The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) is replacing its current certificates with a new modular postgraduate certificate and has invited universities (not just veterinary schools) to seek accreditation to assess modules.
The RCVS has agreed to delegate the assessment of the new modules to universities, which are better equipped to manage this process, with established quality assurance systems already in place.
Universities are encouraged to collaborate with other CPD and course providers in the delivery of modules. Universities need not necessarily be associated with a veterinary school in order to be involved, although they will need access to appropriate expertise, either through their own staff, or through partnership arrangements with other veterinary organisations.
The development of the modular certificate scheme
In 2002, the RCVS Education Strategy Steering Group produced a document entitled Veterinary Education and Training: A Framework for 2010 and beyond. The proposals in this document were ratified by RCVS Council, with the goal of creating a coherent structure for veterinary education and CPD.
This led to the development of a new certificate structure. It is based around modules, which are compatible with the Quality Assurance Agency's (QAA) national framework for higher level qualifications, and equates to a university postgraduate certificate.
The RCVS has agreed to delegate the assessment of individual modules to universities which may, if they wish, work in collaboration with other organisations. One of the benefits of this is that universities have the necessary experience of quality-assuring assessments and this will help to ensure that standards are maintained.
In some cases, where the university runs modular postgraduate degrees and a credit accumulation and transfer system, it may chose to allow RCVS credits to count towards a university postgraduate qualification, as well as the RCVS certificate.
The new structure also opens up opportunities for universities and other CPD providers to develop tailored courses and distance learning materials to support candidates through the assessment process, thereby providing better links between CPD provision and accredited qualifications.
Structure of modular certificates
Under the modular system, candidates can build up credits towards the RCVS postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice by successfully passing a series of modules.
Alternatively, candidates can simply be assessed against individual modules as part of their ongoing CPD, and the RCVS will keep a record of their achievements.
Candidates will be able to build up credits achieved through a number of universities if they wish, and this will provide clear evidence of their ongoing commitment to professional development.
Modules are divided into three groups - A, B and C. The A and B modules cover professional and clinical key skills, and the C modules cover more specific skills in various subject areas.
Candidates accrue credits by passing individual modules, one credit being roughly equivalent to 10 notional study hours. The diagram below shows the credit value of the modules within each group. Please click on the diagram to open a PDF file for a clearer view.
To achieve the full Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (CertAVP), candidates must complete the A-Professional Key Skills module (15 credits), the B-Clinical Key Skills module (5 credits) and at least one other B module (10 credits), together with either three C modules or a combination of B and C modules (30 credits).
Candidates who work in mixed practice may choose to take more than one B-module.
Modules can be taken in any order, though most candidates will find it appropriate to take the Key Skills modules first. More information about the structure can be found in the Rules for administration of the modular system document. (see 'Related Documents' box, top right).
There is also a range of designated (named) qualifications in addition to the general CertAVP. Candidates who wish to work towards one of these qualifications must also complete the Professional Key Skills module and Clinical Key Skills module.
Candidates must then choose the remaining modules from a specific range of options relevant to the subject area.
The rules for modular combinations for each of the designated certificates are provided below.
Animal Welfare Science, Ethics and Law
Laboratory Animal Science
Poultry
Small Animal Medicine and Small Animal Practice
It is also possible for candidates to take individual modules as part of ongoing CPD, without working towards the full RCVS certificate.
Modules
RCVS Subject Boards have developed module specifications in a number of species-based and discipline-based areas. A full list of all the module specifications (see 'Related Documents' box, top right) is available to download. All modules marked as 'complete' are available for universities wishing to seek accreditation.
In addition, universities are invited to develop further modules in subject areas not already covered, subject to accreditation by the RCVS. Universities may use the RCVS modules specifications to develop further additional materials or guidance for candidates.
View information on an individual subject.
Assessment tables
In most cases, the Subject Boards have made recommendations about the assessment methods to be used for each module. Universities are free to vary the assessment methods, subject to RCVS accreditation.
An assessment table for each of the designated Certificates in Advanced Veterinary Practice is provided below, and lays out the recommended assessment methods for the modules. (Please note assessment tables are not included for designated certificates where a number of modules are still under development.)
In addition, designated certificates may be subject to a final synoptic assessment, which will be managed by the RCVS.
Where a university is accredited to assess all the modules for a particular designated certificate, and where a candidate is enrolled for all the modules at the same university, it may also be possible (subject to accreditation) for the RCVS to delegate the final synoptic assessment to the university.
Each table provides a summary of the RCVS's recommendations on assessment for the designated certificate. This information will be useful when designing assessments and preparing study plans.
However, universities should also refer to the individual modules and the document: General Guidance and Assessment for All Modules, for more detailed information on suggested assessment methods.
Animal Welfare Science, Ethics and Law
Equine
Fish
Laboratory Animal Science
Poultry
Sheep
Small Animal Medicine and Small Animal Practice
Veterinary Dermatology
Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging
Veterinary General Practice
Veterinary Public Health
Zoological Medicine
Accreditation
Whereas the 'old' RCVS certificates were all examined by RCVS-appointed examiners, under the new system, assessment for individual modules will be undertaken under the aegis of universities which the RCVS will accredit for the purpose.
Although universities and other course providers will normally wish to organise courses to support modules, universities must provide 'assessment-only' routes for candidates, as well as their more traditional short courses and postgraduate qualifications, to allow for candidates who may wish to submit themselves for assessment without necessarily attending a particular course.
The RCVS will only be accrediting universities to offer the assessment process, not any supporting courses or study materials. However, there will be many opportunities for CPD providers and other organisations to work in collaboration with universities in the delivery and assessment of modules.
Although accreditation to assess modules is only available to universities, partnership arrangements are encouraged, and the RCVS is particularly interested to encourage the development of different course delivery methods such as online learning, local professional networks and learning sets, which CPD providers outside the university system may be well placed to offer.
Getting accredited
Universities who wish to offer modules must be RCVS-accredited.
After an application for accreditation is received, it will be reviewed by a sub-committee set up for the purpose. Universities will receive feedback from the sub-committee and will have the opportunity to revise their submission if necessary.
Once accreditation is approved, the university will be invited to sign an accreditation agreement, which forms a legal contract between the university and the RCVS.
The cost of submitting an accreditation proposal to the RCVS depends on the number of modules the university wishes to offer, as set out below:
- £283 for a submission with up to 6 modules
- £816 for a submission covering 7 to 12 modules
- £849 for a submission covering more than 12 modules
Accreditation application forms are available in the 'Related documents' box (top right). Universities should refer to the Rules for administration of the modular system and RCVS Bye-laws before applying for accreditation.
- RCVS Bye-laws (PDF 18kb)
Universities interested in applying for accreditation, or wishing to receive further information on the process, should contact the RCVS Education Department on T 020 7202 0791 (direct line), F 020 7222 2004, or E education@rcvs.org.uk