GRCA Awards

GRCA Versatility (VC), Versatility Excellent (VCX) and Versatility Master (VCM) Awards

Mission Statement:

The Golden Retriever Club of America holds in highest esteem the versatility of those Golden Retrievers who reflect both the conformation and working attributes of the breed. The Versatility Certificate (VC), Versatility Excellent Certificate (VCX) and Versatility Master Certificate (VCM) are awarded to those Golden Retrievers who exemplify that degree of versatility through a combination of accomplishments in each of the following areas : 

AREA 1, consisting of Conformation

AREA 2, consisting of Obedience/Rally Venue, Agility Venue, Tracking/Scent Work Venue

AREA 3, consisting of Field work

Requirements for the Versatility Certificate (VC), Versatility Excellent Certificate (VCX) and Versatility Master Certificate (VCM)

1. Versatility Certificates, Versatility Excellent Certificates and Versatility Master Certificates are awarded only when applied for and accompanied by supporting documentation.
2. Versatility points are awarded for the highest achievements in each Venue: Conformation, Obedience/Rally, Agility, Tracking/Scent Work, and Field.
3. Area #1 includes accomplishments in the Breed ring or CCA tests. Area #2 is comprised of titles in Venues of Obedience/Rally, Agility, Tracking/Scent Work. Area #3 consists of Hunt Test, Field Trial, and WC/WCX accomplishments.
4. The dog must have at least 1 point in each Area of Conformation, Performance and Field. The dog must have at least 1 point in each Area.
5. A total of 12 points must be acquired for a Versatility Certificate (VC). The Versatility Excellent Certificate (VCX) requires a total of 20 points. The Versatility Master Certificate (VCM) requires a total of 30 points.

Points within a Venue are not cumulative. Only the highest point title is recognized in each Venue.

Example Dog:  Titles:  CCA, RE, RAE, NAP, SWE, WC and WCX

Area #1 CCA = 1 point

Area #2 RAE = 2 points, Area #2 NAP = 2 points, Area #2 SWE = 3 points (all from different Venues.) (The RE isn’t counted because the RAE is higher in the same Venue.)

Area #3 WCX = 5 points (the WC title won’t be counted, as the WCX title is higher than the WC in the same Venue)

This dog would have a total of 13 points to earn a VC certificate.

Schedule of AKC/GRCA Title Points for VC/VCX/VCM:

Submitting your VC, VCX or VCM Application

1. You must be a current GRCA member.
2. Applications need to meet the current Title-Point Schedule requirements
3. You must complete the application form

 Documentation

1. For all AKC titles in order of preference
2. A link to the GRCA Yearbook page
3. A scan or photocopy of the most current AKC title certificate
4. A scan or photocopy of the dog’s official show or trial record provided by AKC
5. For all GRCA titles in order of preference
6. A link to the GRCA Yearbook page
7. A scan or photocopy of the official CCA, WC or WCX title certificate
8. For field trial placements or JAMs (three star or two star awards)
9. A link to the GRCA Yearbook page is required

The GRCA Yearbook page is the preferred documentation due to strict requirements for accuracy in the Yearbook Database. For access to the database go to: www.starzgoldens.com/yearbook and follow instructions. VC/VCX/VCM certificates are not awarded until all titles have been verified. We use the GRCA Yearbook Database for ownership and breeder verification as well. If ownership of your dog has changed you must also submit a scan or photocopy of the current registration.

VCX and VCM Write-ups and photos

VCX and VCM qualifiers will have a photo/write-up in the GRNews. Please submit a high resolution scan or photo and a write-up (maximum 150 words) with your application.

Revised December 2022, 22-78