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College to explore new system for language testing
Councillors decided to explore the option of the Occupational English Test (OET), which focuses on communicating in a healthcare setting.
Proof of language ability could be extended to EU citizens post-Brexit

The RCVS will explore a new system of language testing for overseas graduates who wish to join the register after Brexit.

Under current arrangements, the college is legally required to have only limited requirements for proof of language ability from EU applicants.

For non-EU overseas applicants, however, a higher standard of evidence is required. Those who hold a veterinary degree that is not recognised by the RCVS and are not native English speakers must pass the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test at Level 7.

EU applicants can only have their English language ability tested if the college has ‘serious and concrete doubts’ about individual applicants when they visit Belgravia House to formally join the register.

RCVS Council members were asked to consider how this system may need to change when the UK leaves the EU, at the latest meeting in November.

Councillors decided to explore the option of the Occupational English Test (OET), which focuses on communicating in a healthcare setting. It is currently used by a number of UK health regulators and veterinary regulators in Australia and New Zealand. The OET Level B is the equivalent of IELTS Level 7.

This will now be further explored, with proposals coming back to a future meeting of the council.

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
New form for online veterinary medicines retailers

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has produced a new online form for retailers wishing to sell veterinary medicines on the internet.

The form replace the previous Word version and is part of the VMD's ongoing commitment to digitise its processes. Anyone retailing prescription medicines online, including POM-V, POM-VPS and NFA-VPS categories, is lawfully required to register with the VMD before trading.

The change only applies to new applicants. Retailers already listed on the VMD's Register of Online Retailers or registered under the Accredited Internet Retailer Scheme (AIRS) do not need to do anything.