Only a certified PADA team can conduct the PADA evaluation. Each PADA team should have three members: a PADA technician, a PADA leader, and a PADA evaluator. The evaluator should score a valid PADA assessment in a dedicated app, provided for all certified PADA members.
PADA evaluator is the only person who can assess the dog and send valid results to the international database. The leader is responsible for conducting all the tests and taking care of the dogs’ handler, technician work, and the overall test. The technician handles the dog and performs all needed behaviors and tests.
Meet the basic requirements for the chosen level of certification
Check which level you can complete!
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- One year of experience with working dogs
- Recommendation letter from PADA evaluator
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- Dog trainer certification
- Recommendation letter from PADA evaluator
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- Degree in Ethology (or equal education/training)
- Recommendation letter from AAI organization (IAHAIO or AAII member)
Please send us your CV (in English), so we can verify your educational level and experience and help you choose a proper certification level.
Educational path
The technician is the most accessible level to complete. To become a technician, you need visiting team certification as the basic training. Then you need to complete AAE/AAT online course and the PADA online training. After the theoretical online exam, you need to complete practical training (three days of workshops where trainees observe live PADA test and conduct them).
The leader is dedicated to dog trainers with practical experience. Each trainee must complete online training for the Visiting team, AAE/AAT course, and the PADA online training. After the theoretical online exam, you need to complete practical training (three days of workshops where trainees observe live PADA test and conduct them).
To become the evaluator, you need to be an ethologist (or have similar valid education or training). Each trainee must complete online training for the Visiting team, AAE/AAT course, and the PADA online training. After the theoretical online exam, you need to complete practical training (three days of workshops where trainees observe live PADA test and conduct them).
PADA team member educational path.
Basic requirements:
All PADA team members need proper PADA education, both in theory and practice. Theoretical course you can accomplish online, but for the practical part, we need to meet live to train, discuss and exchange knowledge. Certified PADA evaluators can provide practical training for their own team.
The PADA online course
The course contains several steps and all of them are needed for the certification. It starts with basic(introductory) information about AAI and its definitions. The second step is the theory needed in practical AAI work (visiting, educational and therapeutic settings). Later on, you will find lectures prepared for AAI instructors(with scientific backgrounds in dogs’ cognition and behavior). The final part of this training is about PADA – the protocol and test itself, practical tips on how to proceed, and movies with tested dogs that will give you insight into the procedure.
All needed lectures are combined in “PADA learning pack” that you can find in our shop.
The evaluator is responsible for gathering the PADA team and supporting the educational process. Only the evaluator may take part in practical training. The other possibility is to invite PADA supervisors to your country to provide live training for all future PADA team members.
Frequently asked questions
The PADA technician is handling the dog during the PADA test. His/her goal is to proceed with all the tests and handle each exercise correctly. The technician is subject to the PADA leader.
The PADA leader is responsible for talking with the dog owner and informing them what will happen. His/her task is also to inform the technician on what and when to do the various elements. The PADA leader fills in the form if the PADA evaluator is absent.
The PADA evaluator must assess the dog objectively and fill in the final form after assessing the dog live or via video. The PADA evaluator must give detailed feedback to the owner about how the dog reacted to the various moments and how the dog is assessed. The PADA evaluator decides whether the dog is suitable for further training and AAI certification. He/she also gives information about the type of clients the dog is suitable to work with.
Yes, if you can get a team of both a PADA leader and a PADA technician, you can send in a video of the test and have an evaluator evaluate it. If one of you also are a PADA evaluator, you can do the evaluation yourselves. Each PADA evaluation should be done with the application, so all the results are stored in the international database.
If you meet the other requirements later, you can change your role. If so, you can send in a CV and certificates to verify that you fulfill the new position.
You do need to have some face-to-face training. You can attend one of the regular practical seminars offered on aai-certification.com. You can also use another certification company. You can even host a seminar in your country. Our trainers can come to you. If so, you need to pay for travel and accommodations and a fee of 1000 Euro.
If you meet the other requirements later, you can change your role. If so, you can send in a CV and certificates to verify that you fulfill the new position.
After the dog has done PADA and been recommended for further training, the dog and owner must complete theoretical and practical courses and then take a practical exam together. That makes them certified AAI team. PADA is the first, obligatory step for the certification.
How to become the PADA certified team member?
Sign up for the online course (starts 10th of February 2023)
Join the practical training: learn new skills, and meet evaluators from all over the world.
Get your PADA certification and start working in your country!