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Frequently asked questions
1. How can I enrol for a modular certificate?
2. Why do I have to enrol with RCVS as well as the university?
3. How long is the enrolment period?
4. How much will enrolment cost?
5. Can I still enrol on the old RCVS Certificates?
8. What modules are available?
9. Why are some modules compulsory?
10. What qualification will I get?
11. How many credits do I need to get the CertAVP?
12. What is a 'designated certificate'?
13. Are there any combinations of C-modules that are not permitted?
14. What happens if I change my mind about which modules or certificate I want to do?
15. Do I need to go on a course to get a module?
16. How can I get information or advice about modular certificates
1. How can I enrol for a modular certificate?
There is an online enrolment system. We hope that modules will start to become available for candidate enrolment during 2007. You will need to enrol with the RCVS and also with the module provider.
Candidates will have the option to enrol for individual or multiple modules, or for the full certificate.
2. Why do I have to enrol with RCVS as well as the university?
Enrolling with RCVS means that we will keep a record of your credits, wherever you achieve them. It also enables us to keep in touch with you and let you know about any new developments, modules or courses. Please note that you cannot earn credits towards an RCVS qualification unless you are enrolled with us.
3. How long is the enrolment period?
The maximum enrolment period is up to 10 years, subject to payment of an annual renewal fee.
4. How much will enrolment cost?
To enrol with RCVS, you will pay an initial fee of £53, renewable each year at £27 (if paid by Direct Debit). Enrolment fees at universities will vary - please contact the university offering your module(s) for advice.
5. Can I still enrol on the old RCVS Certificates?
Enrolment on the 'old' RCVS Certificates closes on 1st November 2007. Candidates who enrol by this date will still get their five-year enrolment period.
6. I'm currently enrolled for an RCVS Certificate. Can I transfer to the new modular certificate system?
Yes, you can transfer your enrolment. You will not need to pay any additional fees to RCVS for the remainder of your current enrolment period (e.g. if you have three years enrolment remaining on the 'old' Certificate, you will not pay fees for the new modular system for the next three years). If you would like to do this, please contact RCVS.
7. What experience do I need?
You must hold a veterinary qualification which would entitle you to register as a member of RCVS, and you must have at least one year's experience working as a practising veterinary surgeon before enrolling for any module and be able to provide evidence of CPD for that period. If you graduated in 2007 or later, you will be expected to have completed the RCVS Professional Development Phase (PDP) before enrolling for any modules. (PDP counts as CPD for graduates in their first year of practice.
8. What modules are available?
Not all modules will be available initially, but more modules will become available over time as more universities are accredited by RCVS to offer assessment.
9. Why are some modules compulsory?
The Professional Key Skills and Clinical Key Skills modules are compulsory for all CertAVP candidates. These cover skills that RCVS considers are important for all competent veterinarians to be able to demonstrate, whatever their area of practice. The inclusion of modules covering essential key professional and clinical skills is designed to ensure that topics which are of importance to all areas of practice - including welfare and ethics, biosecurity, and evidence-based approaches to medicine - are covered by everyone achieving the qualification
10. What qualification will I get?
The qualification is the Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (CertAVP).
11. How many credits do I need to get the CertAVP?
You need to obtain 60 credits to obtain a CertAVP qualification. This will be made up of the two Key Skills modules (20 credits in total), at least one B-module (10 credits) and either three C-modules or a combination of B and C modules to a total of 30 credits.
12. What is a 'designated certificate'?
A designated certificate is a specific modular route leading to a named qualification - for example CertAVP (Equine Stud Medicine) or CertAVP (Small Animal Practice). To obtain a designated certificate, you will need to choose your modules carefully from a limited list. Most designated certificates will also require a separate final assessment (synoptic assessment) once all the modules have been passed.
13. Are there any combinations of C-modules that are not permitted?
No, you can do any combination of C-modules, although certain combinations are required for designated certificates.
14. What happens if I change my mind about which modules or certificate I want to do?
Just let us know! You can change your mind about which modules to do at any time, but you should let RCVS know so we can keep track of your achievements. Call the Education Department on
15. Do I need to go on a course to get a module?
No. Universities and other CPD providers will offer courses covering the module content, but all modules will be available via an assessment-only route for candidates who wish to study in their own time.
16. How can I get information or advice about modular certificates
You can contact the Education Department at RCVS on
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