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Central Qualifications approved for End-Point Assessments
EPAs were introduced by the Institute of Apprenticeships following a review of apprenticeship standards.
Final examination ensures veterinary nursing apprentices are occupationally competent

Central Qualifications (CQ) has become the first awarding body to be approved to run End-Point Assessments (EPAs) for student veterinary nurses.

The organisation said that, upon successful completion of the EPA, apprentices enrolled on the CQ Diploma in Veterinary Nursing will be awarded the Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (DipVN) and can subsequently join the RCVS register.

CQ director Jacqui Garrett commented: “Apprenticeships have been the cornerstone of veterinary nurse training for several years and Central Qualifications is pleased to support Colleges and employers with their training programmes.”

EPAs were introduced by the Institute of Apprenticeships following a review of apprenticeship standards.

To meet the VN Apprenticeship Standard, each student is required to have the knowledge, skills and professional attributes required to become a veterinary nurse. Typically, students will spend 30 to 36 months working towards the apprenticeship standard, followed by their EPA.

For further information about the CQ Diploma in Veterinary Nursing, email enquiries@cqual.org 

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.