Candidates will usually sit the Part 1 written examination after two years training when the candidate is in a full-time training post. Where candidates combine training with other duties, a longer training period is likely to be required.

The Part 1 exam is comprised of a general/mechanistic pathology (paper 1) and a species group (paper 2) option, which are:

a) small domestic animals: dog, cat

b) large domestic animals: farmed ruminants and either horse or pig option

c) laboratory animals: rabbit, rat, mouse, mini-pig, hamster, dog, non-human primate

d) birds: poultry, game birds, cage birds, wild birds

PAPER 1 - GENERAL/MECHANISTIC PATHOLOGY

This will cover the fundamental concepts and basic science underpinning veterinary pathology, including molecular biology.

PAPER 2 - SPECIES GROUP PATHOLOGY

This will cover candidates’ area of specialization.

From Autumn 2026, each paper will comprise 3 long answer questions (LAQs) and 9 short answer questions (SAQs) and each paper will last 3 hours.

Notes for candidates:

Candidates must pass both papers to be able to progress to Part 2.

LAQs/SAQs

These are designed to test factual knowledge and understanding across the range of the Curriculum. Each question comprises a stem and up to eight sub-questions. The stem defines the topic of the question and may include a short scenario or vignette. Each sub-question is designed to elicit a specific piece of information, or demonstration of understanding of the topic and its context. Unless stated otherwise, the answer required will relate specifically to the material provided in the stem and not to the topic in general.

Points to note:

• They are criterion-marked against an explicit model answer
• Marks are only awarded for information required by the question – no marks are available for additional material
• If a defined number of facts are requested (e.g. State two causes of…..), only that number of responses will be marked (e.g. Answer – correct cause, incorrect cause, correct cause, will only receive one out of two marks).
• SAQ sub-questions require responses of a single word or phrase. LAQ sub-questions will be answerable in a small number of sentences.
• Examiners will be looking for key concepts in these answers, and no marks will be awarded for extra information.
• The mark allocation for each sub-question will be stated in brackets in each instance.

In order to proceed to the Part 2 practical exam, candidates are required to pass a separate observed necropsy. Information on arranging the observed necropsy will be forwarded to candidates once they have received confirmation of entry. 

The Part 2 practical examination is a two day examination.  It comprises the study and analysis of specimens appropriate to the species group chosen and the writing of critical informative commentaries and reports.  The examination involves the conduct of a post-mortem examination, the study and analysis of appropriate fresh, fixed or photographic materials and histological specimens and typically will include the following:

• Histopathology: normally a maximum of 20 histopathological spots, which are usually tissue sections on glass slides and may include images, visual aids, including electron micrographs. Special stains and immunohistochemical stains may be used. Limited cytology and/or haematological spots may be included.  This examination will last 3 hours.
• Gross Specimen Recognition:  maximum of 10 fresh or fixed macroscopic specimens or images or a combination.  This examination will last 1 hour.
• Data Interpretation:  may include case histories, species group problems and clinical data; data from substance trials or studies (Lab. Animals candidates).   This examination will last 2 hours.
• Structured Oral examination:  topics will include species pathology, health and safety, laboratory management, Quality Assurance, Quality Control, animal use legislation, where appropriate, and image capture and use.  This examination will last no longer than 45 minutes.

Note: In the case of the large domestic animals examination the distribution of species material will normally reflect the option chosen; approximately one-third being of the option chosen with two-thirds devoted to ruminants.