Specialist Status

Objectives of the RCVS Specialist List

The objectives of the RCVS Specialist List are to:

1. Promote specialisation within the veterinary profession
2. Identify, for the public and the profession, veterinary surgeons who:  
3. have advanced, specialist knowledge and skills,  
4. actively practice within a recognised field of specialisation, and  
5. maintain their knowledge and expertise through continuing professional development
6. Encourage vets to refer cases, as appropriate, to RCVS Specialists
7. Recognise advanced competence in key areas with suitable postgraduate qualifications

Criteria for Specialist Status

RCVS Specialist Status represents the pinnacle of achievement within the field of veterinary specialisation. To be included, you must:  

• Be a Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons or on the Temporary Register (not non-practising)
• Hold an eligible postgraduate qualification relevant to your speciality
• Be active within your speciality, with national or international recognition and recent publications
• Have completed at least 250 hours of CPD in the last five years, with at least half being in your speciality
• Be available for referral from other veterinary colleagues

You cannot be both a Specialist and an Advanced Practitioner in the same field.

Beneath some specialities within these groups are sub-specialities. See the RCVS Specialists Information and Application Pack for a detailed list.

You can only hold one designation, even if the fields are related.

Key dates for application and renewal of Specialist Status

Applications for Specialist Status are reviewed by the RCVS Specialist Subcommittee, which is a subcommittee of the RCVS’s Education Committee.

• New applications: processed quarterly in January, April, August and October
• Reapplications: required every five years; the application window is open 30 November to 31 March
• European Diplomates: Accreditation aligned with European Board of Veterinary Specialisation (EBVS) dates.

How to apply

You can apply online through My Account.

• Log in to My Account and choose ‘Apply to become a Specialist’ or ‘Reapply’.
• Select whether you’re applying with a European College Diploma or another qualification.
• Complete all sections in one sitting (European route) or save progress (other route).
• Attach the required documents (for example, your EBVS certificate or CPD record via 1CPD).
• List a broad range of evidence, including full citations for publications and contributions.
• Submit the form and pay the application fee.

Your application won’t be considered until you’ve provided certification that proves you’re a Specialist.

Before you apply, read the full criteria and guidance in the Specialist Information Pack.

Fees from January 2025

• New or reapplications: £109
• European Diplomates: £55
• Annual listing administration fee: £109
• Restoration fee: £109

Please note: application fees are non-refundable.

If your application is approved

You’ll be listed in the RCVS Register of Members for up to five years (or aligned to your EBVS accreditation), which is published annually in the autumn. To remain listed, you must pay the annual fee by 1 July.  

When reapplying, you will need to self-certify that you remain active in your speciality. If you don’t reapply, you’ll be removed from the RCVS Specialist List in April of the year following the expiry of your status.

If your application is not successful    

If your application is not successful, either at the initial stage or after an appeal, you will need to pay the full fee again if you choose to reapply.                    

We will send you the reasons for the decision in writing. You may submit an appeal within 28 days by writing to the Registrar. Appeals are considered by the independent Specialist Appeals Committee. Please note that RCVS staff and committee members cannot discuss individual applications by phone.

Requesting Emeritus status

If you retire or move into a non-clinical role after at least 15 consecutive years as a Specialist, you can request Emeritus listing with no fee and no reapplication.

Applying for RCVS Specialist Status as an EBVS European Veterinary Specialist

You’ll normally be subject to a simplified process, as you'll already have provided your European college with much of the information required by the RCVS. You may not need to complete a self-assessment form.

You’ll need to download proof of Specialist Status in the form of a certificate from the EBVS®.

If you’re applying for a RCVS Specialist title or subtitle that doesn’t closely match your European Specialist Status, you must apply through the full application process.