Frequently Asked Questions

Improve International was established in 1998 by a group of veterinary surgeons from across the UK, including a number of recognised experts. We provide the highest quality CPD in a format that allows you to develop your skills and knowledge in a logical and progressive fashion, under the supervision of dedicated Course Directors, each of whom has the highest qualifications in his or her field.

Our courses are run in venues across the UK and also in a number of other countries including Spain, Portugal and Italy.

Yes. You will receive a certificate of attendance for every course attended which you can use towards your CPD hours.

Postgraduate Certificates

Modular Postgraduate Programmes

Attendance on the paired taught modules is 9.00am to 4.00pm however, where there are online modules or practical sessions these times may vary.

Practical Surgery & Ultrasound Courses

We are in partnership with Harper Adams University (HAU) and the European School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ESVPS) to ensure the highest academic standards.

ISVPS – International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies

Is an awarding body who accredits and awards veterinary qualifications. They provide assessments in the form of assignments and examinations for all programmes.

No. Many previous delegates have completed courses with no desire to enrol for a certificate and have benefited enormously.

The General Practitioner Certificate examination is included within the cost of the modular programme.  It is a middle-tier qualification awarded by the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS) which is a not-for-profit accrediting and awarding body based in the UK. Improve International’s modular programmes ensure that you are provided with the highest quality of appropriate practical and clinically relevant training to prepare you for undertaking the GPCert assessments. The GPCert is awarded in recognition of the additional time dedicated to furthering your knowledge and skills and indicates that you have achieved a deeper understanding in your area of interest which can then be applied to more complicated cases in general practice.

International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS) was established in 2003 with the remit of accrediting veterinary CPD and awarding a range of Certificates on an international basis. ISVPS has extensive experience in the veterinary industry of providing assessments that assess knowledge and understanding for training courses that have been accredited by them.

• Module content is hosted on our Learning Management System
• At the beginning of the month, the content for weeks 1 and 2 will be released
• At the beginning of the 3rd week of the month, the remaining content will be released
• Access to our world-leading Learning Management System will be provided for a period of one year after the last day of the programme

For up to date exam dates please visit www.isvps.org

• Online interactive lessons
• Notes to support every lesson
• Pre- and post-module questions
• Summary videos at the end of each week
• Reading list
• Discussion Forum
• Module Tutor (diploma holder in their field)
• Programme Tutor support

You will spend on average 3-4 hours per week. Preparation of assessments and revising for the final exam is additional depending on your route.   

Yes, the full programme to achieve the GPCert is all online with the exception of the Surgery programme which includes ten practical modules. These will be held in two locations, see the programme for further information.

The GPCert is a middle-tier qualification awarded to veterinary surgeons who successfully complete a dedicated modular training programme accredited by ISVPS and the associated ISVPS assessments. Only registered veterinary surgeons who have been qualified for a minimum of one year can apply to undertake a General Practitioner Certificate.

• • To achieve a GPCert you must:
  • • Complete the modular training programme
    • Submit a case report (number of words defined by ISVPS)
    • Sit an online multiple-choice examination
    • An Online Applied Knowledge Examination (OAKE)
    • Sit a Case-based scenario paper (CBS)

ISVPS are responsible for the invigilation of the exam using an independent invigilation company. More details can be found here.

All applicants must:

• Hold a veterinary qualification
• Have spent a minimum of one year in veterinary practice
• Be on the RCVS Home Practising Register (UK-based applicants), hold a qualification that would entitle them to register as a member of the RCVS (applicants based outside the UK)