Veterinary Nurse and Veterinary Technician Certificates
Professional development for veterinary nurses and technicians
Qualified veterinary nurses and technicians wishing to advance their professional development can benefit from the ISVPS Veterinary Nurse Certificate/Veterinary Technician Certificate (NCert/VTCert). This post-training qualification is globally respected, enabling candidates to develop their clinical skills, increase their confidence, and enhance their career progression and job satisfaction.
The ISVPS veterinary nurse and veterinary technician certificates follow the same curriculum and assessments. Upon successfully completing the assessments, veterinary technicians are awarded the VTCert, while veterinary nurses receive the NCert.
How to achieve this qualification
The ISVPS NCert/VTCert is designed with a clear and structured pathway that allows candidates to progress confidently.
Step 1:
Candidates must first complete the ISVPS-accredited modular training programme with an approved training provider.
Depending on the chosen discipline, sessions may be delivered face-to-face, online, or through a blended format. Candidates are also expected to undertake extensive reading around the subject. While optional, we strongly recommend completing the pre- and post-module questions included within each module.
Step 2:
To be awarded the ISVPS Nurse Certificate or Veterinary Technician Certificate (NCert/VTCert), candidates must pass the following assessments:
- A written assignment, normally a case report based on the chosen discipline
- A 60-minute online Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) examination
- A 90-minute Online Applied Knowledge Examination (OAKE)
Assessments details vary between disciplines, but full information and support are available to candidates in their MyImprove area once they have started the programme.
Upon successful completion of the assessments, candidates are awarded the ISVPS NCert or VTCert (as applicable), receive a personalised certificate, and are added to the ISVPS Official Register of Certificate Holders.
Who is the ISVPS NCert or VTCert for?
The ISVPS Veterinary Nurse Certificate (or Veterinary Technician Certificate, if this applies to you) is designed for qualified veterinary nurses/technicians who want to gain extra knowledge and skills in a particular area, and demonstrate these with a globally respected qualification. The ISVPS NCert/VTCert is especially useful for veterinary nurses and technicians working in general practice, which would like to improve their knowledge in a particular area of practice such as anaesthesia or surgery. Veterinary nurses and technicians working at referral level will learn the theory to support their practical experience. The achievement of a post-qualification also demonstrates additional learning to colleagues and prospective employers.
Nurses have to hold a recognised qualification and have clinical experience. For more information about prerequisites, see the FAQs.
Disciplines available
ISVPS nurse and veterinary technician certificates are currently available in the following disciplines:
Please note: this is a global list, and not all disciplines are available in every country. For details on local availability, please contact your training provider.
Eligibility
To enrol for the Veterinary Nurse Certificate (NCert) or Veterinary Technician Certificate (VTCert), candidates must hold a veterinary nursing or veterinary technician qualification which is formally recognised in their region and be able to provide proof, such as a qualification certificate.
In the UK, NCert candidates must be on the RCVS Register of Veterinary Nurses and provide their unique registration number.
Similarly, in the Republic of Ireland, veterinary nurses intending to pursue the NCert need to be regulated by the Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI) and able to provide a unique VCI number.
Progression
The ISVPS Veterinary Nurse Certificate/Veterinary Technician Certificate (NCert/VTCert) is a highly regarded qualification recognised worldwide. While some candidates may choose not to undertake further study, those wishing to continue their professional development can pursue additional NCerts or VTCerts in other disciplines. Alternatively, candidates may wish to deepen their knowledge by progressing to an Advanced Nursing Certificate (NAdvCert/VTCert).
FAQs about the ISVPS NCert and VTCert
Who is the ISVPS NCert or VTCert for?
The ISVPS Veterinary Nurse Certificate (NCert) and Veterinary Technician Certificate (VTCert) are designed for qualified veterinary nurses and technicians who wish to develop their knowledge and skills in a specific discipline.
The ISVPS NCert/VTCert is especially useful for veterinary nurses and technicians working in general practice, who would like to improve their knowledge in a particular area of practice such as anaesthesia or surgery. Veterinary nurses and technicians working at referral level will learn the theory to support their practical experience. The achievement of a post-qualification also demonstrates additional learning to colleagues and prospective employers.
To be eligible, candidates must hold a recognised qualification. For further details, please see the pre-requisites.
How do candidates benefit from achieving an ISVPS NCert/VTCert?
The ISVPS NCert and VTCert provide substantial benefits both in clinical practice and broader professional development. Study hours contribute to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and Continuing Education (CE) requirements.
Candidates will also:
- Acquire new skills relevant to everyday practice, enabling more confident case management
- Develop reflection skills that support continuous improvement in patient care
- Gain respect from colleagues and clients, contributing to greater job satisfaction
- Build valuable study skills that support further post-qualification learning
- Hold a respected qualification that can support discussions with employers
As ISVPS qualifications are internationally recognised, candidates can carry these benefits with them wherever their careers may take them.
How do practices benefit from an employee with an NCert/VTCert?
Supporting an employee to achieve an Nurse Certificate (NCert) or Veterinary Technician Certificate (VTCert) is a worthwhile investment for veterinary practices, offering benefits such as:
- Improved patient outcomes due to enhanced nursing skills
- Increased client satisfaction resulting from improved in-house capabilities
- Reduced staff turnover due to higher job satisfaction
- Stronger recruitment by demonstrating commitment to professional development
- A cohesive and knowledgeable team capable of managing more complex cases
In some cases, the qualification enables practices to introduce services previously unavailable – such as nutrition clinics of basic physiotherapy – creating new revenue streams.
What learning options are available for the ISVPS NCert/VTCert?
Training for the Veterinary Nurse Certificate (NCert) and Veterinary Technician Certificate (VTCert) is delivered by ISVPS-approved training providers using experienced subject specialists.
Depending on the discipline, learning may be online, face-to-face, or blended. Specific details are available from the training provider delivering the programme.
What’s the relationship between the NCert/VTCert and other ISVPS nurse qualifications?
The ISVPS NCert/VTCert is our primary post-training qualification for veterinary nurses and veterinary technicians and has been awarded to thousands of professionals globally. Those wishing to explore a discipline in greater depth, or advance further, may progress to the Nurse Advanced Certificate/Veterinary Technician Advanced Certificate (NAdvCert/VTAdvCert).
Which countries recognise the NCert/VTCert?
ISVPS nursing qualifications are internationally respected and widely recognised. The ISVPS NCert/VTCert is delivered globally through our partner training providers and has been awarded to thousands of professionals.
Postnominals may be used where appropriate, though candidates should check regional guidance regarding recognition and register inclusion.
Achieving the NCert or VTCert demonstrates a commitment to continuing veterinary education and expertise within a chosen discipline.
Next Steps
To begin your development with the NCert/VTCert, contact your chosen training provider.