Gain confidence in your management of exotic presentations with this comprehensive CPD program.
Exotic pets often fill veterinary surgeons with dread when they come through the consult room door. This program will assist you in consolidating your knowledge of exotic medicine and surgery and help you develop an informed clinical approach to exotic patients.
This program provides up-to-date knowledge across a range of different zoological and exotic species*. Covering everything from the initial examination and diagnostic sample collection, to anaesthesia, diagnostic imaging and treatment of common and more complex diseases, this program provides a logical approach to even the most complex cases.
Please note you will be joining a global program run out of the United Kingdom, giving you the opportunity to network with peers from around the world.
* Please read the module learning objectives below for full details on the species covered as these predominantly focus on European/Northern hemisphere species, not Australian/tropical species.
This program is accredited with the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS) meaning you can work toward a globally-recognised qualification while you study:
General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert)
By attending the full online structured program and following successful completion of the ISVPS assessments, you will be awarded the General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert).
Please note that ISVPS registration and examination fees are not included in the course fees.
Once you are enrolled in your Improve Veterinary Education learning program, you will have the option to register with ISVPS for the GPCert. For all enquiries about ISVPS requirements, contact [email protected].
Access a FREE taster module and get the latest program updates.
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July 2026
Module Speaker:
Prof. Simon Girling BVMS (Hons) DZooMed DipECZM(ZHM) EurProBiol CBiol FRSB FRCVS
Key learning objectives:
September 2026
Module Speaker:
Prof. Simon Girling BVMS (Hons) DZooMed DipECZM(ZHM) EurProBiol CBiol FRSB FRCVS
Key learning objectives:
October 2026
Module Speaker:
Prof. Simon Girling BVMS (Hons) DZooMed DipECZM(ZHM) EurProBiol CBiol FRSB FRCVS
Key learning objectives:
November 2026
Module Speaker:
Charly Pignon DVM, Dipl. ECZM
Key learning objectives:
January 2027
Module Speaker:
Prof. Stephen Divers BVetMed DZooMed DECZM(Herp) DECZM(ZHM) DACZM FRCVS
Key learning objectives:
February 2027
Module Speaker:
Prof. Simon Girling BVMS (Hons) DZooMed DipECZM(ZHM) EurProBiol CBiol FRSB FRCVS
Key learning objectives:
March 2027
Module Speaker:
Richard A. Saunders BSc (Hons) BVSc FRSB CBiol DZooMed (Mammalian) DipECZM(ZHM) MRCVS RCVS Specialist in Zoo and Wildlife Medicine (Mammalian) European Specialist in Zoological Medicine (ZHM)
Key learning objectives:
April 2027
Module Speaker:
Richard A. Saunders BSc (Hons) BVSc FRSB CBiol DZooMed (Mammalian) DipECZM(ZHM) MRCVS RCVS Specialist in Zoo and Wildlife Medicine (Mammalian) European Specialist in Zoological Medicine (ZHM)
Key learning objectives:
May 2027
Module Speaker:
Prof. Simon Girling BVMS (Hons) DZooMed DipECZM(ZHM) EurProBiol CBiol FRSB FRCVS
Key learning objectives:
June 2027
Module Speaker:
Prof. Simon Girling BVMS (Hons) DZooMed DipECZM(ZHM) EurProBiol CBiol FRSB FRCVS
Key learning objectives:
July 2027
Module Speaker:
Prof. Simon Girling BVMS (Hons) DZooMed DipECZM(ZHM) EurProBiol CBiol FRSB FRCVS
Key learning objectives:
September 2027
Module Speaker:
Prof. Simon Girling BVMS (Hons) DZooMed DipECZM(ZHM) EurProBiol CBiol FRSB FRCVS
Key learning objectives:
October 2027
Module Speaker:
Prof. Simon Girling BVMS (Hons) DZooMed DipECZM(ZHM) EurProBiol CBiol FRSB FRCVS
Key learning objectives:
November 2027
Module Speaker:
Prof. Simon Girling BVMS (Hons) DZooMed DipECZM(ZHM) EurProBiol CBiol FRSB FRCVS
Key learning objectives:
Full Payment Upfront: Total payable AU$12,500 inc GST
ISVPS registration & examination fees are not included in this price.
AU $2,000 initial deposit will secure your place. The full balance of fees ($10,500) must be paid prior to the program start date (no program access will be granted until full payment is received).
All prices are inclusive of compulsory 10% GST.
ISVPS registration & examination fees are not included in this price.
Terms and Conditions apply to all bookings.
Please find the terms and conditions here.
All applicants must:
Please note: It is each delegate’s responsibility to ensure you meet the program entry criteria.
You can enrol directly via the Improve Veterinary Education website. The Team will invoice you for the program and once agreed fees are paid, you will be able to join the program. You can reach out to the Team at [email protected] if you have any questions on how to do this.
You will spend on average 3-4 hours per week, working through the supplied online content and materials at your own pace. Some candidates spend significantly more, if they are engaging on the forums and reading and researching additional content.
In working towards the General Practitioner (GPCert) qualification for the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS), additional time will be required for assessments.
The full OL program must be completed within 12 months of the final module being delivered. For example, in a two-year program, you will have 3 years of access in total.
Candidates for the ISVPS Certifications are able to complete their assessment requirements and sit for the qualifications for a set time, after program completion with Improve Veterinary Education. Contact ISVPS directly for these guidelines on [email protected].
The Online Learning Programs are designed to be worked through at your own pace and time. For each program module, a specialist is available to answer questions on the discussion board.
The specialist is available for the month their module runs and this interaction is one of the most valuable parts of the program. You are strongly encouraged to participate if possible and ask questions, even if you have not fully completed the module, to take advantage of the ‘live’ board.
All the discussion boards Q&A are available to review after the module is complete and for the length of the program. Candidates are also encouraged to discuss cases and ask their colleagues questions on earlier modules, if they have not had the opportunity to ask the specialist.
Any deferral requests are considered on a case by case basis by the Improve Veterinary Education Team administering the Program. If deferral is agreed, it will include additional administration fees and charges. Specific modules of the program can not be deferred.
Yes, we do accept limited late admissions (subject to availability). If you join late, you will be required to catch up on the module content that you have missed. Please be aware that although discussion forums can be access after the module is finished, the Specialist Tutors are only available for questions during the month their module is being delivered.
The GPCert is a middle-tier postgraduate qualification awarded to veterinary surgeons who successfully complete a dedicated modular training program accredited by International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS) and sit the associated ISVPS assessments, including online examinations.
Only registered veterinary surgeons who have been qualified for a minimum of one year can apply to undertake a General Practitioner Certificate.
To find out more about the ISVPS assessments please contact the team at [email protected] or visit the ISVPS website for more detail www.isvps.org.
Yes. Location of study does not affect/change this global program. We can accept delegates across Australia, New Zealand & the Pacific region, and you will join the same global program. Additionally, all program content is pre-recorded so can be viewed at any time of day (i.e. time zone differences will not impact your access to content).
Registration is made directly to ISVPS for the GPCert once you are enrolled in the Online Learning Program. You will be provided with contact details allowing you to complete their registration forms and pay additional fees as required.
ISVPS registration fees are NOT included in the program fee. GPCert registration are fees payable are made directly to ISVPS – you will be provided with contact details allowing you to complete their registration form.