KVD test and additional training for veterinarians

Assessment by the commission

The Commission for Foreign Animal Healthcare Graduates (CBGD) assesses an application for registration in the Register of Veterinary Medical Practitioners. There are three possible outcomes:

• Positive decision 'equivalent': your training is at the same level as the final level (master's level) of the Dutch veterinary training. You will be registered in the Register of Veterinary Medical Practitioners.
• Intended negative decision: 'not equivalent': your education is at least at the same level as the Dutch bachelor's level, but is not equal to the final level (master's level) of the Dutch education. You are eligible to take the KVD test to demonstrate your knowledge and skills at master's level.
• Intended negative decision 'not equivalent': Your education does not meet the Dutch bachelor's level. You must successfully complete the entire Dutch veterinary training course in order to register in the Register of Veterinary Medical Practitioners.

You will receive a message from us with the outcome. If you are eligible for the test, you will receive this information immediately.

Knowledge and skills test for veterinary physicians (KVD test)

The knowledge and skills Test (KVD test) is based on the 'Veterinary knowledge and insight test' and the skills test of the Dutch veterinary training. The KVD test provides insight into your knowledge and skills level. This information is additionally taken into account during a second assessment by the CBGD.

Practical information about the test

The test consists of an online knowledge test and an on-site skills test (at the University of Utrecht) and can be taken in English or Dutch. There are three testing periods per year. You will find more information about the KVD test and the registration method on the website of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. There are costs associated with participating in the test.

Don't want to take a test?

You can also choose not to take the test and submit your view on the intended negative decision. If you do not wish to take the test and do not wish to submit a view, you will receive the final negative decision from us. You can indicate your choice by email.

Second assessment by the commission

As soon as the results of the KVD test are known, your file will be submitted again to the commission for advice. The final decision will be made based on your file, supplemented with the information from the KVD test and/or your view (formal response with your opinion). There are then three possible outcomes:

• Decision 'equivalent': You will be registered in the Register of Veterinary Medical Practitioners.
• Decision 'not equivalent, additional training possible': You can participate in a tailor-made program. This program at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine lasts a maximum of 1 year and allows you to supplement missing knowledge and skills. The commission indicates the required content of this process. After a positive assessment by the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, you can submit a new application for registration.
• Decision 'not equivalent, additional training not possible: You cannot register and must successfully complete the entire Dutch veterinary training course. With the Dutch diploma you can register in the Register of Veterinary Medical Practitioners. Please contact the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Utrecht University.

If you are eligible for the additional training, you will receive more information about this in the decision.

Additional training

This additional training enables you to supplement missing knowledge and skills at master's level. You follow the training at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Utrecht and it lasts a maximum of 1 year. The commission indicates the required content of this process. There are costs associated with participating in the additional training.

The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine assesses the results of the additional training. If the assessment is positive, you can submit a new application in the Register of Veterinary Medical Practitioners. If you receive a negative assessment, you are unfortunately not eligible for registration in the Register of Veterinary Medical Practitioners. You must first successfully complete the entire Dutch veterinary training course.

Good to know: The University of Utrecht imposes language requirements for participation.

Do you disagree with the decision?

If you do not agree with the decision, you can object. More information can also be found on the Objections and applications page.