General Practitioner Certificates
Demonstrate a commitment to veterinary knowledge with the General Practitioner Certificate
The ISVPS General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert) is a postgraduate qualification for veterinary surgeons working in general practice. It is designed to further develop a candidate’s skills, procedures, and knowledge in a specific area of veterinary practice.
How to achieve this qualification
Step 1:
Candidates must complete an ISVPS-accredited modular programme with an approved training provider. Delivery methods vary by programme and may be face-to-face teaching, online lessons, or blended learning. Extensive reading around the subject is also required.
Step 2:
To achieve the ISVPS General Practitioner Certificate, candidates must pass:
- A 90-minute online Case-Based Scenario (CBS) exam, assessing case-based decision making
- A 90-minute Online Applied Knowledge Examination (OAKE), using a variety of question types to assess the application of clinical knowledge
Throughout your journey, you’ll be supported by a personal examinations coordinator, our ISVPS Customer Success Team, and ISVPS Success—our extensive online assessment support platform.
Upon successful completion of the assessments, candidates are awarded the GPCert and receive a personalised certificate. Their names are also added to the ISVPS Official Register of Certificate holders.
Disciplines available
ISVPS General Practitioner Certificates are available globally in many disciplines:
All disciplines are small animal focussed, unless otherwise stated in title.
For information on disciplines available in your country please contact the regional training provider.
Eligibility
To enrol for an ISVPS General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert), candidates must:
- Hold a veterinary medicine qualification which is formally recognised in their region
Progression
Achieving an ISVPS GPCert provides candidates with a globally recognised veterinary postgraduate qualification.
After completing a GPCert, candidates may choose to continue their professional development by:
- Undertaking further study to achieve the General Practitioner Advanced Certificate (GPAdvCert)
- Studying for a GPCert in a different discipline
- Completing a Foundation Certificate (FCert) for focused study in a particular area
FAQs
Who is the ISVPS GPCert for?
The General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert) is designed for qualified veterinary surgeons who wish to develop their skills and knowledge in a specific discipline. Any vet may benefit from a postgraduate certificate, but the GPCert is particularly suited to those in general practice with a special interest or an area where they wish to gain confidence. By undertaking a GPCert, vets develop clinical expertise, refine procedures, and gain the skills needed to manage more complex cases confidently.
ISVPS postgraduate veterinary qualifications also provide professional recognition, supporting further career progress.
What postnominals can candidates use after achieving the ISVPS GPCert?
Candidates who achieve an ISVPS postgraduate certificate may use peer-recognised postnominals. Your postnominals may be displayed wherever you deem appropriate, however, we advise checking with regional professional bodies regarding recognition and inclusion on registers.
For the ISVPS General Practitioner Certificate, candidates may use GPCert, followed by the abbreviated discipline in brackets – for example, GPCert(SAS) for Small Animal Surgery.
See the ‘Disciplines available’ section for the full list of abbreviations.
What are the benefits of achieving the ISVPS GPCert?
Time spent studying for a GPCert can be counted towards Continuing Professional Development (CPD) or Continuing Education (CE) requirements.
Achieving the qualification enables candidates to:
- Develop greater clinical knowledge
- Improve practical skills and procedural confidence
- Achieve better patient outcomes
- Increase job satisfaction
- Strengthen critical thinking and reflective abilities
- Gain a respected qualification that supports career discussions with employers
How do veterinary practices benefit from staff holding an ISVPS GPCert?
Practices benefit from supporting staff through the GPCert due to:
- Increased job satisfaction and reduced turnover
- Improved ability to manage and treat cases in-house
- Knowledge and skill sharing within the clinical team
- Higher client satisfaction due to improved patient care
- Enhanced recruitment, as practices demonstrate commitment to staff development
What learning options are available for the ISVPS GPCert?
Training for the GPCert is delivered by ISVPS-approved training providers using world-class speakers and expert programme tutors.
Most programmes offer flexibility with face-to-face, online or blended learning options. Full details are available from training providers.
Which countries recognise the GPCert?
The ISVPS General Practitioner Certificate is delivered internationally by partner training providers. Due to its rigorous assessment process, the GPCert is peer-recognised globally. It has been awarded to hundreds of veterinarians worldwide and may be particularly valuable for vets who travel or intend to work abroad.
What is the relationship between the GPCert and other ISVPS veterinary qualifications?
The ISVPS General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert) is a mid-level postgraduate veterinary qualification. Candidates seeking more advanced study may progress to the ISVPS General Practitioner Advanced Certificate (GPAdvCert), while those wanting to explore a subject area with less time commitment may prefer the Foundation Certificate (FCert) to be an ideal option.