Each Canine Team must demonstrate proficiency in the area of Trailing to comply with the requirements for certification.
An Instructor who is a qualified evaluator with the WVPCA will conduct the evaluation. The evaluator shall have no affiliation with the training school or department that has conducted the training of the canine team. Re-certifications will be completed annually.
All trailing certifications are on a pass/fail basis. If a team fails the examination, re-examination may be granted with the approval of the WVPCA within-a thirty day period.

The Trailing Team must complete the following two trailing evaluations, one of which must be at night:

A. Wilderness Trail – Locate a subject on a trail that is 1 to 1.5 miles long and that has been aged at least 24 hours and no more than 48 hours. The trail shall follow a dirt road or a path for a section, contain at least 3 turns and generally meander as a lost person or criminal suspect may do. One or more persons and one or more dogs shall lay a cross trail at least one hour before the beginning of the evaluation. The evaluator shall walk with the subject as the trail is laid and know the final location of the subject. The subject shall not be covered, but not be visible from more than 50 feet. The dog shall make a positive identification of the subject at the conclusion of the trail. There shall be a time limit of 2 Hours. The scent article used should be the same age as the trail.

B. Urban Trail – Locate a subject on a trail that is in an urban environment and is 1 to 1.5 miles long. The trail shall have been aged at least 12 hours and no more than 24 hours. The trail shall follow a variety of surfaces including pavement, grass and foot trails, and sidewalks. The trail should pass close to distractions such as vehicle traffic, dumpsters, parked cars, etc. The trail shall have at least 6 turns and generally meander as a lost person or criminal suspect would. One or more persons and one or more dogs shall lay a cross trail at least one hour before the beginning of the evaluation. The evaluator shall walk with the subject as the trail is laid and know the final location of the subject. Subject should not be visible from the trail. At least one cross runner shall be positioned within 25 feet of the subject. The dog shall make a positive identification of the subject at the conclusion of the trail. There shall be a time limit of 2 Hours. The scent article used should be the same age as the trail.