Foundation Certificates and Certificates
Deepen your expertise in a focused area of clinical practice
Veterinary surgeons undertaking an ISVPS Foundation Certificate (FCert) or ISVPS Certificate (Cert) benefit from a valuable opportunity to enhance their clinical confidence while earning an internationally recognised qualification.
By concentrating their professional development on a specific subject area, candidates gain in-depth knowledge that enables them to manage more complex cases with greater assurance.
Pathway to the ISVPS FCert
- Complete a Foundation Certificate Programme, for example Small Animal Geriatric Medicine (Focus 20).
- Pass a written assessment (e.g. Critical Appraisal)
Pathway to the ISVPS Cert
- Complete a Certificate programme, such as the Accelerated Emergency Programme, which awards an Emergency and Critical Care certificate – Cert(ECC).
- Pass an online examination (e.g MCQ)
These flexible study pathways make a Foundation Certificate or Certificate ideal for veterinary surgeons in clinical practice at every stage of their career — from newly qualified vets seeking to build confidence, to experienced practitioners looking to deepen their expertise in a specific area of interest.
Assessment requirements may vary according to the subject and discipline chosen. Full assessment details and support are provided upon enrolment with ISVPS.
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 (Cert ECC):
- 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:
Veterinary surgeons wishing to achieve an ISVPS Certificate can select:
For further details on local programme availability, please contact your chosen training provider.
Eligibility
To enrol for the ISVPS Foundation Certificate (FCert), or Certificate, candidates must hold a veterinary medicine qualification which is formally recognised in their region.
Progression
For veterinarians seeking to advance their studies, the ISVPS General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert) offers a natural next step.
At ISVPS, we are dedicated to supporting ongoing veterinary professional development. Both the Foundation Certificate (FCert) and Certificate are internationally recognised qualifications that reflect a candidate’s commitment to postgraduate learning. While many complete the FCert/Cert as a standalone credential, they also provide excellent preparation for pursuing higher-level qualifications.
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 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.
Who is the ISVPS Cert for?
If you choose to complete the Accelerated Emergency Programme then this provides the core emergency skills required to manage your patients with assurance and clinical competence.
The Certificate programme offers the opportunity to deepen your knowledge in a focused subject area, while also achieving a respected, standalone 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. 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 professional registers.
What postnominals can candidates use after achieving the ISVPS Cert?
Candidates who are awarded the ISVPS Certificate may use the postnominals Cert, followed by the abbreviated discipline in brackets—for example, Cert(ECC) for Emergency and Critical Care. These postnominals formally recognise your achievement and signal your expertise on an international level.
You may use your postnominals wherever appropriate; however, we recommend confirming with your regional professional body regarding their recognition and whether they can be included on professional registers.
What are the benefits of achieving an ISVPS FCert/Cert?
The ISVPS Foundation Certificate/Certificate is a highly regarded postgraduate award that strengthens a candidate’s clinical skills and supports long-term professional development.
Candidates undertaking an Fcert/Cert 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 evidence-based medicine
- Gain a respected qualification that supports career progression
ISVPS Foundation Certificates/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/Cert?
Veterinary practices benefit when staff complete ISVPS qualifications such as the Fcert/Cert. 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 an ISVPS Fcert/Cert 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/Cert?
The ISVPS Foundation Certificate/Certificate programmes are 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/Cert?
As with all ISVPS qualifications, the Fcert/Cert is respected globally by veterinarians and employers. Achieving the Fcert/Cert demonstrates a strong commitment to continued learning and clinical development. The standard of ISVPS Fcert/Cert qualifications is consistent worldwide, and candidates receive international peer recognition for their achievement.
Next Steps
To get started with the ISVPS Foundation Certificate or a Certificate contact one of our training providers.