CERTIFICATION
LEVEL 1 – AIR SCENTING

Hasty search problem: The canine must locate 1 subject that is wearing dark clothing and hidden from view on a path, trail, logging road or the like that is ½ to 1 mile long. The subject will be located and remain stationary about 30 feet off the trail and will be placed approximately 30 minutes prior. The handler must be able to describe their canine’s alert, recognize the alert when it occurs, and follow the canine to the subject. The handler should assess the subject, accurately place the subject on the map, and call this information into command. Candidate handler and canine partner must complete this scenario and report that the trail has been cleared within the maximum time limit of 45 minutes.

Area problem: An area of approximately 10 - 20 acres. Handler should evaluate information provided regarding missing subjects, determine search strategy, and search the area for the subjects. One subject will be placed at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the search. The subject will be well-hidden, wearing dark clothing, and will remain stationary until found. Handler should direct search activity according to wind, terrain and cover. Handler must identify canine's alert and should follow the canine in to the subject. The canine should make a clear alert, and should eagerly move in to the subject. The handler should assess the subject, accurately place the subject on the map, and call this information into command. Candidate handler and canine partner must complete this scenario and report that the area has been cleared within the maximum time limit of 2 hours.

LEVEL 2 – AIR SCENTING

Hasty search problem: The canine must locate 1 to 3 subject(s) who are camouflaged and hidden from view on a path, trail, logging road or the like that is at least 1 mile long. The subject(s) will be located about 30 feet off the trail, placed approximately 30 minutes prior the search, and will remain stationary until found. The handler must be able to describe their canine’s alert, recognize the alert when it occurs, and follow the canine to the subject(s). The handler should assess each subject, accurately place the subject on the map, and call this information into command. Candidate handler and canine partner must complete this scenario and report that the trail has been cleared within the maximum time limit of 90 minutes.

Area problem: An area of approximately 20 - 40 acres. Handler should evaluate information provided regarding missing subjects, determine search strategy, and search the area for the subjects. Two to four subjects (actual number not known to the handler) will be placed at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the search. The subjects will be well-hidden, wearing camouflage, and will remain stationary until found. Handler should direct search activity according to wind, terrain and cover. Handler must identify canine's alert and should follow the canine in to the subjects. The canine should make a clear alert and should eagerly move in to subjects. The handler should assess each subject, accurately place the subject on the map, and call this information into command. Candidate handler and canine partner must complete this scenario and report that the area has been cleared within the maximum time limit of 4 hours.

LEVEL 1 – TRAILING

Semi-Rural Trail: A trail that is at least 4 to 6 hours old, approximately ¾ of a mile in length, over varied terrain, in a semi-rural environment. It should cross at least one road (paved or gravel) or stream. It may or may not follow a wood's trail and shall have at least 3 turns. The canine should make a clear alert on the subject, provide a re-find if necessary, and should eagerly move in to subject. Handler should assess the subject; identify their location, contact base with location and medical assessment. Candidate handler and canine partner must complete this scenario within the maximum time limit of 90 minutes.

LEVEL 2 – TRAILING

Wilderness Trail: A trail that is at least 8 to 16 hours old, 1 to 1½ miles in length through varied terrain and vegetation. It should follow a dirt road or trail for part of it, have at least 5 turns and generally meander as a lost person may do. The subject and a second person will start walking together and split apart at some point along the trail. The subject will be concealed and not readily visible from 50 feet. The canine must clearly identify the correct subject, provide a clear alert, and should eagerly move in to subject. Handler should assess the subject; identify their location, contact base with location and medical assessment. Handlers must acquire their own scent article. Candidate handler and canine partner must complete this scenario within the maximum time limit of 2 hours.

Urban Trail: A trail that is at least 6 to 8 hours old and 1 to 1½ miles in length. It should start in a paved and highly contaminated area, contain a variety of surfaces including pavement, grass (field), foot trails and sidewalks, and follow a meandering course. The subject will be concealed and not readily visible from 50 feet. The canine should make a clear alert, perform a re-find if needed, and should eagerly move in to subject. Handler should assess the subject; identify their location, contact base with location and medical assessment. Handlers must acquire their own scent article. Candidate handler and canine partner must complete this scenario within the maximum time limit of 2 hours.