Written Exam
- 30 multiple-choice / true-false / short answer
- Minimum passing score: 24 out of 30 (80%)
- Topics: K-9 care, deployment rules, search techniques, safety, commands, procedures
Oral / Practical Exam
- Only those who pass written move to oral / practical
- Oral: scenario questions, decision making, policy understanding
- Practical: field demonstration: obedience, sniffing, indicating drugs/weapons/money, search of a vehicle or room
Certification Criteria
- Must pass written + oral/practical
- Maintain minimum performance thresholds (hit rate, false alert rate)
- Annual recertification
- Decertify if handler or dog fails to maintain standards, or misconduct.
Example Test Topics (24 out of 30)
- What are the three items the dog is trained to indicate?
- What is the proper seating placement in a marked Explorer?
- When is a supervisor allowed to ride in the K-9 compartment?
- Steps for safe unloading of dog from vehicle
- How often must water be offered in field?
- What is the handler’s responsibility if dog indicates in a car?
- What commands are used (petfollow, petstand, etc.)
- How is false alert handled?
- Temperature safety protocols
- Basic math on stat tick (appetite, hydration, stamina)
- Safety of bite / apprehension procedure