The AVA Chartered Veterinary Practitioner™ (CVP) is an accreditation program offered by the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA), recognising veterinarians who have undertaken further education and training to become well-rounded general practitioners. This accreditation is currently available for small animal practitioners.
To prepare for AVA CVP accreditation, you will complete the AVA CVP Education Pathway (8 core courses) along with structured continuing professional development (CPD) in approved areas of interest.
The core courses must be completed within five years of enrolment. Relevant CPD activities completed up to five years prior to enrolment, as well as those completed within five years after enrolment, can be counted towards the program.
Explore the sections below to learn more about the AVA CVP Education Pathway courses, approved CPD options, and how to apply for and maintain your accreditation.
The AVA CVP program is designed to support:
- Career progression and professional recognition
- Improved clinical skills and evidence-based decision-making
- Greater job satisfaction and wellbeing
- Higher standards of veterinary care
- Public recognition of advanced skills.
To achieve CVP accreditation, you complete:
- 8 core online courses (AVA CVP Education Pathway)
- Structured Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in approved areas.
Courses are:
- Flexible and online
- Delivered in 6–8 week blocks
- Designed for practical, real-world application
- Supported by expert educators and peer interaction.
Each course:
- Runs over 6–8 weeks
- Requires approximately 6–8 hours of study per week
- Includes self-paced learning, live sessions, and assessments.
It is recommended you complete one course at a time to balance veterinary practice work and study commitments.
Each course is designed to combine self-paced online learning, scheduled live interactive sessions, and assessment activities, with an expected commitment of approximately 6–8 hours per week.
Course materials are released in advance to give you flexibility to plan your study around work and personal commitments. Dedicated catch-up and consolidation weeks are built into each course to support your progress.
Participation in scheduled sessions with your course educator and fellow participants is an essential part of the learning experience.
The program covers a mix of clinical and professional skills, including:
- Evidence-Based Veterinary Medicine in Clinical Practice
- Wellbeing Science for Veterinarians
- Small animal diagnostics
- Interpersonal skills for Veterinarians
- Small animal therapeutics
- Legal and ethical foundations for Veterinarians
- The Veterinarian’s Role in Society
- Small animal anaesthesia and emergency care.
Key features
Build on your experience
Apply your existing knowledge to new concepts, making learning relevant and immediately useful in practice.Peer learning
Learn alongside fellow veterinarians and gain insights from a wide range of clinical experiences.Expert facilitation
Modules are led by experienced educators who guide discussions and support deeper understanding of key topics.Optional deep dives
Explore selected topics in more detail through additional content tailored to your interests.Practical, case-based assessment
Apply evidence-based learning to real-world scenarios drawn from small animal general practice.Interactive online sessions
Participate in live Zoom sessions (up to 20 hours per course) to collaborate, discuss, and share knowledge.Supported learning environment
Access guidance, resources, and peer support to help you succeed throughout the course.
Outcome
By the end of the course, you will have gained both expert knowledge and practical insights that can be directly applied to improve patient care in your daily practice.
All AVA CVP online courses are designed using adult learning principles, ensuring content is relevant, engaging, and appropriately challenging. You’ll build on your existing knowledge while exploring new areas that enhance your clinical practice.
The program combines self-paced study with structured, cohort-based learning, supporting both flexibility and accountability. You’ll collaborate with peers from a wide range of backgrounds and experience levels, enriching discussion and broadening perspectives. Facilitated by subject matter experts, interactive sessions focus on real-world application.
How it works
Courses are delivered fully online via the AVA My Learning platform and follow a consistent format across the program. You’ll engage with bite-sized lecture content, participate in discussion forums, and attend scheduled Zoom sessions to explore topics in more depth.
Assessment requirements and key dates are provided upfront, allowing you to plan your study. Courses are completed as part of a cohort, supporting connection and collaboration throughout.
All required learning resources are included, and content is designed in short, manageable segments to help you balance study with work. You’ll also retain access to course materials after the delivery period.
Veterinarians registered to practice in Australia who are:
- seeking to advance their general practice training and skills
- aiming to enhance their professional credentials and job prospects
- committed to personal growth and career sustainability in the profession.
This course may be studied as a stand-alone CPD offering. Successful completion of this course may also be credited toward the AVA Chartered Veterinary Practitioner™ professional accreditation (terms and conditions apply).
- Membership of the Australian Veterinary Association and the respective Special Interest Group of the AVA
- Right to practice veterinary science within Australia
- English language proficiency.
In assessing applications, the AVA will also consider that applicants:
- hold a minimum of three years of practical experience in small animal practice
- have ongoing employment in or access to small animal veterinary practice for the duration of their study and accreditation
- will uphold the AVA Professional Code of Conduct
- and possess the ability to satisfy any additional entry requirements.
All fees are listed in Australian dollars (AUD) and include GST.
Fees are reviewed annually by the AVA.
My Learning
For current AVA CVP students:
Access your courses, programs and on-demand webinars here in AVA’s Learning Management System.