If you’re looking to become a certified cat groomer in Australia, the Australian Certified Cat Groomer (ACCG) qualification through Groomer Nation is one of the most comprehensive and respected certifications available today.
Designed specifically for feline grooming professionals, the ACCG program combines in‑depth online theory with practical, competency‑based assessments that reflect real‑world grooming standards. Whether you’re new to cat grooming or an experienced groomer wanting formal certification, this course provides a clear, flexible pathway to professional recognition.
What Is the Australian Certified Cat Groomer (ACCG) Certification?
The Australian Certified Cat Groomer (ACCG) certification is delivered by Groomer Nation Pty Ltd in partnership with Cat Grooming Education. The program has been developed by industry leaders with extensive experience in cat grooming, veterinary nursing, education, and low‑stress handling techniques.
The ACCG certification is designed to:
- Set a professional benchmark for cat grooming in Australia
- Promote low‑stress, welfare‑focused grooming practices
- Ensure groomers meet industry‑accepted standards
- Support groomers with flexible online learning and assessments
The course is structured into two clear stages:
Step 1 – Theory and Step 2 – Practical Assessments.
Step 1: Complete the ACCG Online Theory Course
The first step to becoming an Australian Certified Cat Groomer is completing Step 1: Theory, which is delivered entirely online and can be completed at your own pace.
What You’ll Learn in the Theory Component
The ACCG theory course covers all essential areas of professional cat grooming, including:
- Feline history, domestication, and selective breeding.
- Cat anatomy, skin, coat structure, diseases and parasites.
- Feline behaviour, body language, and stress signals.
- Low‑stress handling techniques and safety practices.
- Grooming tools, equipment, and product knowledge.
- Bathing, blow‑drying, de‑shedding, and coat care.
- Clipping styles, including lion clips, comb clips, and sectional clipping.
- Business basics, client communication, pricing, and Australian legislation
- Each module includes quizzes, and the theory component concludes with case studies that test how you would apply your knowledge in real grooming scenarios.
Theory Certificate
Once all modules, quizzes, and case studies are completed, you receive a Theory Certificate. This allows you to progress to Step 2 when you feel confident and ready — there is no pressure to rush into assessments.
👉 Enrol in the ACCG Theory Course here:
Step 2: Complete the ACCG Practical Grooming Assessments
To receive the full Australian Certified Cat Groomer qualification, you must complete Step 2: Practical Assessments.
These assessments demonstrate that you can perform professional cat grooming services safely, efficiently, and to industry standards.
You have up to one year after completing the theory component to finish all required assessments.
ACCG Assessment Tasks (What You Must Demonstrate)
There are six compulsory assessment tasks, each focusing on a different grooming skill:
- Short‑haired coat groom (bath, blow‑dry, de‑shed)
- Long‑haired coat groom (bath, blow‑dry, de‑shed)
- Long‑haired groom with safe matting removal
- Long‑haired groom with a modified lion clip
- Long‑haired groom with a classic lion clip
- Long‑haired groom incorporating a comb clip
Each groom must be completed within industry‑accepted timeframes and using low‑stress handling techniques.
Flexible Assessment Options
Groomer Nation understands that groomers work in different environments, which is why the ACCG offers multiple assessment formats:
- Video assessments (self‑recorded grooming with photo evidence)
- Live Zoom assessments
- In‑person assessments with approved assessors (additional fees apply)
You can complete assessments at your own pace — one per week, one per month, or any schedule that suits you.
Grading, Certification, and Reassessments
Each assessment is graded as either:
- Satisfactory Competency (meets or exceeds standards)
- Not Satisfactory (NS) (reassessment required)
Once all six assessments are successfully completed and submitted, you will receive your official Australian Certified Cat Groomer (ACCG) certificate, suitable for professional display.
Support, Training, and Student Resources
Throughout the ACCG program, students have access to:
- Online learning resources and support materials
- Constructive assessor feedback
- Optional hands‑on training with approved trainers Australia-wide.
- Reasonable adjustments for learning or assessment needs. The course strongly emphasises animal welfare, professionalism and academic integrity, ensuring the certification maintains its industry credibility.
Who Can Enrol in the ACCG Course?
The ACCG certification is suitable for:
- Aspiring cat groomers
- Experienced groomers seeking formal recognition
- Australian and international students
Ready to Become an Australian Certified Cat Groomer?
If you want to build trust with clients, improve your grooming skills, and stand out as a professional feline groomer, the ACCG certification with Groomer Nation is a powerful investment in your career.
👉 Enrol in the ACCG Theory Course today:
📧 Questions about enrolment, assessments, or training?
Email info@groomernation.com.au
Cat Grooming Education 