Certification Process
To become certified as a Certified Feline Master Groomer™ (CFMG™) follow the steps below:
Join the NCGIA
Fill out the membership application and send it in or submit the form online.
Cost for first year: $50 ($20/year renewal)
Initial Membership and Renewal fees can now be paid online under Products.
Purchase Curriculum Package (all items except Study Packets are optional but recommended)
The curriculum package includes:
Set of 4 DVDs
Set of 4 Study Packets (REQUIRED for taking Written Exams)
Breed Flashcards
Color Flashcards
Breed Poster
Ultimate Cat Groomer Encyclopedia
These items will prepare you to pass the 4 corresponding written exams and serve as reference guides in the future. They Study Packets are required for certification. Allow yourself time to study and prepare for all 4 exams which can be taken all at once or one at a time. Written exams can be taken at workshops, at any trade shows were the NCGIA is present, or by proctor (i.e. by teacher or grooming school instructor).
The DVDs will serve as a great training tool and equip you to better handle and groom a variety of cats. If you practice what is taught on the DVDs this will help you achieve the skills needed for passing the 5 practical exams.
The Breed Poster and Flashcard sets are a beneficial for studying the various feline breeds and colors. They provide a visual and allow for self-study.
The Encyclopedia is the very best cat grooming book on the market. We guarantee it or your money back!
Cost for set of curriculum package: $546 (if purchased in sets or as a group)
Train
The very best way to get your training is to attend the 2 week course at the NCGIA Schoo of Cat Grooming in Greenville, SC.
Another option includes:
Workshop Attendance: Most workshops are 2 or 3 days and cost approx $350-$400. The training is intense and part of a class experience that includes lecture, demonstration, and hands-on time for each student.
Average Cost for Workshop Training: $350-$400
Cost for school tuition INCLUDING curriculum package listed above: $2410
Pass Exams
Both Written and Practical Exams can be taken during any School of Cat Grooming course or at most workshops. Any retakes are an additional $45 per exam. Written exams can also be taken at any tradeshow where the NCGIA is in attendance or they can be proctored. Some tradeshows also allow for Practical exams to be administered.
Total cost for all 9 exams: $585
Become a CFMG!
Once all exams are passed and you provide proof of CPR certification (offered at the School of Cat Grooming), you will have earned the title of CFMG!
The cost for the entire package, including workshop attendance training, is $1581.
The cost for the entire package, including the 2-week School of Cat Grooming course is $3045.
For just over $1500 you can become a Certified Feline Master Groomer and turn out amazing results on any cat you groom. By learning more about cats and their breeds, colors, temperaments and grooming needs you can grow the feline part of your business and recoup your costs very quickly. If you average a mere $75 per cat groom (which you SHOULD be doing) then you will have paid for your education after 20 cats! We can’t think of any other education that pays for itself that quickly.
We now have a great way for you to PAY FOR YOUR CAT GROOMING EDUCATION with the NCGIA – it’s called the Dirty Hair Project. 
So what are you waiting for?
Want to attend the world’s first feline-exclusive grooming school for professional cat groomers? Click here
