Rules
There is no age limit for dogs taking the CGCA test.
Dogs must have a Canine Good Citizen test on record at AKC.
All tests must be performed on leash.
Dogs should wear well-fitting buckle or slip collars (including martingales). They may also wear body harnesses for the CGC test.
Body harnesses should not restrict the movement of the dog.
Special training equipment, such as pinch collars, electronic collars, and head collars are not permitted.
The leash should be made of either leather, fabric/nylon, or biothane.
Retractable leashes may not be used in the CGC test. 
Handlers are not permitted to use food as a reward during the CGC Test.
Harsh corrections are not permitted in the test and are grounds for dismissal.
 
Test items
Dog stands, sits or lies down and waits under control while the owner: sits at the registration table and fills out paperwork, or ,if the test is done in the community, dog waits while the owner sits and has a snack or visits with another person (e.g., at a park)
Walks on a loose leash in a natural situation (not in a ring) — does not pull. Walk must include a left turn, right turn, stop, fast pace, and slow pace.
 Walks on a loose leash through a crowd: at a show or in class, this item is tested in a real crowd, not in a ring. In the community, a dog walks on a sidewalk, through a crowd at a community fair, park, on a trail, through a busy hallway, etc. 
Dog walks past distraction dogs present; does not pull. This item may be tested along with #3 if there are dogs in the crowd, etc., at a show or class, dog walks by dogs waiting in the crowd–dogs 2 ft. apart in the community, dog walks by other dogs on a trail, sidewalk, in a hallway, etc.
Sit-stay in a small group (two other people with dogs, a total of 3 people, 3 dogs in the group).
The dog allows a person who is carrying something (backpack, computer bag, etc.) to approach and pet it. “May I pet your dog?” (Item is placed on the floor/ground before the person pets the dog).
“Leave it.” The dog walks by food and follows the owner's instructions, “Leave it. ”This can be food placed by the evaluator on the floor or ground in a food dish with a wire cover, as in Rally.
Down or sit stay — distance (owner’s choice). With the dog on a 20–foot line, the owner walks away with their back to the dog, picks up an item (e.g., backpack, training bag, clipboard, folder, etc.) placed on the floor/chair/ground by the evaluator, and returns to the dog.
Recall with distractions present (coming when called). Handler goes out 20–feet **(off center) and calls the dog. The dog is on the 20–ft. line from #8 above. 
The dog will sit or stand-stay (owner’s choice) while the owner enters/exits a doorway or narrow passageway. The owner calls the dog through the door when ready. The owner may also choose to: send the dog through first and have the dog wait for the owner, or the owner may choose to have the dog go through the doorway at the owner’s side. Whichever method is used, the dog must not pull the owner and must be under good control. Think of the handler having the leash in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other. Doorway or gate can be real or simulated with ring gates, two chairs, or a natural passageway (e.g., entrance to a trail) in the community