RCVS ACCREDITATION
A new standard for veterinary postgraduate education
Ifevet’s PgCert in Small Animal Neurology is now RCVS-accredited under the new framework for postgraduate qualifications leading towards Advanced Practitioner status.
University Level 7
(PgCert)
RCVS-accredited programme
Advanced Practitioner pathway (APR)
Expert veterinary faculty
Flexible, online learning
THE NEW FRAMEWORK
The new RCVS accreditation framework
In September 2025, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) introduced a revised accreditation and quality assurance process for postgraduate qualifications offered by external education providers.
The framework strengthens the review of programme content, assessment and ongoing quality assurance for qualifications used towards Advanced Practitioner status.
FROM MARCH 2027
Previously recognised postgraduate qualifications must meet the new RCVS standards to remain eligible.
The 18-month transitional recognition period ends in March 2027. Accreditation applies to individual qualifications, not automatically to every programme offered by a provider.
This does not mean existing postgraduate qualifications cease to exist; it concerns their eligibility as routes towards RCVS Advanced Practitioner status.
OUR JOURNEY
Key milestones
Ifevet has been involved in the new review process since its introduction.
September 2025
RCVS launches its new accreditation framework. Ifevet submits its initial postgraduate programmes for review.
October 2026
Our Small Animal Neurology Advanced Practitioner Route achieves RCVS accreditation.
March 2027
The transitional period concludes; previously recognised postgraduate qualifications need accreditation under the new framework to remain eligible.
PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION
What is the Advanced Practitioner (APR) pathway?
Advanced Practitioner status is a professional recognition awarded by the RCVS to veterinary surgeons who meet its criteria and demonstrate advanced skills in a chosen area of practice.
An accredited PgCert (APR) offers an eligible postgraduate qualification for veterinary surgeons wishing to apply for this status.
The PgCert and RCVS Advanced Practitioner status are different. Completing an APR qualification does not automatically confer the professional status.
One foundation. The same expert-led clinical teaching as the standard PgCert.
Additional learning. Structured professional skills and extended clinical assessments.
Eligible qualification. Successful graduates may apply separately to the RCVS if they meet its wider requirements.
CHOOSE YOUR ROUTE
Choose your PgCert pathway
Two routes designed for different professional goals. Both build strong clinical knowledge — the APR route adds the professional skills and assessments required for RCVS-approved eligibility.
What both pathways share
High-quality clinical teaching with leading veterinary specialists • University Level 7 qualification (30 ECTS / 60 UK credits) • Flexible livestreams and recordings • Practical, case-focused learning.
Standard PgCert
Available
Across Ifevet’s nine postgraduate subjects.
Purpose
Improve clinical reasoning and everyday competence in your chosen discipline.
Duration
Teaching and first MCQ examination in approximately 8 months; qualification expected around month 12.
Assessment
60-question multiple-choice examination (MCQ), with a resit opportunity if needed.
Outcome: University-awarded Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert), Level 7.
RCVS-accredited PgCert (APR)
Available
Purpose
Build on the PgCert teaching with documented advanced clinical and professional skills.
Duration
Approximately 14 months of learning and assessment; resit windows may extend completion to 18 months.
Assessment
Professional skills work, clinical reflective essay, case logs, case study review, MCQ examination and synoptic viva.
Outcome: University Level 7 PgCert (APR), RCVS-approved for Advanced Practitioner applications.
An APR qualification meets the postgraduate qualification component of the RCVS Advanced Practitioner application. Wider RCVS eligibility requirements, application procedures and fees remain separate.
For further information about eligibility requirements and the application process, please consult the official RCVS Advanced Practitioner guidance.
NOW AVAILABLE
PgCert in Small Animal Neurology
Our first RCVS-accredited programme is available through two study pathways. Students can choose the standard university PgCert or the RCVS-approved Advanced Practitioner Route, depending on their goals.
Standard PgCert
RCVS-approved APR pathway
Next intake: 6 February 2027
University Level 7 / 60 UK credits
Expert-led online teaching
APR-accredited option available
FOR CURRENT AND PAST STUDENTS
Your investment in your PgCert
What happens if an RCVS-approved APR pathway becomes available for another subject?
Eligible Ifevet students and graduates will not need to pay again for or repeat completed clinical teaching recognised towards that pathway.
An additional supplement will cover professional skills learning and the APR assessments. Original enrolment prices, agreed discounts and payment arrangements will be respected.
Entry remains subject to eligibility, recognition of prior learning, available places and successful completion of all APR assessments. Approval and timing for additional subjects are not guaranteed.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
Clear answers about our accredited programme and its relationship to RCVS professional recognition.
No. Completing our RCVS-accredited Neurology APR PgCert provides an eligible postgraduate qualification for applying for RCVS Advanced Practitioner status. This professional recognition is awarded separately by the RCVS and is subject to additional eligibility requirements, application procedures and fees.
For further information, please consult the official RCVS Advanced Practitioner guidance.
No. The RCVS-accredited APR pathway is currently available for Small Animal Neurology. Ifevet’s other PgCerts are university Level 7 qualifications, but do not currently have this APR approval.
Eligible graduates may be able to enter through recognition of prior learning, without repeating recognised clinical teaching. New professional skills assessments and the full APR assessment requirements apply, and places are limited.
Ifevet intends to pursue accreditation for additional subjects. Each qualification is assessed individually, and neither the approval nor its timing can be guaranteed.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
Advance your veterinary career
Strengthen your clinical expertise with an Ifevet postgraduate qualification, or explore the RCVS-accredited pathway towards Advanced Practitioner recognition.