FAQs

In order for someone to work as a vet in the UK, they must be registered as a Member of the RCVS (MRCVS). To be eligible to register, the individual must either hold a veterinary degree that is recognised by us (via accreditation or other arrangement) or they must pass our Statutory Membership Examination.

Those studying in the UK, are automatically eligible to register if their UK veterinary degree is accredited by the RCVS. RCVS accreditation of a new veterinary degree enables a Recognition Order (RO) to be granted by the Privy Council that allows graduates from the programme to be automatically eligible to register, become an MRCVS and obtain a licence to practise.

In order for veterinary degrees to be accredited by the RCVS, they need to meet the required 2023 Standards and Methodology. This is checked through both accreditation events (where an accreditation panel visits the school/department to check they are meeting the standards) and through yearly reports, that all programmes must complete.

There’s no reason why interns can’t adapt the existing EPAs and/or design their own Entrustable Professional Activity (EPA) around an internship, as it is still clinical practice. Our bank of EPAs will cover the majority of situations; there will be areas that aren’t covered and so we will support VetGDP Advisers and graduates in developing an EPA if required.

The VetGDP is a completely new programme and very different from the PDP. Following an evaluation of the PDP with graduates and other stakeholders, it was clear that the PDP was not achieving the levels of support needed by new graduates to help them develop their skills and confidence. Meaningful, holistic support was needed, to reflect the everyday work as a vet in all branches of the profession. 

The VetGDP also emphasises building graduates’ confidence and resilience, and supporting reflection.

You will need to send us a photocopy of the relevant official documentation (i.e. marriage certificate or deed poll) in order to change your name with the RCVS. This can be sent by post, fax or email using the contact details below. Please do not send original documents, as these may become lost in the post.

If you have changed your name by deed poll, you must supply the official document, which has been signed by a solicitor. If your deed poll certificate has not been signed by a solicitor, we can accept the certificate as long as you are also able to provide a copy of your valid passport in your new name (the same name as stated on your deed poll certificate).

Each course is divided into pages. You can navigate through each course by using the next button at the bottom of each course page or by selecting  the sections in the course information block of each course on the top right-hand side of the page

Once you have navigated through each section you will complete the course by:

• Selecting the button "Select to mark course as complete " at the end of each course.
• You will then be invited to complete the end-of-course survey.
• There is also a link to log your CPD on the 1CPD app and other suggested learning.

Throughout your course, you will notice our bookmark icon that can save your page. View our navigational video which explains how to use our bookmark learning tool to save your last viewed page.

As a registered veterinary nurse or surgeon, you are already registered to access the Academy. Simply visit the Academy site and log in using your My Account details.

If you have forgotten your password, you can click the “forgot my password” button to reset your login details.

• Access your ‘My Academy’ area from the top of the homepage. This is your personalised area of the Academy where you can view the courses available to you.
• The categories on our homepage host courses with a similar subject area or for a similar target audience. You can explore courses in this way selecting a category of interest.
• If you know the course name that you would like to complete, you can access it quickly by using the search function on the top right-hand side of the homepage.

From enrolment through to qualification, please contact us at:

Veterinary Nursing Department
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
1 Hardwick Street
London
EC1R 4RB

T 020 7202 0788  
E [email protected]

Post-qualification, please contact us at:

Registration Department
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
1 Hardwick Street
London
EC1R 4RB

T 020 7202 0707
E [email protected]

If you are taking a synoptic exam your provider will notify the RCVS when you have passed and you will automatically be sent a designated certificate and confirmation of your post nominals.

If you do not wish to take a synoptic exam within the next 6 months and have passed 6 appropriate modules, you will be emailed a form to complete once we have confirmation of your final module pass, for us to verify your records and issue you with a CertAVP certificate and confirm that you may use your CertAVP post nominal.