Background

Back in July 2013, the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) announced plans to improve the quality and accessibility of training for Official Veterinarians (OVs) through the introduction of a modern, flexible approach, which reflects current business needs and changes to the veterinary sector.

The Official Controls Qualification (Veterinary) – otherwise known as OCQ(V) – was introduced and replaced the old OV Panels. Each OCQ(V) covers a different area of Official Veterinarian work, so, in order to act as an OV, vets must hold the relevant qualification(s).

In line with the Government’s ‘digital by default’ policy, training for the OCQ(V)s is provided online, with an online examination at the end of the course. The exception to this is the OCQ(V) - TT (Tuberculin Testing), which also includes a period of practical training, followed by a Practical Assessment.

Training provider

Improve International was appointed by APHA to manage the registration and training of OVs in England, Scotland and Wales.

About us

As one of the UK's fastest growing veterinary training companies, we are run by vets, for vets. Since 1998 we have been delivering quality continuous professional development (CPD) and a range of Postgraduate Certificate (PgC) programmes in partnership with the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS) and Harper Adams University (HAU).

We are pioneers of modular CPD and 'blended training', which mixes face-to-face and practical training with online study. We use world class speakers and have an alumni that includes thousands of vets. Our aim is to help develop veterinary careers and improve practice performance through setting high standards in veterinary learning.

Founded in the UK and based in state-of-the-art facilities near Swindon, we operate in more than 20 countries worldwide.

If you would like to find out more about Improve International, visit www.improveinternational.com.