JEP stands for Judges Education Program – the basis of which is to provide an educational framework for judges to progress to being approved to award CC’s and beyond, judging multiple breeds, Groups, etc.
This initiative has been going for a number of years in different guises running parallel with the existing traditional route (B list, A list etc) but we are assured that this will be fully implemented by January 2025 and the existing system will be defunct.
Running parallel with the JEP is the KC Academy which includes judges details and their progress/position on the JEP and provides online examinations.
The minutia of the JEP is as follows, lifted straight off the KC website:-
Web site address for current programme – https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/events-and-activities/dog-showing/judging-dog-shows/
The KC Judges Educational Programme (JEP) – downloaded June 2022
A new system has been developed for the education, approval and listing of every level of judge, from those who aspire to judge, right through to open show judges, plus those who go on to award Challenge Certificates, judge championship show groups and best in show.
The system has been designed taking into account the feedback received from exhibitors, show societies and judges.
The Judges Education Programme introduces a structured and logical approach to the training of judges, incorporating a step-by-step approach.
Kennel Club Regulations implementing the Judges Education Programme came into force on 1 January 2021. Seminars undertaken prior to this date can be accepted for use when progressing via the Judges Education Programme. However, judges are required to complete the criteria at each Judges Education Programme level before moving on to the next.
Stewarding is a requirement for both levels 1 and 3 and therefore a more fluid approach can be taken here.
Level 1
Requirements to meet this level:
Minimum of five years proven interest in pedigree dogs
Attend a Requirements of a Dog show Judge seminar and pass the examination.
Attend a conformation and movement seminar
Pass the Points of a Dog Assessment conducted by a KC Accredited Trainer
Complete a minimum of two full-day stewarding appointments
Eligibility to judge
Up to three classes (four if one is a puppy class) for any breed at limited or open shows.
Level 2
Requirements to meet this level
First breed:
Attend a breed appreciation day (BAD) and pass a multiple-choice examination (MCE) for the respective breed (Note – you must meet the Level 1 requirements to take the MCE)
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
Level 3
Requirements to meet this level
Undergo minimum of three mentoring sessions with a minimum of 12 months between first and third session
Be observed judging a breed club show, breed supported entry show or championship show without CCs once mentoring sessions have been undertaken
Complete remaining 10 full-day stewarding appointments (one time qualification)
Have owned/bred a minimum of three dogs when they obtained their first entry in The Kennel Club Stud Book – save for exceptional circumstances (one-time qualification for first breed in which a judge awards CCs)
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)
Have achieved the relevant hands-on experience in line with the stated requirements for the relevant stud book band:
Tier 11 – 15 dogs
Tier 2 – 20 dogs
Tier 3 – 35 dogs
Tier 4 – 60 dogs
Tier 5 – 90 dogs
Tier 6 – 125 dogs
The following types of event may be used to claim hands-on experience numbers:
Breed classes at championship shows without CCs
Breed classes at open shows
Breed classes at limited shows
Mock/training classes at breed club shows (practical judging days) – only one occasion can be claimed and a maximum of five dogs
Dogs judged at Kennel Club approved assessments, maximum of five dogs – only one occasion and a maximum of five dogs. Cannot be used in addition to mock classes
Dogs judged at inter or intra-club single-breed matches
Special award classes at breed club shows
Supported entry shows
Dogs judged at single breed dog of the year competitions
Overseas appointments
Dogs judged at the following types of event may not be included in a judge’s hands-on experience: AVNSC and variety classes; At fun days; Conjointly with other judges at events where the candidate judge is not required to give independent judgment on the dogs; Any JEP mentoring sessions
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
Level 4 CC judge
Requirements to meet this level
Attend and passed a breed-specific assessment for the specific breed run by The Kennel Club
Eligibility to judge
Award Challenge Certificates in the respective breed. Any variety classes, groups and best in show at open and limited shows
North West Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club 