How To Prepare For RCVS Examination 2023 [Complete Guide]

What is RCVS Examination

The RCVS  is a licensing examination and it is intended for the overseas veterinarians who are willing to pursue their career in UK. The purpose of this exam is the evaluation of the clinical expertise of the candidate to ensure that their qualification meets the requirements to work as a veterinarian in UK.

If you are a graduate from an accredited university, then you do not have to take this exam if you have completed your degree from any of the following countries.

• Canada
• Australia
• Japan
• South Africa
• Europe
• New Zealand
• United Kingdom
• USA

How To Prepare For The Exam?

This is the most difficult exam to prepare for and the passing ratio is comparatively lower than any other licensing exam. But nothing to worry about because we are here to give you complete details for its preparation. Once you have passed this exam you are free to work in any country which is under the European union. In the following, we are going to share with you the resources as well as the tips through which you can easily crack this licensing exam.

Resources And Preparation Tips

Here are some very useful textbooks which are highly recommended.

• Clinical Veterinary Advisor: Dogs and Cats
• Fenner’s Veterinary Virology
• Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine

In this portion we are sharing you some online learning platforms especially designed for veterinarians.

• VIN (Veterinary information network): It is basically an online subscription-based community where you will get study tools and resource. In this platform people share past papers and disease cases of animals which can be a good experience for those candidates who are preparing for any competitive exam. Here, people publish their research papers which will allow you to gain the latest knowledge. VIN will also provide you with online courses and workshops so yo can learn more efficiently.
• IVIS (International veterinary information service): It is also an online platform which is exclusively designed where you have complete access for veterinary textbooks. You can also use Merck veterinary manual which is a very comprehensive online resource for veterinarians.

Important Study Tips

In this section, we will share with you some tips regarding your study pattern which is the key for cracking this competitive exam.

Use Past Papers

The candidates who want to crack RCVS must go through the past papers which will enable them to learn about the test pattern and format as well as the difficult level of the questions. Practicing past papers will also improve their confidence thus they can prepare more effectively.

Improve Clinical Skills

As a veterinarian it is essential for RCVS candidates to improve their clinical skills by studying and attending different cases. This will be very fruitful because it will help the candidates who are in the second session which is OSCE (objective structured clinical examination). this is a clinical exam where your clinical performance will be evaluated.

Group Discussion

As we mentioned earlier that its a very difficult exam so, for more assistance and relaxation, the candidates should join study groups where they can share ideas about different topics. This will improve their command on their subjects and regular answering of questions will encourage them to learn more and build strong concepts.

Time Management

The RCVS exam is conducted once a year. So if you are mentally prepared then a period of 365 days is enough for you to crack this exam. So make a comprehensive study plan and stick to your schedule. Following your study schedule will bring discipline in your life so in this way you will feel more productive.

RCVS Registration Procedure

Before going for the exam registration make sure that you have passed the English proficiency exam (IELTS or OET) with the required bands. The minimum band or grade requirement is 7.0 and B grade respectively. The registration fee for this exam is £2,500. Click here to apply for RCVS registration.

Here are the following steps you have to go through while you are registering for this exam.

1: Submit A Declaration Form

It is the first step of RCVS registration. In this phase you have to submit an application to RCVS about your intention to sit in the exam. Your application must contain all the required documents attached to it and should be send it to the given email. rcvsexam@rcvs.org.uk

If the candidate does not take the exam within a year then in the next year he has to renew his declaration form.

2: Applying For The Exam

Once the application has been accepted, the candidate is allowed to sit in the exam and the candidates with renewed declaration form are provided with all the information. The written form of the exam (containing 110 MCQS with 10 legislation and the rest containing medical questions) prevails for five days and it is conducted in the month of March.

3: Clinical Examination

The candidates who have passed the written exam have to go for the clinical examination (objective structured clinical examination) where your clinical skills will be evaluated. This exam is conducted at the Glasgow University of Veterinary Medicine. It is held in July. For further details, visit RCVS website

RCVS exam is really difficult but do not worry. All you have to do is to build a strong will power by believing in yourself and your efforts. Embrace hardships and seek your target. Remember that  you are not alone in this journey. So focus on your goal and trust yourself and your progress and you will get it.