FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What payment methods do you accept?
Payments can be made by credit card or bank transfer, depending on the course you will be attending. For all one and two-day courses, payment is due upon registration.
We offer flexible payment options for our modular programs.
See individual programs for more information.
What are the course hours?
Typically, a course will run from 9 am to 5 pm with two coffee breaks and lunch.
Who should attend these courses?
Our short practical courses are aimed to help all veterinary professionals that are looking to become proficient in the described techniques and gain more confidence while becoming better in their field of expertise. The E-learning CE programs that can lead to the GPCert /VTCert are designed for professionals that want to increase and broaden their knowledge in specific areas of veterinary medicine and want to gain an internationally recognized certification.
Tell me more about Improve International
Improve International was established in 1998 by a group of veterinarians from across the UK, including a number of recognized experts. We provide the highest quality CE in a format that allows you to develop your skills and knowledge logically and progressively, under the supervision of dedicated Course Directors, each of whom have the highest qualifications in their field.
Our courses are run in venues across the United Kingdom and also in a number of other countries including the United States, Ireland, Spain, Portugal, France, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Denmark, Sweden, Cyprus, Norway, Finland, Australia, Japan, Mexico, Korea and China.
Who are Improve’s partners?
Improve International partners with some of the best and most highly recognized organizations in the veterinary market in order to further enhance the quality of our training.
Who can enroll on the Distance Learning programs?
All applicants must hold a veterinary qualification.
When is the learning content available for each module?
Module content is hosted on a Moodle platform:
Access to the Moodle platform will be provided for a period of one year after the last day of the program.
What learning resources are available?
How many hours per week will I have to spend on the program?
You will spend on average 3-4 hours per week. Preparation of assessments and revising for the final exam is additional, depending on your program.
Are there live sessions or other events that require me to be connected at a specific day/time?
No, there are no live sessions or any obligation to be online at a defined day/hour. You will have support from the Module Tutor during the month the module is live, so we advise you to complete the learning activities within that time (one month) and to take the opportunity to upload questions on the Forum.
Once a module has gone live, all the content will remain available and you can continue to access it whenever you want, at your own pace, on your mobile phone, computer, or tablet.
Can I defer a module?
Can I start the program at the module of my preference?
No, the program has an order that must be followed. You can always review the lessons you have already completed but it is not possible to access lessons before the month when they are planned to be live.
What does the GPCert consist of?
The GPCert is a middle-tier qualification awarded to veterinarians who successfully complete a dedicated modular training program accredited by ISVPS and the associated ISVPS assessments. Only registered veterinarians who have been qualified for a minimum of one year can apply to undertake a General Practitioner Certificate.
To achieve a GPCert you must:
What does the PgC consist of?
The PgC is a university qualification positioned at Masters Level 7 within the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) framework for higher and further education. The PgC is a recognized academic qualification which will demonstrate that you have achieved a certain standard in that subject.
In addition to the assessment criteria for the GPCert you will need to:
Harper Adams University (HAU) is responsible for the assessment of the case diary and reflective essay.
If coming from a non-European country – how would face-to-face module attendance work for the PgC?
Is the PgC program recognized by other countries?
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.
Does the Postgraduate Certificate (PgC) program differ from the GPCert?
Yes, there are additional assessment criteria. Contact your Program Tutor for further information.
When do the exams take place?
For up to date exam dates please visit www.isvps.org
How do I register for the GPCert?
Besides the exam fee being included in the course price, registration is required and must be done directly to ISVPS – you will be provided with contact details allowing you to complete their registration forms
All the assessments are online. ISVPS is responsible for invigilation of the exam using an independent invigilation company. More details can be found here.
How do I submit my case report for the GPCert?
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.
When is the learning content available for each module?
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. All content will be available for one year after the course ends. You can subsequently renew your access to the platform by paying an annual fee (price available upon request).
What additional learning resources are available?
How many hours per week will I have to spend on the program?
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.
What are Improve International COVID-19 procedures?
We have been closely following the WHO updates and recommendations regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and are taking all the necessary measures to ensure the safety of our staff, speakers and delegates. Personal protective equipment will be provided to all participants on our on-site courses.
Can the course schedule be changed due to the pandemic?
If the situation persists, we will have no alternative but to postpone our programs. Any alteration will be communicated in good time to minimize any inconvenience.