Statutory Membership Exam
If you’re an overseas veterinary surgeon with qualifications not recognised by the RCVS, the Statutory Membership Examination is your pathway to practising in the UK.
Seeing practice
Gain hands-on UK veterinary experience while adjusting your knowledge to UK practice.
As a statutory exam candidate you can come to the UK to undertake veterinary practice placements. We call this ‘seeing practice’.
Seeing practice is an invaluable way to prepare for your exam. It helps you adjust your knowledge to UK practice and gives you an insight into life as a veterinary surgeon in this country.
Telling us about your placement
Before starting your seeing practice placement, please complete the seeing practice form and email it to [email protected].
What you can do during seeing practice
You can’t work as a vet or vet nurse while on your placement. But you can take part in many areas of veterinary practice.
Exam candidates fall under Section 19 of the Code of Professional Conduct. This means that throughout your placement, you’ll be supported by an RCVS-registered vet.
You may take part in the following activities, as long as the vet supervising you has given permission:
- Examine animals and carry out diagnostic tests under the direction of a registered vet. 'Direction' means that the vet instructs you as to the tests or treatment to be administered but is not necessarily present.
- Administer treatment under the supervision of a registered vet. 'Supervision' means that the vet is present on the premises and able to respond to a request for assistance if needed.
- Perform surgery under the direct and continuous personal supervision of a registered vet. 'Direct and continuous personal supervision' means that the vet is present and giving you their undivided personal attention.