Traditionally, judges were trained on individual breeds one by one — but that approach is no longer viable. The new judge training programme is designed to meet the needs of today’s cat fancy: it speeds up training and brings the GCCF new judges, while still providing the high standard expected of a GCCF judge.
Follow the pathway below step by step, and use the link at each stage for the full detail.
STEP 1
Become a GCCF Steward
Before you start any judge training, the first thing you need to do is to become a qualified GCCF Steward. This is the foundation of the whole pathway.
Step 2 — choose your training route
STEP 2A · MULTIBREED
Become a GCCF Student Judge
The route for candidates who wish to become a Junior Judge and eventually qualify as a Full Judge across all breeds within a JPG. It follows GCCF Steward qualification and marks the start of multibreed training.
STEP 2B · SINGLE BREED
Speciality (Single) Breed Judge
For candidates who wish to judge only a single breed — adult, kitten and neuter classes within that breed. It follows GCCF Steward qualification and offers an alternative to multibreed training for those focusing on one breed within a JPG.
STEP 3 · MULTIBREED
Become a GCCF Junior Judge
Following qualification as a Student Judge, this stage is for candidates who wish to train across multiple breeds within a Judge Progression Group. As a Junior Judge you’ll gain judging experience at GCCF shows while continuing tutorials, presentations and assessments to prepare for Full Judge status.
STEP 4 · THE GOAL
Become a GCCF Full Judge
After successfully completing your training as a Junior Judge, you may apply for promotion to Full Judge — the formal qualification that allows you to judge all the classes across the multiple breeds catered for by your JPG.
