ABTC Programme Recognition
Gaining course recognition through Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) demonstrates that your programme meets nationally recognised standards for ethical, welfare-led education in animal training and behaviour. ABTC standards have been developed in line with the expectations of UKAS (the UK Accreditation Service), reflecting the same principles of transparency, consistency and competence required for accreditation under ISO/IEC 17065.
Recognition provides education providers with:
Benefit | Value |
Independent assurance | Your course is reviewed against ABTC’s nationally recognised professional standards, built to UKAS-aligned principles. |
Credibility and trust | Demonstrates welfare-based, evidence-led teaching endorsed by the UK’s regulatory body for animal training and behaviour standards. |
Student progression | Learners can clearly see how your course contributes towards eligibility for ABTC practitioner registration. |
Visibility | Recognised courses are listed on the ABTC website and acknowledged within the professional pathway. |
ABTC recognition is a commitment to maintaining high standards, supporting animal welfare and contributing to a regulated profession built on UKAS-aligned principles of good governance.
To begin the process or request further information, please contact:[email protected]
Course Recognition Procedure
The ABTC welcomes applications from Course/Programme Providers for recognition by ABTC.
Please be aware that there are three ‘cut off’ dates for applications each year. They are 5 January, 5 April and 5 July.
You will find guidance for the application process here: Application for ABTC Recognition of Programme Guidance notes
If you have any questions please contact [email protected]
If you would like to apply for recognition you will find the application forms, below:
- ABTC Programme Recognition application form
- PRC CV proforma
- Ethical marketing guidelines
- PRC Learning outcome by role and module
- PRC Unit outline example
- PRC Unit outline template
- PRC Template for mapping unit learning outcomes
- ABTC Code of Professional Conduct
- For details of the role standards please click here
Please note these processes are subject to review and revision.
If you have any questions please contact [email protected]
Please be aware that the Programme Recognition fees are increasing in January 2026. Details can be found here
Streamline Registration by Becoming an Assessing Organisation Too
If you’re already delivering ABTC-recognised education programmes, why not take the next step and become an Assessing Organisation as well?
Offering both education and assessment allows you to support your learners from initial training right through to ABTC practitioner registration – all in one place.
Why combine education and assessment?
Seamless progression – guide your learners through every stage of their journey
Greater learner retention – keep learners engaged and supported until registration
Enhanced reputation – stand out as a full-service, registration-ready provider
Influence and impact – play a key role in shaping future practitioners
ABTC provides guidance, resources, and assessor standardisation training to help you establish a robust, quality-assured assessment process.
Interested in becoming an Assessing Organisation? Click here to learn more
May 2025
Recognised Courses
If you are a practitioner or potential practitioner looking for a recognised course in respect of the knowledge and understanding for any of the roles, please click here