RCVS CPD Record Card 2008 now available

The 2008 edition of the RCVS Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Record Card for veterinary surgeons is now available to download on RCVSonline and will be issued to practising members next week.

The RCVS Guide to Professional Conduct states that veterinary surgeons have a responsibility to ensure that they maintain and continue to develop their professional knowledge and skills.

CPD is therefore the personal obligation of all responsible veterinary surgeons and should be seen as the continuous progression of capability and competence.

The recommended minimum CPD is 105 hours over three years with an average of 35 hours per year, although it is appreciated that most veterinary surgeons will do considerably more than this.

The record card has advice on CPD, suggestions on the sorts of activities that count as CPD, how to plan it and tips on completing the card.

It should be stressed that CPD does not simply mean going on courses and attending seminars. A range of activities can be counted, as part of a planned programme, including home- and practice-based study and online learning.

Completed record cards need to be submitted with applications for RCVS Certificates and Diplomas and for Recognised Specialist status, and will be viewed during inspections for approval under the RCVS Practice Standards Scheme. In order to monitor CPD participation veterinary surgeons could also be invited to submit their record card at any time.

The 2008 CPD Record Card is available as a PDF document or as a Word document which can be completed electronically.

The CPD Record Card for Registered Veterinary Nurses, who need to complete 45 hours of CPD over three years, will be available shortly.