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 is comprised of two written papers, covering general/mechanistic pathology (paper 1) and species group pathology (paper 2). The species groups 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

e)      fish: wild and farmed.

PAPER 1 - GENERAL/MECHANISTIC PATHOLOGY

Section 1 - Essay Questions

• 3 essay questions to be answered.
• Marked out of a total of 60 marks (20 for each question).

Section 2 - Short Notes Questions

• 3 questions to be answered.
• Marked out of a total of 30 marks (10 for each question)

PAPER 2 - SPECIES GROUP PATHOLOGY

Section 1 - Essay Questions

• 3 essay questions to be answered. 
• Marked out of a total of 60 marks (20 for each question)

Section 2 - Short Notes Questions.

• 3 questions to be answered. 
• Marked out of a total of 30 marks (10 for each question)

Notes for candidates:

Candidates should ensure that their essay question answers are of length that allows them adequate time to answer all parts of the Written Examination e.g. 35 - 40 minutes for essays and 15-18 minutes for Short Notes questions.  Candidate responses that do not include answers to Section 2 of either Paper 1 or 2 will be judged as fails of the whole Paper in either case. Candidates are expected to pass both papers to be able to progress to Part 2.

Candidates should note that the Short Notes Questions in both Papers 1 and 2 may be subdivided into three and these parts may cover the same or different topics.

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.