Testing with IADA

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At the International Assistance Dog Alliance (IADA) we love testing for a few important reasons:

• Set benchmarks to track your dog’s progress.

• Show improvement in training over time.

• Protect teams by providing documentation that may help with housing, employment, or public access challenges.

It’s important to note that in some regions, there is no legal requirement or acknowledgment for assistance dog testing or certification.

Instead, the tests we provide are voluntary tools to help handlers and trainers strengthen their teams, set clear training goals, and celebrate milestones along the way.

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IADA Testing

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IADA offers both in-person and virtual testing through our member trainers and completely free of charge through Dauntless Companions.

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We currently offer three certification levels for assistance dogs:

• Prospect in Training Test (PITT) – for dogs beginning foundational public access work.

• Public Access Test (PAT) – for teams ready to demonstrate safe, reliable behavior in non-pet-friendly spaces.

• International Public Access Test (IPAT) – for dogs preparing for international travel and higher-level public access expectations.

 

AKC Testing

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Through Dauntless Companions, IADA also offers free AKC testing. In addition, many of our AKC-certified member trainers provide training and evaluation services. These titles are a fun and rewarding way to strengthen your bond and track your dog’s progress:

• AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy (in person, age and class requirements)

• Canine Good Citizen (CGC) (in person)

• Canine Good Citizen Advanced (Community Canine) (in person)

• Canine Good Citizen Urban (in person)

• Virtual Home Manners Puppy (VHMP) (virtual)

• Virtual Home Manners Adult (VHMA) (virtual)

• Novice Trick Dog (virtual or in person)

• Intermediate Trick Dog (virtual or in person)

• Trick Dog Performer (virtual or in person)

• Trick Dog Elite Performer (virtual or in person)

 

Ready to Get Started?

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Whether you’re building the foundation for an assistance dog prospect or just looking to celebrate your dog’s skills with AKC titles, IADA’s free testing opportunities are here to help you succeed.