07/02/2026
Following the formal recognition of the ABTC Assessing Organisations Certificate Scheme by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) in October 2025, we are pleased to announce an important update to the assessment process for Animal Trainers and Animal Training Instructors.
From 31 January 2026, assessment of knowledge and understanding for these two roles will be achieved through either,
a) Completion of an ABTC recognised course or
b) Completion of the new APEL assessment with one of our ABTC Assessing Organisations
Assessment of knowledge and understanding must be complete before practical skills for the role are assessed.
This updated APEL assessment has been developed collaboratively with representatives from across our Assessing Organisations. We are extremely grateful for the time, expertise and commitment that have contributed to this work.
The introduction of a standardised knowledge and understanding assessment (APEL) aims to improve consistency, clarity and fairness in how the ABTC Standards are interpreted and applied across the sector. This forms a key part of the ABTC’s progression towards applying for certification body status under ISO/IEC 17065.
And by ensuring that practical skills are assessed alongside a robust underpinning of knowledge, this approach strengthens assessment integrity, helps reduce the risk of unsafe or unintended practice, and protects practitioners, animals and the people they work with. It also aligns with external quality assurance expectations, enhances credibility and supports long-term sector progression.
We encourage animal trainers and animal training instructors who are not yet registered to consider applying for assessment of both Knowledge and Understanding (K&U) and practical skills through any of our ABTC Assessing Organisations. Becoming an ABTC registered Animal Trainer or Animal Training Instructor demonstrates a high standard of professional competence, promotes animal welfare and supports ethical, evidence-based practice across the industry.
As we look ahead to 2026, this is an ideal time for practitioners to reflect on their professional development and consider taking the next step towards ABTC registration.
