Regulator

RCVS Advanced Practitioner

Awarded by Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons · since 2014

Protected titleHeld by vets

What this means for your pet

An Advanced Practitioner has proven expertise above and beyond a standard vet qualification in a specific area. They are a good choice when your pet needs care from someone with deeper knowledge in a particular field but may not need a full specialist referral. Many APs work in first-opinion practice, meaning you may already be seeing one.

About this accreditation

A mid-tier postgraduate accreditation recognising veterinary surgeons who have demonstrated additional knowledge, skills, and experience in a specific discipline beyond their primary veterinary degree. It sits between a general practitioner and a Specialist, acknowledging vets who have invested significantly in continuing professional development in a particular area.

Who can hold this accreditation

Must be an RCVS-registered veterinary surgeon holding an appropriate postgraduate qualification at certificate level (e.g. RCVS CertAVP or approved equivalent). Must have completed at least 250 hours of CPD in the last five years (150 hours in their chosen field). Must provide two clinical governance case examples and a reference from a colleague attesting to at least 5 years of experience in their field.

Referral requirement

No formal referral is required. Unlike Specialists, Advanced Practitioners often work in first-opinion (primary care) practices and see patients directly.

Title protection

Only veterinary surgeons on the RCVS List of Advanced Practitioners may use the title 'Advanced Practitioner'. Using the title without being on the list breaches the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct.

Professional oversight

Continuing Professional Development

Minimum 250 hours over 5 years (150 hours in chosen field)

Revalidation

Must reapply every 5 years

Complaints process

Full RCVS disciplinary process

Insurance

Required as RCVS-registered veterinary surgeon

Legal basis

Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966

Key facts

There are 40 different discipline areas a vet can obtain AP status in (up to three).

Accredited providers (1250)

Showing 200 of 1250. Browse them all

Quick facts

Abbreviation

AP

Issuing body

Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons

Type

regulatory

Protected title

Yes

Practitioner is a vet

Yes

Providers listed

1250

External links

Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons websiteOfficial register
RCVS Advanced Practitioner: what it means · PetCare Atlas