CVS launches Level 4 Award for Animal Medicines Advisors
8 August 2025
CVS Group is launching the VetSkill Level 4 Award for Animal Medicines Advisors (SQP – Companion Animal) this July.
The new accredited Level 4 Award for Animal Medicines Advisors (SQP – Companion Animal) is designed to provide learners with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the supply of veterinary medicines in the retail or veterinary environments.
It is suitable for colleagues who work in organisations such as veterinary practice, pharmacies supplying veterinary medicines and pet shops. Any registered veterinary nurse, patient care assistant, receptionist or practice administrator working with companion animals in the UK is eligible to apply[i].
Upon completion, the qualification will enable colleagues to responsibly supply and prescribe veterinary medicines under the legal categories POM-VPS[ii] and NFA-VPS[iii]. Colleagues will also be automatically listed on the VetSkill Register of Suitably Qualified Persons (SQPs), as a companion animal SQP (C-SQP).
The modules for the Level 4 course will cover three areas[iv]; legislation and SQP status for the supply of veterinary medicines; companion animal health for the SQP; and a practical unit for demonstrating the ability to prescribe and supplying veterinary medicines for companion animals. RVN’s will be exempt to complete one of the units so can complete the qualification in a shorter duration.
Available throughout the UK, CVS’ Level 4 Award for Animal Medicines Advisors (SQP – Companion Animal) will be taught online. Colleagues can enrol on the course at any time and the duration of completion is approximately six months[v]. Enrolment can be made through CVS’ Chester Veterinary Training Centre (CVTC) and units are facilitated by experienced RVN tutors who hold the SQP qualification. There is one assessment per unit with exam dates set periodically throughout the year.
Jacqueline Evans, Head of CVS Group’s Chester Veterinary Training Centre, said:
“We are excited to now offer this qualification which will complement the courses already offered by CVTC and provide learners with more accredited course opportunities.”
Established in 2009, CVS’ Chester Veterinary Training Centre is an approved training provider with the ESFA, RCVS and VetSkill. It specialises in training Student Nurses (SVNs) and Patient Care Assistants and offers apprenticeships in the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing and the Level 2 Certificate in Veterinary Care Support, along with the Level 5 Advanced Veterinary Nursing (Practice Nurse and ECC) and OSCE Practical Revision Days. These courses are in addition to the extensive internal nursing CPD which is offered to all CVS nurses.
The Centre has been categorised as a good provider by OFSTED, following a full inspection conducted in November 2022. The facility has also recently been ranked Excellent by its employers as an apprentice provider on the government apprentice service.
CVS Group’s VetSkill Level 4 Award for Animal Medicines Advisors is now open to students. To apply colleagues should visit the CVTC website to complete an application form or email the centre via cvtc@cvsvets.com The course costs £595 + VAT, including registration and all first-time assessment attempts[vi].
[i] Colleagues must be; at least 16yrs of age, employed or work experience within a Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), registered premises (Veterinary practices, retail pharmacy registered with the GPhC); and able to commit to the learning.
[ii] Prescription Only Medicine - Veterinarian, Pharmacist, Suitably Qualified Person
[iii] Non-food animal – Veterinarian, Pharmacist, Suitably Qualified Person
[iv] Registered Veterinary Nurses will only need to complete units AMA01 and AMACO3
[v] 3-4 months for RVNs
[vi] £400 for RVN’s completing 2 x units