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The CertAVP at the RVC encourages independent, adult-centred and self-directed learning, it is not a taught course.  The aim of the assessment process at the RVC is not only to support you to fully understand the quality of your current clinical practice but also to foster life-long learning skills and to advance and enhance your clinical knowledge, skills and understanding.  Reflective, critical practice is expected and encouraged.

The learning scaffold for CertAVP at the RVC is your clinical and professional experience - the learning you build by reading, formal CPD and other learning activities around the professional issues you have faced in your practice and the clinical cases you manage.  Setting your own learning goals to help you achieve the learning outcomes for the modules and seeking the learning opportunities that fulfil your learning needs are crucial activities for an adult learning experience.  So, although the CertAVP at the RVC is not a taught course (which can imply that everyone has the same learning needs), there are rich learning opportunities at every stage.  These include the detailed and personalised feedback you will receive on your work, a range of discounted RVC CPD courses that support learning outcomes for many CertAVP modules, a wide variety of online learning resources including access to the RVC library and where needed one-to-one learning support from our Learning Development team or module leaders. 

RVC assessors have specialist and higher educational qualifications that ensure the level of assessment is educationally sound, robust, fair and at the level expected of veterinarians aspiring to achieve Advanced Practitioner status.  Extensive feedback is provided on all submitted work.  Assessment of your work is as and for your learning, not just of your learning.  Our aim is to help you develop life-long commitment to improving your practice, and therefore skills such as self-analysis, clinical reasoning, and accessing, interpreting, and applying information, are of utmost importance to the RVC-based CertAVP.

Reflection is an important component of the CertAVP for a very good reason and will remain.  By learning to reflect on your practice, you learn how to analyse what you do and why you do it, become better placed to explain this to clients or colleagues, and identify areas for improvement.  Even more importantly, where you are competent at a skill in one context, reflection probes you to consider whether you could repeat that skill in a more demanding situation, or adapt it to fit a more challenging context.  By analysing situations where you feel some discomfort, reflection encourages you to consider why you feel less satisfied, and how you could develop your approach to be more satisfying in future. 

Reflection is a critical part of the self-evaluation process in learning.  It helps you think about what you know or have learned and helps you identify areas of confusion, so you can create new learning goals.  Evaluating what you have learned, what you still need to work on, and how you can get there all supports developing deeper understanding rather than superficial knowledge.   Self-reflection and self-critique are essential components of the adult learning experience, life-long learning and professional practice.  Were it not for reflection, the implication is that there is no room for improvement. 

What you should know to be an advanced practitioner - Veterinary Business Journal, issue 181, April 2018

For more information, please email certavp@rvc.ac.uk or call 01707 666201

 The CertAVP is standard set to Masters level 7, and therefore marked in relation to the generic criteria for this level laid down by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education within their 'Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland'.  The following level descriptors are adapted from the QAA definition of qualifications at this level, and should be used as an indicator of the level required:  

Candidates will need to demonstrate:

• a thorough understanding of the knowledge base and a critical awareness of developments at the forefront of their area of professional practice;
• a comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to their own area of practice;
• originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and clinical enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their professional area;
• conceptual understanding that enables them to:
• evaluate critically current literature and research in their professional area and
• evaluate clinical methodologies and techniques, and develop critiques of them and, where appropriate to propose new approaches to professional practice.

Typically, holders of the qualification will be able to:

• deal with complex issues in an organised and creative manner, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly to veterinary colleagues and to non-veterinary audiences, including clients;
• demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks in their professional area of work;
• continue to advance their knowledge and understanding, and to develop new skills to a high level;

Candidates will have the qualities and transferable skills necessary for professional veterinary work requiring:

• the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility;
• decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations; and
• the independent learning ability required for continuing professional development.

For more information, please email certavp@rvc.ac.uk or call 01707 666201

We offer you an array of support during your CertAVP studies: 

• Extensive feedback on your work - for passes and fails.  We believe in feedback for your learning, not just of your learning
• 1-2-1 coaching with a module leader via Microsoft Teams
• Tutor support for the AFAVP module - your tutor will support your development through the module, which will hopefully lead to higher quality feedback and an improved personal experience.  As much as possible, you will be matched to the species area of the examiners (i.e. small animal vets will be matched to small animal clinicians).
• Verbal feedback on your first AFAVP essay and BSAP therapeutics report
• Access to Learn, an online platform where you can see:
• sample work with feedback and grade
• sample C module exam questions
• relevant articles to read and reference
• guidance on reflective writing and correct referencing and tips for module preparation
• webinars by the module leaders about preparing the module assessment tasks
• Access to the RVC Library, online and onsite at the Camden and Hawkshead campuses
• Access to OpenAthens
• 20% discount on RVC CPD courses
• If you find yourself in Hertfordshire, you are welcome to come onsite and chat with the CertAVP team
• Contact with the RVC PG SU Rep and a current student acting as Student Rep

There are no lectures to attend, nor any teaching components.

For more information, please email certavp@rvc.ac.uk or call 01707 666201

Here are links to the module outlines for each module the RVC assesses:

For more information, please email certavp@rvc.ac.uk or call 01707 666201

Assessment of your work is as and for your learning, not just of your learning.  There is no formal taught component of the course.  Our aim is to help you develop life-long commitment to improving your practice, and therefore skills such as self-analysis, clinical reasoning, and accessing, interpreting, and applying information, are of utmost importance to the RVC-based CertAVP.

There are a variety of ways which we assess you:

• For AFAVP you are required to pass 3 essays, one reflective essay and a short online quiz
• For B modules you are required to pass 5 case reports plus one reflective essay
• For C modules, the assessments include a mix of case diary with synopsis, case reports, written exams and reflective essays

Here is the Assessment Timetable for all modules.

For more information, please email certavp@rvc.ac.uk or call 01707 666201

CertAVP Podcast - an interview with Professor Jill Maddison, CertAVP Course Director

In this podcast, CertAVP Course Director Jill Maddison chats to Rachel Davis, a developmental coach and educator, about managing the challenges that may occur when you return to academic study as a busy professional. Issues covered include why and how the CertAVP will feel different to undergraduate study as well as understanding its benefits and managing its challenges. The challenges and opportunities of developing critical and reflective life-learning skills and overcoming the “tyranny of distance learning”.

• Jill Maddison - CertAVP Course Director at the RVC
• Rachel Davis - Developmental coach and educator

Ethos of CertAVP at RVC

The CertAVP at the RVC encourages independent, adult-centred and self-directed learning, it is not a taught course.  The aim of the assessment process at the RVC is not only to support you to fully understand the quality of your current clinical practice but also to foster life-long learning skills and to advance and enhance your clinical knowledge, skills and understanding.  Reflective, critical practice is expected and encouraged. The learning scaffold for CertAVP at the RVC is your clinical and professional experience - the learning you build by reading, formal CPD and other learning activities around the professional issues you have faced in your practice and the clinical cases you manage. 

Discussion points

• What is lifelong learning and how can self-regulation strategies help me become/build a lifelong learning approach to study
• Why and how this course will feel different to undergraduate study
• Benefits of studying like this
• Challenges of studying like this
• Self and time management
• Reflective practice
• Receiving feedback, managing emotions associated with it when critical, how to get the most from it etc
• Academic reflective writing
• Specific learning differences and why they might crop up now (?)
• Resilience and well-being   

CertAVP Podcast: Feedback and Reflection - Why reflective practice is so important, the challenges of developing the skills needed for reflective writing in an academic and clinical context, why the rich feedback that you will receive on your work at the RVC is so important in the journey to becoming a reflective practitioner and how to get the most from that feedback. 

• Jill Maddison - CertAVP Course Director at the RVC
• Rachel Davis - Developmental coach and educator

For more information, please email certavp@rvc.ac.uk or call 01707 666201

• Ensure you meet the s first (UK-based applicants must be on the RCVS 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Practising Register, whilst applicants based outside the UK must hold a qualification that would entitle them to register as a member of the RCVS).
• You must have at least one year's experience working as a practising veterinary surgeon before enrolling for any module.
• You must also be able to provide evidence of CPD to the RCVS for that period.
• If you graduated in 2007 or later you will be expected to have completed the RCVS Professional Development Phase (PDP) before enrolling for any module.  Contact the  for more information on this.
• A good working knowledge of scientific English is essential in order to follow the course. All of the RVC’s English Language requirements are on the website:  PGT courses require IELTS 7.0 (the right column).

When you are ready to enrol and be assessed by the RVC for your CertAVP, please click on the How to Apply box on the left.

The dates we accept enrolments are: 

• How can I enrol for the CertAVP and how long is the enrolment period?

You need to enrol with both the RCVS and RVC. The maximum module enrolment period is 10 years (from the date of your first module pass), subject to payment of an annual renewal fee with RCVS.

• How quickly do I have to finish the modules?

There is a 2 year time limit to complete a module.  To complete any outstanding assessment, re-enrolment on a module is permitted without penalty provided notice is given to the RVC CertAVP office before the 2 year enrolment expires.  An option to extend the time limit to a third year in order to complete assessments is subject to the approval of the RVC CertAVP Examinations Board and will apply to special cases only.

• So how many modules should I enrol on then?

As a guide, most candidates have enrolled on A-FAVP.1 and a B module first.  Enrolling on more than three modules is not advised, however feel free to call for more advice: +44 (0)1707 666201.  It is advised that you complete at least part or all of the 10 credit B Module before starting on any C Modules.

• How much will it cost?

Please see the Fees page for costs and there are additional fees to be paid to the RCVS (annual enrolment fee and a fee to sit the final synoptic exam if you require a designated certificate). 

• When can I enrol?

You can enrol at any time, however, when enrolling on C Modules, be aware that there is an annual assessment cycle, so enrol before the assessment cycle starts, and not mid way through.  The assessment timetable is on the website.   You are recommended to download the C module outline of your choice and start collecting cases/drafting reports before you administratively enrol on the module.

• Do I have to start with the A Module?

You can enrol at any time for the A and B modules, however before enrolling on C modules be aware that there is an annual assessment timetable, so enrol on C modules before the assessment cycle begins.  

• If you are wishing to start with a broader view and consideration of professional skills, then start with AFAVP.  
• If you would prefer to focus on more clinically based reports, then we would recommend you start with Module B.  
• We do highly recommend that you do both these modules before you attempt any C modules.  Gaining practice and experience of writing essays and reports for the A and B modules will definitely work in your favour when attempting the C modules as the expected standard is very high for the C modules.

• When will I be assessed by the RVC?

Assessment dates vary per module so please look at the assessment timetable.

• Do I need to go on a course?

No, not necessarily.  In order to obtain the CertAVP you do not have to attend courses and there are no teaching components.  Each module will require about 100 hours of work 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.  The RVC is offering all CertAVP candidates a 20% discount on all RVC CPD courses (except discounted CPD courses, recorded webinars, recorded webinar plus courses and live webinars).  Please see the CPD section for information on courses - RVC CPD

• Can I do the CertAVP if I am living outside of the UK or cannot easily get to the RVC campus?

Yes, the CertAVP is perfect for distance learning as the majority of work is submitted by email. Only a few of the C Modules require you to sit an exam at the RVC.  In exceptional circumstances, we can arrange for exams to be sat overseas.

• When can I start collecting cases for my C Module case reports?

You can start collecting cases from 12 months prior to your CertAVP enrolment date with the RVC or the RCVS.

For more information, please email certavp@rvc.ac.uk or call 01707 666201

Tuition Fees

£699 per module 

+ £50 RVC registration fee (one off payment when you first enrol)

= £4,244 for complete CertAVP

Additional fees may be required if your 2 year module enrolment period needs extending.

These fees are valid until 31st July 2025.

You should also budget for registering on CPD courses that support CertAVP module learning outcomes.  You will be eligible for a 20% discount on RVC CPD courses, many of which do support a variety of CertAVP module learning outcomes.

Please note there are also to be paid.