ISCC Certified Petcare DermaTech Specialist (PDS)

ISCC Certified Petcare DermaTech Specialist™ Syllabus

ISCC Study Guide and its Addendum
The ISCC Study Guide and its companion Addendum, which consists of self-tests covering all aspects of the Pet Groomer programs, are designed to help you study and prepare for the extensive written tests offered in this program.

SuperCoats™ Module
Three easy to understand, instructional audio CDs, a visually interactive computer CD (power point format) allowing the user to learn at their own pace and a fully illustrated, step-by-step book covering skin and hair anatomy and Topical Conditioning of Canine/Feline skin and coat. It is designed to assist individuals who are preparing to take their Petcare DermaTech Specialist or Professional Pet Groomer practical skills exams.

Pet First Aid and Disaster Response Guide by G. Elaine Acker
The Pet First Aid & Disaster Response Guide is approved study material for ISCC’s Pet Injury, Prevention and Health written PDS Test 105. This book is designed to help pet owners & pet professionals provide temporary, urgent care to pets until they can reach a veterinary or emergency clinic. This book can be purchased on amazon.com or other book retailers.

Behavior Problems in Dogs by William E. Campbell
A comprehensive book covering canine behavior and handling techniques, it is required study material for individuals taking PDS tests 106 & 107. This book can be purchased on amazon.com or other book retailers.

The Complete Dog Book by AKC
Official publication by the American Kennel Club and the approved study material for ISCC’s breed ID, Coat Characteristics and Conformation tests required for ISCC Pet Groomer, Petcare DermaTech Specialist & Master Pet Stylist written tests. This book can be purchased on amazon.com or other book retailers.

ISCC’s Mentor Program
ISCC approved Mentors are individuals who have completed their written and practical skills exams and are certified Master Pet Stylists. They have experienced and understand the ISCC Testing process and have volunteered to provide assistance and guidance to anyone striving to become ISCC certified. ISCC recommends that everyone entering the ISCC certification process request a mentor. There is no charge for this service and Mentors are an excellent motivational and guidance resource. To request a mentor, just contact us.

ISCC’s Private Coaching Program
For individuals who wish additional assistance and “hands-on” coaching to improve their practical skill level, private coaching sessions are recommended and may be scheduled with any of ISCC’s approved Consultants & Certifiers. Private coaching sessions may be conducted at any industry show where ISCC Certifier is present or at any ISCC approved seminar, workshop, School or facilities. You can also arrange for Private Coaching to be conducted in your salon.

Click here for our full list of Certification Study Aids.

Written examinations may be taken on-line or may be administered by an ISCC approved proctor in your local area.

Online Written Exams: The on-line test format consists of true/false, multiple choice or matching questions. These are timed tests in which you will have 30 minutes to complete. The score of the test will be presented immediately following the completion of the test and a copy of your results will be emailed to your email address provided at the beginning of the test. All scores above 70 % are considered passing. Should any of these on-line tests need to be taken again, please contact the office before any additional attempts, as the testing program will only allow one test per student.

Written Exams with a Proctor: The paper written test format consists of true/false, multiple choice, matching questions, fill in the blank and essay questions. This is NOT a timed test. An ISCC approved proctor in your local area may administer written examinations. First, locate a facility or individual who is willing to act as your “Proctor” and with whom you have no “conflict of interest” or close relationship. Then, forward their name, address, and phone number to the ISCC Office. We’ll contact the “Proctor” to qualify them, and then notify you of their approval status. Once your proctor is approved and when you are ready to take any of your exams, just contact the ISCC Office and we will mail your “Proctor” your desired exam. Make sure when you are taken each exam, you follow all the instructions carefully that have been included in your test packet. The “Proctor” will make sure all test study materials are put way, no cheating has occurred and will be in charge of mailing the test back to the ISCC Office. Please allow 4-6 weeks for your test to be graded. You will be notified by phone and mail of your grade. All scores above 70 % are considered passing.

The Petcare DermaTech Specialist ™ Practical Skills test requires either 2 dogs or 1 dog/1cat with different skin/coat types. To complete the practical skills test you must 1) Identify the topical condition of your selected dog’s/cat’s skin & coat; 2) Outline the “ideal” products and methods for topically conditioning their coats; and 3) you must proficiently bath, dry and topically condition the skin and coats of the animals you have selected. The Practical Skills examination must be administered by an ISCC approved Certifier at an ISCC approved practical skills test site.

Practical Skills Exams for the ISCC Petcare DermaTech Specialist ™ Practical Skills program is conducted at select sites by one or more ISCC approved certifiers. Candidates are furnished with a thorough evaluation of their performance and are afforded an opportunity to discuss their grades with each of their certifiers. Professional consultations and workshops are strongly recommended prior to practical skills testing.

In order to certify practical grooming skills for the Petcare DermaTech Specialist™ status, ISCC has established a “Standard of Excellence” which is a concept of the ideal topical conditioning and management program for canine skin and coat; i.e., ideal dematting, brushing, combing, conditioning, bathing, drying, finishing, and handling methods and techniques – ideal in all of the following aspects:

Presentation: ISCC considers the presentation to be an integral part of the DermaTech practical skills exam. It is essential to the discovery and demonstration of an individual’s knowledge and understanding of the development and implementation of topical conditioning programs that will maintain a dog’s healthy coat or restore its damaged skin and coat back to health.

ISCC does not place emphasis on the choice of dog, but does place considerable emphasis on the candidate’s knowledge, understanding and implementation of the development of a topical conditioning and coat care program that will provide for optimum safety and health of the dog’s skin and coat.

In order to attain the maximum number allowable points, a candidate must convince the assigned Certifier(s) that they:

1. Exhibit proficient knowledge of skin/coat and sanitation products; i.e., cleansers, conditioners, therapeutic treatments, chemicals, color process, stain removers, disinfectants, etc.
2. Thoroughly understand skin and coat care therapeutic programs, methods, terms (keratolytic, keratoplastic, hydrating, exfoliating, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, secondary infection, etc.)
3. Select the most effective skin and coat care and sanitation products (cleansers, conditioners, therapeutic treatments, chemicals, disinfectants, etc.) for optimum health and safety.
4. Select the most effective tools (brushes, combs, nail clippers, carding and dematting tools, etc.) for optimum health and safety.

Application of Conditioning Programs and Techniques: ISCC does not endorse any particular product, but does place considerable importance and emphasis on the candidate’s understanding of concepts, methods and techniques when using and applying skin and coat care products. In order to obtain the maximum achievable points when using and applying their selected products, they must demonstrate:

1. Appropriate and effective methods and techniques when using skin and coat care tools (brushes, combs, dematters, nail clippers, hair extractors, stripping tools, etc.) to produce the optimum skin and coat condition.
2. “Ideal” use and application of cleansers for optimum safety, health and appearance.
3. “Ideal” use and application of conditioners, therapeutic treatments, chemicals, color process for optimum safety, health and appearance.

Final Outcome: ISCC places considerable emphasis on the candidate’s ability to develop and implement a skin and coat care program that produces an attractive, healthy, eye appealing canine coat in “ideal” condition for its breed.

In order to achieve the maximum points allowed for the final outcome, the candidate must:

1. Demonstrate excellent understanding and usage of al skin and coat care and sanitation products and tools.
2. Demonstrate excellent knowledge and usage of therapeutic treatments, methods and terms.
3. Demonstrate that methods and products produced the desired effect for the skin and coat condition. The hair should appear shiny, bright, vibrant, fresh smelling and lesions (if they exist) have been safely and effectively diminished or eliminated. Achieved an optimum improvement of the animal’s skin and hair.

Petcare Dermatech Specialist™ Practical Skills Grading Scale: The following is the “scale of percentage points” allowed for each aspect of the DermaTech practical skills certification test:

Presentation 40%
Application of Program/Techniques 30%
Final Outcome 30%
Total allowable points 100%

Maximum allowable points are 100% based upon the ISCC Standard of Excellence. While attainment of the maximum allowable points is “ideal”, it is not expected of any individual that they must obtain a score of 100% to pass any if the “PDS” practical skills exams. However, a score of 70% averaged from the ISCC Certifier(s) assigned to the test site must be achieved to pass the practical skills exam.