FAQs

The PDP is based around a set of general PDP Competences that a veterinary surgeon should normally have acquired after about a year in practice. These are supplemented by the list of clinical skills and procedures covering small animal, equine, and farm animal practice, which the RCVS developed in consultation with the profession, and against which the graduate records their day-to-day experience in clinical practice.

The PDP Competences cover the same general areas as the Day One Competences, which set the minimum standard for graduation, but with the expectation that at the end of their PDP “a graduate who has completed the PDP will be able to perform a range of common clinical procedures, or manage them successfully without supervision”. This is the standard that the graduate is asked to apply when making a judgement about their competence. They must consider not only their clinical skills, but also their general professional skills and attributes, which are set out in the general PDP Competences. 

In accordance with the Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013, veterinary surgeons may only supply veterinary medicinal products (excluding AVM-GSL products) from veterinary practice premises on the Register of Veterinary Practice Premises (RVPP).

You cannot sit in the hearing room and listen to other witnesses before giving your evidence, as this may prejudice the case. There will be a separate room for witnesses who are giving evidence where you can wait. There may also be other witnesses for the College in the room, so we ask that you do not discuss your evidence with anyone before or after you have given it until the DC has announced its decision.

As with any legal proceedings, it is possible that there will be delays so this is why we recommend bringing a book or other activity to keep you occupied whilst you are waiting.

A list of activities which may be counted as CPD is detailed above.

Workplace activities such as case conferences could also count as CPD activity if you systematically reflect on what you have learnt. Similarly, research and clinical audit activities can be recognised as adding to your professional development if you can account for how they have contributed to your own personal learning.

Private, documented, self-directed learning such as keeping up to date with relevant veterinary journals can be incorporated into your CPD plans and it is good practice to keep your own personal record of such activities, perhaps in the form of a learning diary. You can use the online PDR to keep such notes. When documenting your private study, you should record:

• the subject matter;
• the type of learning you have undertaken to improve your knowledge and/or skills;
• the resulting outcomes of your learning - for instance, a change to the way you undertake a procedure or approach a problem.

There are increasing opportunities to take part in online assessment, and other 'mediated' distance learning involving online tutors and learning groups. There is no restriction on the number of hours of online assessment or mediated distance learning that can count towards your CPD. You should keep notes of all such activities so you can account for what you have learnt.

You may choose to work towards a qualification, such as the European Diploma, modules of the RCVS Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice, the Diploma in Advanced Veterinary Nursing or other university postgraduate certificates and degrees. Achieving such a qualification will provide ample evidence of engagement in CPD activities.

Use your CPD recordings to make a summarised note of any courses you attend, secondment experience, and time spent putting together your case logs/reports. If you are using the online Professional Development Record, you can enter more information about your studies, including your observations and reflections on what you have learnt; you can upload notes, reading plans or other documents; you can set yourself objectives in the development plan, and keep a note of planned CPD activities or goals in your personal CPD diary and check them off when you’ve achieved them. If you’re using the paper-based Record Card, keep a separate file for your more detailed notes of your learning.

Ultimately, the judgement of what should count as CPD will vary for each individual, and it’s therefore up to you to decide how best to fulfil your own learning needs. It’s your responsibility to keep a record of your learning plans and activities, and to keep documented evidence of participation in courses and other activities.

There are no changes to what constitutes CPD - guidance is provided on our 'What do I need to do?' page under the heading 'What Counts as CPD?'.

We don't specify the subjects, activities or type of CPD to be undertaken.

Anything that is relevant to you, as a veterinary professional, can be counted as CPD so it does not have to be clinically related or formal learning. Work-based learning such as case or practice discussions can be a great form of CPD.

View all our courses in our RCVS Academy brochure on the RCVS website

Reflection involves a systematic and critical analysis of the learning and development you have undertaken, thinking about if and how you will make changes to how you work as a result. 

The e-portfolio will not be assessed for a pass or fail. Following an initial screening within the RCVS Education department it will go to one of our panel of VetGDP Advisers who will peer review all e-portfolios. The peer reviewer will either agree that you have completed your VetGDP or give you feedback on any further additions they feel are needed to your e-portfolio.

The RCVS is working closely with your Department heads to ensure that all students are informed and supported during this time. Your day-to-day classes and programme will continue as normal whilst the Department is working on making improvements to the programme. However, if you are worried you should contact your university support services. Emotional and mental health support for veterinary students is also available via the Vetlife charity’s free, confidential helpline on 0303 040 2551.

You can use the ‘Forgot username’ or ‘Create/Reset password’ facilities and you will receive an email, to the address we hold for you on our database, with a link to detailed instructions.

Please note that these facilities are only functional if we hold a valid email address for you.

For your own security, staff at the RCVS do not have access to your password so you will need to use the 'Create/Reset password' facility.

If in doubt you can contact the Registration Department on 020 7202 0707 or [email protected].