ICTQual Level 4 Award for Animal Medicines Advisors (SQP – Companion Animal)

The ICTQual Level 4 Award for Animal Medicines Advisors (SQP – Companion Animal) is a specialist qualification designed for individuals seeking to become Suitably Qualified Persons (SQPs) within the veterinary medicines sector. SQPs play a critical role in ensuring the safe, legal, and effective supply of veterinary medicines, particularly those classified under POM‑VPS (Prescription Only Medicine – Veterinary, Pharmacist, SQP) and NFA‑VPS (Non‑Food Animal – Veterinary, Pharmacist, SQP) categories.

This award equips learners with the knowledge, competencies, and regulatory understanding required to advise clients, prescribe, and supply medicines for companion animals such as dogs, cats, and small mammals. Learners gain a broad foundation in animal health, disease prevention, and parasite control, alongside the ability to identify infestations and recommend appropriate treatments.

The programme is ideal for those working in veterinary practices, pharmacies, or SQP‑approved retailers, as well as professionals seeking to expand their responsibilities in animal healthcare. By completing this qualification, learners not only meet the regulatory requirements to act as SQPs but also enhance their professional profile, contributing to improved standards of animal welfare and client care.

Graduates of the ICTQual Level 4 Award are well‑positioned to take on advisory roles, support veterinary teams, and ensure compliance with national and international medicines legislation. The qualification also opens pathways into specialist SQP categories and further vocational development in animal health and veterinary practice.

Course overview

Level 4 Award for Animal Medicines Advisors (SQP – Companion Animal)

To enrol in ICTQual Level 4 Award for Animal Medicines Advisors (SQP – Companion Animal), learner must meet the following entry requirements:

  • Age Requirement: Learners must typically be 16 years or older at the time of enrolment. This ensures maturity and readiness for vocational responsibilities as an SQP.
  • Educational Background: No formal degree is required, but learners should be able to study at Level 4 standard (equivalent to first‑year higher education).Prior experience in animal care, veterinary practice, or retail environments is highly recommended.
  • Professional Experience: Learners should be working in, or intending to work in, a veterinary practice, pharmacy, or SQP‑approved retailer authorised to supply veterinary medicines.This ensures they can apply learning directly to real‑world contexts.
  • English Proficiency: As the programme is delivered in English, learners must demonstrate competence in written and spoken English.International learners may need to provide evidence of proficiency through recognised assessments (e.g., IELTS or equivalent), depending on centre requirements.
  • Additional Requirements: Learners must have access to a suitable environment where they can apply SQP competencies, such as advising clients, prescribing, and supplying medicines.Commitment to animal welfare, regulatory compliance, and professional ethics is expected.

This qualification, the ICTQual Level 4 Award for Animal Medicines Advisors (SQP – Companion Animal), consists of 3 mandatory units.

  1. Principles of Animal Health, Welfare, and Preventive Care
  2. Veterinary Medicines Regulation, Compliance, and SQP Responsibilities
  3. Prescribing, Supplying, and Advising on Companion Animal Medicines

Learning Outcomes for the ICTQual Level 4 Award for Animal Medicines Advisors (SQP – Companion Animal) :

Principles of Animal Health, Welfare, and Preventive Care

  • Demonstrate understanding of the fundamental principles of animal health and welfare
  • Identify common companion animal diseases, parasites, and conditions requiring preventive care
  • Explain the importance of nutrition, vaccination, and parasite control in maintaining health
  • Recognise early signs of illness and advise clients on appropriate next steps
  • Apply welfare standards and ethical considerations when advising on animal care
  • Promote responsible ownership and preventive healthcare practices to clients
  • Evaluate the impact of preventive programmes on animal wellbeing and public health
  • Reflect on the role of SQPs in supporting long‑term animal welfare

Veterinary Medicines Regulation, Compliance, and SQP Responsibilities

  • Understand the legal framework governing veterinary medicines in the UK and internationally
  • Differentiate between medicine categories (POM‑VPS, NFA‑VPS, AVM‑GSL) and their supply requirements
  • Apply regulatory standards when prescribing and supplying companion animal medicines
  • Demonstrate knowledge of SQP responsibilities, including record‑keeping and client communication
  • Recognise the importance of pharmacovigilance and reporting adverse reactions
  • Ensure compliance with professional codes of conduct and ethical obligations
  • Evaluate the consequences of non‑compliance for animal welfare, client trust, and professional standing
  • Contribute to maintaining high standards of safety and accountability in veterinary medicine supply

Prescribing, Supplying, and Advising on Companion Animal Medicines

  • Conduct structured client consultations to assess animal health needs
  • Recommend appropriate medicines within the SQP scope of practice
  • Safely prescribe and supply POM‑VPS and NFA‑VPS medicines for companion animals
  • Communicate clearly with clients about dosage, administration, and safe handling of medicines
  • Recognise contraindications and advise clients when veterinary referral is required
  • Promote responsible use of medicines to reduce risks such as antimicrobial resistance
  • Maintain accurate records of prescriptions and supplies to support compliance and audits
  • Reflect on the advisory role of SQPs in improving animal health outcomes and client education

Completing the ICTQual Level 4 Award for Animal Medicines Advisors (SQP – Companion Animal) provides learners with the regulatory knowledge, advisory skills, and practical expertise required to act as Suitably Qualified Persons (SQPs). This qualification authorises them to prescribe and supply POM‑VPS and NFA‑VPS medicines for companion animals such as dogs, cats, and small mammals. Learners gain confidence in advising clients on preventive healthcare, parasite control, and safe medicine use, while ensuring compliance with national and international veterinary medicines legislation.

  • Work as an SQP in veterinary practices, pharmacies, or SQP‑approved retailers, advising clients and supplying medicines for companion animals
  • Expand into additional SQP categories such as farm animal, equine, or avian medicines to broaden scope of practice
  • Progress into multi‑species SQP status, increasing employability and professional recognition
  • Pursue higher‑level vocational qualifications in veterinary nursing, animal health, or practice management
  • Engage in continuing professional development (CPD) programmes to stay current with regulatory changes and best practices
  • Move into supervisory or management roles within veterinary practices or retail organisations
  • Act as a consultant on regulatory compliance, advising businesses on medicine protocols and client safety
  • Contribute to policy development, auditing, and quality assurance in veterinary medicine supply
  • Participate in industry conferences, workshops, and SQP networks, sharing expertise and building professional connections
  • Support animal welfare initiatives, charities, and community outreach programmes using SQP knowledge
  • Publish articles, case studies, or guidance materials to advance knowledge in veterinary medicines advisory practice

FAQs

This qualification is ideal for individuals working in veterinary practices, pharmacies, pet shops, or SQP‑approved retailers who want to expand their responsibilities in animal healthcare. It suits those aiming to become SQPs, professionals already advising on animal health products, or anyone seeking to formalise their role in prescribing and supplying medicines. The course is also valuable for animal welfare workers and retail staff who wish to strengthen their knowledge of companion animal health and compliance.

Graduates can work as SQPs in veterinary practices, pharmacies, or SQP‑approved retailers, advising clients and supplying medicines for companion animals. They may expand into additional SQP categories such as farm animal, equine, or avian, or progress into supervisory and management roles. The award also supports further study in veterinary nursing, animal health, or practice management, making it a gateway to broader career advancement.

The ICTQual Level 4 Award for Animal Medicines Advisors (SQP – Companion Animal) is a 5 days training programme designed to be completed in full-time study over this period, with a focus on both theoretical learning and practical application.

ICTQual Level 4 Award for Animal Medicines Advisors (SQP – Companion Animal) is offered in various formats, including online, in-person, or a combination of both. Participants can choose the format that best fits their schedule and learning preferences. But final decision is made by ATC.

Yes, ICTQual Level 4 Award for Animal Medicines Advisors (SQP – Companion Animal), includes assessments consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). These assessments evaluate participants’ understanding of the course material and their ability to apply concepts in practical situations. A minimum score of 75% is required to pass the assessments.cal situations. It is mandatory to pass assessments with a minimum score of 75%