From 1 January 2021, no one can judge unless they meet JEP level 1 requirements (existing CC judges excluded). The exception to this is where a valid contract was in place before the 24 February 2020 press announcement and the appointment complies with Kennel Club Regulation F(1)20.b.
Level 1
Requirements to meet this level:
- Minimum of five years proven interest in pedigree dogs
- Attend a requirements of a dog show judge seminar (but not mandatory to take and pass examination)
- Attend a conformation and movement seminar
- Complete a minimum of two full-day stewarding appointments
Eligibility to judge
Up to three classes (four if one is a puppy class) for any breed at limited or open shows.
Level 2
Requirements to meet this level
First breed:
- Take and pass requirements of a dog show judge examination
- Pass points of a dog assessment
- Attend a breed appreciation day (BAD) and pass a multiple-choice examination (MCE) for the respective breed
- View ring stewarding seminar and take online quiz
- Complete critique writing seminar and take online quiz
Subsequent breeds
- Attend a breed appreciation day (BAD) and pass a multiple-choice examination (MCE) for each breed. Note: Not mandatory for group judge for breeds in the group that they are not approved at level 4, but attendance strongly recommended
Eligibility to judge
- Unlimited number of classes for the respective breed at limited, open or championship shows (no CCs)
- Any variety classes, groups and best in show at limited shows
Level 3
Requirements to meet this level
- Undergo minimum of three mentoring sessions with a minimum of 12 months between first and third session
- Be observed judging a breed club show, breed supported entry show or championship show without CCs once mentoring sessions have been undertaken
- Complete remaining 10 full-day stewarding appointments (onetime qualification)
- Have owned/bred a minimum of three dogs when they obtained their first entry in The Kennel Club Stud Book – save for exceptional circumstances (one-time qualification for first breed in which a judge awards CCs)
- Attended the appropriate sub-group field trial/open gundog working test for first gundog breed or ring procedure at licensed shows (German Shepherd Dog education programme) online exam (one-time qualification)
- Have achieved the relevant hands-on experience in line with the stated requirements for the relevant stud book band:
- Band A minus1 – 15 dogs
- Band A – 20 dogs
- Band B – 35 dogs
- Band C – 60 dogs
- Band D – 90 dogs
- Band E – 125 dogs
Level 4
Requirements to meet this level
- Attend and passed a breed-specific assessment for the specific breed run by The Kennel Club
Eligibility to judge
- Award Challenge Certificates in the respective breed
- Any variety classes, groups and best in show at open and limited sho