Explore Our Qualifications for Vets

Compare ISVPS qualifications for vets

ISVPS postgraduate qualifications are designed to equip veterinary surgeons with the skills and techniques needed to develop confidence in clinical practice and support their professional development. By combining practical skills with theoretical knowledge, ISVPS qualifications enable veterinary surgeons to manage more complex cases, improve patient outcomes, and advance their careers. Each qualification provides a structured pathway to achieving these goals, fostering both personal growth and professional recognition. 

Why study for an ISVPS veterinary qualification?

ISVPS has been developing and awarding veterinary qualifications for over 20 years. We are recognised as global leaders in offering awards that enable vets to advance their skills while maintaining a busy career in practice. Veterinary surgeons who achieve ISVPS qualifications are clinically confident, satisfied with their professional development, and respected by colleagues and clients.  

ISVPS qualifications are: 

  • Quality assured 
  • Academically rigorous 
  • Internationally peer recognised 

The standard of ISVPS qualifications is consistent across all countries. Upon gaining an ISVPS certificate, candidates receive international peer recognition for having achieved a high-standard qualification, regardless of where they practice. 

Successful candidates are entitled to use peer-recognised postnominals, indicating their expertise and professional achievement. Your postnominals may be displayed wherever you deem appropriate; however, we advise checking with regional professional bodies regarding recognition and inclusion on registers. 

At the same time, the clear structure and modular format of ISVPS qualifications make them attainable and manageable, allowing candidates to succeed while balancing clinical and personal responsibilities. 

Training for ISVPS qualifications is delivered by trusted training partners through a modular approach, offering a range of learning styles to suit practising vets. Assessments draw on both a candidate’s professional experience and the new knowledge acquired during the programme, ensuring relevance and application to clinical practice. 

ISVPS Veterinary Qualifications

All candidates starting an ISVPS-accredited programme must hold a veterinary qualification which is formally recognised in their region.

ISVPS offers three types of postgraduate veterinary qualification: 

The ISVPS Foundation Certificate 

The ISVPS Foundation Certificate (FCert) equips veterinarians with essential foundational skills. It provides in-depth knowledge in a specific subject area and may serve as a standalone qualification or complement broader certifications such as the GPCert. 

As with all ISVPS qualifications, the FCert is internationally recognised. It grants candidates the use of peer-recognised postnominals, contributes to CPD/CE requirements, and results in entry onto the ISVPS Official Register of Certificate Holders. 

There are two pathways to achieving an ISVPS Foundation Certificate: 

  • Accelerated Emergency Programme – awards the Emergency and Critical Care Foundation Certificate: FCert(E&CC) 
  • Focus 20 Programmes – available in several disciplines, offering flexible and in-depth study in a chosen subject 
Find out more about the ISVPS Foundation Certificate 

ISVPS General Practitioner Certificate

The ISVPS General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert) offers veterinary surgeons a globally recognised qualification achieved by thousands of vets worldwide. Designed specifically for vets working in general practice, the GPCert broadens clinical skills and deepens knowledge in a chosen subject area. 

By studying for the GPCert, candidates: 

  • Develop competency in new techniques 
  • Gain confidence in managing more complex cases 
  • Improve patient care and client satisfaction 
  • Enhance practice revenue through increased in-house expertise 

The ISVPS GPCert is internationally respected and recognised globally. Upon successful completion of the assessments, candidates receive a personalised certificate, are added to the ISVPS Register of Certificate Holders, and may use peer-recognised postnominals to signify their achievement. 

Find out more about the ISVPS General Practitioner Certificate.

ISVPS General Practitioner Advanced Certificate

The ISVPS General Practitioner Advanced Certificate (GPAdvCert) is an advanced veterinary qualification available across a range of disciplines. 

Although prior completion of a GPCert is not required, ISVPS strongly recommends that candidates have at least five years’ experience in practice before undertaking the GPAdvCert. 

The GPAdvCert enables vets to deepen their understanding of a subject area to an advanced level while gaining an internationally respected award. 

Candidates can use GPAdvCert study towards their CPD/CE hours while developing advanced skills and techniques that allow them to manage more complex cases with confidence. 

Upon successful completion of the assessments, candidates receive a personalised certificate and are added to the ISVPS Official Register of Certificate Holders. They are also entitled to use the peer-recognised postnominals GPAdvCert, followed by the abbreviated discipline in brackets.  

Find out more about the ISVPS General Practitioner Advanced Certificates.