CertAVP

The RCVS modular certificate scheme was introduced in 2007 and is designed to provide a flexible approach to veterinary post-graduate qualifications.  The modular certificate structure leads to a qualification entitled Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (CertAVP).  It offers you manageably-sized modules with credits collected as they are achieved, even if your interests or practice area subsequently change.  The CertAVP is more appropriate, accessible and attainable than traditional end-loaded examinations for practising veterinarians working in a wide range of practice areas. Alternatively, you can simply be assessed on individual modules as part of your ongoing CPD, and RCVS will keep a record of your achievements.

The RVC has gained RCVS accreditation to assess a selection of CertAVP modules. Modules are divided into three groups - A, B and C. To achieve the full CertAVP you must pass EITHER the A-PKS.1 Professional Key Skills module (15 credits) and the B-CKS.0 Clinical Key Skills module (5 credits) OR the new (from autumn 2012) A-FAVP Foundation of Advanced Veterinary Practice module. All candidates must also complete at least one 10 credit B module. These need to be completed together with either three C modules or a combination of B and C modules (30 credits) if the A module completed is A-PKS. If the A module completed is A-FAVP (10 credits), in addition to a 10 credit B module, the candidate must complete four C modules (or 3 C modules and an additional B module). Veterinarians may choose to be assessed in modules to suit their learning needs and all candidates who wish to obtain the post nominal CertAVP must achieve 60 credits. These must be completed within a 10 year time period and candidates may ‘mix and match‘ module assessments offered by different academic institutions.

100 hours of work is required for most modules (150 hours for Module A-PKS, 50 hours for B-CKS) which can be made up by research, reading journals, case studies/logs, attending conferences and relevant CPD courses. 

Candidates may enrol with the RVC throughout the year and must also enrol with the RCVS (please see the RCVS website for details – www.rcvs.org.uk).  An RVC Enrolment Form can be downloaded here.

Assessment

How and when will I be assessed?

Assessment dates vary per module and assessment types include essays, case diaries, case reports with some modules requiring candidates to sit an examination. The Module Outlines give full assessment details.

Do I have to attend courses to pass the CertAVP?

No, you can pass the CertAVP without attending courses. Each module will require about 100 hours of work (150 hours for Module A, 50 hours for B-CKS) in preparation for assessment, including completion of assessment tasks. Suitable learning resources may include journals and textbooks, conferences, online discussion forums and CPD courses offered by the RVC and other CPD providers.

There are now several RVC CPD courses available which will be of great value to veterinarians preparing for various RCVS modules some of which specifically designed to support the learning objectives of RCVS B and C modules. For further details see RVC CPD courses

The RVC is offering candidates a 10% discount on all CPD courses until you complete your CertAVP. For each C module you enrol on you are entitled to a heavily discounted CPD course at the RVC; this includes onsite or e-CPD courses but excludes online lectures. The discount must be claimed while you are enrolled on the module.

Learning support

All the modules assessed by the RVC will have online learning support available for interested candidates (except Module B.0); this includes a discussion board for communication with other candidates doing the module, access to the RVC library, access to web resources and electronic journals and learning support from module leaders, which may include journals, videos and clinical cases with model answers.  This learning support is included free of charge as part of your enrolment fee for Module A, however is chargeable for all other modules.

Some of the RVC CPD courses specifically address learning objectives in various CertAVP modules and in addition, many other RVC CPD courses cover topics relevant to veterinarians enrolled on the CertAVP. CertAVP candidates are eligible for discounted CPD courses - please contact our office for further details. +44(0)1707 666 865 cpd@rvc.ac.uk 

Fees

Details of fees for each module are detailed in our fees table.

CertAVP Survival Tips

In July each year we host a CertAVP Survival Tips day for any veterinarian interested in the CertAVP whether they are currently enrolled or not. The day consists of presentations on what is expected and how to prepare for Module A and Q&A discussion forums for all B and C modules, run by the relevant module leader. Only those modules that the RVC is accredited to assess are discussed.  Details for next year will be on the website in October.