Required qualifications

Veterinary surgeon registration

A person is eligible to be registered as a veterinary surgeon in Queensland if:

• the person is of good fame and character and
• is the holder of a recognised veterinary degree.

Demonstration of good standing is evidenced by certificates of good fame and character after graduation and thereafter by  certificates of good standing from the veterinary board where the individual was last registered.

The Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Inc (AVBC) determines which veterinary qualifications are recognised in Australia and New Zealand. Veterinarians holding these qualifications may register without further examination.

For individuals holding degrees from veterinary institutions outside the recognised list, successful completion of the Australasian Veterinary Examination (AVE) conducted by AVBC is required for registration to be granted. This comprehensive examination, including an occupational English test if necessary, evaluates the candidate's proficiency and ensures equivalence to graduates of Australian Veterinary Schools.

Veterinary specialist registration

A veterinarian is entitled to be registered as a veterinary specialist if the person satisfies the Board that:

1. they have expertise in a specific veterinary specialty
2. the special skill was gained through at least five years experience
3. they are the holder of a recognised qualification that relates to that specialty.

An assessment of the applicant’s specialist qualifications, training and experience must be undertaken by the AVBC’s Assessment Committee for the Registration of Veterinary Specialists (ACRVS) to determine eligibility for specialist registration.

The certifying bodies that set the standards acceptable for specialist registration are:

• The Australian College of Veterinary Scientists
• The American Board of Veterinary Specialties
• The European Board of Veterinary Specialisation
• The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons

The AVBC publishes a list of recognised specialist categories and the applicable qualifications.

Misrepresentation as a veterinary specialist without registration is an offence.

Overseas graduates with non-accredited qualifications

Overseas veterinarians with qualifications that are not accredited in Australia may apply for candidacy of the AVE conducted by the AVBC.

Approval for non–registered veterinarians to perform certain acts of veterinary science under direction

The Board may grant approval for non-registered veterinarians to perform certain acts of veterinary science under the direction of a registered veterinarian.

Consideration of approvals will be restricted to the following applicants:

Graduate veterinarians with overseas qualifications not recognised as entitling the holder to registration in Australia without further examination, provided:

1. the veterinarian has successfully completed the Preliminary Examination (MCQ) component of the NVE and have been formally accepted as a candidate for the Final Examination (Clinical); or
2. the veterinarian is undertaking practical training as part of a formal course of study leading to a further qualification that is recognised in Australia as entitling the holder to registration as a veterinary surgeon or veterinary specialist.