Cat Groomer Certification

Jackie provides written exam proctoring and Personalized Private Instruction (PPI) for practical CFMG exams at Happy Cat Hotel & Spa in Alexandria, VA. Please note, students must have an active NCGI membership prior to any testing. Sign up to become a member here.

Written Exams

• Written exams can be taken at Happy Cat Hotel & Spa with 1-2 weeks’ notice.
• Exam fees are paid directly to NCGI online here.
• A $25 proctoring fee applies unless taken on a Personalized Private Instruction (PPI) day.

Practical Exams

Practical exams must be scheduled in advance and can be conducted in two ways:

Option 1—Bring Your Cat(s): Happy Cat Hotel offers a tub, table, dryer, towels, and grooming products. However, you must bring your cats and hand tools (Refer to the “What to Bring” list below). It is recommended that you book three to five days for practical exams.

You are welcome to board your cat(s) in one of our spacious rooms for a 50% discount off current rates (subject to availability.) Please inquire upon booking.

Option 2—Use Our Cats: This option is only available when accompanied by Personalized Private Instruction (PPI). See the “PPI with Jackie” section below for PPI options. Students must have completed NCGI’s Complete Cat Groomer Training Syllabus and passed at least two written exams.

Our in-person training programs provide valuable hands-on experience in a cat-exclusive salon with expert guidance from Jackie.

Shadow Day – $300 per session

Not sure if cat grooming is right for you? Come to shadow Jackie for a half-day of grooming at Happy Cat Hotel & Spa! A shadow day is three hours, starting at 9 a.m., with two to three cats being groomed in a variety of services depending on the day.

This can include nail trims, nail caps, bathing, blow drying, sanitary/belly shaving, full body haircuts (Plush Trim/Lion Cut), mat removal, aggressive cat handling, etc. Specific grooming services are not guaranteed, however, discussion and questions on grooming techniques, business, etc. can be done in-between grooming.

Three-hour session (9 a.m. start).

Ask questions and discuss grooming techniques and business insights.

Bath & Basics Training – $400 per session

• For students looking to learn and practice their bathing, drying, combing and handling skills.
• 4-hour session (9 a.m. start).
• Hands-on bathing, drying, combing and handling training with two to three beginner-friendly cats.

Personalized Private Instruction (PPI) – $600 per session

• Full-day, six-hour session (9 a.m. start).
• Work on three to four cats, customized to your experience level and training goals.
• Includes time for CFMG written exams, business discussions, and practical exam attempts.
• PPI days may be used for practical exam attempts if you have already purchased the Complete Cat Groomer Training Syllabus and completed at least two written CFMG exams.

Booking Policy

Minimum of 30 days notice required to reschedule. Restrictions may apply.

Students must bring their own hand tools and grooming apparel. Happy Cat Hotel will provide grooming equipment, products and cats for training. Students should plan on wearing grooming clothes and closed-toe, non-slip shoes (no sandals, boots or dress shoes).

Required Items

Grooming Smock or Clothes That Can Get Wet & Hairy

• Air Muzzle
• Nail Trimmers
• Metal Combs (Body & Face/Feet)
• Clipper with a #10 Blade (Recommended: Bravura, KM Cordless, KM 10)
• Closed-toe, Non-Slip Shoes

Located just outside Historic Old Town Alexandria, we are easily accessible by car, train, or air. If you stay overnight, we recommend accommodations on or near Eisenhower Avenue in Alexandria. Once you get closer to Duke Street and Old Town, the (human) hotel prices will increase significantly.

Hotels

• Holiday Inn – 2460 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, VA
  (703) 960-2000
• Extended Stay America – 200 Bluestone Rd, Alexandria, VA
  (703) 329-3399

Air Transportation

• Reagan National (20 min)
• Dulles Airport (45 min)

Train Transportation

• Union Station – Washington, DC
• Amtrak – Alexandria, VA (walking distance)

Driving

Located off I-95, Exit 176B (Telegraph Rd toward Alexandria). Follow signs for downtown Alexandria and take the first right onto South Dove Street, which is the third parking lot entrance. We’re halfway up on the right.

For exam proctoring, PPI availability, or general inquiries, contact Jackie using the form below.

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