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RCVS launches revised Statutory Membership Examination
The written exam will now consist of a clinical multiple choice question paper and an open book examination.
Written exam will now consist of two parts

The RCVS has launched a new format for its Statutory Membership Examination, which will be delivered from 2019.

The Statutory Membership Examination must be undertaken and passed by all individuals educated outside of the UK, whose veterinary qualification is not recognised by the RCVS. Once passed, the exam allows the individual to register with the RCVS and practise veterinary medicine in the UK.

Having existed in its current format for more than 30 years, the RCVS implemented a review to ensure the examination remains fit for purpose and sits in line with international best-practice and current Day-One competences. The review was undertaken by the Statutory Examination Board, in consultation with veterinary and medical educationists, and used various methods - including focus groups - to come to its conclusions.

The written exam will now consist of a clinical multiple choice question paper and an open book examination, which will be used to ascertain the candidate’s knowledge of the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct. 

The clinical, practical examination will now exist in the form of a multi-dimensional Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). This examination will measure a range of clinical, technical and professional skills including clinical reasoning, communication, professionalism, and ethical awareness.

The RCVS said that, following a tender process, Glasgow Veterinary School has been awarded the contract to host the OSCE examination for five years from 2019 to 2023.

“The review of the Statutory Membership Examination has provided us with the opportunity to ensure that we continue to test the skills and knowledge needed to work effectively in a veterinary practice in the UK in a robust manner, and bring it in line with the final year examinations delivered at UK vet schools,” explained RCVS examinations manager, Victoria Hedges.

“In designing the examination, the RCVS has considered international best practice, in addition to approaches to regulatory examinations within both the veterinary and medical sectors.”

More information about the Statutory Membership Examination can be found on the RCVS website.

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.