Veterinary Medicine knowledge and skills test for Veterinarians with a non-EEA/Swiss diploma

It is possible to participate in the Knowledge and Skills Test at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine under the condition that you have received a CBGD recommendation stating that your level can be considered at least equivalent to the Dutch Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine. A request for registration can be submitted via the website of the Veterinary Medicine Register. 

The KVD test consists of a knowledge test of 100 multiple-choice questions on veterinary medicine and a skills test. The KVD test provides insight into the level of knowledge and competence of the veterinarian with a degree in veterinary medicine obtained in a country outside the EU/EEA or in Switzerland.

In the knowledge test, basic veterinary knowledge is tested. The skills test tests skills related to clinical examination, diagnosis, indication and treatment planning for farm animals, horses and companion animals.

How can I sign up for the Knowledge and Skills Test?

You can register for the Knowledge and Skills Test using . Please note that this can only be done with the CBGD recommendation letter. The application form asks you to upload this letter. 

Practical information 

The cost for participation in the Knowledge and Skills Test is € 1.600. After registering, you will receive an invoice. This must be paid no later than one month before the test date. Future test dates will be published on this website as soon as they are confirmed. The test takes place on location.

How can I prepare?

With the knowledge part of the Knowledge and Skills Test, the current level of your veterinary knowledge is determined. Because it concerns knowledge already acquired, this part cannot be prepared. 

The topics covered are:

  • Basic Sciences
  • Clinical sciences companion animals and horses
  • Clinical sciences farm animals, including topics within animal husbandry
  • Food safety and quality, public health, and One Health principles.

Books that may help in preparation for the skills test are:

  • Anamnese en lichamelijk onderzoek bij gezelschapsdieren - A. Rijnberk en F.J. van Sluijs ISBN: 9789031394609
  • Medical History and Physical Examination in Companion Animals - A. Rijnberk and F.J. van Sluijs ISBN: 9780702029684
  • Het klinisch onderzoek van paard en landbouwhuisdieren – R. Kuiper en R.A. van Nieuwstadt ISBN: 9789036815796

What are the possible outcomes of the Knowledge and Skills Test?

The outcome of the test is assessed by the CBGD and taken into account in establishing a second opinion.

The 3 possible outcomes are:

  • Decision 'equivalent': you will be registered in the Veterinary Medicine Register.
  • Decision 'not equivalent, additional training possible': You can participate in a customized program. In this track of up to 1 year the missing knowledge and skills will be remedied. The CBGD determines what this tailor-made course looks like for each candidate. When the trajectory has been successfully completed, you can submit a new request for registration in the Veterinary Medicine Register to the CBGD.
  • Decision 'not equivalent, additional training not possible': Participation in the remedial course is not possible. To be registered in the Veterinary Medicine Register, you must obtain both the bachelor's and master's degree in Veterinary Medicine in order to be subsequently registered in the Veterinary Medicine Register. Please contact the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

What are the entry requirements for the Remediation track? 

All entry requirements for the Remedial Pathway can be found on the Remedial Pathway website. Please pay special attention to the Dutch language requirement; NT2 B2 must be passed before the start of the remediation program.

Requirements for the Veterinary Medicine knowledge and skills test

You can participate in the Veterinary Medicine knowledge and skills test at Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ if you:

  • Have applied for recognition, admission and registration in the  ‘Register of Veterinary Medical Practitioners’:
  • Have obtained a first assessment of your performance level by the Commission for Foreign Animal Healthcare Graduates (CBGD) to be at least at the level of the Dutch bachelor's degree in Veterinary Medicine.

Dates

Knowledge test: Monday January 26th 2026 - 09:00-13:00

Skills test: Wednesday 28th 2026 - 08:30-16:00

Register via .

Language

English or Dutch (you may choose the preferred language)

Location

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht

Duration

You will receive time slots for both tests on two separate days.

Certificate

Report on test results 

Costs

€ 1.600,- (VAT exempt)