VetEd Approval

VetEd- External providers

Continuing professional development (CPD) providers can apply to have their CPD events advertised on the AVA Events and Education Calendar. 

The VetEd advertising approval system ensures approved external CPD events abide by AVA guidelines and policies in terms of ethics, promotion and conflict of interest. 

VetEd approval is annual and is on a calendar-year basis; applications will need to be submitted each year as there is no automatic renewal. 

VetEd approval includes: 

  • verification of CPD points offered for your CPD program by the AVA Education Team 
  • permission to use the AVA VetEd logo on your advertising materials 
  • submitted points will be added to AVA members’ CPD statements 

*Any marketing material submitted for inclusion on the AVA Education and Events page is subject to approval prior to publishing. AVA reserves the right to refuse material that is considered inappropriate or inconsistent with the original application approval. Please refer to the AVA’s Breeds with Exaggerated Features in Marketing and at AVA Events Policy and Procedure. 

Processing time is approximately 4-8 weeks from the date of receipt of the application. 

Programs cannot be reviewed or approved retrospectively and therefore it is recommended that providers apply at least 12-14 weeks in advance to ensure the review process can be completed and any potential issues addressed before the program starts. 

Once approved, the event will be listed on the AVA Events and Education Calendar.  

VetEd-approved activities or events can be repeated at different venues and/or on different dates, within the one-year approval period from the original approval date, provided the topic, presenter(s) and method of delivery remain the same and are submitted at the time of the original application.  

Fees current as at 1st December 2019. 

To ensure that certain minimum standards and adherence to AVA Policies are met, the AVA has guidelines for CPD providers who want their educational activities advertised on the AVA Education and Events Calendar.

All educational activities which are relevant to the scope of the veterinary profession and help to maintain and develop knowledge, technical skills or professional performance standards will be considered.

Applications for events which clash with the time of similar AVA events or are in competition with similar AVA events will not be approved.

The provider shall disclose any relationships there may exist with the speaker(s) that may cause potential conflicts of interest.

Each application must include:

  • a detailed program agenda outlining topic, speaker/presenter name and duration of each session (draft promotional materials e.g. event flyers, can be attached to your application if these include a detailed agenda)
  • clearly identified any hands-on practical sessions

The Education team may request more information if needed.

Presenters for educational topics should have a degree in veterinary science or relevant topic field, as well as have advanced expertise in the topic being addressed. Expertise may be based on further education/training, further qualifications, clinical experience or specialist knowledge of the subject.

An attendance list template will be provided by AVA upon approval. The Provider is responsible for filling in the template correctly and submitting it via email to the Education team (education@ava.com.au) within 2 weeks of completion of the program or as otherwise agreed with the AVA. For online programs that are continuously available, a monthly attendance report may be suitable, and frequency of reporting will be discussed with the provider at the time of approval.

All CPD providers must provide a Certificate of Attendance/Achievement to all registrants, including:

  • name of participant
  • name, method of delivery and date of CPD program
  • main speaker / presenter(s) name(s)
  • provider name

AVA VetEd logo and number of CPD points allocated.

CPD activities can be either structured or unstructured, and grouped into face-to-face or written/distance learning. Structured activities tend to be organised by a CPD provider, with a defined purpose and duration, e.g. conferences, courses or workshops.

Unstructured activities are less formally defined, e.g. reading a journal or mentoring. AVA members need to add these points to their own VetEd record.

For more examples of CPD activities by category, please refer to the CPD requirements – Australian Veterinary Association webpage.

Several state Veterinary Surgeons Boards are requiring additional information about the topic or learning area the CPD activity falls under. Below are the CPD Areas of Competence and their definitions. Please identify the most relevant Area of Competence for your CPD activity

The AVA CPD Tracker is the AVA’s easy to use, professionally recognised system for members to track and record their continuing professional development (CPD). You are able to submit your CPD activities including providing your reflection and print out a CPD statement through you member dashboard.

Note you should keep a personal file with any certificates of attendance, assessment results, personal development plans or other documents that serve as evidence of the CPD you have undertaken.

Questions?
Read our FAQ’s

The AVA has no involvement with the registration of vets in Australia. This is managed by the local Veterinary Surgeons Board, and the AVA does not exchange any details of our members CPD status with the veterinary boards.

CPD activities required to be undertaking on a consistent basis with state Veterinary Surgeons Boards reviewing records over a rolling 3-year period. Each state has slightly different requirements regarding the CPD requirements for registration. Several states have transitioned to a new reflective learning framework with or without specific CPD points or hours requirement. Please check with your state veterinary board for more information.

Most activities that aim to enhance your professional skills in a general work or veterinary context count towards your CPD, for example conference attendance or a course on time management. The VetEd points table provides examples of eligible activities, including the number of points per activity.

If you attend AVA or VetEd approved events, your points will be added to your CPD Tracker by the AVA Education team, as long as you have given the organisers your AVA member number. 

 

You can submit points to your own profile at any time through your member dashboard.

If you undertake a VetEd approved activity, the AVA Education team will add the points/activites to your CPD tracker, and the approval status will be noted on the statement. The AVA is unable to certify your attendance at non-VetEd approved activities, or points you have added yourself. 

External providers of CPD should issue certificates and we recommend that you keep copies of your attendance certificates at CPD events in case you are audited by your local board.

Auditing may be undertaken by your local Veterinary Surgeons Board if CPD is compulsory in your state or territory.

If you want to maintain your registration each year, then you will need to comply with your jurisdiction’s registration requirements.

Providers who wish to have their event VetEd approved can apply online. Information and guidelines for providers that want their activities recognised for VetEd points are available on the VetEd approval page.

External CPD providers must be Vet Ed approved prior to requesting paid advertising positions across AVA’s print &/or digital platforms (ie. the AVA website, eDMs, print publications). Approval for paid advertising is at the discretion of the AVA and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Paid advertising opportunities can be found in the