IJA Scoring System
SCORING SYSTEM
The scoring system was created in 1989 by Vivian and John Nash, owners of Nash Academy, co-founders of the International Judges Association for Dog Grooming Competitions.
The scoring system awards individuals on their achievements in bathing, grooming, and styling dogs by coat types in the pure breed, freestyle, rescue me, and creative styling classes.
The system scores competitors on technical skills, profile knowledge, and difficulty achieved during the competition. In addition, overall image, including grooming attire and tools, rapport with the competition dog, safety for the pet, professionalism, sportsmanship, and presentation, are also judging considerations.
ABOUT IJA LEVELS
LEVEL 5: Certification Title and Rank: Dog Grooming Judge
Elite skills in the art of teaching and judging bathing, grooming, and styling skills.
This level is equivalent to a Judge, teacher, and evaluator of technical skills, expressions, and profiles in the art of bathing, grooming and styling the canine.
It is awarded to individuals with elite technical skills and knowledge of canine anatomy and pure breed standards to achieve ultimate expressions and profiles on the canine.
*Qualifies to judge National and World Competitions
LEVEL 4: Certification Title and Rank: Canine Styling Specialists
Specialist in the art of bathing, grooming, and styling the canine.
It is awarded to individuals with specialist technical skills and knowledge of canine anatomy and pure breed standards to achieve ultimate expressions and profiles on the canine.
*Qualifies to compete in World Competitions.
LEVEL 3: Certification Title and Rank: Expert Canine Stylist
Expert in the art of bathing, grooming, and styling the canine.
It is awarded to individuals with expert technical skills, canine anatomy, and pure breed knowledge to achieve expert expressions and profiles on man's best friend.
*Qualifies for the state, regional, and national competitions.
LEVEL 2: Certification Title and Rank: Master Canine Stylist
Master in the Art of Bathing, Grooming and Styling the Canine
Awarded to individuals with master technical skills, canine anatomy, and pure breed knowledge to achieve master expressions and profiles on man's best friend.
*Qualifies for the state, regional, and national competitions.
LEVEL 1: Certification Title and Rank: Novice Canine Stylist
Novice in the Art of Bathing, Grooming and Styling the Canine
It is awarded to individuals with novice technical skills, canine anatomy, and pure breed knowledge to achieve novice expressions and profiles on man's best friend.
*Must qualify for state, regional and national competitions.
ABOUT TIERS
Tier 3
It is awarded to competitors who achieve and maintain the highest scores at their current level and frequently score at the next level.
Tier 2
It is awarded to competitors who consistently achieve and maintain scores at their current level.
Tier 1
It is awarded to competitors who consistently achieve and maintain scores at entry-level to the tier.

“The Scoring System sets the international standard in evaluating and scoring individuals in the art of bathing, grooming, and styling man’s best friend with professionalism,” says Tanya Slater.
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Nash Academy Dog Grooming School founded in 1979
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Nash Approved System - When we unite, we all get it right!
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Nash System of Pet Care Education
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International Judges Association for Dog Grooming Competitions founded in 1998
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Universal Certification System for Professionals working with Canines