FAQs

Currently, it is not mandatory to be a qualified groomer. However, obtaining a certificate qualification gives you a competitive edge.
A certification from Heiniger Academy sets you apart as a dedicated professional, backed by an industry-leading company in a highly competitive and sought-after market.

Pets hold a privileged place in the hearts of their owners (sometimes loved even more than children)!
Discerning owners will seek the assurance of a certificate qualified groomer in ensuring their pride and joy gets the best care and pampering available.

Heiniger Academy students have 12 months from the date of enrolment to complete the course.
You can obtain your Certificate III in as little as 6 months, depending on how often you are able to groom animals to meet the hands-on practical component.
Training through Heiniger Academy allows you to do block placement, easily facilitating the practical component of the course in a 4 - 5 week training block.
Most candidates will successfully complete the course within 6 - 12 months of enrolment and your student liaison will be there to help support you on your journey.

Absolutely! The course is split into theory and practical components.
The practical component consists of a training block provided by one of our training centres where you will apply all the knowledge and skills you learn by performing grooming services on a variety of dog breeds.

If you are new to the industry and have no previous grooming training. You will need to enrol separately with one of our affiliated training centres to complete the practical training.
Most training centres offer a four to five week program with costs starting from $7,000, where you will complete the practical assessments for the Cert III qualification.

You can find a list of training centres on our website: Training Centres. Please contact them directly for details on dates and fees.

Once you have secured a placement at a training centre, complete your enrolment with Heiniger Academy.

We can use your previous studies for credit transfers or as evidence for a Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) pathway.
Additionally, we offer skills gap training for areas where you may need further experience.

You may apply to take this course overseas, provided you can meet the welfare and industry standards required in Australia.
However, we do not currently offer the course through CRICOS and are unable to provide training for international students in Australia.

Currently, this course is not eligible for government funding. However, your employer may be able to sponsor you.
We also offer a range of payment plans to help ease the upfront cost.

RPL requires you to provide evidence and documentation that you have personally created, including training materials for team members, operational procedures, WHS compliance, workplace documentation, and proof of at least four years of grooming experience (not including bathing/prep work).
The process typically takes between 3 to 6 months, depending on your prior experience and the documentation provided.

A USI is your individual education number for life. It also gives you an online record of your vocational education and training (VET) undertaken in Australia.
If you're at university, TAFE or doing other nationally recognised training, you need a USI. Without one, you can't get Commonwealth financial assistance or your qualification or statement of attainment.

For any questions or inquiries about your online learning modules, please contact your student liaison first.
They will be your primary point of contact for all matters related to Heiniger Academy.

You will have the opportunity to retake your assessments for an additional fee after gaining further experience.
If you do not pass, your student liaison will discuss your options with you.

New training centres are always welcome at Heiniger Academy.

To be eligible, our trainers must hold a Certificate in Pet Grooming, and while a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment is desirable, it’s not mandatory.
We work with both qualified and non-qualified trainers.
For non-qualified trainers, additional student evidence is required for competency assessment, including more detailed entries in the Grooming Diary and supplementary documentation, such as a third-party demonstration and observation checklist.

Please e-mail academy@heiniger.com.au to discuss your options.

For full details on our refund policy, please visit our terms & refunds page here.