The Animal Care College

What does it all mean?

The Council for Companion Animal Studies (CAWC – see www.cawc.org.uk) has agreed that post nominal letters (the suffix which describes the qualifications of those who have successfully completed accredited awards can put after their names) should be publicised and this has give the Animal Care College the opportunity to launch its range of formal qualifications.

Clearly, such qualifications can only be valid and awarded after significant and accredited study and some indication of the Levels and time elements of such study are an important and necessary element of such qualifications.This table sets out the qualifications available though the Animal Care College and the criteria for their award.Successful students fulfilling the criteria may apply to join the published lists of those qualified for a ‘one off’ administration fee of £25 plus VAT

1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
Post-Nominal Letters	Full Title Of Qualification/ Award/ Membership	Q/A/M and approximate number of hours of study	Period	Research (R) Or By Coursework (C)	CPD Required Y/N	Awarding Body	Potential Applicants
Dip Can Psy	Diploma of Canine Psychology	HNC Q 300 hours	2/3 yrs p/t	R & C	N	NOCN	Dog trainers and behaviourists
Dip Fel Psy	Diploma of Feline Psychology	HNC Q 300 hours	2/3 yrs p/t	R & C	N	NOCN	Cat behaviourists
Dip Equ Psy	Diploma of Equine Psychology	HNC Q 300 hours	2/3 yrs p/t	R & C	N	NOCN	Horse trainers and behaviourists
Dip Dg T Cl Ins	Diploma in Dog Training Class Instruction	HNC Q 300 hours	2/3 yrs p/t	R & C	N	NOCN	Cat behaviourists
Ad Dip Can Psy	Advanced Diploma of Canine Psychology	HND Q 450 hours	2/3 yrs p/t	R & C	N	NOCN	Dog trainers and behaviourists
DBC	Diploma in Dog Breeding	HNC Equ Q 300 hours	2 yrs p/t	R & C	N	NOCN	Dog Breeders
DPBC	Diploma in Pet Bereavement Counselling	HNC Equ Q 180 hours	1 year p/t	R & C	N	NOCN	Pet Care Professionals
DAC/FC	Diploma in Advanced C/F Care	HNC Equ Q 180 hours	1 year p/t	R & C	N	NOCN	Pet Care Professionals
AMACC	Associate Members of the Animal Care College	M	Min 2 yrs p/y	R & C	N/A	ACC	Pet Care Professionals
APP	Animal Care College Accredited Petcare Professional	HND Equ Q 180 hours plus references	2/3 yrs p/t	R & C	N	NOCN ACC	R & C

Notes:

Column 1Post- nominal abbreviations

Column 2Full description or title for the abbreviated qualification described in Column 1.

Column 3Description of whether the abbreviated letters represent:

Q- a formal qualification awarded after a period of study (both theoretical and or practical) and assessment;

A - an award reflecting achievement in a particular subject or discipline or;

M - membership of a particular organisation or body which has its own membership criteria.

This column also gives an indication of how many hours of study are required for successful completion of the course

Column 4The length of time that the period of study typically taken to successfully complete the course and whether it is full or part time

Column 5 An indication of the assessment process

Column 6 Whether CPD (Continuing Professional Development) is required.

Column 7Title of the awarding body recognised for each qualification/ award/ membership.

Column 8Description of those usually applying for/ or holding the relevant qualification/ award/ membership.

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If you have any problems viewing the above table it may be viewed as a .pdf file here: Summary of Quals.pdf

Summary Table for Qualifications through the Animal Care College in conjunction with the National Open College Network

M