This test is designed to test the man trailing K-9 that is being used for either law enforcement or search and rescue purposes. The test should be setup using as realistic a scenario as possible. 

Search and Rescue K-9 Teams: ARE NOT REQUIRED to make an identification of the trail layer in a group of people upon finishing the trail. They are also NOT REQUIRED to end their trail with the trail layer standing amongst a group of people.

Law Enforcement K-9 Teams: ARE REQUIRED to make an identification of the trail layer in a group of (5) five people upon finishing the trail. 

The trail is to be aged two (2) hours from the time that it is laid. The trail will be approximately one (1) mile in length. The trail should traverse over an area of mixed terrain. The terrain should have at least (1000) one thousand feet of hard surfaces (i.e., asphalt, concrete, gravel). The trail should go through a residential area, an open area (i.e., field) and some wilderness setting. The purpose of this test is to examine the K-9 team’s ability to work through a variety of surrounding and terrain surfaces. 

There will be at least three (3) people, but no more than five (5) people at the beginning of the trail. The K-9 team will be expected to work through the group of people at the beginning of the trail.  

FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT K-9 TEAMS ONLY; THE TRAIL LAYER WILL STAND WITH A GROUP OF FIVE (5) PEOPLE AT THE END OF THE TRAIL LETTING THE DOG GIVE HIM AN OBVIOUS IDENTIFICATION.  THE IDENTIFICATION WILL BE OBVIOUS TO THE EXAMINING K-9 TRAINER.

 The start of the trail may be either from motor vehicle, scent article or footprint. The trail layer will be selected from someone approved by the examining K-9 trainer. Upon the  K-9 team starting the trail, the direction that the trail was laid will be unknown to the K-9 team. It is their responsibility to find the correct direction and follow it.

 There will be a one (1) hour and (15) fifteen-minute time limit for this test. 

This certification will be valid for one (1) year from the date of issue.