Revalidation overview
There is no longer a requirement to upload evidence of additional CPD as part of the revalidation process. The CPD gained from revalidating can still contribute to your RCVS requirement. |
What is revalidation and why is it important?
Revalidation encourages OVs to update and refresh their knowledge on a regular basis, in order to keep up with legislation and procedures that are constantly changing.
It is important that OVs are satisfied that their knowledge is up to date when they carry out an official function, in order to:
- Meet UK standards. Having up-to-date knowledge provides an assurance that OVs are trained to complete work to the highest standards on behalf of the UK Government.
- Meet international standards. Revalidation supports international trade by enabling other countries to maintain confidence in the quality of UK exports.
- Increase confidence in their own skills. Revalidation intends to demonstrate to OVs that in a pressurised situation they are qualified for and capable of carrying out responsible work.
The revalidation process
Click the buttons below for more detail about each part of the revalidation process. Alternatively, click on the links in the table below for further information about individual revalidation courses.
What happens if a revalidation deadline is missed?
If you are intending to revalidate your qualification, you need to ensure that you have enough time to complete all of the requirements before the deadline. If you do not complete revalidation within the permitted timeframe, your status will be automatically suspended. You will be informed by email from APHA and you will not be allowed to use the OCQ(V). While suspended, you can still complete the revalidation course within six months of the missed deadline. If you do not complete revalidation within six months after your revalidation due date, your status will be expired, and you will have to enrol on and complete the full OCQ(V) if you wish to regain your authorisation.
If you wish to appeal being expired, you should contact APHA, as the final decision rests with them. If you are aware of any exceptional or mitigating circumstances it is worth contacting both Improve International and APHA as soon as possible to avoid the necessity to retrain.
Revalidation intervals and requirements
Click on the links in the table below for further information about individual revalidation courses.
Revalidation course |
Frequency of revalidation | Number of scenario/certification exercises required | Audit/Peer Review required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESr (Essential Skills revalidation)* | Four years* | None | No |
| EXr (Exports General revalidation)* | Four years* | None unless this is the only export qualification held | No |
| CAr (Companion Animals revalidation) | Four years | Three | No |
| AXr (Avian Exports revalidation) | Four years | Three | No |
| EQr (Equine Exports revalidation) | Four years | Three | No |
| FAr (Farm Animal Exports revalidation) | Four years | Three | No |
| GXr (Germinal Products Exports revalidation) | Four years | Three | No |
| PXr (Product Exports revalidation) | Four years | Three | No |
| SSr (Statutory Surveillance revalidation) | Four years | Three | No |
| SXr (Small Animal Exports revalidation) | Four years | Three | No |
| TTr (Tuberculin Testing revalidation) | Four years | Three minimum | Yes |
| UXr (Ungulate Exports revalidation) | Four years | Three | No |
* There is no longer a requirement to revalidate ES and EX as separate courses (except when ES or ES/EX are the only qualifications held). Instead, the revalidation of these qualifications is now included in the revalidation courses for which they are prerequisites.
Counts of OVs Authorised by APHA in GB
APHA's OV Instructions have moved and are now hosted by Improve International. They can be accessed using the links below:
START A NEW OCQ(V)
REVALIDATE
ONLINE LEARNING SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE
Registered users: