How to register

Statutory framework for RCVS registration

Applicants must allow adequate time for their applications to be processed before intending to start work.  In a straightforward case this may take approximately six to eight weeks (view unavailable 2010 registration dates).

The entitlement to be registered as a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) is determined by the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966.

The Act provides that only those named on the RCVS Register may practise veterinary surgery in the United Kingdom and that they must have the requisite knowledge and skill to do so.  This knowledge and skill must also meet or exceed the minimum EU training requirements.

Eligibility for registration is based either on having a recognised qualification or passing the RCVS Statutory Examination for Membership. 

Qualifications currently recognised are listed below. Click on the country where you graduated for more information:

• Degrees awarded by the six veterinary schools in the United Kingdom

• European Union qualifications listed in the Directive 2005/36/EC:
  Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark,  Finland, France, Germany, Greece,  Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg,  The Netherlands, Norway,  Portugal,  Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,

• Accession Countries:
  Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Poland, Slovakia,  Slovenia, Romania, Bulgaria

• Foreign and Commonwealth qualifications recognised by RCVS Council which are also shown to meet the minimum EU training requirements for practice only within the United Kingdom, which currently are:
  Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, USA and  Canada 

Nationality is not a factor in determining eligibility to be registered, except in relation to those with EU qualifications, who must be nationals of an EU member state or community rights entitled persons.

Ineligible applicants

Graduates of veterinary schools and colleges from a country that is not listed above, and non-EU nationals or those without a community rights entitlement with EU degrees, are normally required to sit and pass the RCVS Statutory Examination for Membership. 

In exceptional circumstances, veterinary surgeons who are ineligible for registration in the UK, may be granted Temporary Registration in order that they can carry out specific veterinary-related activities in a restricted capacity.

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Providing services

Under restricted conditions, visiting veterinary surgeons from relevant EU Member States can make an application to register to provide services on a temporary and occasional basis in the UK without being a member of the RCVS.

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