Training manual

Leading U.S. Certification Bodies for Cadaver K9 Teams

1. NSDA – National Search Dog Alliance

Achieve Land, Water, or Wilderness Cadaver Detection certification through a blend of online testing and practical field evaluation conducted by accredited Principal Evaluators.

2. NASAR – SARTECH HRD (Land – Type III)

Structured SARTECH Human Remains Detection certification, with mandatory annual re-certification—ideal for professional response teams.

3. CalOES Type I (California Only)

State-sanctioned Type I HRD certification recognized under California’s Office of Emergency Services standards.

4. ICF & CSST – Historic Human Remains Detection

Specializing in HHRD training and certification evaluations, these bodies ensure teams are proficient in detecting historical human remains.

5. NAPWDA – North American Police Work Dog Association

Offers certifications such as Cadaver Obedience, Area Search, Tracking, Trailing, and Wildlife Search, with one-year validity for each.

6. AWDA – American Working Dog Association

Comprehensive credentialing across LE, SAR, HRD (Types I–V), and Wilderness Area Search (Type III–IV) disciplines, backed by nationally-recognized standards.

7. AWD – American Working Dogs (Cadaver Search)

Cadaver-specific certification using only human remains, hidden in various environments. Requires successful detection in multiple terrains and includes one-year certification validity.

8. NCF Workshops – Multi-Association Certification

One- or two-day workshops facilitating certifications across multiple associations (AKC, NAPWDA, NASAR, etc.) in HRD, SAR, and narcotics detection.