FAQs Archive - American Dog Show Judges

Q: Are all questions and answers verbatim from the rule or regulations booklets?

Some are, and others are not. Many questions provide a scenario for which the test taker applies their understanding of the applicable rules and policies to answer how a matter would be properly handled. For example, if a judge is assigned to specific breeds, group(s) or Best in Show, would a family member be permitted to exhibit at that show and if so in what classes?

Q: Can we check our answers before submitting to be graded?

Yes, the exam is not scored until the test taker submits it for scoring. Once completing the last question, the exam provides the option to click the “Finished” button to score the exam or to review your answers. The exam will not be scored until the user clicks the “Finished” button. Any unanswered questions are scored as incorrect.

Q: Will I be removed from judging panels if the test is not completed? Am I placed in an “inactive” category?

Judges who fail their first three attempts are placed on referral. The referral does not affect any assignments previously approved but does block the person from being approved on any future panels while in place. Once the exam is passed, the referral is lifted.As explained previously, failure after six attempts results in the judge being marked inactive until the requirement successfully completed. Judges who refuse to comply, are placed on referral and may be marked inactive. Numerous notifications are sent by the department reminding judges of the need to complete the exam. The department also notifies the judge if he/she is being placed on referral or marked inactive due to the lack of response.

Q: Is there a time limit for completion of the test?

When judges are first notified of the need to take the exam, they are informed that they should complete the exam in two months. If one fails the exam, once re-enrolled in the next version, we ask that they complete the exam in 30 days. Remember, you do not have to complete the exam in one sitting. You may exit at any time, and it will place you where you left off when you return.

Q: What happens if I do not pass the test after several tries?

One could potentially have nine attempts to pass. If after three attempts a judge has not passed, we arrange for a meeting with a member of the Field Staff who will review all missed questions. After the review they are given three more attempts to pass the test. If unsuccessful after three more tries (6 total), the judge is marked inactive and may retest after six months or immediately following the attendance of an AKC Institute for New and Aspiring Judges. If the person is unsuccessful after the 3rd set of three attempts (9 total), Judges Operation could recommend to the Board that that individual’s judging privileges be removed.. To date – every judge who was unsuccessful after three tries and seen the process through has successfully passed after their review with an Executive Field Representative.

Are all questions and answers verbatim from the rule or regulations booklets?

Some are, and others are not. Many questions provide a [...]

By Joan Mikosh-Johnson|2023-11-08T08:52:54-05:00November 8, 2023|RECERTIFICATION|Comments Off

Why are there questions related to measuring and weighing when all judges are not approved for breeds that may be measured or weighed?

A rudimentary understanding of the proper procedures associated with measuring [...]

By Joan Mikosh-Johnson|2023-11-08T08:50:30-05:00November 8, 2023|RECERTIFICATION|Comments Off

Are there questions on the exam related to judging procedures for junior showmanship, FSS Open Shows or the Four-to-Six Month Best Puppy Competition?

There are no questions related to specific judging procedures related [...]

By Joan Mikosh-Johnson|2023-11-08T08:50:34-05:00November 8, 2023|RECERTIFICATION|Comments Off

Can we check our answers before submitting to be graded?

Yes, the exam is not scored until the test taker [...]

By Joan Mikosh-Johnson|2023-11-08T08:50:39-05:00November 8, 2023|RECERTIFICATION|Comments Off

What types of questions are on the exam?

Most questions are multiple choice. The questions may have from [...]

By Joan Mikosh-Johnson|2023-11-08T08:50:45-05:00November 8, 2023|RECERTIFICATION|Comments Off

How do I get reinstated as active?

Take and pass the exam.

By Joan Mikosh-Johnson|2023-11-08T08:50:50-05:00November 8, 2023|RECERTIFICATION|Comments Off

Will I be removed from judging panels if the test is not completed? Am I placed in an “inactive” category?

Judges who fail their first three attempts are placed on [...]

By Joan Mikosh-Johnson|2023-11-08T08:50:58-05:00November 8, 2023|RECERTIFICATION|Comments Off

If I am in the midst of a medical/family emergency, may I delay the test?

Legitimate and reasonable requests have been accommodated with extensions.

By Joan Mikosh-Johnson|2023-11-08T08:51:05-05:00November 8, 2023|RECERTIFICATION|Comments Off

Is there a time limit for completion of the test?

When judges are first notified of the need to take [...]

By Joan Mikosh-Johnson|2023-11-08T08:51:10-05:00November 8, 2023|RECERTIFICATION|Comments Off

What happens if I do not pass the test after several tries?

One could potentially have nine attempts to pass. If after [...]

By Joan Mikosh-Johnson|2023-11-08T08:51:15-05:00November 8, 2023|RECERTIFICATION|Comments Off

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