Frequently Asked Questions:
SAVC Registration Examination
[Prospective candidates are encouraged to read ALL the questions and answers.]
Q1: What can I do if I want to practice as a veterinarian or para-veterinarian while I prepare for the SAVC registration exam?
Contact the SAVC Registration Division in order to find out about authorisation to work. You will need a firm job offer, and your prospective employer will need to apply for authorisation.
Q2: When will the updated registration examination documents, including fees payable, be available on the SAVC website and when is the deadline for the examination applications?
The documents, including the fee are available annually by the end of February.
Q3: When is the deadline for examination applications and the payment of the application and examination fees?
31 May annually
Q4: How much will the examination fees be in 2024?
Admin fee: R604,00
Veterinarians, including admin fee: R40 015
Para-veterinary professionals, including admin fee: R19 976
Q5: Is it possible to make down payments of the examination fees?
No down payments will be accepted.
Q6: When will the examination be held in 2024?
| Computer Based Examination | |
| Thursday, 19 September 2024 and Friday, 20 September 2024 | Computer Based Examination (all professions except laboratory animal technologists) Venue for both days: Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Computer Lab |
| Practical Examination | |
Tuesday, 1 October 2024 and Wednesday, 2 October 2024 | Practical Examination – veterinarians Venue: Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort campus and Skills Lab |
Thursday, 3 October 2024 | Practical Examination – veterinary nurses, animal health technicians Venue: Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort campus – various venues |
| Friday, 4 October 2024 | Practical Examination – veterinary technologists Venue: Tshwane University of Technology |
| Monday, 14 October 2024 – Friday, 18 October 2024 | Practical Examination – veterinarians – Ovariohysterectomy Venue: Animal Anti-Cruelty League, Johannesburg |
| Veterinary candidates who successfully complete the Practical Examination will be required to perform an ovariohysterectomy by ventral midline incision | |
Q7: Is it compulsory to have application documents signed before a Commissioner of Oaths?
Yes. Application documents will not be accepted unless signed before a Commissioner of Oaths in SA or at the SA embassy abroad.
Q8: Is submission of copies of the original documents acceptable?
Copies of the original documents will be accepted for application purposes. Original documents must be presented on the first day of the Computer-Based Examination (CBE) before entry will be allowed into the examination room.
Q9: Which holders of veterinary qualifications are allowed entry into the registration examination without curriculum evaluation?
Contact the SAVC Education Division (edu.coordinator@savc.org.za) for more information.
Q10: Why should the curriculum of foreign veterinary or para-veterinary qualifications be supplied when the applicant is requested to do so?
In some cases, the SAVC will need to assess the foreign qualification in order to see that the curriculum content is comparable to the other qualifications that qualify for access to the SAVC registration examination.
Q11: When is the deadline for submission of veterinary or para-veterinary qualifications for evaluation?
The deadline for submission of veterinary or para-veterinary qualifications for evaluation is in December of the year before the candidate plans to sit the examination in order to allow time for the evaluation of the curriculum.
Q12: What proof of proficiency in English is accepted by the SAVC?
Proof of proficiency in English must be demonstrated by providing proof of the successful completion of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) (83/120) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)(6) to sit both the Computer- Based Examination (CBE) and to undertake the Practical Examination.
Q13: Will the requirement of successful completion of TOEFL/ IELTS be waived in any instances?
The requirement is waived for persons whose medium of instruction for their veterinary or para-veterinary training was in English and proof is furnished i.e. proof of English being the language of teaching at the institution of training.
Q14: What format does the examination take?
The examination consists of at least two parts:
a) a Computer-Based Examination (CBE) with multiple choice questions that takes place over two (2) days; and
b) a Practical Examination consisting of different examination panels.
In addition, the requirement to perform an ovariohysterectomy will be required from veterinarians after successful completion of the Practical Examination.
Q15: Will all candidates be allowed entry into the Practical Examination?
No, only candidates who passed the Computer Based Examination with the required pass mark will be allowed entry into the Practical Examination.
Q16: Will the results of the CBE be made available after the completion of the CBE?
Successful candidates will be informed after completion of the CBE that they will be allowed entry into the Practical Examination. Final detailed results will, however, only be made available, in writing, after Council has ratified all the examination results.
Q17: When will the schedule for the Practical Examination be available?
The schedule for the Practical Examination will only be supplied by the SAVC Administration in the week following the completion of the CBE.
Q18: Will protective gear for the Practical Examination be supplied?
No, each candidate is responsible for bringing his/her own protective gear.
Q19: Does the Council supply study material for the examination?
Council is not a training institution and therefore does not supply study material. Candidates may contact the relevant local training institutions after they have applied for the examination to obtain study notes at a fee.
Q20: Will an ancillary examination be offered?
Ancillary examinations are offered in the Practical Examination ONLY, to candidates who achieve an overall average of 50% for the Practical Examination, but failed ONE practical panel with marks between 40% – 44,9% for this panel.
An ancillary examination is, however, not offered for the ovariohysterectomy to be conducted after successful completion of the Practical Examination in the examination for veterinarians.
Q21: Does a candidate have to repeat the full examination if they fail one component of the examination?
Candidates who fail the Practical Examination, but pass the CBE, as per the stipulated rules, may re-take only the full practical examination at its following offering, on condition that the prescribed examination fee is paid and other entrance requirements are met.
Q22: When will the candidate be informed of his/her final results?
Final detailed results will be made available, in writing, after Council has ratified the results and approved the release thereof.
Q23: Will a candidate be allowed to appeal his/her results?
A candidate who wishes to appeal, should do so in writing within 7 days of receiving his/her results. Proof of payment of the SAVC administrative fee (see Q4) should accompany the appeal. The outcome of the appeal will serve at the next Education Committee meeting before the candidate is informed of the final outcome.
Q24: Are previous examination questions papers available?
There are no previous examination papers available as the examination is computer based. Candidates may contact the local training institutions to obtain study notes.
Q25: Will the applicant get the administration fee back when there is a request for a refund of the examination fee?
No, the administration fee is non-refundable.
Q26: Will the applicant get the examination fee back when there is a request for a refund of the examination fee?
No, the examination fee is non-refundable, but may be transferred once and only to the subsequent examination offering. Failure of a candidate to sit the examination without proper reason will result in forfeiture of the examination fee (proper reasons include sickness via a valid medical certificate or another properly motivated reason).
Q27: Will veterinary candidates who pass the Registration Examination be expected to complete Compulsory Community Service (CCS)?
In terms of regulation 2.1 of the Regulations relating to the performance of compulsory community service (CCS), Persons Who Shall Perform Compulsory Community Service, published in Government Gazette No. 39380, Notice NO. R. 1082, on 9 November 2015 compulsory community service shall be performed by every person registering for the first time as a veterinarian in terms of the Act and shall include a person who obtained his or her qualifications outside the Republic of South Africa, unless exempted in terms of these regulations.
Regulation 7 provides for the circumstances under which certain persons may be exempted from the performance of compulsory community service and reads as follows:
“The Minister may, after consultation with the Council, exempt persons who fall within the following categories from compulsory community service:
- Persons who obtained veterinary related post graduate qualifications outside the Republic of South Africa; or
- Persons who belong to para-veterinary professions.”
Training
Q1: Where can I find out more about the veterinary and para-veterinary professions?
You can refer to the SAVC website under each profession to read more about the various professions.
Q2: Where can I study to become a veterinarian or a veterinary nurse?
The Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria (Onderstepoort campus) is currently the only institution in South Africa offering training for veterinarians (BVSc) and veterinary nurses (BVetNurs).
Website: www.up.ac.za
Q3: Where can I study to become an animal health technician?
UNISA (Florida campus)(Diploma in Animal Health), North-West University (Mahikeng campus) (Diploma in Animal Health; BSc Agric (Animal Health) and Tsolo Agriculture and Rural Development Institute (TARDI) (Diploma in Animal Health) offer training for animal health technicians.
Websites: www.unisa.ac.za; www.nwu.ac.za; www.tardi.ac.za
Q4: Where can I study to become a veterinary technologist?
The Tshwane University of Technology offers training for veterinary technologists (BHSc in Veterinary Technology).
Website: www.tut.ac.za
Q5: Where can I study to become a veterinary physiotherapist?
The new para-veterinary profession of veterinary physiotherapist has been promulgated at the end of December 2017. Council is in the process of bringing persons on board following the promulgation of the profession. The BSc in Veterinary Physiotherapy (currently offered by Equine-Librium College) is accepted as a prescribed qualification (i.e. no registration examination required).
Website: www.equine-librium.co.za
NOTE: All other foreign or non-prescribed qualifications need to be evaluated to determine whether the holder of that qualification will be allowed entry into a registration examination determined by Council.
Q6: Are there any other veterinary qualifications accepted for automatic registration?
The following veterinary qualifications are currently accredited for automatic registration (i.e. no Council registration examination is needed) as the SAVC holds mutual recognitions agreements with the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council
(AVBC) and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS):
| AUSTRALASIAN VETERINARY BOARDS COUNCIL (AVBC) |
| Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc), University of Queensland, Australia |
| Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc), University of Melbourne, Australia |
| Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), University of Melbourne, Australia |
| Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc), University of Sydney, Australia |
| Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), University of Sydney, Australia |
| Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVMS), Murdoch University, Australia |
| Bachelor of Veterinary Bioscience (BVSc), University of Adelaide, Australia |
| Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), University of Adelaide, Australia |
| Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc), James Cook University, Australia |
| Bachelor of Veterinary Biology (BVBiol), Charles Sturt University, Australia |
| Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc), Charles Sturt University, Australia |
| Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc), Massey University, New Zealand |
| ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS (RCVS) |
| Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc), University of Bristol, UK |
| Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (VetMB), University of Cambridge, UK |
| Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc), University of Liverpool, UK |
| Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (BVetMed), Royal Veterinary College, London, UK |
| Bachelor veterinary Medicine (BVM), University of Nottingham, UK |
| Bachelor of Veterinary Surgery (BVS), University of Nottingham, UK |
| Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVM&S), University of Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVMS), University of Glasgow, Scotland |
* Note that this list will change due to ongoing evaluation of qualifications. Contact the SAVC Registration Division at registration2@savc.org.za for the latest information.
Finance
Q1: How much are the maintenance fees for this year?
Fees will be available under each profession by February annually.
Q2: When are the maintenance fees due?
Fees are due on 1 April annually unless otherwise indicated.
Q3: What reference should be used with maintenance fee payments?
Use your registration number and the invoice number or your surname and initials as a reference.
Q4: What is the SAVC’s banking details?
Absa, Hatfield branch, account no: 020 166 762, branch code 632005
Account for payments by students:
Standard Bank, Centurion branch, account number: 013 802 119, branch code: 051 001
Q5: When is the last day of payment for maintenance fees?
30 June annually unless otherwise indicated.
Q6: Where can I send proof of payment?
E-mail to finance@savc.org.za
Registration
Q1: When do I need to update my contact details with Council?
You are required by law to submit your contact details to Council. Please update any information as soon as it changes, as surface and e-mail correspondence regularly return to us as being undelivered. We are also often unable to reach members on the telephone and cell phone numbers as captured on our system.
Q2: What is the difference between the Registration and the Maintenance fee?
The Registration fee is a once-off payment to register you with the SAVC once you have qualified to register. The Maintenance fee is an annual fee payable to ensure that your registration with the SAVC is maintained. If you are removed from the register for non-payment of maintenance fees for any period, you will have to pay a re-registration fee.
Q3: As registered member, what do I get from Council in return for payment of my maintenance fee?
The benefit of paying maintenance fees cannot be translated into a personal benefit per se, but it must rather be translated into a benefit for the veterinary professions at large, and for the greater good of the country, its people and animals.
Q4: For how long is a Letter of Good Professional Standing valid?
A Letter of Good Professional Standing is valid for a period of three months from date of issue.
Q5: Must I register every year as a student?
No, you register once-off as a student and thereafter maintain registration as a student by paying the annual student maintenance fee.
Q6: What are the 2024 cut-off dates for applications for Authorisation?
| Registration and Authorisation Committee meetings | Cut-off date for submission of applications for Authorisation |
| 31 January 2024 | 10 January 2024 |
| 4 April 2024 | 8 March 2024 |
| 24 July 2024 | 28 June 2024 |
| 9 October 2024 | 13 September 2024 |
Legal
Q1: How do I go about lodging a complaint against a veterinarian?
The aggrieved client (who must have first-hand [personal] knowledge of the facts and who can attest to those facts) can lodge a complaint by submitting a completed complaint form, an affidavit containing the full facts relating to the complaint as well as the substantiating documents, if any. The complaint form and pro forma affidavit is available from the SAVC website (www.savc.org.za) or they can be sent by e-mail to the prospective complainant upon request. Alternatively any prima facie evidence will be investigated.
Q2: When does the Council investigate complaints?
The Council will investigate complaints once the following conditions are satisfied:
- The affidavit containing the facts in respect of the complaint is received.
- The affidavit is properly commissioned, i.e. every page of the affidavit is initialled by both the deponent (person making the affidavit) and the Commissioner of Oaths.
- The affidavit must be dated and signed in full where indicated by the deponent and the Commissioner of Oaths.
- The facts which gave rise to the complaint (event) should not have occurred more than a year ago, unless the delay can be fully motivated).
- The veterinarian’s account must be paid in full.
- The records relating to the matter were received from the respondent.
Q3: May a complaint be investigated when a criminal or civil case is pending?
The Council will postpone the investigation pending the outcome of a criminal or civil case.
Q4: Can a complaint of professional misconduct be investigated should the professional be acquitted in a criminal court or if no negligence or liability was found in a civil matter?
Yes, even if acquitted by a criminal court or if no negligence of liability was found in a civil matter, professional misconduct can be investigated and the professional can be found guilty of misconduct by an inquiry body.
Q5: Can an Inquiry Body award damages to a complainant or order the veterinarian to repay the account to the complainant, if a finding of professional misconduct is made?
No, the Council does not have the power (authority) to award damages to a complainant.
The Council may find that a veterinarian over-services a client and may make a ruling in that regard.
