October 2003
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The European College of Veterinary Pathologists was established in 1995 to advance veterinary pathology and promote high standards within the specialty in Europe. Specialisation by members of the veterinary profession results in more competent service to the public and to institutions and increases the prestige and usefulness of the profession. The European College of Veterinary Pathologists represents an organised effort to establish criteria for training and experience to qualify as a specialist in veterinary pathology. The organisation encourages veterinarians entering veterinary pathology to acquire training and competence based on approved standards. Those who meet the standards of training and competence established by the College will be awarded a suitable certificate. A list of diplomates is maintained for guidance of institutions and the public.
OBJECTIVES
a. To further scientific progress in veterinary pathology ;
b. To establish standards of training, experience, and examination for qualification as a specialist in veterinary pathology ;
c. To further the recognition of such qualified specialists by suitable certification and other means.
DEFINITION AND MEMBERSHIP
Veterinary pathology is a discipline-oriented specialisation which focuses on the morphological recognition and functional interpretation of pathological conditions in animals, through analysis of the pathomorphological substrate in attempting to define specific pathological processes including aetiology and pathogenesis.
Membership includes veterinary pathologists with a wide variety of career pathways and employments such as in private pathology practice, general and specific diagnostic laboratories, academic and research institutes, and industry. A veterinarian who has satisfied the requirements as to character, training and experience and competence in veterinary pathology, including satisfactory completion of the certifying examination, is eligible for membership. Election of such candidates is accomplished by majority vote of the Council.
Any member who has retired from the practice or teaching of veterinary pathology may be designated an Emeritus Diplomate by the Council, at the member's request. Emeritus members shall be exempt from the payment of dues but shall have all the privileges of members, except the right to hold office.
A person who has contributed in an extraordinary manner to the advancement of veterinary pathology may be elected as an Honorary Member of the College. Election is by a majority vote of the Council, confirmed by a majority vote of the membership of the College. Honorary members shall have all the privileges of membership except the right to vote or hold office and shall not be required to pay dues.
APPLICATION FOR EXAMINATION
The examination of the European College of Veterinary Pathologists will be held in February of each year.
Application forms, available for 
PC and Macintosh (A4 page size 210x297mm) and from this Website, and from the Secretary, require the signature of a Diplomate of the College, who sponsors the candidate by certifying that training has been followed to permit sitting for the examination.
An application is valid for only one year except for repeat candidates (see "Results of the Examination")
Persons with disabilities should mention this with their application including medical confirmation.
The signing sponsor should be the person most responsible for the candidate's training. When this is not possible the applicant should provide an appropriate explanation to the Council. In cases where the supervisor of training is not a Diplomate of the ECVP, the signature of a Diplomate must be obtained to signify that the training has been reviewed for adequacy and is consistent with requirements of the College.
Completed application forms accompanied by proof of payment of the examination fee of 500 EURO must be received by the Secretary postmarked not later than August 1st preceding the year of examination.
Applicants for the ECVP examination from Eastern Europe can request subvention with respect to the application fee. Motivated requests should be send to the Secretary at least one month in advance of the definite application for the examination.
Eligibility to sit the examination is determined by the Council before October 1st; applicants are promptly notified as to acceptance. If the applicant's credentials are not accepted, or if candidates withdraw from the examination prior to December 1st, fees are refunded, except for a 10 percent processing charge. No refunds are made after this date, and no fees may be carried over to be applied toward an exam in a subsequent year.
An individual who has received an unfavorable ruling regarding qualifications to sit the examination may appeal against this decision. Such an appeal must be received in writing to the secretary within 30 days of the date of the letter informing the individual of the unfavorable decision.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF BOARD EXAMINATION
The following general prerequisites must be met to the satisfaction of the Council before any candidate is eligible to sit the Board Examination in veterinary pathology. An eligible candidate must :
a. have satisfactory standing in the profession ;
b. be qualified to practice veterinary medicine in Europe, or present evidence of veterinary education and training which, in the judgement of the Council of the European College of Veterinary Pathologists, is an equivalent qualification ;
c. have completed at least 3 years, subsequent to graduation from veterinary school, of supervised training in pathology acceptable to the Council. Acceptable supervised training is that directed by a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Pathologists and carried out in a programme that trains veterinary pathologists as one of its primary functions.
d. If either the supervisor is not a Diplomate or the programme does not train veterinary pathologists as one of its primary functions, then 5 years of training in pathology are required. One of these 5 years must be spent in training under the supervision of a Diplomate or in a programme that trains veterinary pathologists as one of its primary functions.
e. have published at least TWO original papers in internationally recognised journals in the field of veterinary pathology.
VETERINARY PATHOLOGY TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR DIPLOMATE STATUS
1. Definition: A Veterinary Pathology Training Programme allows graduate veterinarians to acquire in-depth knowledge of veterinary pathology and its supporting disciplines under the supervision and guidance of a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Pathologists (Residency), or in selected Alternative Training Programmes.
2. Objectives of a Veterinary Pathology Training Programme
A. To promote aptitude and proficiency in veterinary pathology.
B. To instruct graduate veterinarians in the science and practice of veterinary pathology and its supporting disciplines.
C. To provide graduate veterinarians with the opportunity to pursue career goals in teaching, research, or diagnostic practice.
D. To advance veterinary pathology through promotion of research and publications.
3. General Programme Description. To become eligible for the qualifying examination training can be obtained either through Residency Programmes or Alternative Programmes.
A: Pathology Residency Programmes ("Resident"): A Standard Residency Programme is supervised by Diplomates of the European College of Veterinary Pathologists
(i) Prerequisite: Prospective Residents should be qualified to practice veterinary medicine in Europe, or present evidence, which in the judgement of the Council of the European College of Veterinary Pathologists, is an equivalent qualification.
(ii) Diplomate supervision: A Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Pathologists must supervise the Residency Training Programme. This Diplomate shall be responsible for administration and continuity of the programme and the evaluation at regular (yearly) intervals of performance and progress of the resident. In approved cases (alternative training programme) other veterinary pathology specialists can act as supervisors.
(iii) Specific programme description: Pathology diagnostic service rotations facilitate development of knowledge, skill and proficiency through exposure with a wide variety of diseases and species with the guidance and collaboration of experienced specialists in clinical medicine and laboratory medicine.
(iv) Learning environment: The programme should emphasize basic understanding of disease mechanisms at a molecular, cellular, organ and whole animal level. The environment should provide the intellectual and physical facilities for the advancement of the science of veterinary pathology through structured discussion, research and publication.
Resident responsibilities: The degree of responsibility assumed by the resident shall be appropriate to the nature of the diagnostic procedure and training experience.
The resident shall be responsible for:
(i) Surgical pathology prosection and histopathology.
(ii) Carrying out necropsy prosection and histopathology.
(iii) Drafting written reports for review by residency supervisor(s).
(iv) Providing optimal diagnostic service and prompt professional communication.
(v) Acquiring and using skills in disease investigation and problem solving.
(vi) Preparing original work for publication.
B. Alternative Veterinary Pathology Training Programmes: This training programme is designed to allow veterinary graduates, employed outside a teaching institution, to receive the additional training needed to become eligible to take the Diplomate examination.
(i) Prerequisite: Prospective Alternative Trainee's should be qualified to practice veterinary medicine in Europe, or present evidence, which in the judgement of the Council of the European College of Veterinary Pathologists, is an equivalent qualification.
(ii) Candidates must spend, at least, a total of one year working in a residency training programme, as described under 3A.
(iii) Diplomate supervision: supervision by a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Pathologists is strongly encouraged, but also other veterinary pathology specialists may act as supervisors.
(iv) Specific programme description: Experience in gross pathology and histopathology, obtained by trainee's practical involvement and responsibility in diagnostic veterinary pathology and/or safety evaluation pathology, should be supplemented by a number of courses and periods of secondment to other institutions to broaden knowledge and prepare for the examination.
(v) Learning environment: The programme should emphasize basic understanding of disease mechanisms at a molecular, cellular, organ and whole animal level. The environment should provide the intellectual and physical facilities for the advancement of the science of veterinary pathology through structured discussion, research and publication.
Trainee's responsibilities: The degree of responsibility assumed by the trainee shall be appropriate to the nature of the diagnostic procedure and training experience.
The trainee shall be responsible for:
(i) Surgical pathology prosection and histopathology.
(ii) Carrying out necropsy prosection and histopathology.
(iii) Drafting written reports for review by supervisor(s).
(iv) Providing optimal diagnostic service and prompt professional communication.
(v) Acquiring and using skills in disease investigation and problem solving.
(vi) Preparing original work for publication.
C. Continuing education : National and international continuing education programmes, meetings and courses are essential additional learning sources. Suitable continuing education may include, for example, those programmes, meetings and courses organised by or under the auspices of:
CL Davis Foundation
European Society of Veterinary Pathology
American College of Veterinary Pathologists
(European) Toxicological Pathology Societies
D. Facilities, services and equipment required for training programmes preparing for ECVP Board Examination include:
(i) Medical Library: A library containing current textbooks and journals relating to veterinary pathology and its supporting disciplines must be accessible to the programme participant.
(ii) Pathological records: A complete pathological record must be maintained for each individual case and those records must be retrievable .
(iii) Pathology facilities:
a. Gross pathological examination room: The room(s) for gross pathological examination must be designed, constructed and maintained consistent with current concepts of equipment, safety and hygiene.
b. Laboratory: A pathology laboratory for preparing and staining cytological specimens and histopathology slides must be designed, constructed and maintained consistent with current concepts of equipment, safety and hygiene.
c. Microscopic examination room: The room(s) for microscopic examination must be equipped and maintained consistent with current concepts.
d. High quality facilities for gross photography and photomicrography are mandatory.
e. (Paraffin) blocks, microscopic slides and kodachromes/photographs must be archived and retrievable.
PREPARATION FOR THE EXAMINATION
The candidate's goal should be to acquire knowledge sufficient to assume responsibility for the broad spectrum of problems encountered by veterinary pathologists. The College believes training can be best accomplished in units (departments, institutions) where there are several Diplomates of the College and where a primary purpose is training in veterinary pathology. The College recognizes that training also occurs effectively in other settings but believes, in general, it may require more time. Periods of secondment to other institutions are necessary to broaden training and preparation for examination.
In addition to academic studies calculated to provide adequate insight into basic principles of pathology, the candidate must show examples of practical experience in performing his/her professional duties. These should include the application of all standard methods and procedures of pathology to any given case, with a view to demonstrating the nature of the disease process, or to making a diagnosis, or both. While the pathologist need not be a technician in the performance of laboratory procedures, thorough familiarity with the uses, limitations, and application of such tests and the ability to supervise their performance and interpretation are required.
The certificate of membership of the College is granted only after the applicant has completed a period of training and has demonstrated, by thorough formal examination, the ability to perform the duties and assume the responsibilities of a veterinary pathologist. The standards that must be met are no less strict than those for graduation from a veterinary school, and the study and training are no less arduous.
THE EXAMINATION
The examination is designed to test candidates' (a) understanding of the broad principles of pathology, (b) ability to practice competently veterinary pathology and (c) ability to synthesise data and observations in problem solving.
The format of the examination shall include five parts. Part 1, 2, 3, and 4 are taken by all candidates. In part 5 there is an element of choice.
1. General Pathology
This part of the examination tests the understanding of basic mechanisms of diseases including the principles of cell and molecular pathology.
2. Gross Pathology
Evaluation of a defined number of gross pathology specimens that may include fresh and fixed material, or colour transparencies. Required answers include a short description, a morphologic and an etiologic diagnosis, or appropriate differential diagnosis. The examination may include post mortem examinations.
3. Histopathology
Evaluation of a defined number of histopathology slides. Required answers include a complete description, a morphologic and an etiologic diagnosis, or appropriate differential diagnosis with suggestions for additional diagnostic procedures.
The histopathology part will include evaluation of electronmicroscopic pictures and cytology specimens (one or two of each).
Each of these three parts is assembled to achieve a balance between species, cell or organ system, disease process and type of question.
4. Comprehensive Pathology
This part of the examination tests the ability to approach and solve a problem in the field. Required are the creation of a hypothesis, the selection of data from a set provided, the evaluation, and the final diagnosis and synopsis.
5. Veterinary Pathology
The College recognises the variable career pathways and employment opportunities for veterinary pathologists and so the fifth part of the examination, on veterinary pathology, can be taken in several different options.
Candidates have to chose, in advance, one of the major items (A-C) and one of the minor items (a-g), which has not been chosen under major items:
Major items:
(A) Large and Small Domestic Animals
(B) Laboratory Animals and Toxicological Pathology
(C) Exotic animals, Poultry and Fish
Minor items:
a) small domestic animals (dog, cat)
b) large domestic animals (horse, pig, cattle, sheep, goat)
c) exotic animals (cage birds, zoo animals, wildlife)
d) poultry (industrially kept birds)
e) laboratory animals (mouse, rat, non-human primate, dog, rabbit, guinea pig and other species used for biomedical research and drug safety assessment)
f) toxicological pathology
g) fish
This part of the examination tests the competence of the candidate in diagnostic veterinary pathology in the chosen interest fields including the ability to critically read the associated literature.
Pass-fail lines for the examination are determined prior to the examination. For each part a grade of 60 percent or more is a passing mark.
ORGANISATION OF THE EXAMINATION
The examination will be held every year at one central location in Europe and will be taken in the English language.
WITHDRAWAL / ILLNESS
Withdrawal prior to the examination, or failure to appear for the examination will not constitute an attempt to sit all or any part(s) of the exam, but will count as one of the years for which repeat candidates are eligible to pass any previously failed part(s). A candidate's illness during preparation for, or during the actual examination, will not be considered a valid reason to waive the rules of the College. In the event a candidate starts, but is unable to complete the examination, results will be determined for all sections for which the candidate is scheduled, regardless of the number of sections completed.
RESULTS OF EXAMINATION
Candidates are required to satisfactorily complete all parts of the certification examination. Successful candidates are certified as a "Veterinary Pathologist". All certified persons are designated as Diplomates of the European College of Veterinary Pathologists (Dipl. E.C.V.P.).
A candidate who takes the examination and passes two, three or four parts, retains credit for the parts passed for the next four years, provided a mark of more than 30% has been attained in the failed parts. Two additional attempts to pass the failed parts are permitted within these four years. Candidates who wish to retake the part(s) failed must announce their intentions in a letter received by the Secretary, postmarked not later than August 1st of the year preceding the year in which they wish to retake the examination accompanied by a fee of 250 EURO.
Candidates who do not pass the failed parts within the four successive examinations as described above must reapply as new candidates and retake all parts (see "Application for Certification" section for date, fee and instructions. A new application form is required).
Candidates who attempt all parts of the examination and who fail four or five parts must reapply as new candidates and must retake all parts of the examination. All such candidates must submit a new application form (for date, fee and instructions see "Application for Examination" section).
A candidate who fails a certifying examination may request that the marks of the parts failed be re-totaled to verify the accuracy of the results reported. The verification process is not intended to evaluate the content or interpretation of the examination or candidate responses but to determine that the scores are correctly totaled. Such requests must be received in writing, accompanied by a fee of 100 EURO, within 30 days of the date of mailing of the results of the examination to the candidate.
SIGNIFICANCE OF CERTIFICATION
The European College of Veterinary Pathologists was established on September 28th 1995 in Edinburgh with the objectives of furthering progress in the science and practice of veterinary pathology and of establishing standards of training experience which merit recognition of qualified specialists in that field.
The candidates are accepted into the organisation on the basis of exacting professional requirements which fit him/her for a highly specialised service. The European College of Veterinary Pathologists realizes, too, that in identifying an individual as meeting these requirements it stakes its reputation on his/her conscientious rendering of such service and on the commitment of its Diplomates to their own Continuing Professional Development to maintain the College's high standards.
This page was last updated
July 20, 2009
