All judges at American Kennel Club shows must pass written tests on the breeds before they can be approved to judge the breed and be hired by a club to judge a show. If the application is approved, the candidate must then take a written test on the breed standard, pass an open book test on AKC rules and procedures, and prove to an interviewer that he is knowledgeable about the breed. After this process, the candidate must complete five provisional assignments in the breed. During those assignments, he is observed by an AKC field representative. If he is approved for one breed, he must wait a year before applying for a second breed.
Judges generally apply for the breeds in a particular group, then move on to other groups.
Each year, AKC publishes a judgesdirectory, listing the breeds they are approved to judge. Show committees draw their panels from that directory and contract with judges for the show dates. Those who are approved to judge many breeds may evaluate up to 175 dogs in a six-hour day. The classes Conformation shows are divided into classes for puppies and adult dogs, males first, then females. The final class in a breed determines the best of breed.