Vet Specialists:

• have completed advanced training, usually over a minimum of 3 years. Find out more here.
• have normally passed post graduate Diploma exams overseen by the RCVS, a European or American Speciality College or the RCPath. Find out more here.
• are required to regularly re-validate their expertise and knowledge: every specialist must complete a re-accreditation process at least once every five years and many Vet Specialists are re-accredited by both the RCVS and one of the European Speciality Colleges overseen by the EBVS.

In order to maintain their status as Vet Specialists, these individuals have to:

• possess an RCVS, EBVS or AVMA-ABVS Diploma or other relevant post graduate qualification
• be acknowledged by their peers in the area of specialisation
• document that they continue their own educational and professional develpment as well as the education of fellow vets by publishing, teaching, reviewing, examining and attending national and international specialist meetings
• be available for referral by other veterinary colleagues
• document that they are currently an active practitioner within the specialist field