NASDA judges have a significant responsibility. They are responsible for applying the rules fairly and consistently, designing appropriate courses, protecting the safety and welfare of dogs and quarry, managing competitors in the search area, recognizing and applying deductions, and making decisions that directly affect qualifying scores, titles, and awards.

For that reason, becoming a NASDA judge is a progressive education and evaluation process.

Judge candidates move through increasing levels of responsibility as they gain practical experience and demonstrate that they are prepared to work more independently.

The four stages are:

Shadow Apprentice → Supervised Apprentice → Provisional Judge → Licensed Judge

Each stage has a different purpose.