Become a Diplomate

ACVS Diplomates Board Examination

In order to become a Diplomate, veterinary surgeons, known as Residents, must undergo a rigorous Training Programme in either Large or Small Animal surgery, supervised by recognised veterinary specialists (Diplomates).

The ECVS does not publish a list of open residencies nor does it facilitate residencies for interested persons. It is the applicant's responsibility to secure their own place of residency training. A list of all training programmes currently accredited by the ECVS can be found in the Services menu. Whether these programmes currently have openings for new Residents needs to be inquired directly. Some open residency positions will be posted on the ECVS Jobs Market but not all training institutions advertise with ECVS, some may advertise on their own website or via their national veterinary job advertisement facility.

How to Become a Specialist

Find a concise summary of what it takes to become an ECVS Diplomate in the 'How to become a specialist' document.

Training Brochure

The ECVS Training Brochure covers all aspects and requirements of residency training in detail - read more here.

ACVS Diplomates

ACVS Diplomates may apply to obtain ECVS diplomate status - find out more here.

Board Examination

The ECVS board-certifying examination is the final step in becoming an ECVS Diplomate.

ACVS Diplomates wishing to obtain ECVS diplomate status

You have to seriously consider the following points before submitting the application file for evaluation and in case you find that any of these points do not meet your expectation of joining ECVS, now would be the time to stop the process.

1 By joining ECVS (in addition to ACVS) you will be required to pay two substantial membership fees (ACVS & ECVS). The Board of Regents of ECVS expects that you will pay your dues on time every year.
2 Upon receipt of your first year annual fee payment, the certificate will be sent to you.
3 Your membership should not only consist in paying your dues but in active participation and presence at the yearly Annual Meetings.
4 All members of ECVS are required to recertify at the end of 5 years. The Board of Regents of ECVS expects from you that you will fulfil this requirement on time.
5 Should you decide some time in the future that you would like to stop Membership of the ECVS, ECVS has the right to ask you to return the certificate to us.
6 If you can accept the above-mentioned criteria without hesitation, we welcome you to apply for ECVS diplomate status and submit your credentials as per the criteria and procedure detailed in the Book of Procedures, chapter 6.I. ACVS Diplomates wishing to obtain ECVS Diplomate Status. Please submit the application file, as described in the Book of Procedures, for consideration by the Credentials Committe and the Board of Regents within the regular deadlines for the February, July or September meeting. One original signed file together with the electronic version of all documents (preferably as pdfs) must be submitted.

Further information and application

Please refer to the Guidelines and Checklist for ACVS Diplomates wishing to obtain ECVS Diplomate status for a full description of the application process and related documents.

ACVS Diplomates should be aware that the requirements of the ECVS Training Brochure are not identical to those of the ACVS. This should be borne in mind when submitting an application to the Board of Regents of the ECVS.