ECVS for Diplomates

This page provides relevant information and guidelines for ECVS Diplomates.

Welcome to the new ECVS Diplomates 2025!

Recertification for Diplomates

This section applies to Diplomate recertification only. Please find information about Training Programme recertification further below.

The deadline for recertification submissions is 31st July.

All Diplomates due to recertify should read the recertification guidelines and will receive several reminders before their deadline. The online recertification form is accessible in your 'your ECVS' area. Once logged on, please scroll down to 'Your Recertification Status' to access your recertification tools.

From 2024 onwards, the two previously required reference letters will be replaced with a self-declaration form. The self-declaration form (PDF) must be submitted together with the online recertification form. The template is also available for download directly from the online recertification form (accessible via 'your ECVS').

How to establish a Residency Training Programme

The full details about how to establish an ECVS Training Programme and the required nine elements are detailed in the ECVS Training Brochure.

ECVS Training Brochure

All Supervisors and Programme Directors are expected to familiarise themselves with the Training Brochure and adhere to these guidelines when applying to the ECVS.

Applications for new Training Programmes are to be submitted directly via RED  (applications via email  to [email protected] are no longer accepted). All certified Diplomates will find the link to create a new Programme Application in their personal 'your ECVS' area.

Please note that new programme applications can be submitted by the designated Programme Director only. Other ECVS Diplomates in the same programme cannot submit a programme application on the Programme Director's behalf.

The deadline for applications to be evaluated at one of the three Credentials Committee meetings per year (February, July, September) is the 15th of the preceding month (i.e. 15th January for the February meeting, 15th June for the July meeting, 15th August for the September meeting). Applications must be received via RED by these dates. Applications received after the indicated deadline will be deferred to the next meeting.

Recertification of Residency Training Programmes

The deadline for Training Programme recertification submissions is 31st March.

ECVS Training Programmes have to be resubmitted for approval every five years. All Programme Directors whose programme is due to recertify will be informed at the end of the previous year that their programme is up for recertification.

As of spring 2024, programme recertification applications are to be submitted directly in RED. The recertification function will become available soon.

Please be aware that all changes in an approved programme have to be communicated to the Credentials Committee without delay. Especially changes in supervisors need to be reported to the committee.

New Resident Applications

All details about Resident training and requirements to enroll a new Resident are detailed in the ECVS Training Brochure.

ECVS Training Brochure

All Supervisors are are expected to familiarise themselves with the Training Brochure and adhere to these guidelines when submitting a new application for a Resident.

Applications for new Residents are to be submitted directly via RED (applications via email to [email protected] are no longer accepted). All certified Diplomates will find the link to create a new Resident Application in their personal 'your ECVS' area. Applications for new Residents can be submitted either by the designated Supervisor or by the Programme Director on behalf of the designated Supervisor.

The deadline for applications to be evaluated at one of the three Credentials Committee meetings per year (February, July, September) is the 15th of the preceding month (i.e. 15th January for the February meeting, 15th June for the July meeting, 15th August for the September meeting). Applications must be received via RED by these dates. Applications received after the indicated deadline will be deferred to the next meeting.

Diplomate Research Grant

In keeping with the objectives of the European College of Veterinary Surgeons, whereby ECVS encourages Diplomates and prospective members to pursue original investigations and contribute to the veterinary literature, ECVS has established a Diplomate Research Grant Programme. Surgically related clinical and basic research proposals will be considered for funding.

At the discretion of the Board of Regents and the Research Grant Committee, a total annual amount of € 15'000 will be available for Diplomate research projects, either one project for the total sum or several projects up to that sum.

The deadline to submit research grant applications is 1st December.

To apply for a research grant, please refer to the Diplomate Research Grant guidelines. Applications are to be submitted via the Diplomate Research Grant application form.

Donations towards Research Grants: From 2025 onwards, ECVS members also have the possibility to make a voluntary contribution towards the ECVS Research Grants along with the payment of their membership fee. Any donation amount can be freely added to the membership fee (field 'Donation to Research Grant fund' in the Annual Renewal menu). These funds are exclusively allocated for use in research grants and will not be used in any other ECVS activities. Your donation will be indicated separately on your membership fee invoice.

EBVS

The EBVS European Board of Veterinary Specialisation is the umbrella organization for veterinary specialties within Europe. The EBVS represents 27 veterinary specialist colleges, representing over 38 distinct specialties. The ECVS is the largest of the EBVS colleges and was the first college to acquire full EBVS recognition status in 2000.

Certified Diplomates of an EBVS-reconised specialist college may use the EBVS European Veterinary Specialist title as approved for their specialism. Certified ECVS Diplomates can find further information in their 'your ECVS' area.

For further information check the EBVS website.

ECVS Awards

In support of the College's objective to recognise individual contributions to veterinary surgery, the ECVS Board of Regents has the possibility to make personal awards. The Distinguished Service Award can be given to ECVS Diplomates and ECVS staff, while the Outstanding Achievement Award can be given to all veterinary surgeons, scientists, and others who have made a major contribution to veterinary surgery or related matters are eligible for the award.

For further details about the available awards and procedures how to nominate an individual, please refer to article XIII of the Constitution, Book of Procedures, chapter 7.I. Awards for Diplomates and other Individuals Outside of the College and the SOP ECVS Awards.

Previous award recipients are listed on the History page.

Code of Conduct

The ECVS Code of Professional Conduct outlines our expectations of the professional standards of behaviour and clinical practice of our ECVS Diplomates. Our Diplomates are expected to behave with professional integrity and honesty and to be accountable for all aspects of their clinical practice and professional relationships with the teams they work with. 

ECVS Code of Conduct