Foundation Certificates
Dive deeper into a specific area of clinical practice
Candidates undertaking the ISVPS Foundation Certificate (FCert) have an excellent opportunity to enhance their clinical confidence while gaining an internationally recognised qualification. The in-depth knowledge gained by focusing their professional development on a particular subject area allows candidates to approach more complex cases with assurance.
There are two pathways to obtaining an ISVPS FCert:
- the Accelerated Emergency Programme, awarding an Emergency and Critical Care certificate – FCert(E&CC); or
- a Focus 20 Programme, which explores a specific area of veterinary medicine in depth (for example, Small Animal Geriatric Medicine).
These highly flexible options make the Foundation Certificate suitable for a wide range of candidates.
How to achieve an ISVPS FCert
The ISVPS Foundation Certificate is a globally respected postgraduate veterinary qualification with academically rigorous assessments, yet it remains accessible and achievable alongside clinical practice.
Step 1 – Modular Programme
Candidates must first complete an accredited modular training programme with an approved training provider. This includes extended reading around the subject syllabus.
Step 2 – Assessments
To achieve the ISVPS FCert, candidates must then pass the relevant assessments.
For the Accelerated Emergency Programme (FCert E&CC):
- An online multiple-choice examination
For the Focus 20 Programmes:
- A written assessment, normally a critical appraisal based on a journal article
Assessment requirements may vary slightly according to the subject and discipline chosen. Full assessment details and support are provided upon enrolment with ISVPS.
Disciplines available
Veterinary surgeons wishing to achieve an ISVPS Foundation Certificate can choose from the following subject areas:
The Accelerated Emergency Programme awards the Foundation Certificate in Emergency and Critical Care – FCert(E&CC).
For further details on local programme availability, please contact your chosen training provider.
Eligibility
To enrol for the ISVPS Foundation Certificate (FCert), candidates must hold a veterinary medicine qualification which is formally recognised in their region.
Progression
For those interested in further study, the ISVPS General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert) is a logical next step.
At ISVPS, we are committed to supporting veterinary professional development. The ISVPS FCert is a globally recognised qualification that demonstrates a candidate’s dedication to postgraduate learning. While many candidates complete the FCert as a standalone qualification, it can also serve as valuable preparation for higher-level awards.
FAQs
Who is the ISVPS FCert for?
The ISVPS Foundation Certificate (FCert) Is designed to give qualified veterinary professionals in-depth knowledge in a chosen subject area.
The Accelerated Emergency Programme is ideal for new graduates, those returning from a career break, or vets wishing to gain confidence before progressing to a higher qualification such as the GPCert or PgC.
The Focus 20 Programmes are suited to vets wanting to deepen their knowledge in a specific subject area. Some vets undertake a Focus 20 assessment to complement a General Practitioner Certificate in a related discipline, while others pursue it as a shorter, standalone route to a recognised qualification.
What postnominals can candidates use after achieving the ISVPS FCert?
Candidates who achieve the ISVPS Foundation Certificate may use the postnominals FCert, followed by the abbreviated discipline in brackets—for example, FCert(E&CC) for Emergency and Critical Care. Using these postnominals highlights the candidate’s achievement internationally. Your postnominals may be displayed wherever you deem appropriate; however, we advise checking with regional professional bodies regarding recognition and inclusion on registers.
What are the benefits of achieving an ISVPS FCert?
The ISVPS Foundation Certificate is a highly regarded postgraduate award that strengthens a candidate’s clinical skills and supports long-term professional development.
Candidates undertaking the FCert will:
- Develop postgraduate study skills, easing the transition from undergraduate learning
- Strengthen their clinical expertise in their chosen discipline
- Build confidence in handling more complex cases
- Learn skills in reflection and evidence-based medicine
- Gain a respected qualification that supports career progression
ISVPS Foundation Certificates are delivered through modular programmes and flexible online learning, enabling candidates to balance study with clinical and personal commitments.
How do veterinary practices benefit from an employee with an ISVPS FCert?
Veterinary practices benefit when staff complete ISVPS qualifications such as the FCert. Advantages include:
- Increased clinical confidence among staff, improving patient care and client satisfaction
- Enhanced staff recruitment and retention, demonstrating support for professional development
- Knowledge and skill sharing that raises clinical standards across the team
Funding staff through the ISVPS FCert may be considered a valuable investment. In some cases, new skills allow staff to manage more cases in-house, reducing referrals and increasing practice profitability.
What learning options are available for the ISVPS FCert?
The ISVPS Foundation Certificate is delivered online by ISVPS-approved training providers, with additional practical training for some disciplines. Teaching is from world-class speakers and expert tutors. The flexible format enables candidates to complete their studies alongside full-time clinical work.
More detailed programme information is available from training providers.
Which countries recognise the ISVPS FCert?
As with all ISVPS qualifications, the FCert is respected globally by veterinarians and employers. Achieving the FCert demonstrates a strong commitment to continued learning and clinical development. The standard of ISVPS FCert qualifications is consistent worldwide, and candidates receive international peer recognition for their achievement.
What is the relationship between the FCert and other ISVPS veterinary qualifications?
The ISVPS Foundation Certificate provides a solid introduction to postgraduate study. It can serve as a stepping stone to higher-level qualifications such as the GPCert and GPAdvCert, while also offering valuable standalone professional development. Some candidates complete the FCert after other ISVPS qualifications to gain more in-depth study in a specific field.
Next Steps
To get started with the ISVPS Foundation Certificate, contact one of our training providers.