Registering with the RCVS

Royal College of Veterinary Surgeon (RCVS) is the only veterinary college in the UK. Its function is to control and regulate veterinary activity. It’s compulsory to become a member of RCVS to be able to exercise the veterinary profession in all British territory, as stated in the Veterinary Surgeon Act 1966.

After Brexit, it became a requisite to present a proof of the candidate’s English level to join RCVS.
The candidate’s level of English will be demonstrated through the IELTS exam.

(International English Language Testing System) scoring 7 or above (allowing 6.5 in one of the parts).
It also can be obtained through the Occupational English Test (OET) which requires a minimum scoring of B and C+ in one of the parts.
Not all Spanish Universities are accredited or recognized by RCVS. Below there is a link showing the universities that obtained the status of European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE), which is the only entity within the UK that can accredit the veterinarian certification in the UK.

More info in this pdf file:

EAEVE Establishments’ Status Full and Candidate Members

Documents required to collegiate are as following:

• Passport copy
• Academic title or certificate
• Good conduct certificate
• IELTS exam with an average mark of 7, allowing 6.5 on 1 of its parts.

The Academic title or certificate may need to be translated to English by a certified translator, but the Spanish document will also have to be provided. The university may provide a recognised translation of the documents needed.

A Good conduct certificate will be provided by the university or the university’s dean if you have obtained your title within the last 3 months. If you have qualified more than 3 months ago, the certificate will be provided by the veterinarian college corresponding to each Spanish country.

Once the above requirements are met, you can apply to register through the RCVS website where you’ll be prompted to attach all the above documents required. All the documents must be validated by a writing letter from a Spanish professional specified at the end of the application form . This letter must be signed by the professional and attached with the other documents.

How to apply – Professionals

Once all the documents have been submitted, RCVS will contact you via email to indicate how to pay for the registration fees. When payment has been confirmed you’ll be able to book an appointment for the video call interview.

The RCVS register process takes around 25 days from the date all the documents are confirmed as accepted.