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Synoptic assessment

Candidates taking a designated certificate will need to take a synoptic assessment. This will most likely take the form of an oral examination, where you may be asked to discuss a number of case-based scenarios and/or take a practical examination. 

Further information can be found in the Synoptic Assessment Guidelines. You may apply for the synoptic exam by downloading the application form (see 'Related Documents' box).

Please contact [email protected] if you have any queries regarding your exam.

Taking more than one synoptic exam

Candidates must take at least three further B or C modules (30 credits), in addition to the 60 credits already achieved, before they will be eligible for a second synoptic examination. You must have the correct modular combination to sit a synoptic exam but may have gained additional modules outside those necessary for a particular designation. If you wish to complete a third designation, you will need to complete a further three B or C modules in addition to the 90 credits already achieved.

Candidates may not take more than one synoptic exam within any one-year period. This does not apply to re-sits.

Where you can take your synoptic exam

University of Edinburgh

  • Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (Cattle)
  • Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (Sheep)
  • Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (Zoological Medicine)

University of Liverpool

The University of Liverpool ask that candidates have completed at least 50% of their modules with them but may make exceptions in some circumstances.

  • Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (Camelid Practice)
  • Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (Cattle)
  • Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (Emergency & Critical Care)
  • Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (Equine Dentistry)
  • Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (Equine Lameness Diagnosis and Therapeutics)
  • Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (Equine Medicine – Internal)
  • Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (Equine Practice)
  • Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (Equine Stud Medicine)
  • Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (Equine Surgery – Orthopaedics)
  • Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (Equine Surgery – Soft Tissue)
  • Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (Production Animal Practice)
  • Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (Small Animal Medicine)
  • Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (Small Animal Medicine - Feline)
  • Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (General Small Animal Surgery)
  • Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (Veterinary Anaesthesia)
  • Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (Veterinary Cardiology)
  • Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (Veterinary Dermatology)
  • Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging)

University of Nottingham

  • Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (Small Animal Clinical Practice)

RCVS

For candidates passing the majority of their modules with RVC, and for any designation not listed above, please apply to the RCVS to sit your synoptic exam.

How to apply

Please contact the appropriate university directly. You can find the details on the Accredited university contact details page.

To apply for a synoptic exam at the RCVS, please download, complete and return the application form.

This will mark the start of your synoptic application. We will aim to offer at least 1 synoptic assessment series per year, depending on demand.

We may need to put candidates on a waiting list for assessment, to ensure that there are sufficient candidates presenting for a subject during any one series. There must be at least 3 candidates in each subject session.

In the event of an assessment series being cancelled due to low candidate numbers, we would aim to assess any waiting candidates at the next series, but not keep any candidate waiting for longer than 1 year.