NSDA Testing Information

National Search Dog Alliance offers various levels of certification testing to K9 teams in many disciplines such as Avalanche, Area Search, Backtracking, Disaster, Gun Source Residue, Human Remains Detection (land and water), and Trailing. Follow the steps below to become a nationally certified K9 team through NSDA.


  • Step #1 - Disciplines Prerequisite Test

    • All disciplines require you to pass online tests. There is a general overall test called the disciplines prerequisite test. This is the first online test you will take.


  • Step #2 - Online Test for a Discipline

    • Once you pass the Disciplines Prerequisite Test, you will then be able to purchase the online test for any of the disciplines.


  • Step #3 - Understand the Field Testing Standards

  • Step #4 - Review the Field Test Schedule & Purchase a Field Test

  • Addendum A - Host your own Field Test

  • Addendum B - Host an NSDA Regional Event

  • Addendum C - Request a Testing Grant for Evaluator Expenses

    • You can request a Testing Grant for Evaluator expenses


    NSDA K9 Evaluations

    In order to :

    • request a test,
    • locate the closest evaluator,
    • solve a testing problem,
    • contact others in your area who want to test
    • or ask a question

    Contact Testing Committee Chair: Rena Ferguson testing [at] n-sda [dot] org
    and watch the Upcoming Evaluations page for future listings.