Postgraduate qualifications

	Certificate in Veterinary Cardiology The Certificate is the first level of postgraduate qualification awarded by the RCVS, and indicates that the holder is a competent clinician who has proved his/her experience and expertise in the chosen subject by examination. Possession of a Certificate does not lead to Specialist Recognition. The Certificate should be attainable by all those working in general practice or another branch of the profession in which experience is being gained in an approved practice. The RCVS requires that candidates should be involved in cardiology and in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular cases for at least 10% of his/her time over a period of at least two years. This experience should not be confined to one species as candidates will be questioned on both large and small animals. The examination itself is in three parts, and includes. • six case reports • a written examination • a clinical, oral and practical examination     Click here for example certificate case report Further information is available from the RCVS website
	Diploma in Veterinary Cardiology The Diploma is the second level of postgraduate qualification awarded by the RCVS, and indicates that the holder has achieved a high standard of academic and professional expertise in his/her chosen subject. Diplomates who are also available for referrals may apply for inclusion on the list of RCVS Recognised Specialists. The Diploma should be attainable by all those who have gained the Certificate in Veterinary Cardiology. The RCVS requires that candidates can demonstrate at least five years of experience in veterinary cardiology, including 200 days spent in blocks of a minimum of one week at a time in an approved centre, and 10% of this time must be spent with less familiar species. The examination itself is in three parts and includes • the submission of a dissertation or published papers, on which questions may be asked during the oral examination • a written examination • a clinical, oral and practical examination Further information is available from the RCVS website
	RCVS Recognised Specialists A handful of individuals are registered with the RCVS as Specialists in Veterinary Cardiology. To be admitted to the List of Recognised Specialists, an individual must hold a RCVS Diploma, or equivalent postgraduate qualifications from, for example, one of the European, American or Australian specialist colleges. They must also be currently active in their specialty, maintain their specialised knowledge and skills through CPD, and be available for consultations and referrals by veterinary surgeons. Individuals must reapply every five years to remain on the List of Recognised Specialist. Further information is available from the RCVS website
	European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine - Companion Animal (Cardiology) Diplomates of this college are European recognised specialists in veterinary cardiology, for small animals (dogs and cats). The examination is in two parts: • General. This paper covers all aspects of small animal medicine including cardiology • Cardiology Certifying. This exam covers the breadth and depth of the candidates' knowledge and expertise in cardiology For further information, please consult the ECVIM-CA website
	American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Cardiology) Diplomates of this college have received their cardiology training in the USA

If you have any questions or comments about this site's content please contact the VCS Secretary.