VTEC Level 4 Award (SQP–Companion Animal)

The VTEC Level 4 Award (SQP–Companion Animal) is aimed at individuals working in:

• Veterinary practices
• Approved SQP retailers supplying VPS medicines

The qualification develops the competencies required by the Veterinary Medicines Regulations, including:

• Understanding animal health, disease, and parasite control
• Identifying parasite infestations and selecting appropriate treatments
• Advising owners on safe use, handling, administration, and disposal of medicines
• Prescribing and supplying medicines within the companion animal category
• Maintaining a dispensary and supporting or training other staff

As an SQP, you become a regulated professional, which means:

• You carry legal responsibility for the medicines you prescribe and supply
• You must maintain your knowledge through Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and you are accountable for working within the scope of the companion animal category

You will study the following units:

• AMO1 - Legislation and Suitably Qualified Person (SQP) Status for the Supply of Veterinary Medicines
• AMO2 - Companion Animal Health for the Suitably Qualified Person (SQP)
• AMO3 - Prescribing and Supplying Veterinary Medicines for Companion Animals

If you are a Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs), proof of being on the RCVS register will allow you to RPL unit AMAC02 and the associated multiple-choice assessment.

The course will take approximately 6 months to complete. It must be completed within 12 months.

Learners must be 16 years or older to register for this qualification. There are no formal academic entry requirements, although basic literacy and numeracy skills are essential.

This programme is suitable for a wide range of learners — from RCVS Registered Veterinary Nurses to those with no prior veterinary qualifications who work in roles involving the prescribing or dispensing of POM‑VPS and NFA‑VPS medicines for companion animals.

While not mandatory, experience in a VMD‑registered premises, an RCVS‑registered veterinary practice, or a GPhC‑registered retail pharmacy can be helpful preparation for the final assessment.

The course is delivered via a blend of attended webinar, e-learning and directed study. You will be provided with one-to-one support from an experienced tutor.

Your knowledge and understanding will be assessed by:

• Online multiple-choice examinations (three papers in total) set and marked by Vetskill.
  • AMA01 – 30 minutes
  • AMAC02 – 30 minutes
  • AMAC03 - Scenario-based, multiple-choice-question assessment – 90 minutes

If you are a Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs), proof of being on the RCVS register will allow you to RPL unit AMAC02 and the associated multiple-choice assessment.

After passing the qualification, you’ll be added to the VetSkill and VMD SQP Register, which must be renewed each year. SQPs are required to complete 5 hours of CPD annually.

This course costs £599 +VAT, this includes:

• Registration fee
• First attempt at all 3 x MCQ exams
• Certification of the qualification

RVNS - £450 (RVNS are exempt from unit 2)

1. Career-focused courses with great employment prospects

We’ll help you get your career off to the best possible start. Our course completion and pass rates are consistently well above 90% and are often 100%. Many of our students also progress to higher qualifications.

2. Hands-on learning with qualified veterinary nurses

All our courses are taught by qualified veterinary nurses who are experienced tutors and who have current veterinary nursing practice. You’ll benefit from their insight and experience and they’ll support you throughout the course to help you prepare for your future career.

3. Personal support before, during and after your studies

Enrolling on a course with us will bring you new opportunities and challenges. We’re here to help you every step of the way. We can help you with your initial application and give you advice and support on careers, fees, funding and academic study.

4. Quality teaching and examination success

We use a wide range of teaching methods with a strong focus on individual and small-group learning. As a result, our course completion and pass rates are consistently high and are often at 100%.