NASAR K9 Certification Central
Welcome to the central location for all information concerning canine certifications
with NASAR.
For all Certifications/Examinations:
Written Exam
Candidate must take and pass the Canine SARTECH Written Exam or the Disaster
Responder Written Exam prior to proceeding to the field portions of the examination.
Minimum passing score is 70%.
The written exam will be 100 multiple-choice questions. This material can be
obtained from NASAR Canine Workbook (Area Search, Trailing, HRD and Avalanche)
and for the Canine Disaster, from FEMA USAR on-line sources, on-line canine search
specialist training, and other references. However, there shall be no requirement
that any candidate take any specific course other than those required as prerequisites.
If a candidate passes the written test and fails one or more of the practical
examinations, the written will be valid for a period of one (1) year.
Equipment Check/Pack Station
The canine pack test must be taken prior to any canine field practical evaluation.
Exception to the rule is if you have taken and passed a previous canine certification,
in that specific program (i.e. Canine SARTECH III and now taking the Canine SARTECH
II) within the past 12 months.
The canine pack must be worn during all canine field practical evaluations except:
- Disaster programs allow the canine pack to be accessible to the rubble pile. However, a small
pack must be worn during the field evaluation containing equipment identified
on the equipment list spread sheet.
- Avalanche program allow the canine pack to be accessible to the avalanche site. However, a small
pack should be worn during the field evaluation, along with mandatory equipment
– beacon, shovel, probe pole.
Field portions of the certifications will all be held during daylight hours unless
otherwise specified in the certification.
Fees
The testing/certification fee for any NASAR Canine SARTECH program is $50.00
US.
Starting June 1, 2009 the testing/certification fee for any NASAR Canine SARTECH
program is $55.00 US for any NASAR voting or non voting member. Testing/certification
fee for non members is $70.00US. Students/Candidates must show proof of NASAR
membership to receive the member rate for the course or course certification.
Refunds will not be given if a member is unable to provide proof of membership
at time of course/certification.
If a candidate fails a test or a portion of a test, he/she may retest once within
a one (1) year period without an additional NASAR testing/certification fee. However,
a host organization may charge a reasonable fee to cover the costs of hosting
the examination.
