Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. You will receive a certificate of attendance for every course attended which you can use towards your CPD hours.

We are in partnership with Harper Adams University (HAU) and the European School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ESVPS) to ensure the highest academic standards.

Harper Adams University

Founded in 1901, HAU has a long, proud tradition of the highest educational standards and is widely recognised for the quality of its education. HAU validate Improve’s PgC programmes and ensures the teaching elements and examination processes meet the highest academic standards.

ISVPS – International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies

Is an awarding body who accredits and awards veterinary qualifications. They provide assessments in the form of assignments and examinations for all programmes.

Improve International was established in 1998 by a group of veterinary surgeons from across the UK, including a number of recognised experts. We provide the highest quality CPD in a format that allows you to develop your skills and knowledge in a logical and progressive fashion, under the supervision of dedicated Course Directors, each of whom has the highest qualifications in his or her field.

Our courses are run in venues across the UK and also in a number of other countries including Spain, Portugal and Italy.

Postgraduate Certificates

Modular Postgraduate Programmes

Attendance on the paired taught modules is 9.00am to 4.00pm however, where there are online modules or practical sessions these times may vary.

Practical Surgery & Ultrasound Courses

No. We understand that you are busy professionals and aim to be as flexible as possible.

Whilst we need advance notice if you are going to be unable to attend a particular module, we will make every effort to find you an alternative venue and date. If the alternative dates don’t suit, you can attend the missed module when the programme runs the following year. The only restriction is that you need to attend all of the taught modules before you can sit the relevant ISVPS examination.

All delegates progressing to a PgC will receive a subscription to Harper Adam’s online e-library providing access to 1,000s of scientific articles and abstracts.

Medicine delegates will be provided with Improve International’s Manual of Small Animal Medicine Vol 1 and 2 and Surgery delegates will receive Improve International’s Manual of Small Animal Surgery Vol 1 and 2.

The Improve Learning Management System provides access to a notes library, discussion forum and other study resources including webinars.

A dedicated Programme Tutor will support every individual during their PgC programme to ensure a rewarding and successful learning journey.

More information can be found on our Learning Support page

ISVPS will also provide support with assignments.

Improve’s modular training programmes have been developed over a period of 20 years and are taught by world-renowned experts in their field.  They successfully blend theoretical lectures with hands-on practical sessions where appropriate and delegates also have access to valuable online learning components.

The GPCert examination consists of a multiple-choice question (MCQ) paper.  All MCQs are provided by the speakers of each Improve International modular programme and are reviewed and approved by the ISVPS examination committee.  The examination paper will assess all areas of the course syllabus and hence assess your knowledge in your chosen subject area. The duration of the MCQ examination will depend on the subject being studied but will last between 2-4hrs. Examinations can be taken in an ISVPS invigilated venue or online in the comfort of your own home with one to one remote invigilation (provided by our remote invigilation partner TestReach for an additional fee).

The General Practitioner Certificate examination is included within the cost of the modular programme.  It is a middle-tier qualification awarded by the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS) which is a not-for-profit accrediting and awarding body based in the UK. Improve International’s modular programmes ensure that you are provided with the highest quality of appropriate practical and clinically relevant training to prepare you for undertaking the GPCert assessments. The GPCert is awarded in recognition of the additional time dedicated to furthering your knowledge and skills and indicates that you have achieved a deeper understanding in your area of interest which can then be applied to more complicated cases in general practice.

• We will endeavour to allocate you face-to-face modules close together in date (e.g. within the same week) to reduce the numbers of trips to the UK required but these dates are restricted so you should be aware that you may have to make separate trips as places will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.
• It is your responsibility to check visa requirements and ensure that you have relevant documents in place well in advance of travel.
• Delegates attending from outside of Europe may require visas in order to participate in our face-to-face programmes. Please note that the Student Tier 4 visa is not applicable to Improve International Delegates as a result of us being a private education provider. Further guidance on your entry requirements should be checked with your local embassy.
• Improve International does not provide support in obtaining visas but can provide supporting documentation to support your application if requested.

• Online modules cannot be deferred without losing the real-time interactive engagement with the Module Tutor   
• Face to face modules (where relevant to your programme) can be deferred provided you complete all modules within 3 years of beginning the programme

Harper Adams University (HAU) will provide you with information on the peer-reviewed case diary and self-reflection essay assessments required for the PgC.

For Small Animal Medicine and Small Animal Surgery Distance Learning Programmes you will need to complete a peer-reviewed diary of 25 cases and 20 for Feline Practice seen by you in practice, not earlier than three years ago is required:

• Cases selected should demonstrate a balance of case types or procedures across species and where appropriate, across body systems
• Cases should relate to the list shown in Appendix 4*.
• Each diary entry should be a maximum of 100 words, comprising signalment, diagnosis, action taken (by you as the practitioner) and outcome

Peer Review: A supporting signature from a veterinary surgeon within your practice. Please see appendix 3* for a template. This should be present (scanned) on the final page of your diary.

*Appendix 3 and 4 are available on request   

• Registration is made directly to ISVPS (for the GPCert) and HAU (for the PgC) – you will be provided with contact details allowing you to complete their registration forms
• Ideally, the decision to aim for the PgC should be made within the first two months of the programme starting to enable you to benefit from the HAU library access and select your face to face modules if applicable to your programme

• Registration is made directly to ISVPS (for the GPCert) and HAU (for the PgC) – you will be provided with contact details allowing you to complete their registration forms
• Ideally, the decision to aim for the PgC should be made within the first two months of the programme starting to enable you to benefit from the HAU library access and select your five face to face modules.

All ISVPS assessments are uploaded to the candidates’ area via the ISVPS website. You will be given a login to the candidates’ area when you register with ISVPS.

Yes, the full programme to achieve the GPCert is all online with the exception of the Surgery programme which includes ten practical modules. These will be held in two locations, see the programme for further information.

You will spend on average 3-4 hours per week. Preparation of assessments and revising for the final exam is additional depending on your route.   

• You select your preferred modules and a final selection is made in discussion with the Programme Tutor and on a first come first-served basis. If you are studying the Surgery programme you will be attending the ten practical modules which form part of this programme and there is no need to select modules
• Module allocation will be made within the first two months of the start of the programme to allow for travel plans
• Delegates opting into the PgC ‘late’ will be allocated modules within 2 months of registering with HAU

Please note if you wish to progress to the PgC there is an additional fee – see the pricing tables for further information or please contact the Programme Tutor for further information.

Even though you may access our world-leading Learning Management System via any browser, it is recommended that you choose a browser that supports integrated HTML editor.  Google Chrome or Firefox on a Windows operating system, and Chrome, Firefox or Safari on a Mac system.

While using Internet Explorer (Edge) should not cause any issue, it has been reported that some security settings and adherence to W3C standards prevent the browser from operating in some instances.  If you experience a problem please try one of the other browsers before contacting Improve for additional support.

For up to date exam dates please visit www.isvps.org

Progress of the completion of your module and programme are tracked in different ways.

Each module consists of 9 interactive lessons including reflective study which may involve case studies, MCQ writing and calculation practice during week 4, depending on the specific module. The interactive lessons will track and remember your progress whilst you complete it. When you return to a specific lesson or case study, you will return to the page that you last visited.

Once a lesson is completed, a tick will appear next to the lesson icon on the module course page. You will also see a progress indicator at the top right-hand corner of the course page and a more detailed Progress Bar in the collapsible side menu on the left.

Upon completing all 9 lessons and the 2 case studies, you will be awarded a Digital Badge, recognising your achievement. As you progress through the programme, badges will be awarded at 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4 completion stages.

Yes, there are additional assessment criteria. Contact your Programme Tutor for further information.

The GPCert is a middle-tier qualification awarded to veterinary surgeons who successfully complete a dedicated modular training programme accredited by ISVPS and the associated ISVPS assessments. Only registered veterinary surgeons who have been qualified for a minimum of one year can apply to undertake a General Practitioner Certificate.

• • To achieve a GPCert you must:
  • • Complete the modular training programme
    • Submit a case report (number of words defined by ISVPS)
    • Sit an online multiple-choice examination
    • An Online Applied Knowledge Examination (OAKE)
    • Sit a Case-based scenario paper (CBS)

ISVPS are responsible for the invigilation of the exam using an independent invigilation company. More details can be found here.

In addition to the assessment criteria for the GPCert you will need to:

• Complete a case diary
• Write a reflective essay
• Answer all pre and post-module surveys and MCQs
• Undertake the Advanced Practitioner module delivered remotely by Harper Adams University between January and July each year (not applicable for Small Animal Medicine and Small Animal Surgery Programmes)

Harper Adams University (HAU) is responsible for the assessment of the case diary, reflective essay and Advanced Practitioner module.

Further information about the route to a PgC is available on request.

Yes, you can.

• If you register for the PgC you are automatically attending the modules required for the GPCert
• You need to register with both ISVPS and HAU
• ‘Upgrading’ from the GPCert involves paying the extra module fees and registering with HAU. Please contact us for further information
• You can upgrade from the GPCert to PgC within 5 years of achieving the GPCert award
• If you have attended the Distance Learning Programmes without committing to the GPCert, you have 4 years from completion of the programme to register with ISVPS and SUCCESSFULLY complete ALL assessments including the examination

The PgC is worth 30 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits but delegates are advised to check with their local governing body for the relevance of these credits in their country.

You must be a qualified veterinary surgeon registered in the country of origin. Appropriate paperwork will be requested at point of registration.

• Qualified veterinary surgeon registered in country of origin
• ISVPS will require appropriate paperwork at point of registration

• Online interactive lessons
• Notes to support every lesson
• Pre- and post-module questions
• Summary videos at the end of each week
• Reading list
• Discussion Forum
• Module Tutor (diploma holder in their field)
• Programme Tutor support

All applicants must:

• Hold a veterinary qualification
• Have spent a minimum of one year in veterinary practice
• Be on the RCVS Home Practising Register (UK-based applicants), hold a qualification that would entitle them to register as a member of the RCVS (applicants based outside the UK)

• Module content is hosted on our Learning Management System
• At the beginning of the month, the content for weeks 1 and 2 will be released
• At the beginning of the 3rd week of the month, the remaining content will be released
• Access to our world-leading Learning Management System will be provided for a period of one year after the last day of the programme

The full ISVPS exam fee is included in the programme price, however, registration confirmation is required and must be done directly with ISVPS. You will be provided with ISVPS contact details allowing you to complete the registration forms. All the assessments are online. 

ISVPS is responsible for the exam using an independent invigilation company. More details can be found here (https://www.isvps.org/p/en). 

For up-to-date  information regarding the assessment, please visit www.isvps.org.

The Foundation Certificate (FCert) is a first-tier qualification awarded to veterinarians who successfully complete a dedicated modular training programme and the associated assessments accredited by the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS). Only graduated veterinarians can apply to undertake a Foundation Certificate.

To achieve an FCert you must:

• Complete pre and post-module Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Complete the modular training programme
• Sit an online multiple-choice examination

Yes. The programme has no fixed start date, you can enrol at the most suitable time for you.

Yes, there will be a live session every 3 months to help embed your understanding. The date and time of these will be communicated in a timely manner.

You will spend on average 4 hours per week/module. Revising for the final exam is additional, depending on your programme.

• Online interactive lessons, including videos
• Notes to support every module
• Pre- and post-module questions
• Reading list
• Discussion Forum
• Live sessions every 3 months by ECC Specialists/Diplomates

Module content is hosted on an online platform:

• The programme is made up of 15 weekly modules
• Each module will be released weekly, as you work your way through the module content

Access to our world-leading Learning Management System will be provided for a period of one year (12 months) upon subscription.

All applicants must hold a recognised qualification in veterinary medicine.

• Notes to support every lesson 
• Reading list 
• Module Tutor (diploma holder and or above in their field) 
• Improve International Programme Tutor 
• Discussion Forum 
• Pre and post-module questions 
• Reflective sessions incorporating multiple-choice writing and study skills 
• Summary videos at the end of each week 

Even though you may access our world-leading Learning Management System via any browser, it is recommended that you choose a browser that supports integrated HTML editor.  Google Chrome or Firefox on a Windows operating system, and Chrome, Firefox or Safari on a Mac system.

While using Internet Explorer (Edge) should not cause any issue, it has been reported that some security settings and adherence to W3C standards prevent the browser from operating in some instances.  If you experience a problem please try one of the other browsers before contacting Improve for additional support.

Modules are released every other month. During the months when a module is not running reflective exercises and study skills will be made available.

During the month when a module is live 3 lessons will be made available within the first week followed by a further 3 lessons in week two and week three. During this time delegates will have access to an open forum which is tutor mentored.

Note: the delivery of the clinical exam assessment is only applicable to Module 1 Week 1.

Candidates have three ‘attempts’ to pass the summative assessments. Candidates are ONLY required to repeat the unsuccessful component (for example, if you were to fail the examination—but pass the written assessment—you are only required to repeat the examination, and vice versa). Please note, there is a nominal administration charge to re-submit the written assessment or re-sit the examination. Assessment dates are annual (i.e. your next opportunity to submit the written assessment or take the examination is in the following year).

Progress of the completion of your module and programme are tracked in different ways.

Each module consists of 9 interactive lessons including reflective study which may involve case studies, MCQ writing and calculation practice during week 4, depending on the specific module. The interactive lessons will track and remember your progress whilst you complete it. When you return to a specific lesson or case study, you will return to the page that you last visited.

Once a lesson is completed, a tick will appear next to the lesson icon on the module course page. You will also see a progress indicator at the top right-hand corner of the course page and a more detailed Progress Bar in the collapsible side menu on the left.

Upon completing all 9 lessons and the 2 case studies, you will be awarded a Digital Badge, recognising your achievement. As you progress through the programme, badges will be awarded at 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4 completion stages.

Yes, we fully appreciated that sometimes life itself gets in the way. Therefore, delegates are able to defer the programme for a maximum of three years from their start date.

Examination candidates are permitted one deferral from the time they become eligible to take the examination. Further deferrals are taken from the candidate’s three ‘attempts’ to pass the summative assessments (please see question 10, ‘What happens if I fail an ISVPS assessment?’). For example, an ISVPS candidate can choose to use two deferrals but then has only two ‘attempts’ remaining. Please note, candidates have four years from course completion to satisfy ISVPS assessment requirements for the award.

The examination fee is included in the full course price however those delegates that require to resit any part of the assessments will be subject to additional assessment fees which are paid directly to ISVPS. You will also be provided with a suggested reading list where there may be additional cost of books and articles depending on the individual preferences.

In addition to the 2500-word clinical audit assessment, we suggest that delegates spend an additional 52 hours of self-study. You will also require access to journals and articles via an internet library service (e.g. RCVS Knowledge; PubMed; Google scholar) which may incur an additional registration fee.

The programme is worth a minimum of 100 CPD hours (approximately 48 hours of delivered sessions and 52 hours self-study time).

The examination will consist of two 1-hour examinations. A 25 MCQ exam and an online applied knowledge examination (OAKE).

The examination NCert/VTCert/VPPCert takes place every November by remote invigilation. You will therefore require access to a computer or laptop (not a tablet) meeting the following requirements: 

• A Windows v7.0+ or Mac10.8+ operating system 
• 4GB of RAM 
• Intel Core i3 (or equivalent) 
• A working webcam that can be used to scan the room 
• Microphone and speakers and Internet connectivity with a continuous internet speed of 516kbps (minimum) 

 Using remote invigilation, you can take the examination in any private, quiet room and therefore you are not required to travel. 

Registration for the examination (and associated written assessment) is optional, and delegates undertaking an Improve International modular training programme can choose to attend the course without undertaking any assessment. Delegates choosing NOT to undertake any assessment receive acknowledgement of their ‘Continuing Professional Development’ (CPD) hours from Improve International but ARE NOT eligible to receive the NCert/VTCert/VPPCert in their chosen discipline.

Registration is via a unique registration link provided at the start of the course via the online learning platform Moodle. Upon registration, you can anticipate email confirmation. (Please add english@isvps.org to your contacts to ensure you receive correspondence from ISVPS).

The confirmation email contains a password to access the ISVPS ‘Candidates’ Area’, which is separate to Improve International’s Learning Management System (LMS), ‘Moodle’. In addition to providing access to assessment guidance, the ISVPS ‘Candidates’ Area’ also permits candidates to submit their written assessment to ISVPS anonymously.

• Complete the full online structured programme 
• Case report or clinical audit (depending on the programme followed); 2,500 words, requires academic writing and referencing 
• An online applied knowledge examination (OAKE)
• A one-hour online examination consisting of 25 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
• ISVPS are responsible for invigilation of the exam using an independent invigilation company 
• Complete all of the evaluation surveys which consists of answering 5 MCQ’s before each module and 5 MCQs after each session.  

These programmes are postgraduate qualifications and require a sound knowledge of veterinary anatomy, physiology and nursing prior to entry. 

• NCert – you must be a RCVS Registered Veterinary Nurse, or equivalent (e.g VCI – Veterinary Council of Ireland) if you are not practising in the UK. Proof of qualification will be required for eligibility. 
• VTCert – you must hold a recognised Veterinary Technician qualification. Proof of qualification will be required 
• VPPCert  – you must have been working in a veterinary environment for two years and provide evidence that you have been involved within the discipline which is being taught on the particular programme for which you are seeking access. This will require proof of employment with reference, current CV and self-certification 

For all one and two-day courses payment is due upon registration.  Payments can be made by credit card or BACS.

We offer the following flexible payment options on our modular programmes, see the individual programmes for more information.

Yes …..

No. Many previous delegates have completed courses with no desire to enrol for a certificate and have benefited enormously.

As the GPCert qualifications are new, there is no guarantee at this time that the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons will include the qualification in its Register. This does not, however, prevent individuals from listing the qualification after their name in their own documents or business notices.

International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS) was established in 2003 with the remit of accrediting veterinary CPD and awarding a range of Certificates on an international basis. ISVPS has extensive experience in the veterinary industry of providing assessments that assess knowledge and understanding for training courses that have been accredited by them.

The GPCert examination consists of a multiple-choice question (MCQ) paper.  All MCQs are provided by the speakers of each Improve International modular programme and are reviewed and approved by the ISVPS examination committee.  The examination paper will assess all areas of the course syllabus and hence assess your knowledge in your chosen subject area. The duration of the MCQ examination will depend on the subject being studied but will last between 2-4hrs. Examinations can be taken in an ISVPS invigilated venue or online in the comfort of your own home with one to one remote invigilation (provided by our remote invigilation partner TestReach for an additional fee).

The General Practitioner Certificate examination is included within the cost of the modular programme.  It is a middle-tier qualification awarded by the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS) which is a not-for-profit accrediting and awarding body based in the UK. Improve International’s modular programmes ensure that you are provided with the highest quality of appropriate practical and clinically relevant training to prepare you for undertaking the GPCert assessments. The GPCert is awarded in recognition of the additional time dedicated to furthering your knowledge and skills and indicates that you have achieved a deeper understanding in your area of interest which can then be applied to more complicated cases in general practice.