General Practitioner Certificates
Demonstrate a commitment to veterinary knowledge with a General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert)
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 (a combination of online and in-person). Extensive reading around the subject is also required.
Step 2:
To achieve the ISVPS GPCert, candidates must complete and pass the below assessments:
Full attendance and completion of all modules is required to be eligible for the assessments.
- Pre- and post-module multiple-choice questions (MCQs), completed throughout the programme
- Online Applied Knowledge Examination (OAKE), using a variety of question types to assess the application of clinical knowledge; taken at the end of the programme
- Online Case-Based Scenario (CBS) examination, assessing case-based decision making; taken at the end of the programme
Note: the examinations described above are different from the OAKE and CBS taken for the General Practitioner Advanced Practitioner Route; (APR) OAKE and (APR) Synoptic CBS.
For further information see ISVPS General Practitioner Certificate (Advanced Practitioner Route)
Throughout your journey, you’ll be supported by:
- A personal examination coordinator;
- Our ISVPS Customer Success Team;
- ISVPS Success, our extensive online assessment support platform.
Upon successful completion of the assessments, you will be awarded the GPCert in the discipline eg GPCert (Derm) and receive a personalised certificate. Your name will be 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
- Have a minimum of one year’s post-qualification experience prior to the course start date) and be currently working in primary care general practice (UK programmes only).
For those veterinary surgeons who are eligible, the ISVPS General Practitioner Certificate (Advanced Practitioner Route) is a postgraduate qualification accredited by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). It provides an approved route for application to RCVS Advanced Practitioner status.
The GPCert (APR) route has a different assessment diet from the GPCert.
For further information see ISVPS General Practitioner Certificate (Advanced Practitioner Route)
Progression
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
There is also a pathway towards a Postgraduate Certificate (PgC). Contact english@isvps.org for more information on the PgC pathway.
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(Derm) for Small Animal Dermatology.
See the ‘Disciplines available’ section for the full list of postnominals.
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:
- Demonstrate development of in-depth clinical knowledge, improved practical skills and procedural confidence
- Strengthen critical thinking and reflective abilities
- Gain a respected qualification that supports career discussions with employers
- Gain entry on to the prestigious ISVPS Official Register of Certificate Holders (if opted for)
How do veterinary practices benefit from staff holding an ISVPS GPCert?
Practices benefit from supporting staff through the GPCert due to:
- Improved ability to manage and treat cases in-house
- Knowledge and skill sharing within the clinical team
- Higher client satisfaction due to enhanced patient care
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 our accredited 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 thousands 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 find the Foundation Certificate (FCert) to be an ideal option.
How long do I have to achieve my GPCert qualification?
The award must be completed within four years of programme completion.
What is the difference between the GPCert and the GPCert (APR)?
The ISVPSGeneral Practitioner Certificate (Advanced Practitioner Route) is a postgraduate qualification accredited by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). It provides an approved route for application to RCVS Advanced Practitioner status.The clinical training programme is the same for the GPCert or GPCert (APR) pathway. Eligible veterinary surgeons on the APR will complete an additional module (Veterinary Professional Skills) with the training provider and follow a different assessment diet from those on the General Practitioner Certificate.
For further information see ISVPS General Practitioner Certificate