Certifications

           

                  1.   Certifications are based on pass/fail.

                  2.   Certifications are valid for one (1) year from the date of certification.

                  3.   There is no fee for certification.  You may be required to cover travel expenses for evaluators.

                  4.      Any Team that fails certification may re-certify fifteen (15) days from the test date.  

                  The only exception will be at the discretion of the Senior Evaluator.

5.      A Team that feels they have been evaluated unfairly in any way must first inform the Senior Evaluator immediately of their intention to contest the evaluation.  The handler must submit a written letter or e-mail to the K-9 Coordinator within ten (10) days of the evaluation providing detailed reasons why they feel they were evaluated unfairly.  Both evaluators must also provide a written or e-mailed response regarding the evaluation.  The K-9 Coordinator will make a final decision that will be forwarded to the Board of Directors with copies returned to the handler and evaluators.   

6.      No Pseudo aids will be used for certification.

7.      At no time will harsh and/or inappropriate physical handling or corrections be tolerated.  Any such behavior will be grounds for immediate termination of the evaluation.

8.      Certifications may be conducted on or off lead, at the handler discretion.  However, K-9’s must be under the handlers control at all times.  If the Senior Evaluator feels at anytime the K-9 is not under the handlers control they may require the use of a lead or termination of the evaluation. 

9.  Search times, areas, and lengths may be adjusted, at the Senior Evaluators discretion, due to limitations of the certification location.  All changes and/or adjustments must be detailed on the certification sheet.

10.  All training aids must be approved by the Senior Evaluator before use.

11.  Handlers must advise the evaluators of their K-9’s trained alert before the test begins.    

 

Team Requirements

 

1.      The team must be a member of NOCSAR in good standing.

2.      A Federal background check must be completed.  A copy must be given to certifying officials before the certification will begin.  The copy will be retained by NOCSAR along with the certification.  The Federal  background check is required to be completed every three (3) years to remain a member of NOCSAR and to certify.  Current Law Enforcement Officers are not required to complete this background check.

3.      A team will consist of one K-9 and one handler.  NOCSAR only certifys teams.  If at any time the handler obtains a new K-9 or a K-9 is placed with a new handler that team must certify together.  This includes handlers with 2 K-9s.  The handler must certify with each K-9 to make up a NOCSAR certified team.   

 

Evaluators

 

1.        Evaluators will consist of current and/or prior Law Enforcement K-9 trainers and/or handlers. 

2.        Two (2) Evaluators will be required for every certification.  One (1) of whom will be the Senior Evaluator determined by the order they are listed under the Evaluator link. 

3.        Decisions by the Senior Evaluator are final.