Tips for preparing for the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (MRCVS) exam

The Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (MRCVS) exam is a professional qualification required to practice as a clinical veterinarian in the United Kingdom. To prepare for the MRCVS exam, it is important to use a variety of resources and learning strategies to ensure that you have a thorough understanding of the material covered in the exam.

Here are some resources and learning strategies that may be helpful for preparing for the MRCVS exam:

1. Review the MRCVS exam syllabus: The MRCVS exam is divided into two parts comprising the written examination and a practical examination (Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). You can find the syllabus and guidance for each part of the exam on the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) website. Reviewing the syllabus will give you an idea of the topics and skills you will need to master to pass the exam. You might also find the Working in the UK online courses provided by the RCVS Academy quite useful to provide some answers to important things to know about relocating and working as a veterinary professional in the UK.
2. Use study guides, review materials and practice exams: There are several study guides and review materials available that can help you prepare for the MRCVS exam. Practice exams can also be a useful tool for helping you become familiar with the format and style of the MRCVS exam and help you get a sense of the types of questions that are likely to be covered on the MRCVS exam. You can find past exam questions through study guides, review materials or contacting the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and vet schools. Some of the online resources people have reported and used for the exam include Vet Swot and others including the Zuku reviews, and VetPrep subscription based resources. Although the ZukuReviews and VetPrep do not have MRCVS as a subscription option, the topics covered in the NAVLE resources offers good revision content and guide for the exam. The RCVS website has a list of approved study materials, including textbooks and online resources, that can help you prepare for the exam.
3. Practice test-taking strategies: It’s important to develop effective test-taking strategies to help you perform your best on the MRCVS exam. This may include reviewing the exam format, pacing yourself during the exam, and using practice questions to become familiar with the types of questions you will encounter.
4. Attend review courses: Review courses can provide an intensive, focused review of the material covered in the MRCVS exam. These courses often include lectures, practice questions, and mock exams and can be a helpful way to prepare for the exam. There are several review courses available in the UK that are specifically designed to prepare candidates for the MRCVS exam.
5. Seek guidance from experienced veterinarians: Working with experienced veterinarians or seeking guidance from mentors can be a helpful way to learn about the material covered in the MRCVS exam and to get practical tips for preparing for the exam.
6. Seek out clinical experience: In addition to studying the material covered on the MRCVS exam, it’s important to gain practical experience in a clinical setting. This can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed as a veterinarian. You can gain clinical experience by volunteering at a veterinary clinic or participating in an externship or internship program.
7. Take breaks and manage your time effectively: Studying for the MRCVS exam can be demanding, so it’s important to take breaks and manage your time effectively. Set realistic study goals and schedule regular breaks to help you stay focused and avoid burnout.

You can find further information about registering, eligibility criteria and declaring your intention to sit for the MRCVS statutory exam on the official RCVS website.

Overall, the best way to prepare for the MRCVS exam is to use a combination of study materials, practice exams, review courses, clinical experience, and effective time management. This will give you a thorough understanding of the material covered in the exams, increase your chances of success on the MRCVS exam and prepare you for a successful career as a clinical veterinarian in the UK.