Recruitment process launches for new RCVS Statutory Membership Examiners

The RCVS is looking to recruit additional examiners for the practical component of the RCVS Statutory Membership Examinations.

The Statutory Membership Examination is intended for overseas veterinary surgeons who wish to obtain the right to practise in the United Kingdom but who do not have a qualification recognised by the RCVS. In order to Register they must sit and pass the Examination in order to join the Register.

Back in 2018, the Statutory Examination underwent a review, resulting in a new examination format which was first delivered in 2019. The review was implemented to ensure that the examination remains fit for purpose and sits in line with international best-practice and assesses to the standard of the Day One Competences.

Applications are now open for Statutory Membership examiners representing the following areas:

• Equine
• Companion Animal
• Production Animal
• Veterinary Public Health

The purpose of the examiner role is to observe and assess the performance of candidates taking the practical component (Objective Structured Clinical Examination – OSCE) of the Statutory Membership Examination. However, there will be the opportunity for some examiners to contribute more widely to the RCVS examination, through membership of the Statutory Examination Board, reviewing exam questions for the written papers and standard setting.

Those wishing to apply for the role, will need to be MRCVS’s appropriately experienced in their area of practice and in good standing with the RCVS. Examiners should be familiar with the standard expected upon graduation in UK veterinary schools and be able to judge performance against pre-determined assessment criteria consistently across multiple candidates. Additionally, they should understand the importance and mechanism of avoiding unconscious bias (training will also be provided on this) and possess good communications skills and team-working.

Before assessing the exams, examiners will be required to attend a training course which will be required annually thereafter. If the examiner is also a member of the Statutory Exam Board, they will be required to meet with the board one-to-two times per year. Examiners will be paid a daily rate of £372 inc. VAT, in addition to travel and subsistence expenses.

For more information about the RCVS Statutory Membership Examination, visit our Statutory Membership Examination page.

If you have any further questions about the role, please contact Dr Linda Prescott-Clements, RCVS Director of Education on [email protected].