FAQs for SQPs
Below is a list of the most common FAQs for SQPs. If you have a question not answered here then please let us know via the Contact Page. We will answer your question and add it here if we think others may be wondering about the same thing.
SQP stands for Suitably Qualified Person. SQPs are legally registered animal medicines advisors qualified to prescribe and supply veterinary medicines classified POM-VPS and NFA-VPS: The S in VPS stands for SQP.
SQPs must sit on a register such as the Vetpol register to prescribe or supply. The Q in SQP refers to the qualification SQPs are obliged to pass before they can go on to this register.
SQPs are Registered Qualified Persons (RQPs) in the veterinary medicines regulations. RQP is a commonly understood term in healthcare. Just like doctors and dentists, vets, pharmacists and SQPs are all RQPs.
Vetpol SQP training is specifically designed to be suitable to equip SQPs for the POM-VPS and NFA-VPS medicines they supply or prescribe and to give general advice on animal health and welfare.
SQPs must sit on a register such as the Vetpol register to prescribe or supply. The Q in SQP refers to the qualification SQPs are obliged to pass before they can go on to this register.
SQPs are Registered Qualified Persons (RQPs) in the veterinary medicines regulations. RQP is a commonly understood term in healthcare. Just like doctors and dentists, vets, pharmacists and SQPs are all RQPs.
Vetpol SQP training is specifically designed to be suitable to equip SQPs for the POM-VPS and NFA-VPS medicines they supply or prescribe and to give general advice on animal health and welfare.
What’s in a name? The legal title of Suitably Qualified Person is recognised in statute and unlikely to change, so you will see the legal title of SQP used throughout our website.
Some SQPs use the job title of RAMA (Registered Animal Medicines Advisor) and they are free to do so if they wish.
Some SQPs use the job title of RAMA (Registered Animal Medicines Advisor) and they are free to do so if they wish.
Some SQPs like to call themselves registered animal medicines advisors (RAMA). This is a job title. Because the name registered animal medicines advisor is not a protected title, any SQP who wishes to use the name is not breaking any law, although other people may also use it.
The legal title for people able to supply and prescribe NFA-VPS and POM-VPS medicines in the veterinary medicines regulations is Suitably Qualified Person (SQP). The Q in SQP refers to the approved qualification required to supply or prescribe from a registered premises. The S in SQP refers to the S in NFA-VPS and POM-VPS. This legal classification appears on all the pack literature for these products.
Vetpol uses the legally recognised title of SQP.
The legal title for people able to supply and prescribe NFA-VPS and POM-VPS medicines in the veterinary medicines regulations is Suitably Qualified Person (SQP). The Q in SQP refers to the approved qualification required to supply or prescribe from a registered premises. The S in SQP refers to the S in NFA-VPS and POM-VPS. This legal classification appears on all the pack literature for these products.
Vetpol uses the legally recognised title of SQP.
You will find the information you need on our What is a SQP? page
To become a SQP you have to undertake training in veterinary medicines and become qualified. Vetpol offers online training courses leading to a Level 4 SQP qualification, via our Awarding Body LANTRA.
Once qualified, SQPs have to be registered with a regulatory body and commit to a Code of Practice in order to work as a SQP. Vetpol is a regulatory body for SQPs and runs a register.
Once qualified, SQPs have to be registered with a regulatory body and commit to a Code of Practice in order to work as a SQP. Vetpol is a regulatory body for SQPs and runs a register.
To train as a SQP one needs to complete a course accredited by a SQP regulator, such as Vetpol.
Vetpol offers online courses which allow students to study wherever they are; dipping in and dipping out according to their schedule/lifestyle and we have a 93.7% student satisfaction rating. Of course we think the best way to train is to choose Vetpol!
Vetpol offers online courses which allow students to study wherever they are; dipping in and dipping out according to their schedule/lifestyle and we have a 93.7% student satisfaction rating. Of course we think the best way to train is to choose Vetpol!
Vetpol courses are online and offer flexibility, depending on the time you have available for study. From the date of purchase students have up to 2 years in which to complete their course but the majority move from start of study to qualification in just 3-6 months.
Vetpol offers the fastest turnaround of any regulator, from start of training to qualified and working as an SQP!
Vetpol offers the fastest turnaround of any regulator, from start of training to qualified and working as an SQP!
Qualifying as a SQP allows you to dispense and supply certain categories of medicine.
However, if you simply want to learn more about veterinary medicines in order to further your understanding, we recommend the short Safe Use of Veterinary Medicines course developed by Vetpol and offered by LANTRA.
If you require more in-depth knowledge of veterinary pharmacy, then Vetpol offers a Veterinary Pharmacy Manager course which takes around 15 hours to complete and has a multiple choice exam paper at the end. On passing the exam you will be issued with a certificate.
However, if you simply want to learn more about veterinary medicines in order to further your understanding, we recommend the short Safe Use of Veterinary Medicines course developed by Vetpol and offered by LANTRA.
If you require more in-depth knowledge of veterinary pharmacy, then Vetpol offers a Veterinary Pharmacy Manager course which takes around 15 hours to complete and has a multiple choice exam paper at the end. On passing the exam you will be issued with a certificate.
The benefits of being a SQP are manifold but the main ones are:
1. Increasing numbers of veterinary medicines are being re-classified so that they can be supplied by SQPs. This is good news for owners and their animals as it increases availability and access to effective products. For businesses employing SQPs this makes good business sense too.
2. Numbers of SQPs are growing in line with the availability and demand for VPS medicines, so becoming a SQP is a good career move and opens up more job opportunities.
3. SQPs are at the forefront of animal welfare, trained to discuss not just medicines but general health and care. If you are passionate about animal welfare, being a SQP puts you in a position where you can make a positive difference to animal welfare and where you can add value to the business you work for by giving professional advice to owners.
4. If you are an employer, offering SQP training to your team members can have a positive impact on staff retention.
1. Increasing numbers of veterinary medicines are being re-classified so that they can be supplied by SQPs. This is good news for owners and their animals as it increases availability and access to effective products. For businesses employing SQPs this makes good business sense too.
2. Numbers of SQPs are growing in line with the availability and demand for VPS medicines, so becoming a SQP is a good career move and opens up more job opportunities.
3. SQPs are at the forefront of animal welfare, trained to discuss not just medicines but general health and care. If you are passionate about animal welfare, being a SQP puts you in a position where you can make a positive difference to animal welfare and where you can add value to the business you work for by giving professional advice to owners.
4. If you are an employer, offering SQP training to your team members can have a positive impact on staff retention.
Our all-inclusive fee for the Core Module plus one Species Module is £730+VAT. The fee includes:
Online training modules
Student support via an online forum
Exam fees
Registration with Vetpol for the reminder of the year in which you qualify
An SQP badge showing your unique SQP number
Use of Vetpol’s trademarks (subject to T&C’s)
Additional species courses may be purchased at a cost of just £95+VAT each.
Re-sit exams cost fee £150+VAT per exam.
You must sit and pass the Core Module and at least one species exam within 2 years of course purchase to become a qualified SQP.
Online training modules
Student support via an online forum
Exam fees
Registration with Vetpol for the reminder of the year in which you qualify
An SQP badge showing your unique SQP number
Use of Vetpol’s trademarks (subject to T&C’s)
Additional species courses may be purchased at a cost of just £95+VAT each.
Re-sit exams cost fee £150+VAT per exam.
You must sit and pass the Core Module and at least one species exam within 2 years of course purchase to become a qualified SQP.
Yes, you can. The fee for each additional species module is just £95 + VAT, once the Vetpol Core and at least one Species Modules have been purchased.
Yes, you can. The fee for adding one species is £199 + VAT. Contact us for more details on how this works.
Yes, you can. In order to be accepted onto the Vetpol register you must pass an online re-validation viva at a cost of £190+VAT. The fee includes registration for the remainder of the year in the which you pass.
If you previously qualified with another regulator (not Vetpol) we will first need evidence of your original qualification.
For more information, contact support@vetpol.uk
If you previously qualified with another regulator (not Vetpol) we will first need evidence of your original qualification.
For more information, contact support@vetpol.uk
You cannot do this; the other person would need to purchase their own course.
Yes, you can. Vetpol offers online proctored exams via our Awarding Body, LANTRA. This means that students can sit exams from any quiet location, including home or office, with no need to travel to exam centres. All that is required is a good internet connection and Google Chrome.
You will need to let Vetpol know when you want to sit your exams (we give you a two-week window around your preferred date) and you will need to set up your computer 48 hours in advance.
Online exams saves time, money and hassle and only Vetpol allows you to sit your exams exactly when you want!
You will need to let Vetpol know when you want to sit your exams (we give you a two-week window around your preferred date) and you will need to set up your computer 48 hours in advance.
Online exams saves time, money and hassle and only Vetpol allows you to sit your exams exactly when you want!
You do not have to wait! We request 2 weeks notice of your preferred date and you can book your exams whenever you want – any day of the week, any time of the day! We set you up with a 2-week slot so you can choose what day and time works best for you; you can sit exams together or at different times/days.
Yes, you’re welcome. You will have to provide evidence that you are up-to-date with the CPD obligations of your current regulator, before you will be allowed to join the Vetpol register.
No. Exams are taken online leading to a Level 4 qualification, regulated by Ofqual.
Results normally come through within two weeks! However, where papers are sent for second marking this may take up to a month so we ask all students to wait 4 weeks before chasing us for results….99% have them within that time period. Certificates are sent out about 2 weeks after results.
Vetpol offers the fastest turnaround for SQP exam results!
Vetpol offers the fastest turnaround for SQP exam results!
At Vetpol, we add your name to our register immediately. This means you can practice as a SQP the day after you hear you’ve qualified!
Yes you do and it’s all included in the purchase price! Vetpol will provide you with your own individual badge with your unique SQP number – but be patient please – all badges are unique to the SQP and they can take a few months to be produced as we do them in batches.
Replacement badges cost £40 + VAT.
Replacement badges cost £40 + VAT.
The annual registration fee is £60 + VAT.
This price will be increased for 2025 but we shall be offering discounts for those who pay in advance of the year end.
The benefits of being on the Vetpol register include access to a wide range of engaging and relevant CPD including Munch & Learn and the SQP congress, unrivalled support from Vetpol including a forum and Facebook group, and use of Vetpol’s unique trademarks, designed to signpost veterinary medicines and provide professional recognition for SQPs. Use of Vetpol’s branding is available subject to T&C’s.
This price will be increased for 2025 but we shall be offering discounts for those who pay in advance of the year end.
The benefits of being on the Vetpol register include access to a wide range of engaging and relevant CPD including Munch & Learn and the SQP congress, unrivalled support from Vetpol including a forum and Facebook group, and use of Vetpol’s unique trademarks, designed to signpost veterinary medicines and provide professional recognition for SQPs. Use of Vetpol’s branding is available subject to T&C’s.
Vetpol has simple CPD requirements; these are shown on the Vetpol CPD Policy that we encourage you to read in full. Each SQP has to complete between 3 and 7 hours CPD annually, but many do much more than this!
Vetpol encourages its SQPs to do more than fulfil the basic requirement which is why we are committed to accrediting an ever-increasing range and of interesting CPD.
Vetpol encourages its SQPs to do more than fulfil the basic requirement which is why we are committed to accrediting an ever-increasing range and of interesting CPD.
It is the responsibility of the SQP to record all CPD on their personal online CPD record which can be found when logged in HERE. We ask Vetpol SQPs to review all CPD undertaken, stating what was most useful and whether you would recommend this CPD to other SQPs, before claiming CPD points.
Vetpol checks CPD records to ensure honesty and accuracy in recording. Inaccurate recording of CPD may lead to removal from the register.
Vetpol checks CPD records to ensure honesty and accuracy in recording. Inaccurate recording of CPD may lead to removal from the register.
No. Each regulator has their own requirements for CPD. You will find details of Vetpol’s requirements in our CPD Policy
Where there is a legitimate reason, and providing Vetpol is informed at the earliest opportunity of a problem, the situation will be assessed on its individual merits and special conditions granted, where justified (e.g., maternity leave, career break, long-term illness). If there is no legitimate reason or Vetpol is not notified when there is a problem, there is a risk of removal from the register.
Yes you can – providing you have lapsed by no more than 18 months and can prove you were up-to-date with your CPD when you left the previous register. Then you may join the Vetpol register upon payment of the annual registration fee in full.
If you have lapsed by more than 18 months you will have to purchase the relevant Vetpol training modules and sit exams. Upon passing, you then pay the annual registration fee to join the Vetpol register.
If you have lapsed by more than 18 months you will have to purchase the relevant Vetpol training modules and sit exams. Upon passing, you then pay the annual registration fee to join the Vetpol register.
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