RCVS launches revised Statutory Membership Examination
The written exam will now consist of a clinical multiple choice question paper and an open book examination.
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.
Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.
