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Certificates
The Certificate is the first level of postgraduate qualification awarded by RCVS, and indicates that the holder is a competent clinician who has proved their experience and expertise by examination in their chosen subject. A list of RCVS Certificate holders is included in the back of the RCVS Registers and Directory. Certificate holders are entitled to place the appropriate letters after their name to indicate their achievement.
If you are interested in taking a Certificate or Diploma, then you will need to download both the general information pack, and the subject specific information related to the qualification concerned. The General information pack contains: general guidance applicable to all subjects, timetable and adviser guidance.
The Subject specific information pack includes guidance for the subject concerned, the syllabus, reading list, E1(a) subject specific enrolment form, E2 application form for final approval of experience, and information about advisers. Please note that, in order to enrol, you will need to complete both the E1 and the appropriate E1(a).
Enrolment for the RCVS Certificate Examinations is no longer available. For those candidates currently enrolled, the last examination will be held in 2012.
Enrolments are now being accepted on the new modular Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice.
The closing date for new enrolments for prospective Diploma candidates, and for applications for final approval of experience (Certificate and Diploma) is 1 November each year. Please note that application forms are only accepted between 1 September and 1 November each year. The closing date for examination entry is 1 March each year. (E3 examination entry forms are sent to all eligible candidates with final approval of experience in January each year).
RCVS Certificates are available in the following subjects - select the subject that is of interest to you and you will be able to access information on syllabi, reading lists, etc.
View general information on Certificate entrance requirements and how to apply for RCVS Certificates as well as information on RCVS Diplomas.
Download a list of current Certificate holders (PDF 35Kb) across all subjects.
Certificate in Animal Welfare Science, Ethics & Law
To obtain the Certificate in Animal Welfare, Ethics and Law, candidates should be able to apply the appropriate basic principles of welfare, ethics and Law as they apply to their everyday work combined with suitable experience in dealing with animals and people. Candidates will require a knowledge of principles of husbandry of all species treated by the veterinary profession and knowledge of general animal 'uses' and issues that cause concern. They may need to spend time visiting systems such as intensive farms, laboratory animal holdings, zoos, abattoirs etc. if they do not encounter these in their normal veterinary work.
View the general information document common to all Certificate examinations (PDF Format)
View the subject specific information (PDF 118Kb) for the certificate in Animal Welfare Science, Ethics and Law.
Application Forms:
Approval of Practice (for change of practice) - If you are already enrolled on this course and have changed practice, you will need to fill out and submit Form E1(a) (in subject specific information).
Final Approval of Experience - You need to complete Form E2 (subject specific information) and submit a number of case exposures with CPD records.
Examination Entry - You will need to complete Form E3 (sent to all eligible candidates with final approval of experience every January)
View past papers (PDF 199 Kb) for the Certificate in Animal Welfare Science, Ethics and Law.
Certificate in Cattle Health and Production
Candidates will need to have a good knowledge of the industry, its structure and current changes. There is a need to be aware of the economics of the industry, both at national and European level and on an individual farm animal basis. The candidate should be aware of the effect of disease on performance, its current cost and the cost-benefit of prevention and treatment.
View the general information document common to all Certificate examinations (PDF Format)
View the subject specific information (PDF 223Kb) for the certificate in Cattle Health and Production.
Application Forms:
Approval of Practice (for change of practice) - If you are already enrolled on this course and have changed practice, you will need to fill out and submit Form E1(a) (in subject specific information).
Final Approval of Experience - You need to complete Form E2 (subject specific information) and CPD records.
Examination Entry - You will need to complete Form E3 (sent to all eligible candidates with final approval of experience every January)
View past papers (PDF 582 Kb) for the Certificate in Cattle Health and Production.
Certificate in Equine Practice
The syllabus for the Certificate in Equine Practice is broad based requiring a level of knowledge, understanding and competence that will satisfy horse owners who demand a high quality, general veterinary service from a mixed or non-specialist equine practice. It includes: horse husbandry and management (including nutrition), basic diagnostic techniques and their interpretation, general surgical procedures (including the management of wounds and operative surgery), the understanding of the diagnosis, treatment, control and prevention of disease of all body systems of horses of all ages, the law and administrative matters related to the horse industry in the U.K.
Candidates are expected to have had substantial practical experience, and to demonstrate in the examination a high level of knowledge, understanding and practical competence in all areas described in the syllabus.
View the general information document common to all Certificate examinations (PDF Format)
View the subject specific information (PDF 157Kb) for the certificate in Equine Practice.
Application Forms:
Approval of Practice (for change of practice) - If you are already enrolled on this course and have changed practice, you will need to fill out and submit Form E1(a) (in subject specific information).
Final Approval of Experience - You need to complete Form E2 (subject specific information) and submit a certified list of techniques and procedures with CPD records.
Examination Entry - You will need to complete Form E3 (sent to all eligible candidates with final approval of experience every January)
View past papers (PDF 153Kb) for the Certificate in Equine Practice.
Certificate in Equine Medicine
The Certificate in Equine Medicine should be attainable by those graduates who have spent at least two years being involved in the study of their elective subject and in the diagnosis and treatment of related cases, either working in practice or in institutions. Candidates must demonstrate levels of experience, technical expertise, academic knowledge and communicative skills appropriate to the Certificate level. Success involves time, commitment, effort and good organisation skills.
View the general information document common to all Certificate examinations (PDF Format)
View the subject specific information (PDF 213Kb) for the certificate in Equine Medicine.
Application Forms:
Approval of Practice (for change of practice) - If you are already enrolled on this course and have changed practice, you will need to fill out and submit Form E1(a) (in subject specific information).
Final Approval of Experience - You need to complete Form E2 (subject specific information) and submit a certified list of techniques and procedures with CPD records.
Examination Entry - You will need to complete Form E3 (sent to all eligible candidates with final approval of experience every January)
View past papers (PDF 228Kb) for the Certificate in Equine Medicine.
Certificate in Equine Surgery
The Certificate in Equine Surgery should be attainable by those graduates who have spent at least two years being involved in the study of their elective subject and in the diagnosis and treatment of related cases, either working in practice or in institutions. Candidates must demonstrate levels of experience, technical expertise, academic knowledge and communicative skills appropriate to the Certificate level. Success involves time, commitment, effort and good organisation skills.
View the general information document common to all Certificate examinations (PDF Format)
View the subject specific information (PDF 291Kb) for the certificate in Equine Surgery.
Application Forms:
Approval of Practice (for change of practice) - If you are already enrolled on this course and have changed practice, you will need to fill out and submit Form E1(a) (in subject specific information).
Final Approval of Experience - You need to complete Form E2 (subject specific information) and submit a certified list of techniques and procedures with CPD records
Examination Entry - You will need to complete Form E3 (sent to all eligible candidates with final approval of experience every January)
View past papers (PDF 275Kb) for the Certificate in Equine Surgery.
Certificate in Laboratory Animal Science
Candidates will be expected to have gained experience in holding consultancy/advisory appointments - giving advice to breeding establishments, research institutes etc., and have been involved in the care and treatment of laboratory animals generally including small exotic animals. Experience of all species of animals commonly met in general practice, which can be laboratory animals, would contribute to relevant experience with additional experience and training in commonly used small rodents, rabbits etc., and in the general concepts of laboratory animal science. Candidates would be expected to be familiar with basic husbandry and to demonstrate competence in the handling techniques of appropriate species.
View the general information document common to all Certificate examinations (PDF Format)
View the subject specific information (PDF 156Kb) for the certificate in Laboratory Animal Science.
Application Forms:
Approval of Practice (for change of practice) - If you are already enrolled on this course and have changed practice, you will need to fill out and submit Form E1(a) (in subject specific information).
Final Approval of Experience - You need to complete Form E2 (subject specific information) and CPD records.
Examination Entry - You will need to complete Form E3 (sent to all eligible candidates with final approval of experience every January)
View past papers for the Certificate in Laboratory Animal Science. (PDF 238Kb)
Certificate in Pig Medicine
The Certificate in Pig Medicine is intended for those veterinary surgeons who wish to test themselves on a broad front at a level at least three years beyond that of a newly-qualified graduate in veterinary medicine. Candidates would be expected to have both more knowledge and more experience of the pig industry than a new graduate.
View the general information document common to all Certificate examinations (PDF Format)
View the subject specific information (PDF 97Kb) for the certificate in Pig Medicine.
Application Forms:
Approval of Practice (for change of practice) - If you are already enrolled on this course and have changed practice, you will need to fill out and submit Form E1(a) (in subject specific information).
Final Approval of Experience - You need to complete Form E2 (subject specific information) and CPD records.
Examination Entry - You will need to complete Form E3 (sent to all eligible candidates with final approval of experience every January)
View past papers (PDF 196Kb) for the Certificate in Pig Medicine.
Certificate in Poultry Medicine and Production
The Certificate in Poultry Medicine and Production is intended for those veterinary surgeons who wish to test themselves on a broad front at a level at least three years beyond that of a newly-qualified graduate in veterinary medicine. Candidates would be expected to have both more knowledge and more experience of the poultry industry (all species) than a new graduate. The nature and scope of the examination is such that it can readily be taken by candidates from general practice and from other positions, such as teaching or DEFRA appointments, involving on-farm experience.
View the general information document common to all Certificate examinations (PDF Format)
View the subject specific information (PDF 74Kb) for the certificate in Poultry Medicine and Production.
Application Forms:
Approval of Practice (for change of practice) - If you are already enrolled on this course and have changed practice, you will need to fill out and submit Form E1(a) (in subject specific information).
Final Approval of Experience - You need to complete Form E2 (subject specific information) and CPD records.
Examination Entry - You will need to complete Form E3 (sent to all eligible candidates with final approval of experience every January)
View past papers for the Certificate in Poultry Medicine and Production. (PDF 199Kb)
Certificate in Sheep Health and Production
For the Certificate in Sheep Health and Production, the need to have a good knowledge of the industry, its structure and current changes is emphasised, as well as particular aspects such as reproduction and breeding, nutrition, health and welfare programmes. There is a special need to be aware of the economics of the industry, both at national and European level and on an individual farm animal basis. The candidate should be aware of the effect of disease on performance, its current cost and the cost-benefit of prevention and treatment.
View the general information document common to all Certificate examinations (PDF Format)
View the subject specific information (PDF 113Kb) for the certificate in Sheep Health and Production.
Application Forms:
Approval of Practice (for change of practice) - If you are already enrolled on this course and have changed practice, you will need to fill out and submit Form E1(a) (in subject specific information).
Final Approval of Experience - You need to complete Form E2 (subject specific information) and CPD records.
Examination Entry - You will need to complete Form E3 (sent to all eligible candidates with final approval of experience every January)
View past papers (PDF 319Kb) for the Certificate in Sheep Health and Production.
Certificate in Small Animal Medicine
This Certificate covers both canine and feline medicine. Candidates may opt to concentrate principally on either cats or dogs, but out of the eight case reports to be submitted, at least three would need to relate to the cat if the candidate's experience is with dogs, and vice-versa. A good general knowledge of the pathophysiological basis of disease and of clinical pharmacology is assumed. Candidates will need to be familiar with current literature in small animal medicine. Candidates will need theoretical and practical knowledge of small animal medicine as it applies to general practice. Emphasis is placed on a systematic problem solving approach to procedures required to establish a specific diagnosis and on therapeutic modalities. Candidates must have gained experience in the management of common medical diseases but a detailed knowledge of rare conditions and a practical knowledge of highly sophisticated methods of diagnosis and therapy will not be required.
View the general information document common to all Certificate examinations (PDF Format)
View the subject specific information (PDF 92Kb) for the certificate in Small Animal Medicine.
Application Forms:
Approval of Practice (for change of practice) - If you are already enrolled on this course and have changed practice, you will need to fill out and submit Form E1(a) (in subject specific information).
Final Approval of Experience - You need to complete Form E2 (subject specific information) and submit a number of case logs with CPD records.
Examination Entry - You will need to complete Form E3 (sent to all eligible candidates with final approval of experience every January)
View past papers (PDF 157Kb) for the Certificate in Small Animal Medicine.
Certificate in Small Animal Surgery
This Certificate should be attainable by those graduates who have spent at least two years being involved in the study of the subject and in the diagnosis and treatment of cases of soft tissue and orthopaedic surgery for at least 10% of their working time. Candidates will need to have a good general knowledge of pathophysiological basis of surgical diseases, and be familiar with current literature in canine and feline surgery. They will need theoretical and practical knowledge of small animal surgery as it applies in general practice. Emphasis is placed on a systematic approach to diagnostic procedures required to establish a specific diagnosis, and on the understanding of surgical principles and surgical options available for treatment. Candidates will need experience in the management of a wide range of surgical conditions, and will need to present a case log covering major non-routine operative procedures, of which the Small Animal Surgery Board would expect candidates to be performing at least two per week.
View the general information document common to all Certificate examinations (PDF Format)
View the subject specific information (PDF 118Kb) for the certificate in Small Animal Surgery.
Application Forms:
Approval of Practice (for change of practice) - If you are already enrolled on this course and have changed practice, you will need to fill out and submit Form E1(a) (in subject specific information).
Final Approval of Experience - You need to complete Form E2 (subject specific information) and submit a number of case logs with CPD records.
Examination Entry - You will need to complete Form E3 (sent to all eligible candidates with final approval of experience every January)
View the past papers (PDF 181Kb) for the Certificate in Small Animal Surgery.
Certificate in State Veterinary Medicine
At the May 2003 meeting of the Specialisation and Further Education Committee members discussed the new certificates in Veterinary Public Health (Food Hygiene/ State Veterinary Medicine). Members noted that there was still some doubt as to whether the proposed new State Veterinary Medicine syllabus met the needs of government service employees, and therefore agreed that the new syllabus should not be launched in 2003 as originally intended. Work will continue to ensure that the needs of government vets are taken into account in planning the new modular certificate framework.
No more enrolments for the Certificate in State Veterinary Medicine will be accepted.
Certificate in Veterinary Anaesthesia
Candidates for this certificate should be competent clinicians with a sound knowledge of anaesthesia together with an awareness of its legal requirements. They should be able to assess the individual case, select a suitable anaesthetic and administer it accordingly. A general understanding of anaesthesia in all animals will be required but a particular involvement in one species or group of species (eg. small animals, horses, farm animals, laboratory animals) will be acceptable.
View the general information document common to all Certificate examinations (PDF Format)
View the subject specific information (PDF 130kB) for the certificate in Veterinary Anaesthesia.
Application Forms:
Approval of Practice (for change of practice) - If you are already enrolled on this course and have changed practice, you will need to fill out and submit Form E1(a) (in subject specific information).
Final Approval of Experience - You need to complete Form E2 (subject specific information) and CPD records.
Examination Entry - You will need to complete Form E3 (sent to all eligible candidates with final approval of experience every January)
View past papers (PDF 114Kb) for the Certificate in Veterinary Anaesthesia.
Certificate in Veterinary Cardiology
This Certificate should be attainable by all those working in general practice or another branch of the profession in which experience is being gained in an approved practice. Applicants should be involved in cardiology and in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular cases for at least 10% of his/her time over a period of two years.
View the general information document common to all Certificate examinations (PDF Format)
View the subject specific information (PDF 71Kb) for the certificate in Veteriary Cardiology.
Application Forms:
Approval of Practice (for change of practice) - If you are already enrolled on this course and have changed practice, you will need to fill out and submit Form E1(a) (in subject specific information).
Final Approval of Experience - You need to complete Form E2 (subject specific information) and CPD records.
Examination Entry - You will need to complete Form E3 (sent to all eligible candidates with final approval of experience every January)
View the past papers (PDF 155Kb) for the Certificate in Veterinary Cardiology.
Certificate in Veterinary Dermatology
The Certificate in Veterinary Dermatology should be attainable by all those working in general practice or another branch of the profession in which experience is being gained in an approved practice. Candidates should be involved in dermatology and in the diagnosis and treatment of dermatological cases for at least 10% of their time over a period of two years. Candidates are advised to arrange short periods of time at veterinary centres where dermatological work is carried out in order to gain further intensive experience.
View the general information document common to all Certificate examinations (PDF Format)
View the subject specific information (PDF 67Kb) for the certificate in Veterinary Dermatology.
Application Forms:
Approval of Practice (for change of practice) - If you are already enrolled on this course and have changed practice, you will need to fill out and submit Form E1(a) (in subject specific information).
Final Approval of Experience - You need to complete Form E2 (subject specific information) and CPD records.
Examination Entry - You will need to complete Form E3 (sent to all eligible candidates with final approval of experience every January)
View past papers (PDF 162Kb) for the Certificate in Veterinary Dermatology.
Certificate in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging (formerly Veterinary Radiology)
This Certificate is aimed at veterinary surgeons in private practice or at a veterinary school at which 500 or more cases are radiographed per annum and where the candidate is responsible for radiographing at least 250 of those cases. Experience can be gained at either an approved centre, or an approved practice.
View the general information document common to all Certificate examinations (PDF Format)
View the subject specific information (PDF 144Kb) for the certificate in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging.
Application Forms:
Approval of Practice (for change of practice) - If you are already enrolled on this course and have changed practice, you will need to fill out and submit Form E1(a) (in subject specific information).
Final Approval of Experience - You need to complete Form E2 (subject specific information) and CPD records.
Examination Entry - You will need to complete Form E3 (sent to all eligible candidates with final approval of experience every January)
View past papers for the Certificate in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging. (PDF 132Kb)
Certificate in Veterinary Ophthalmology
The Certificate in Veterinary Ophthalmology should be attainable by all those working in general practice or another branch of the profession in which experience is being gained in an approved practice, and should be involved in ophthalmology and the diagnosis and treatment of ophthalmological cases for at least 10% of their time over a period of two years. Candidates are advised to arrange short periods of time at veterinary centres where ophthalmological work is carried out in order to gain further intensive experience.
View the general information document common to all Certificate examinations (PDF Format)
View the subject specific information (PDF 98Kb) for the certificate in Veterinary Ophthalmology.
Application Forms:
Approval of Practice (for change of practice) - If you are already enrolled on this course and have changed practice, you will need to fill out and submit Form E1(a) (in subject specific information).
Final Approval of Experience - You need to complete Form E2 (subject specific information) and CPD records.
Examination Entry - You will need to complete Form E3 (sent to all eligible candidates with final approval of experience every January)
View past papers (PDF 179Kb) for the Certificate in Veterinary Opthalmology.
Veterinary Pathology
The RCVS does not offer a Certificate in Veterinary Pathology. Those who wish to pursue further qualifications in this area should contact the Royal College of Pathologists, 2 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AF; Tel: 020 7451 6700; Fax: 020 7451 6701; Email info@rcpath.org or refer to the RCPath website.
Veterinary Pathologists are entitled to apply for RCVS Recognised Specialist status. Veterinary surgeons who achieve Membership or Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists are also identified in a separate listing in the RCVS Register of Members.
Certificate in Veterinary Public Health (Meat Hygiene)
With effect from November 2003 the Certificate in Veterinary Public Health (Meat Hygiene) will become the new Certificate in Veterinary Public Health (Food Hygiene).
Certificate in Veterinary Public Health (Food Hygiene)
This new certificate recognises the fact that veterinary public health is more than meat inspection and that the State Veterinary Service plays an important role in public health. Existing candidates for the Certificate in Veterinary Public Health (Meat Hygiene) have the opportunity to transfer to this new certificate.
View the general information document common to all Certificate examinations (PDF Format)
View the subject specific information (PDF 55Kb) for the certificate in Veterinary Public Health (Food Hygiene)
Application Forms:
Approval of Practice (for change of practice) - If you are already enrolled on this course and have changed practice, you will need to fill out and submit Form E1(a) (in subject specific information).
Final Approval of Experience - You need to complete Form E2 (subject specific information) and submit a six month diary with CPD records.
Examination Entry - You will need to complete Form E3 (sent to all eligible candidates with final approval of experience every January)
View the past papers (PDF 120Kb) for the Certificate in Veterinary Public Health (Food Hygiene)
Certificate in Veterinary Reproduction
For the Certificate in Veterinary Reproduction, candidates should be competent in their knowledge of reproductive physiology, anatomy and endocrinology in all common domestic species and show a more detailed application of this knowledge to their chosen species.
View the general information document common to all Certificate examinations (PDF Format)
View the subject specific information (PDF 105Kb) for the certificate in Veterinary Reproduction.
Application Forms:
Approval of Practice (for change of practice) - If you are already enrolled on this course and have changed practice, you will need to fill out and submit Form E1(a) (in subject specific information).
Final Approval of Experience - You need to complete Form E2 (subject specific information) and submit a certified list of techniques and procedures with CPD records.
Examination Entry - You will need to complete Form E3 (sent to all eligible candidates with final approval of experience every January)
View past papers for the Certificate in Veterinary Reproduction. (PDF 104Kb)
Certificate in Zoological Medicine
Zoological Medicine is defined as a "broad spectrum of disciplines involved with medical problems of all animals not classed as companion animals or livestock". Candidates for this certificate will need to ensure that they acquire experience of a wide range of aspects of Zoological Medicine including hands-on clinical work and post-mortem and laboratory work. The syllabus covers phylogeny and taxonomy, ecology, population and conservation biology, anatomy and physiology, behaviour, husbandry of captive and free-living populations, welfare ethics and law, disease, anaesthesia and therapeutics.
View the general information document common to all Certificate examinations (PDF Format)
View the subject specific information (PDF 64Kb) for the certificate in Zoological Medicine.
Application Forms:
Approval of Practice (for change of practice) - If you are already enrolled on this course and have changed practice, you will need to fill out and submit Form E1(a) (in subject specific information).
Final Approval of Experience - You need to complete Form E2 (subject specific information) and CPD records.
Examination Entry - You will need to complete Form E3 (sent to all eligible candidates with final approval of experience every January)
View past papers (PDF 172Kb) for the Certificate in Zoological Medicine
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