Examinations

FORMAT OF THE QUALIFYING EXAMINATION (please note it is possible to sit Part 1 of the exam after 2 full years of training or their equivalent)

The format of the examinations shall include the following two parts :

This part of the Examination shall deal with (i) nomenclature, classification, morphology, geographical distribution, biological characteristics (including cell and molecular biology), detection and identification of bacteria, fungi and viruses of animals and animal products, and (ii) pathogenesis, immunology, pathology, epizootiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis and control of bacterial, fungal and viral diseases of animals.

Format: Forty multiple choice questions (MCQ) + 2 essay questions (to be chosen by the candidate from a list of 4) + 4 short answer questions (to be selected by the candidate from a list of 6).

Duration: 3 hours

Proportion of the final mark: 40%.

This part of the Examination consists of two sections, Sections A & B.

Section A

shall be used to evaluate the candidate’s clinical expertise in veterinary microbiology, and their communication skills. It shall be based on the preparation of four case reports dealing with different species of domesticated animals. The case reports must be organised as follows: clinical history, clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, diagnosis, control and outcome.

Preparation of this material will rely on instructions available in this document and on the ECVM website. Other contributions such as a research project report, field trials (drugs/vaccines), evaluation of an infection control scheme, etc., may be acceptable in exceptional cases but prior agreement must be obtained from the Examination Committee.

Format: The full dossier (4 case reports) must be provided at least 3 months before the next scheduled examination. Candidates must prepare a presentation of all four case reports (using PowerPoint or similar software) before the examination. The particular case-report selected by the Examination Committee for oral presentation will be announced to the candidate during the examination.

Duration: approx. 30 minutes (15 minutes for the presentation and 15 minutes for questions).

Proportion of the final mark: 40% (of which 20% is for the orally presented report and discussion; and 20% for the four written case reports).

Section B

the Examination shall be used to evaluate the candidate’s ability to understand and use in an appropriate way different diagnostic techniques.

Section B will consist of the following:

• Diagnostic scenarios: Ten diagnostic scenarios (consisting of up to 200 words of text plus appropriate laboratory data) each with four associated MCQs based on the critical analysis of clinical, serological, isolation, molecular or biochemical data (a total of forty MCQs).
• Microbial identification: Fifteen cultures, microscopic preparations or pictures to be examined. Specimens to be identified will be accompanied by a brief history and relevant background details.

Duration: 3 hours.

Proportion of the final mark: 20%.