Join the Register of Veterinary Surgeons
Join the RCVS to practise veterinary surgery in the UK. Learn how to join the RCVS Register, with guidance on applicatio...
Temporary registration
The RCVS can grant temporary registration to veterinary surgeons who’s primary veterinary qualification does not make them eligible for full registration, allowing for supervised practise in the UK for specific, short-term situations.
On this page
About temporary registration
We consider temporary registration on a case-by-case basis under Section 7 of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966.
Temporary registration is granted at the discretion of the RCVS and is not an entitlement. It provides a pathway for vets to practise legally in the UK when full registration isn't available or appropriate. This type of registration is always short-term and must be supervised.
When to apply
You should apply for temporary registration well in advance of the date you need to start practising to ensure you are able to practise legally.
Applications and supporting documents must be submitted at least 12 weeks before your proposed employment start date. Your application can only be considered by the Registration Committee once all required documents have been received. If we receive an incomplete application, including a lack of evidence, we cannot guarantee a decision will be made within 12 weeks.
Rules and restrictions
Temporary registration comes with strict conditions. If you do not follow them, your registration will be removed.
For temporary registration periods longer than one year, an annual fee must be paid and a declaration must be completed by the temporary registrant and the supervising veterinary surgeon to confirm that restrictions continue to be complied with.
Temporary registrants must also complete the annual declaration to confirm they have met the minimum CPD requirement and have no convictions or adverse findings.
The maximum period granted for temporary registration status will not ordinarily exceed five years (whether granted by a single five-year application or by a number of shorter applications totalling five years). Temporary registrants seeking a longer period of registration are expected to undertake the RCVS Statutory Membership Examination to gain full registration within that initial five-year period.
Evidence to support applications for temporary registration must include full details and screenshots of advertisements placed. Please include as much detail as possible, for example: evidence that the advertisement was appropriate for the role; why this particular form of advertisement was chosen; and whether it was advertised in the appropriate places and for a sufficient duration.
Evidence must also include a list of fully registered or eligible candidates (without personal data), along with an explanation of why they were deemed not suitable for the role.
Who can apply for temporary registration?
If you are not eligible for full registration, you may be eligible for temporary registration if you are:
- A UK graduand who has passed final exams and wishes to work in general practice, but has not yet had their degree conferred.
- A postgraduate student studying at a UK veterinary school, but not in general practice.
- A vet accompanying animals to sporting events or during travel, but not in general practice.
- A specialist teaching or performing specific procedures or filling skill gaps through an internship or residency, but not in general practice.
- An Official Veterinarian carrying out meat premises inspections during staff shortages, but not in general practice.
Duration of temporary registration
Temporary registration normally lasts no longer than five years. We'll specify your exact registration period based on your circumstances.
Where you can practise
You can only practise in locations we specify on your registration. This may be limited to:
- specific premises or practices
- certain geographical areas
- named institutions or events
Code of Professional Conduct
You must follow the Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Surgeons throughout your temporary registration period.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
You must comply with continuing professional development requirements while temporarily registered, in accordance with the Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Surgeons.
Use of post-nominal MRCVS
You cannot use the post-nominal letters MRCVS unless you're a Member or Fellow of the RCVS through another route.
Supervision requirements
All temporary registrants must be supervised by a named veterinary surgeon who is fully registered:
• The supervising veterinary surgeon must be a practising veterinary surgeon with experience in the area in which the temporary registrant will be practising.
• The supervising veterinary surgeon is responsible for ensuring that the temporary registrant does not contravene the restrictions of their temporary registration.
• The supervising veterinary surgeon is expected to be based at the same location as the temporary registrant, or to be able to demonstrate arrangements in place to ensure that supervision can be carried out effectively.
How to apply
Your application route depends on your specific circumstances. Select your category below and provide all of the required documents.
More information
Need help with your application or have questions about temporary registration?
Phone: 020 7202 0707
Email: [email protected]
We're here to help you understand the process and ensure your application is complete.
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