Nationwide Tracking Dog Certification
Field-proven. Ethics-first. Certification that’s consistent and credible across the nation.
A Higher Standard for Certification
At ABTA, certification isn’t just about passing a test — it’s about proving performance under conditions that are consistent, fair, and repeatable across the country.
Our testing process was built to address a long-standing issue in the tracking world: too much variation in how certification lines were laid, aged, and evaluated. Inconsistent setups meant that performance could be judged by factors outside the team’s control — and that’s not a true measure of skill.
We changed that. Every ABTA test line follows strict, repeatable standards that eliminate guesswork and keep the focus where it belongs: on the handler and dog’s ability to recover under realistic hunting conditions. This includes using the same type of tracking shoes for every line layer nationwide, ensuring scent profiles are identical no matter where a test is held.
Tracks are designed with precision — from scent aging and line length to terrain selection and environmental factors — so whether you test in Florida, Iowa, or Montana, the challenge is equivalent and the results are credible.
Every test is also reviewed by a panel of ABTA-approved judges, both before and after the run, to ensure it meets all scent aging, distance, terrain, and environmental standards — and to confirm the track was executed exactly as designed. This guarantees that every team faces the same challenge and that results are fair, consistent, and trustworthy.
A certification earned under ABTA holds the same weight and meaning anywhere in the nation.
Our Testing Principles
- Strict Consistency: Every line is laid using the same parameters for scent aging, length, and terrain difficulty — and even the same type of tracking shoes are worn by line layers to ensure identical scent profiles.
- Real-World Conditions: Tracks are set in environments that mimic the challenges of an actual recovery.
- Objective Evaluation: Handlers and dogs are judged on performance, not on varying test setups.
- Nationwide Standard: An ABTA certification means the same thing in every state.
- Panel Review: Every test line is inspected by an ABTA review board before and after the run to confirm fairness, consistency, and full compliance with set standards.
Levels & Requirements
ABTA Certification Levels
All certification teams must begin at the Started Level Test and progress through each level in sequential order. The Introductory Evaluation and Multi-Dog Off-Lead Test have no prerequisites and may be taken at any time.
The following are brief summaries of each ABTA test. Full testing criteria, rules, and preparation guidelines are available in the official ABTA Testing Documents.
Introductory Level Evaluation – A no pass/fail assessment to establish a baseline for dog and handler skills. Involves a 150–200 yard track aged 30–60 minutes, one 90° turn, tracking shoes for scent consistency, and blood for the first 50 yards. Judge provides feedback, explains the ABTA program, and runs an additional training line with tips for development.
Started Level Test – A 400–500 yard track with one wound bed, aged 2–6 hours. Includes two 90° turns, a hunter interview, and identifying a property line. Uses 2 ounces of blood and tracking shoes throughout. Handler is shown the hit site and direction, with a maximum of 30 minutes to complete the test.
Seasoned Level Test – An 800–1000 yard track with two wound beds, aged 8–12 hours. Includes no directional marker at the hit site, three 90° turns, a five-minute property line wait, and a 30-yard scent challenge with a random exit pattern. Handler must analyze the hit site, discuss shot placement and wait times, and investigate at least one wound bed. Uses 2 ounces of blood and tracking shoes; handler is shown the hit site but not the direction. Maximum of 60 minutes to complete.
Finished Level Test – A 1000–1200 yard track with two wound beds, aged 12–16 hours overnight. Includes realistic challenges such as noise, people, and environmental distractions. Dog challenges include another dog tracking part of the line, a grid-searched area, five turns, a 50–60 yard scent gap, animal distractions, and varied terrain crossings. Handler challenges include starting without a shown hit site, a 10-minute property line wait, and managing scent gaps. Uses 2 ounces of blood and tracking shoes. Up to 10 minutes to locate the line and 90 minutes total to complete.
Elite Level Test – Simulates a recovery after another team has tracked and jumped a deer. The post–jump site track is 800–1200 yards, aged 24–30 hours. Dog challenges include prior dog scent, six turns, multiple distractions, and advanced obstacles from the Seasoned and Finished tests. Handler challenges include starting at the jump site or mid-trail, with no shown direction, two property permission calls, and managing complex distractions. Uses 2 ounces of blood and tracking shoes. Maximum of 90 minutes to complete, starting when the dog is released.
Multi-Dog Off-Lead Test – An 800–1000 yard track with two wound beds, aged 2–6 hours. Dog challenges include no directional marker at the hit site, three 90° turns, and demonstrating recall of all dogs at a property line. Handler challenges include operating a handheld device and clearly communicating dog behavior. Uses 2 ounces of blood and tracking shoes; handler is shown the hit site but not the direction. If one dog requires recall beyond range, it counts as a recall for the team. Maximum of 60 minutes to complete.
Wounded Game Drone Recovery Certification – A nighttime test covering a ½ mile by ½ mile area. The operator must conduct a proper hunter interview, analyze the hit site/wound bed, provide wait times based on impact location, and set realistic expectations. Skills tested include pre-flight checks, proficient search patterns, marking non-relevant targets, and guiding the hunter to the target. FAA Part 107 certification is required. Operators should review the ABTA Wounded Game Drone Recovery Training Guide before scheduling a test.
ABTA Judge Information
Need A Judge?
Whether you’re preparing for an ABTA test or simply want insight from an experienced handler, our certified judges are here to help. They can answer questions, explain the testing process, and provide guidance to ensure you and your dog are ready for the field.
Interested in Becoming a Judge?
Judges play a vital role in maintaining ABTA’s high standards for testing and certification. Serving as a judge is both a responsibility and an opportunity — you’ll help uphold fairness, ensure consistency, and support handlers on their journey to success. If you’re passionate about tracking and committed to integrity in the field, learn more about what it takes to join our judging team.