CPE refers to activities undertaken by professionals to maintain and enhance professional competence. It covers structured activities (eg courses/conferences by universities/professional associations/private providers, publication of scientific papers, giving lectures etc) and unstructured activities (eg reading of journals, in-practice training etc).

Vets have an ethical responsibility, and are expected by the public, to keep abreast of veterinary knowledge and to provide professional services in a competent and contemporary manner. CPE is essential to maintain and enhance professional skills and knowledge.

Making CPE compulsory will encourage all AVA licensed vets to devote resources towards CPE. The medical and dental professions in Singapore have already implemented compulsory CPE as a condition of licensing.

Compulsory CPE will be implemented with effect from 1 January 2008. A vet will have to meet the minimum CPE requirements in order to renew his or her AVA-issued licence to practise veterinary medicine in Singapore.

Please see the answer to Q17 for more details.

AVA, as the licensing authority, will be responsible for administering compulsory CPE. AVA will work closely with the SVA to manage the classification of CPE activities as structured and unstructured, allocation of points to CPE activities and advising vets on managing their personal CPE.

Compulsory CPE will apply to all vets holding an AVA-issued licence to practise veterinary medicine.

Fresh graduates who obtain a licence within 12 months of graduating will be exempted from the compulsory CPE requirement for the first renewal of their licence. This is because the newly graduated vets will have been taught up-to-date veterinary care.

Other exemptions to the CPE requirement may be granted on a case-by-case basis (eg medical reasons). For such cases, the vet will be required to write to AVA as soon as he/she is aware that he/she will be unable to meet the minimum CPE requirement and at least 8 weeks before the expiry of the licence to allow sufficient time for their case to be considered.

No. All vets must meet the 50 CPE point minimum requirement for licence renewal.

If you are going to be away from Singapore for a prolonged period and do not intend to practice in Singapore during that time, it is not necessary for you to renew your licence. If you decide to return to Singapore, you may re-apply for a new licence, and meet with CPE requirements on the first renewal of the licence 2 years later.

The renewal of licence will change to two-yearly basis, based on the date of issue of the licence. A licensed vet must obtain a minimum of 50 points in the two years prior to the renewal of his/her licence. At least 16 out of the 50 points must be gained from structured activities.

Please see the answer to Q20 for more details.

If you are unable to obtain 50 points in the two years prior to the renewal of your licence, AVA will not renew your licence until you have made good the shortfall in CPE points. You must stop practice until your licence is renewed.

No carrying over of points is allowed as CPE is intended for vets to engage in continuous education to keep up with professional knowledge and skills.

CPE points are awarded as follows:

Yes, but CPE points from these courses can contribute a maximum of 10 points towards the overall 50 CPE points over a two year period.

Clinical/Journal Clubs are sessions which vets would be invited to a hosting clinic to share case studies or interesting current knowledge. This activity comes under "A1 Local Events" in the Table at Q12.

In the early implementation stage of the scheme, the intent is to get vets used to participating in CPE activities. Vets can provide feedback to AVA on the CPE scheme. AVA is open to reviewing and, if necessary, revising the scheme.

You are responsible for maintaining your own CPE records.  Remember to keep all evidence of participation eg receipts, certificates of participation etc.  To facilitate audits, it is recommended that you record all events in the format given here.

No. However, you would need to declare the amount and type of CPE performed at time of licence renewal. You should also retain your records for at least 3 years, as you will be required to make your CPE records available for inspection by AVA upon request. AVA will conduct random audit to ensure compliance with the CPE requirements.

Upon request, you must provide AVA with your records of completion for each CPE course or activity together with documented evidence of your participation.

Willfully making or filing a false report is unprofessional conduct. You may be subject to charges of professional misconduct. Penalties may include reprimand and/or suspension or revocation of your licence to practise.

To provide time for vets to prepare for CPE, AVA will allow vets to renew their licences in 2008 without the need to show that they have obtained the required CPE points.

However, vets can start accumulating their CPE points with effect from 1 Jan 2008 onwards and must obtain a minimum of 50 points in the two years prior to the renewal of their licences in 2010.

From 2008 onwards, AVA will renew vet licences on two-yearly basis.  The fee for a two-year licence would be $80.

Vets who apply for a new licence in 2008 would have to start accumulating at least 50 CPE points for when they renew their licence in year 2010.  They would be issued with a 2-yearly licence when they  apply for a licence in 2008.  The fee for a two-year licence would be $80.

Vets who apply for a new licence in 2009 would be issued with a 2 yearly licence.  They would have to show that they have obtained at least 50 CPE points when they renew their licence in 2 years’ time ie in 2011.

You may contact:

Dr Joanna Khoo
Veterinary Section
Agri-Establishment Regulation Department
75 Pasir Panjang Road
Singapore 118507

Tel: 6471 9992
Fax: 6473 3687
Email: Joanna_Khoo@ava.gov.sg