NVQs in veterinary nursing are currently being phased out, so no new students may register for this qualification. The certification end date for completion of Level 2 NVQ was 31 July 2012 and for Level 3 is 31 July 2013.
NVQs are nationally recognised qualifications that are based on National Occupational Standards. They are practical awards that focus on day to day abilities and achievements rather than academic ability.
Occupational standards are developed by sector skills councils (in the case of veterinary nursing this is Lantra) in conjunction with a cross section of people working within each industry, including employers and (where relevant) regulatory bodies such as the RCVS. Occupational standards set out the skills, knowledge and attitudes a candidate needs in order to demonstrate that they are competent in a given area of work.
In addition to work-based assessments, students are also required to take the RCVS Certificates in Veterinary Nursing Theory awards at levels 2 and 3.