Qualifications in Veterinary Medicine that are not Recognised
Persons who hold qualifications in veterinary medicine that are not recognised by the Veterinary Council are not entitled to be registered or to practise veterinary medicine in Ireland.
Persons who hold a primary qualification in veterinary medicine that is not recognised may, under Section 44 of the Veterinary Practice Act 2005, as amended (“the Act”), apply to have their qualification assessed by the Council, subject to a fee payable, to determine if they can be deemed eligible for registration.
Upon the assessment of a qualification the Council may determine that a qualification shall be recognised or not recognised for the purpose of registration in Ireland. Upon assessment of a qualification the Council may determine that an applicant must sit and pass the Veterinary Council’s registration examination in order to be deemed eligible for registration.
To apply to have your qualification assessed for the purpose of registration under Section 44 of the Act, please contact the office team by email to education@vci.ie. Pursuant to the Veterinary Council of Ireland (Fees) Regulations 2022, the fee payable for an application for the assessment of a veterinary medicine qualification made under Section 44 of the Act is €500.
The Veterinary Council of Ireland Schedule of Fees can be viewed here.
Qualifications in Veterinary Nursing that are not Recognised
Persons who hold qualifications in veterinary nursing that are not recognised by the Veterinary Council are not entitled to be registered or to practise veterinary nursing in Ireland.
Persons who hold a primary qualification in veterinary nursing that is not recognised may, under Section 96A of the Veterinary Practice Act 2005, as amended (“the Act”), apply to have their qualification assessed by the Council to determine if they can be deemed eligible for registration.
Upon the assessment of a qualification the Council may determine that a person is eligible or ineligible for registration. Upon assessment of a qualification the Council may determine that an applicant must sit and pass the Veterinary Council’s registration examination in order to be deemed eligible for registration.
To apply to have your qualification assessed for the purpose of registration under Section 96A of the Act, please contact the office team by email to education@vci.ie.
Pursuant to the Veterinary Council of Ireland (Fees) Regulations 2022, the fee payable for an application for the assessment of a veterinary nursing qualification made under Section 96A of the Act is €150.
The Veterinary Council of Ireland Schedule of Fees can be viewed here.
Veterinary Council of Ireland Registration Examination for Veterinary Practitioners and Veterinary Nurses
Veterinary practitioners and veterinary nurses with qualifications not automatically recognised by the Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI) may be required to sit a Registration Examination. This exam assesses whether their education and training meet the standards necessary for registration on the VCI Register of Veterinary Practitioners, or Veterinary Nurses allowing them to practise in Ireland.
The Registration Examination consists of two parts:
- Part 1: Written assessment.
- Part 2: Practical assessment (only accessible after passing Part 1).
Candidates can only sit the exam if they have received an invitation from the Council, following an assessment of their qualification under Section 44 or Section 96A of the Veterinary Practice Act 2005, as amended. The exam is held once a year, and there is a fee to sit both parts.
The next Registration Examination for veterinary practitioners is scheduled for Spring 2025. The Registration Examination for veterinary nurses in 2025 is not yet confirmed. Candidates who have been invited by the Council to sit an exam should contact the VCI at education@vci.ie for application details, further information, exam dates, and preparatory resources.