 years.
◉ If a client with a disability wants to attend your group class you
should
Answer: Help the client by providing a reasonable accommodation
to mediate her disability
◉ To protect your clients identity at all times you should never
Answer: Keep registration forms where class members can see them
◉ True or False. It is permissible to bring noted into the CPDT-KA
exam testing center.
Answer: False
,◉ True or False. It is permissible to turn clients away if you don't
like their lifestyle choices or breed of dog.
Answer: False
◉ True or False. A CPDT-KA should acquire written permission prior
to photographing or videoing clients
Answer: True
◉ + Positive
Answer: Adding something to the environment giving something to
the learner.
◉ - Negative
Answer: Taking something away from the environment. Removing or
withholding something from the learner.
◉ Reinforcer
Answer: Something the learner will work to earn. Something the
learner finds pleasurable. Something that strengthens the likelihood
that a behavior will repeat.
◉ Punisher
, Answer: Something the learner will work to avoid. Something the
learner finds aversive. Something that diminishes the likelihood that
a behavior will be repeated
◉ Primary reinforcer
Answer: Food, reproductive opportunity, water, physical and
emotional security, and play
◉ Secondary reinforcer
Answer: A stimulus that has been paired with a primary reinforcer. A
clicker, a simple behavior
◉ Tertiary reinforcer
Answer: A behavior or stimulus that has been paired with a
secondary reinforcer
◉ Stimulus
Answer: Something that elicits a behavior
◉ Response
Answer: The behavior elicited by a stimulus
◉ Antecedent
