Exams and Workshops

Exams are an important part of your path, learn about them here! Or book stand-alone exams.

Online Exams

Dog grooming exams and workshops are educational opportunities for dog groomers to learn about proper grooming techniques, dog health and safety, and other important aspects of the dog grooming profession. These exams and workshops can be a valuable way for dog groomers to improve their skills and stay up-to-date on the latest industry practices.

7863-02 – Gola Level 2: 90 minute Online Multiple Choice

These exams are available on the following dates in 2023 at Absolutely Animals:

18th Jan, 15th Feb, 15th March, 19th April, 17th May, 14th June, 18th July, 16th August, 20st Sept, 18th Oct, 15th Nov, 13th Dec

Past papers can be provided by your tutor.

£80 Inc. VAT

These exams are available for the following dates in 2023 at Absolutely Animals:

Tuesday 13/06/2022 9:30am start 2hrs
Wednesday 08/11/2022 9:30am start 2hrs

Example of the written exam for the 7863-03 here!

7863-03 Qualification Handbook Here

£80 Inc. VAT

What Students Have to Say...

Review by Clare 2022

"Really professional and informative course. I really feel as if I've come away with the tools. I need to start my own dog walking business. Thank you, Christine and the dogs for being super friendly ...

Review by Sylvia Marks

“The Absolutely Animals Facebook group is a brilliant resource for help, ideas and advice. It’s a lifesaver, especially when you are at the beginning of your career and need some reassurance.” S...

Review by Sally James

“It feels like being part of a very special family with a huge safety blanket. Life changing. Thank you so much.” Sally James...

Review by Sue Wright

“The ongoing support continues long after training has finished. Heidi and Christine are very down-to-earth and encouraging, they become like extended family and the opportunities are there for howe...

Review by Sophie Foxton

“I have never felt more supported to achieve and thrive. The support and patience given by Heidi and Chris during the course are immense, and that does not stop after you fly the nest! I feel like p...

Michelle Peachy

“The reason I chose Absolutely Animals was because after comparison I felt that this course offered more variation of breeds to practice on and also I wanted the formal City and Guilds qualification...

Denise Sacker

“After deciding to change career, I researched many grooming courses. The recommendations I read for Absolutely Animals really stood out from the others. My course is now well under way and I am ver...

Louisa Dodd

“My time at Absolutely Animals has been so enjoyable! At first I was very apprehensive especially because I was so young, however everyone was so supportive and they’ve helped me gain a lot of con...

Claudia Colen 2015

“I enjoyed every minute of this course and learned a lot through ought the process. I'm happy for choosing a high standard training school and highly recommend Absolutely Animals to anyone who wishe...

Carole Cooper 2015

“Dear Heidi and Absolutely Animals team. Thank you so much for a fantastic experience at my taster day yesterday. It has confirmed to me that this is definitely what i want to be doing for my future...

Rosie Munson 2016

“To the girls at Absolutely Animals – Thank you for all your help and support over the last few months. I cannot believe I have completed. I will be back for more soon. You are by far the best sch...

Sophie Foxton Ray 2016

“I absolutely loved my time at Absolutely Animals. Heidi, Christine and Kay have been of the upmost support, I have laughed until I cried, learned things I can’t believe I now know, and developed ...

Change of Career Review by Inara Pavare 2017

” I was looking for a career change and wanted to train as a professional dog groomer. I am very pleased I chose Absolutely Animals as my grooming school. The whole atmosphere in the school is very...

Absolutely Animals – would give it 6 stars if I could. Super Dog Grooming School

“I started and completed the 22-day Gold Course at Absolutely Animals at the end of 2017 and cannot recommend them highly enough. The practical experience starts on day one under the expert guidance...

Review from Kamila Poniatowska 2019

"I did my grooming course in Absolutely Animals and it's the best place ever, the whole team were lovely and helpful. I've leant how to groom dogs to a very high standard which pays off now as I wor...

Gary's Story

Hi peeps, If you’re looking for some of the best dog grooming courses in the UK bar none, then you’ll find them here at Absolutely Animals 🤗. The immensely talented team of Heidi, Chri...

The Journey of Becoming a Dog Groomer Review

“Completing your City & Guilds course at Absolutely Animals is just the beginning of your journey into the world of grooming – you never really leave the nest entirely! Heidi and Christine alw...

A Review From a Lone Groomer

“The aftercare service is a unique and valuable facility to those who need any help and support to continue the excellent courses supplied by Absolutely Animals. As a lone groomer, it’s reassuring...

Training for Many Years...

“After training with Heidi many years ago, her team has been of continual support since I did my course way back when. I remember a few times calling them from work in a panic, asking for help (usua...

Passing At Absolutely Animals

“Since I passed my course at Absolutely Animals, I have used the Facebook page for many things. It’s great for asking for help, getting different options and it’s a great safety net for all who ...

Cheaper Courses? Review on Value of Teaching

“I could not recommend anywhere else to get your grooming certificate. Do not fool yourself with cheaper courses. The money you invest here is for a profession for a lifetime because you will leave...

What's the Gold Course like Review?

“I have completed the gold course of dog grooming and now I watch some other professional dog groomers videos online and I ask “why aren’t they using the right technique instead of making it all...

Other Courses

Poodle Grooming – TBC

Handling Difficult Dogs in the Salon – TBC

Please contact us if you wish to know whether these courses are planned for the near future.

Course Reviews...

Handling Difficult Dogs in the Salon Reviews

“I attended Heidi Anderton LCGI’s Difficult Dogs Seminar and found it very helpful. It gave me some new skills to help with difficult dogs. Heidi was a great presenter and kept the seminar fun, relevant and interesting. I recommend this course to any groomer who wants to further their knowledge.” Paula Haines “Heidi Anderton LCGI’s seminar on handling difficult dogs was extremely useful. It has been one area that I have found tricky since qualifying. Heidi offered helpful, reassuring, and easy to apply tips that I have already put in place. The suggestions on equipment to use in the cases were also really useful. Thanks for letting me bring along my difficult dog! I would highly recommend this seminar to any groomer.” Laura Sands

Poodle Grooming Reviews

“Thank you so much to Heidi for hosting such a great day – it was fun, informative and interesting, all in a well set-up environment. I highly recommend Absolutely Animals to anyone looking to further their knowledge. Heidi (and Christine) are amazing, and their skills and experience inspirational! Thank you.” Natasha Barnes Hutchinson “Thank you Heidi for the fabulous poodle seminar today. I can’t wait to try out some new tips and post some pictures. The dogs were amazing and I met some lovely groomers. I’m looking forward to the next one.” Alison Avery “I thoroughly enjoyed the Poodle Seminar today. Heidi, you are an inspiration teacher. Loved it! Thank you.” Sally James “Been back to my old grooming school today to a Poodle Seminar where I got to have a go on my pup, Lumi. Heidi Anderton is an amazing teacher – love watching her work her magic. Will be back for the next one!” Ellie Linsell

C Godfrey MA, B Vet Med, MRCVS 06/09/05

"This letter certifies that I have known Ms Anderton and her family for many years and have always found her to be a thoroughly reliable and very capable person. She most certainly has the ability and sense needed for setting up her own business and exercising her very useful skills as a groomer. Her work is always first class, and her ability at handling difficult animals is not short of remarkable. I am sure she will well repay any effort put into training her in business methods, and I am happy to be recommending her to my bankers as a sound prospect for them to back. On the practical side, we are able at this surgery to provide a good number of recommendations of her skill to our own clients, safe in the knowledge that they will be pleased with her work. This clinic will give her all the backing we can, and she will surely find her work well appreciated by others as well."

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Dog Grooming Exams and Workshops