If you’re a veterinary nurse with an overseas or non-RCVS accredited qualification, you must pass the RCVS pre-registration exams before you can join the RCVS Register and work in the UK. This page explains who needs to take the exams, what to expect. It also describes how to apply and where to find support.
You’ll have to take the RCVS pre-registration exams if your veterinary nursing qualification is:
This applies to most overseas qualifications. Guidance for overseas-qualified veterinary nurses is available on our application page.
The veterinary nurse pre-registration exams are designed to assess your skills, competences and knowledge against:
They have two parts:
You may sit these exams in any order. However, you must pass both exams within an 18-month period. For example, if you were to sit your first exam in July, you’d have 18 months to sit the second one.
The theory exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions across three papers:
Paper 3 is an open book exam. You'll have access to a searchable PDF of the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Nurses during this section.
We run theory exams three times a year. All times are UK time zone.
You can find upcoming dates and book your exam through MyRCVS.
The practical exam is an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). You'll complete 10 stations, each assessing a specific area of clinical practice.
The exam covers these areas:
We run practical exams three times a year.
You can find current dates and book your exam through MyRCVS.
The 2024 exam fees are:
Theory exam: £264
Practical exam: £460
Fees are reviewed annually.
You must be invited by the RCVS before you can book your exams.
Start by completing our application process for overseas-qualified vet nurses. We'll review your qualifications and contact you with next steps.
Once we've confirmed your eligibility, you’ll receive an invitation to book and pay for exams through your MyRCVS.
We strongly recommend taking our Working in the UK course before your exams. Delivered through the RCVS Academy, the online course covers:
For questions about pre-registration exams:
Phone: 020 7202 0788
Email: [email protected]
Our team is available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (UK time).
