Veterinary Paraprofessional Certificates
ISVPS qualifications for veterinary paraprofessionals
The ISVPS Veterinary Paraprofessional Certificate (VPPCert) is a qualification designed for individuals working as veterinary nurses or technicians who do not hold formal, recognised qualifications. This unique award enables paraprofessionals – such as patient care assistants and unqualified veterinary nurses or technicians – to obtain an internationally recognised certificate that demonstrates their skills in a specific subject area.
Veterinary paraprofessionals pursuing the ISVPS VPPCert can enhance their clinical confidence, improve job satisfaction, and open new career opportunities.
For more information about studying for the ISVPS VPPCert, including prerequisites and the assessment process, please see the details below.
How to achieve this qualification
Here are the steps to achieving an ISVPS VPPCert:
Step 1:
To be eligible for the VPPCert assessments, candidates must complete an ISVPS-accredited modular training programme with an approved training provider. Depending on the chosen course, sessions may be delivered face-to-face, online, or through a blended format. Alongside the taught modules, candidates are expected to complete additional reading around the subject, and it is recommended that they complete the pre- and post-module questions provided within the programme.
Step 2:
To achieve the ISVPS Veterinary Paraprofessional Certificate (VPPCert), candidates must pass the following assessments:
- A written assignment (usually a Case Report) linked to their chosen field of study
- An 60-minute online Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) exam
- A 90-minute Online Applied Knowledge Examination (OAKE), which uses a variety of questions types to assess the application of clinical knowledge
Full details of assessment requirements, deadlines and available support are provided in the MyImprove area once candidates have started the programme and are registered with ISVPS.
Upon successful completion of the assessments, candidates are awarded the ISVPS VPPCert with a personalised certificate, and their name is entered into the ISVPS Official Register of Certificate Holders. Postnominals may be displayed wherever appropriate, however, we recommend checking with regional professional bodies regarding recognition and register inclusion.
Disciplines available
ISVPS Veterinary Paraprofessional Certificates are currently available in the following disciplines:
Please note: this is the global list of ISVPS VPP disciplines. Not all courses are available in every country. For local availability, please contact your chosen training provider.
Eligibility
United Kingdom
UK candidates must provide evidence that they have worked in a paraprofessional role – such as a patient care assistant – in a veterinary practice for a minimum of two years prior to the course start date.
Outside the UK
Candidates must work in a paraprofessional role in veterinary practice for a minimum of two months between the course start date and the assessment deadline. This experience is necessary to complete the written assignment, and candidates may be asked to provide evidence of employment.
All candidates must provide:
- A recent CV – UK candidates must demonstrate the required experience prior to the programme start date
- A signed letter from their employer confirming they are working in a veterinary practice in a nursing or technician role
- A self-statement outlining their animal nursing experience and the relevance of completing the programme
More details on eligibility are provided in the FAQs.
Progression
The ISVPS Veterinary Paraprofessional Certificate was designed to support individuals working in veterinary practice without formal training or qualifications, enabling them to achieve a recognised paraprofessional award.
For further professional development, candidates may choose to complete an additional VPPCert in a different subject area.
FAQs about the ISVPS VPPCert
Who is the ISVPS VPPCert for?
The ISVPS Veterinary Paraprofessional Certificate (VPPCert) is designed for veterinary paraprofessionals working in clinical practice who do not hold recognised qualifications as veterinary nurses or technicians. This qualification was developed to provide experienced and capable paraprofessionals with a certification they can be proud of.
The ISVPS VPPCert is ideal for those with a specific interest in a subject area or those who wish to improve their confidence in certain aspects of veterinary care. It may be suitable for nursing or care assistants, veterinary laboratory technicians, or individuals who have worked in practice for many years without formal qualification.
Each application is reviewed individually. If you are unsure whether you meet the eligibility criteria, please contact us and we will help determine whether the VPPCert is the right option for you.
What postnominals can candidates use on achieving the VPPCert?
Candidates who successfully complete the VPPCert are entitled to use the peer-recognised postnominals VPPCert, followed by the abbreviated discipline in brackets (e.g., VPPCert(E&CC)). The use of postnominals allows candidates to highlight their new professional status to both colleagues and clients.
Your postnominals may be displayed wherever you deem appropriate; however, we advise checking with regional professional bodies regarding recognition and inclusion on registers.
Please note: these postnominals do not indicate qualification as a veterinary nurse or veterinary technician.
How do candidates benefit from an ISVPS VPPCert?
By achieving the VPPCert, candidates can improve both their knowledge and practical skills in their chosen subject. This helps build confidence and ensures that paraprofessionals work effectively within their remit, in line with local regulations.
Depending on the chosen discipline, candidates may:
- Acquire new skills and techniques to assist with patient care and veterinary procedures
- Provide enhanced support to veterinary colleagues
- Earn a qualification that increases respect from colleagues and supports career development
- Develop valuable study skills that support ongoing professional development
As ISVPS paraprofessional qualifications are internationally peer-recognised, candidates can carry these benefits with them throughout their careers.
How do practices benefit from an employee achieving an ISVPS VPPCert?
Supporting an employee to complete a paraprofessional qualification such as the VPPCert is a strong investment for veterinary practices. Benefits include:
- A more knowledgeable team that provides effective assistance, supporting smooth clinic operations
- Skill sharing among staff, contributing to improved patient outcomes
- Reduced staff turnover due to higher job satisfaction
- Strengthened recruitment by demonstrating a commitment to professional development
What learning options are available for the ISVPS VPPCert?
The modular programme for the ISVPS VPPCert is delivered by ISVPS-approved training providers using veterinary professionals with recognised expertise in each subject.
Most VPPCert programmes are delivered fully online, although some include face-to-face or practical sessions. For full details, please contact your local Training providers.
Which countries recognise the ISVPS VPPCert?
ISVPS paraprofessional qualifications are internationally respected and peer recognised.
Next Steps
To get started with the Veterinary Paraprofessional Certificate (VPPCert),