General Practitioner Advanced Certificates
Build on existing skills with an Advanced Certificate for Vets
The ISVPS General Practitioner Advanced Certificate (GPAdvCert) is the highest level of veterinary certification offered by ISVPS, providing veterinary surgeons with advanced knowledge and an internationally recognised qualification. Veterinary surgeons who achieve the ISVPS GPAdvCert may be able to manage more complex cases in-house, improving patient outcomes, workflow efficiency and client satisfaction.
Explore further details about gaining an advanced veterinary certification from ISVPS in the tabs below:
How to achieve an ISVPS GPAdvCert
While the ISVPS GPAdvCert is academically rigorous and internationally respected, it is designed with a structured and accessible pathway that makes the qualification achievable while working in general practice.
Step 1:
Candidates must first complete the advanced modular training programme with an approved training provider. Delivery methods vary depending on the programme and may include face-to-face teaching, online lessons, or a blended approach. Extensive reading around the subject is also required.
Candidates are strongly encouraged to complete the pre- and post-module questions provided with each module, which support deeper understanding and reflection.
Step 2:
Candidates must then pass the assessments. For the General Practitioner Advanced Certificate, this includes:
- A case log of relevant clinical cases for which the candidate was the primary clinician, demonstrating a range of skills and procedures related to the syllabus
- A case report, demonstrating how the candidate applies their knowledge to a real-life case
- A 90-minute Online Applied Knowledge Examination (OAKE) assessing clinical knowledge
- A 90-minute online Case-Based Scenario (CBS) exam, assessing clinical reasoning and decision-making
Exact assessment requirements vary by discipline. Full details and support are provided once the candidate is enrolled with ISVPS.
Upon successful completion of the assessments, candidates are awarded the GPAdvCert and receive a personalised certificate. Their name is also added to the ISVPS Official Register of Certificate holders.
What disciplines is the GPAdvCert available in?
ISVPS GPAdvCerts are gained in a specific discipline or area of study. The following list includes all the Advanced Certificates available globally:
Please note: this is the global list of ISVPS GPAdv qualifications. For information on availability in your country, please contact your chosen training provider.
Eligibility
To enrol for the ISVPS General Practitioner Advanced Certificate, candidates must:
- Hold a qualification in veterinary medicine which is formally recognised in their region
- Be actively involved in veterinary clinical practice
ISVPS strongly recommends that candidates have at least five years’ experience working in practice prior to starting the GPAdvCert. While a postgraduate certificate in a related subject is not required, it may be beneficial.
More information on suitability is provided in the FAQs.
Progression
The GPAdvCert is a highly respected and globally recognised award, and candidates can take pride in their achievement.
For further development, candidates may choose to pursue:
- A Foundation Certificate (FCert)
- A General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert)
- Another GPAdvCert in a different discipline
FAQs
Who is the ISVPS GPAdvCert for?
The GPAdvCert is designed for qualified veterinary surgeons who want to build on their existing knowledge and skills while developing an in-depth understanding of a specific subject area.
It is particularly suited to vets in general practice who have already undertaken postgraduate study, although this is not a mandatory requirement.
The GPAdvCert confers peer-recognised postnominals and entry onto the ISVPS Official Register of Certificate Holders, supporting full professional recognition. Because the award is internationally peer recognised, it is ideal for vets who combine work with travel or may consider relocation.
Your postnominals may be displayed wherever you deem appropriate, however, we advise checking with regional professional bodies regarding recognition and inclusion on registers.
How do candidates benefit from achieving an ISVPS GPAdvCert?
Achieving the GPAdvCert provides candidates with advanced professional skills and an in-depth understanding of their chosen subject, enabling them to:
- Manage more complex cases with confidence
- Critically evaluate research and new techniques
- Reflect on outcomes and continue improving their clinical practice
Hours spent studying for the GPAdvCert can count towards Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and Continuing Education (CE) requirements.
This advanced veterinary certification enhances confidence, improves job satisfaction and may lead to new career opportunities.
How does a veterinary practice benefit from an employee with an ISVPS GPAdvCert?
Veterinary practices benefit significantly when a team member completes an ISVPS GPAdvCert. Many practices choose to support candidates financially, recognising the value of the qualification. Benefits may include:
- Increased revenue due to in-house management of complex cases
- Knowledge and skill sharing that raises clinical standards
- Reduced staff turnover due to increased job satisfaction
- Higher client satisfaction from improved patient care
- Attraction of new clients due to advanced expertise
- Demonstration of commitment to veterinary professional development, aiding recruitment
What learning options are available for the ISVPS GPAdvCert?
Training for the GPAdvCert is delivered by approved ISVPS training providers using world-class speakers and expert tutors.
Most programmes offer flexibility, with options for face-to-face or blended learning (combining online and face-to-face teaching). Specific programme details are available from the training providers.
What’s the relationship between the ISVPS GPAdvCert and the other qualifications from ISVPS?
The ISVPS General Practitioner Advanced Certificate provides advanced depth and scope of study when compared to the General Practitioner Certificates and Foundation Certificates.
Do candidates need an ISVPS GPCert before studying for the ISVPS GPAdvCert?
No. While prior study – such as an ISVPS GPCert or another postgraduate award – is beneficial, it is not mandatory.
However, ISVPS strongly recommends that candidates have at least five years of clinical experience before beginning an advanced qualification.
What postnominals can candidates use after achieving the ISVPS GPAdvCert?
Candidates who achieve the GPAdvCert may use the postnominals GPAdvCert, followed by the abbreviated discipline in brackets – for example, GPAdvCert(FelM) for Feline Medicine.
Your postnominals may be displayed wherever you deem appropriate; however, we advise checking with regional professional bodies regarding recognition and inclusion on registers.
For more details, see the ‘Disciplines available’ section.
Which countries recognise the GPAdvCert?
The ISVPS General Practitioner Advanced Certificate is delivered internationally through our partner training providers.
The standard of ISVPS qualifications is consistent worldwide, and achieving an ISVPS Advanced Certificate provides peer recognition of high-level professional achievement wherever you practise.
Next Steps
To get started, contact one of our approved training providers.