OCN Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming With Groomarts Academy (Hertfordshire)

The OCN Level 3 Dog Grooming course is designed to create professional and commercially effective dog groomers. The course enables prospective students to learn and understand what it takes to become a commercially effective pet stylist. The  qualification is Ofqual approved and is a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) with the same credits as other NVQ Level 3 qualifications. It is the new industry standard for professional dog groomers. Achieving this qualification ensures you will have the ability to set up your own business should you wish to do so.

Ideally for those who are passionate about pets, serious about changing career or wanting to start a new business. Our award-winning tutors will guide you and build your knowledge, skills and confidence throughout your course.

This is a very intensive programme designed to deliver the best commercial results. It is advisable to book a minimum of one month in advance to give you sufficient time to access relevant material before you start the course.

While you’re with us we support you in building your portfolio and completing your assignments. But best of all: this course has no final exam!

OCN awards credits at different levels, with each level indicating a different level of difficulty. An OCN Level 3 Diploma is a National Certificate that is equivalent to a Grade A-C at A-level and other Advanced Level qualifications, such as Level 3 NVQs or BTECs. Unlike some other awarding bodies, the previous level does not need to be completed in order to undertake a level 3 course.

The Open College Network and City and Guilds are both Awarding bodies that are regulated under Ofqual (The national qualifications regulator). They are both recognised by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) and offer a large variety of National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ). Both offer qualifications that are recognised throughout 182 countries worldwide.

The OCN Level 3 Diploma is identical to the City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in terms of the national standard for education within the sector and they are identical in terms of the educational credits.

So, where do OCN and City & Guilds differ?

The key differences are that City & Guilds requires the student to have attained the Level 2 qualification prior to acceptance onto the Level 3 Diploma course. Additionally, the student will be required to sit an external exam in a centre which is available at only two points in the year (June and November). The average cost at a private school for both is around £6,500 and you could wait for several months before becoming qualified.

In contrast the OCN Level 3 Diploma does not require the student to have attained the Level 2 in order to be accepted on to the Level 3 Diploma course. There is also slightly more emphasis on your practical skills and critically the course is portfolio-based which means that you will only be assessed on the quality of your work and will not have to sit a final exam. So, when you have completed your portfolio and your assignments then your work will be submitted to the awarding body for approval. The Cost of the OCN Level 3 Diploma is £4,950.