Dogging (DG) exam-day guide
Dogging (DG) · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original, unexpired ID document the provider requires. Confirm with the provider which specific forms of ID are accepted and whether a digital copy is permitted.
Admission or confirmation document
Print or save the scheduling confirmation, candidate number, or admission letter if the provider issues one. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is mandatory.
Provider-approved reference materials
Some practical assessments allow limited reference sheets or manuals. Confirm with the provider exactly which materials are permitted, in what format, and whether they must be unmarked.
Personal protective equipment and work clothing
If the practical test involves handling animals or equipment, bring the PPE and clothing specified in the candidate handbook. Confirm with the provider the required standard for footwear, gloves, and outerwear.
Tools and equipment listed in the handbook
Bring only the instruments or equipment the provider explicitly lists as candidate-supplied. Confirm with the provider before bringing anything not on the list, as unapproved items may be removed.
Test-day logistics plan
Confirm the exact venue, arrival time, and check-in procedure, and plan travel with a buffer for delays. Confirm with the provider the latest arrival time and the consequences of lateness.
Notification of any special requirements
If you need adjustments for a disability, medical condition, or religious observance, confirm with the provider that your request has been approved and what documentation to bring.
Medication and personal necessities
Carry any necessary medication and confirm with the provider how it may be stored or accessed during the assessment, since access to personal belongings may be restricted.
Leave prohibited items at home
Phones, smartwatches, and other electronic devices are commonly restricted during testing. Confirm with the provider the policy on storage and prohibited items before the test day.
Rest, food, and hydration plan
Practical assessments can be physically demanding. Plan a normal night's sleep, a proper meal before arrival, and water where the venue permits it.
Understand the scoring format
Review how the practical is marked, including any pass/fail stations or critical-failure criteria. Confirm with the provider the weighting and any minimum standard required to pass.
Review the candidate handbook
Read the current version of the provider's candidate handbook for conduct, timing, and station rules. Confirm with the provider that you are using the most recent edition.
Plan the day
Confirm the venue, arrival time, and check-in instructions in writing. Verify that your ID and any required paperwork are valid and easy to find. Re-read the candidate handbook sections on conduct, permitted materials, and scoring, and note anything unclear so you can confirm it with the provider.
Gather every candidate-supplied item on the equipment list and check that it is clean, complete, and in working order. Set aside the required clothing and PPE. Avoid last-minute practice of unfamiliar techniques; instead rehearse the routines you already know and review critical safety steps.
Lay out your ID, confirmation document, clothing, PPE, and permitted equipment in one place. Confirm your travel route and a backup option, and check the weather and local transport conditions. Keep the evening calm, eat normally, and aim for a full night's sleep rather than late cramming.
Eat a proper meal and hydrate. Arrive at the venue ahead of the stated check-in time with a buffer for delays. Leave prohibited devices and valuables at home or in secure storage as the provider directs. Present your ID and paperwork promptly and follow staff instructions at every stage.
Listen carefully to each station briefing and read any written instructions fully before starting. Work at a steady, safe pace, verbalize your reasoning if the format allows it, and manage the time so you complete each station. If equipment fails or a situation is unclear, raise your hand and ask the assessor rather than improvising outside the rules.
Rules to check
Bring the original, unexpired photo ID specified by the provider and present it at check-in; candidates without acceptable ID may be refused entry. Confirm with the provider which documents are accepted.
Follow all assessor and venue instructions, including safety briefings and station boundaries. Do not begin a station before you are told to start or continue after time is called.
Use only permitted materials and equipment. Do not bring notes, phones, smartwatches, or other unauthorized items into the assessment area; confirm with the provider the storage arrangements for personal belongings.
Treat animals, equipment, and other candidates with care. Any handling that compromises safety or welfare may be stopped by the assessor and could affect your result. Confirm with the provider how such incidents are recorded and scored.
Breaks are usually scheduled by the provider and may be limited; leaving the assessment area without permission may not be allowed. Confirm with the provider the break policy and whether you may access food, water, or medication between stations.
Do not communicate with other candidates about station content during the assessment, and do not share or record assessment materials. Confirm with the provider the exact confidentiality rules that apply to your test.
Understand how you will be scored, including any critical-failure criteria that can end the assessment regardless of other performance. Confirm with the provider the pass standard and the results timeline.
If you believe something affected your performance, such as an equipment fault or a safety concern, report it to the assessor or venue staff immediately and ask how to record it. Confirm with the provider the procedure and deadline for any formal appeal.