Explore Our Qualifications for Nurses & Vet Techs

Discover qualifications for nurses and vet techs

ISVPS qualifications enable veterinary nurses and veterinary technicians to enhance their skills and knowledge while earning an internationally recognised certification. The ISVPS veterinary nurse and veterinary technician certificates provide candidates with the clinical competence to improve the delivery of their nursing care, and to build confidence in their decision-making.

ISVPS has been awarding qualifications to veterinary nurses and technicians for many years, and is a leader in developing certifications for busy veterinary professionals. Our qualifications equip veterinary nurses and technicians with the knowledge and skills needed to advance professionally, strengthening their confidence in decision-making and patient care.

The accredited programmes are delivered by world-class training providers experienced in delivering courses to busy veterinary professionals, ensuring that ISVPS qualifications are achievable alongside a full-time career. The assessment process not only evaluates the knowledge gained during the programme, but also draws on the candidate’s practical experience in their clinical role.

Upon completing an ISVPS qualification, veterinary nurses and technicians will be clinically confident within their chosen discipline and recognised by colleagues for their dedication to high-quality continuing professional development.

ISVPS offers two types of post-training qualifications for veterinary nurses and technicians:

1. Nurse Certificate (NCert) / Veterinary Technician Certificate (VTCert) 

These qualifications allow candidates to expand their skills and knowledge in a specific subject area or discipline. 

2. Nurse Advanced Certificate (NAdvCert) / Veterinary Technician Advanced Certificate (VTAdvCert) 

A higher-level award ideal for candidates with more experience or an existing post-training qualification, demonstrating advanced expertise and proficiency. 

The curriculum and assessments are identical for both veterinary nurse and veterinary technician versions, with the awarded certificate reflecting whether the candidate originally trained as a veterinary nurse or as a veterinary technician. 

The ISVPS Nurse Certificate (NCert) and Veterinary Technician Certificate (VTCert) are designed for qualified veterinary nurses and technicians seeking to gain confidence and develop new techniques within their chosen subject area. 

Studying for an ISVPS NCert/VTCert contributes towards a candidate’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD) or Continuing Education (CE) hours. The accredited programme enables candidates to acquire new skills and expertise that enhance the quality of nursing care provided in practice.  

Upon successful completion of the assessments, candidates are awarded the NCert or VTCert and receive a personalised certificate. Successful candidates may use the peer-recognised postnominals NCert or VTCert, followed by the abbreviated discipline in brackets. Their names are also added to the ISVPS Official Register of Certificate Holders.  

Postnominals may be displayed wherever appropriate, however, we advise checking with regional professional bodies regarding recognition and inclusion on registers.   

The ISVPS Nurse Advanced Certificate / Veterinary Technician Advanced Certificate (NAdvCert/VTAdvCert) is a post-training qualification that demonstrates advanced clinical knowledge and techniques. While ideal for those who have already completed a post-training certificate (such as the NCert/VTCert), this is not a formal prerequisite. Candidates with significant clinical experience—typically at least five years—and a strong understanding of anatomy and physiology are also eligible. 

Hours spent studying for the NAdvCert/VTAdvCert can be used towards annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) or Continuing Education (CE) requirements. Candidates will develop the skills and techniques required to nurse a wide range of complex cases, as well as critical thinking, analytical and reflective skills that support continuous learning and development. 

Upon successful completion of the assessments, candidates receive a personalised certificate, the right to use postnominals, and their name is added to the ISVPS Official Register of Certificate Holders.