Practical Skills Testing

DermaTech Specialist - 100 Level Courses:

Required Animals:
2 dogs or 1 dog and 1 cat with different skin and coat types - any purebred or mixed breed dog and/or cat may be used

Practical skills include the individual's ability to:

1. Identify topical symptoms of skin and coat problems
2. Outline a topical conditioning program to produce the ideal breed standard coat
3. Proficiently perform the preparation, brushing, combing, bathing & drying required for the dog(s) and/or cat selected
   

Practical skills are evaluated based upon:

1. Humane handling & management of the animal
2. Knowledge and performance of brush-out preparation of ears, eyes and skin & coat for the bath
3. Knowledge and performance of topical conditioning program
4. Knowledge and performance of bathing techniques
5. Proficient drying techniques producing the ideal coat for the breed
6. Knowledge and performance of specialized finishing techniques

All performance of skills including cleaning ears, trimming of nails, brush-out, combing, de-matting, bathing, drying, finishing techniques, etc. must be performed on site before the ISCC Certifier.

Individuals are required to supply all towels, equipment, dryers, tables, cages, shampoos, conditioners and other accessories required to execute their practical skills test. While accredited ISCC test centers provide space and bathing facilities, it would be impossible for them to be equipped with all the specialized supplies and equipment required for each individual to successfully complete their practical skills testing. Please come prepared with all the equipment and supplies you think you will need for testing.

NOTE: Remember the dog(s) and/or cat selected must represent two completely different skin and coat types

For Example:
A shorthaired dog with dry skin and a long-haired dog with healthy skin OR a dog and a cat OR any other combination of non-contagious canine or feline skin & coat types

ANIMALS WITH INFECTIONS WILL BE DISQUALIFIED

Contact the ISCC office to schedule your Practical Skills Test

Master Pet Stylist - 200 Level Courses:

#210: Non-Sporting Breeds
One Non-Sporting dog is required for performance of your pet styling skills. Straight and curved shear techniques must be demonstrated as part of the practical skills.
Acceptable breeds - Toy, Miniature or Standard Poodle or Bichon Frise

#211: Sporting Breeds
One Sporting dog is required for performance of your pet styling skills. Thinning shear and carding techniques must be demonstrated as part of the practical skills.
Acceptable breeds - American Cocker, English Cocker, Springer Spaniel or any AKC recognized sporting breed, which requires comparable styling skills & techniques (i.e. English Setter, Irish Setter)

#212: Terrier Breeds
One harsh-coated Terrier is required. Hand-stripping techniques are required and the harsh-coated Terrier's coat is required to be in hand-stripped coat. The coat may be kept rotated to keep its harshness, however, the last rotation, all hand-stripped finish work, must be demonstrated on site before an approved ISCC Certifier. Finished stripping must include completion of the head, body and furnishings.
Acceptable breeds - Westie, Scottie, Cairn, Wire Fox, Miniature Schnauzer, Airedale, Welsh, Lakeland or any other harsh-coated Terrier requiring comparable hand-stripping skills & techniques

Miscellaneous Comments:
Demonstration of your pet styling skills is required before a trained and duly authorized ISCC Certifier. Evaluation of you skills is based upon:

1. Preparation of the dog's coat for styling
2. Knowledge of the mechanical techniques and tools required to execute the correct breed standard trim
3. Knowledge of the artistic techniques required to create the ideal illusion
4. Knowledge of the breed's standard and performance of the visual and artistic skills required to create the ideal illusion for the breed

All dogs used for each phase of the Master Pet Stylist practical skills test must be styled per their breed standard. Poodles may be styled in any pattern; however, the completed trim must create the illusion of an ideal Poodle.

2½ hours are allowed to style each dog

ANIMALS WITH INFECTIONS WILL BE DISQUALIFIED

Contact the ISCC office to schedule your Practical Skills Test

Master Pet Stylist Meritus- 300 Level Courses:

Contact the ISCC office for information and scheduling