Following approval of recommendations by a CADA committee, testing was broadened with the addition of practical skills tests, incorporated for the first time  in the 2003 proficiency testing at the CADA Conference in Wooster, Ohio.  The  Practical Skill Test is set out below the Proficiency Test on this page.

CADA testing is done as a team, dog and handler.  Results are not transferrable either to another dog or another handler.

Upon successful completion of testing, the team receives CADA recognition of successful completion for a period of one year after the testing.  These tests must be successfully completed on an annual basis to remain current.

Five samples shall be prepared as listed for this test. The amount of each individual sample shall be approximately one-half (1/2) pint of debris. Each sample shall be burned with a propane torch until the contents are partially charred.

A) Burned Softwood (i.e. Pine, Fir)
B) Burned High Density Polyethylene (i.e. Plastic Milk Jug)
C) Burned Styrofoam
D) Burned Carpet and Pad
E) 5ul of 50 percent weathered gasoline on a cotton ball

It will be the handler's responsibility to inform the administrator upon which sample the canine has alerted.

Five samples shall be prepared as listed combining all of the following. The amount of each individual sample shall be approximately one-half (1/2) pint of debris.

A) Softwood (i.e. Pine, Fir)
B) High Density Polyethylene (i.e. Plastic Milk Jug)
C) Styrofoam
D) Carpet and pad

The mixed matrix shall be burned with a propane torch until all of the individual contents are partially charred.

After the matrix has cooled to ambient temperature, the administrator will apply 5ul of 50 percent weathered gasoline to at least one (1), and no more than three (3) of the samples.

It will be the handler's responsibility to inform the administrator upon which sample(s) the canine has alerted.

The handler will not know prior to testing which sample(s) are positive.
 

Two (2) common 1 inch X 4 inch pine boards, 24 inches in length, will be divided with pencil marks into three (3) sections approximately eight  (8) inches each. The sections will be numbered 1 through 6.

The boards shall be placed at least one (1) foot apart. 5ul of 50 percent weathered gasoline shall be placed near the center of one of the numbered sections of either board and allowed to dry.

The Canine Team shall be offered the wood to examine and it is the responsibility of the handler to inform the administrator(s) upon which section the canine has indicated.

An example of a diagram of a sample location test is as follows: 
 
 

1 2 3 --------board spacing-------- 12-inch minimum 4 5        X 6

K9 Team:_____________________________Test Date____________

Instructions:

• All hides shall be placed as double blind hides by the canine trainer.
• The K9 Team will have a maximum of five minutes of search time to complete each search evolution. The handler may signal for a time out during the search period to refresh his/her partner. The time out period will not be counted as part of the search time.
• The handler must call each positive canine alert.
• A total of two false indications will be allowed to receive passing credit.
• You must pass all three evolutions.  Should a team fail to pass one evolution, it may be re-tested after a minimum time of twenty-four hours.   If two (or more) evolutions are failed, testing is terminated.
  
• CADA reserves the right to review and approve the qualifications, expertise, and background of all individuals involved in the testing procedures.