The Kennel Club introduced the Judges Education Programme (JEP) with effect from 1st January 2021.

The Programme will run parallel with the current criteria for inclusion on Judges Lists for a period of five years (2026) after which only judges included on the Kennel Club Judges Lists, having qualified under the terms of the (JEP – Breed Shows), may officiate as a Judge at any Kennel Club event.

For those Judges who have already embarked upon their judging career and wish to progress under the terms of the Club's Criteria, you should be aware that after the end of the five year transitional period, the Club will no longer manage and maintain Judging Lists. The only available route to judging will be via the JEP-Shows. The Kennel Club will publish the lists of judges on-line via the “Find A Judge” facility.

The Old English Sheepdog Breed Education Coordinator (BEC) is Ann Hodgson: 01628 621157 with responsibility to assist and mentor level 1-3 judgeswho wish to progress through breed specific judging levels. For further advice and/or information about mandatory seminars and progressing your judging career, please check the latest information on the Kennel Club website.

Breed Appreciation Day/Multiple Choice Examination

All breed clubs are required to hold a ‘Breed Appreciation Day and Multiple Choice Examination’ (BAD/MCE) at least every two years from 1 January 2021.

JEP (BS) Level progression

Briefly the detail for each level is:

• Minimum of five years proven interest in pedigree dogs
• Attend a Conformation and Movement seminar hosted by a Kennel Club Accredited Trainer
• Complete a minimum of two full-day stewarding appointments
• Attend a Requirements of a Dog Show Judge seminar and pass associated exam (either in person or online via Kennel Club Academy, exam effective from 1 January 2024)
• Pass the Points of a Dog assessment conducted by a Kennel Club Accredited Trainer (effective from 1 January 2024)

A JEP Level 1 judge can only judge up to 3 classes (4 if one is a Puppy class) for any breed at Limited or Open Shows.

Requirements to meet this level

• First breed: Attend a breed appreciation day (BAD) and pass a multiple-choice examination (MCE) for the respective breed.
• View ring stewarding seminar and take online quiz.
• Complete critique writing seminar and take online quiz.
• Subsequent breeds
• Attend a breed appreciation day (BAD) and pass a multiple-choice examination (MCE) for each breed.

Note: Not mandatory for group judge for breeds in the group that they are not approved at level 4, but attendance strongly recommended.

Eligibility to judge

Unlimited number of classes for the respective breed at limited, open or championship shows (no CCs).

Any variety classes, groups and best in show at limited shows.

• Undergo minimum of 3 mentoring sessions with a minimum of 12 months between first and third session
• Be observed judging at a breed club show, breed supported entry show or championship show without CCs.
• Have achieved the relevant hands-on experience in line with the stated requirements for the relevant Stud Book Band
• Complete remaining 10 days full day stewarding appointments (one-time qualification)
• Have owned/bred a minimum of 3 dogs when the obtained their first entry in the Kennel Club Stud Book – save for exceptional circumstances. (one-time qualification in which a judge awards CC’s).
• Attended the appropriate sub-group Field Trial/Open Gundog Working Test for first gundog breed or Ring Procedure at Licensed Shows (German Shepherd Dog Education Programme online exam (one time qualification)

A JEP Level 3 judge can judge:

• Unlimited number of classes for the respective breed at Limited, Open or Championship Shows (no CC’s)
• Any Variety classes Group and Best in Show at Limited Show

• Attend and passed a Breed Specific Assessment for the specific breed run by the Kennel Club

A level 4 Judge can judge:

• Award Challenge Certificates in that respective breed.
• Any Variety classes, Groups and Best in Show at Open and Limited Shows