The Level 4 Award for Animal Medicines Advisors (SQP – Companion Animal) from TQual AB prepares learners to become a Suitably Qualified Person (SQP) — someone legally permitted to prescribe and supply certain veterinary medicines to companion animals without a vet needing to be present at the point of sale.
This isn’t a generic animal-care certificate. It’s a route into a genuinely regulated role, sitting alongside RCVS-registered veterinary nurses and vets as one of the few professions permitted to prescribe specific medicine categories in the UK. If you work in a veterinary practice, a pharmacy that supplies animal medicines, or an SQP-approved retailer, this SQP companion animal qualification is what formally authorises that part of your job.
What Is an SQP?
A Suitably Qualified Person (SQP) is an animal medicines advisor authorised to prescribe and/or supply veterinary medicines falling under two specific categories:
- POM-VPS (Prescription Only Medicine – Veterinary, Pharmacist, SQP)
- NFA-VPS (Non-Food Animal – Veterinary, Pharmacist, SQP)
SQPs can’t diagnose a condition the way a vet can, but within their category they can identify common parasites, recommend and dispense appropriate treatments, and advise clients directly — work that would otherwise need to go through a veterinary surgeon. Once qualified, SQPs register and maintain their status with AMTRA, the Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority, the body responsible for regulating SQP training and registration in the UK.
What the Level 4 Award for Animal Medicines Advisors (SQP – Companion Animal) Covers
The award is built around three core areas:
- Legislation and SQP status — the duties, responsibilities, and legal scope of an SQP, including when to refer a case to a veterinary surgeon and how to report adverse medicine reactions
- Companion animal health — anatomy and physiology across dog, cat, rabbit, and ferret, plus nutrition, disease prevention, and common parasite identification
- Practical prescribing and supply — demonstrating the ability to correctly prescribe and supply POM-VPS and NFA-VPS medicines within the companion animal category
Who Should Enrol — Including the RVN Exemption
This qualification suits several different starting points:
- Veterinary practice staff — receptionists, practice administrators, and patient care assistants wanting to formally add prescribing-adjacent responsibilities to their role
- Pharmacy and retail staff — anyone working in an SQP-approved retailer authorised to supply veterinary medicines
- Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs) — RVNs are typically exempt from part of the qualification, since much of the underlying clinical knowledge is already covered by their nursing training, which usually shortens the time needed to complete the award
If you’re unsure whether your current role or qualifications qualify you for an exemption, it’s worth checking directly with an admissions advisor before enrolling — this can meaningfully change how long the course takes to complete.
Entry Requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Age | Typically 16 years or older at enrolment |
| Educational background | No formal degree required, but learners should be able to study at Level 4 standard; prior experience in animal care, veterinary practice, or retail is recommended |
| Workplace context | Working in, or intending to work in, a veterinary practice, pharmacy, or SQP-approved retailer |
| English proficiency | Competent written and spoken English; international learners may need to provide evidence (e.g. IELTS) |
| Practical access | Access to a suitable environment to apply SQP competencies, such as advising clients and supplying medicines |
Species and Medicine Categories Covered
This companion animal award covers dog, cat, rabbit, and ferret. It authorises prescribing and supply within the POM-VPS and NFA-VPS categories specifically for these species — it does not cover equine or farm animal SQP categories, which are separate, distinct qualifications.
Guided Learning Hours and Course Duration
- Guided Learning Hours (GLH): structured tutor-led and study time forming the core of the award
- Total Qualification Time (TQT): the full estimated time to complete the award, including independent study and assessment preparation
- Typical duration: around 4–6 months for most learners, often shorter for RVNs eligible for exemptions
How the Level 4 SQP Award Is Assessed
Assessment is typically structured as one assessment per unit, combining knowledge-based testing with a practical demonstration of prescribing and supply competence. Exam sessions are usually scheduled periodically throughout the year rather than on demand, so it’s worth confirming upcoming assessment dates at enrolment.
CPD and Maintaining Your SQP Status
Becoming an SQP isn’t a one-off certificate — it’s ongoing professional registration. Once qualified, SQPs are required to complete regular Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to keep their registration current and stay up to date with veterinary medicines legislation. Budgeting time for annual CPD from the outset is part of realistically planning for this qualification, not an optional extra.
Study Mode and Delivery
The Level 4 Award for Animal Medicines Advisors (SQP – Companion Animal) is delivered online, so learners can generally start at any time and study from anywhere, without needing to attend a physical centre. For learners already balancing shift work in a veterinary or retail setting, browse TQual AB’s full Veterinary Qualifications range to see how this award fits alongside other courses you may already be studying. (inbound link 1)
Career Opportunities After This Qualification
- Advisory roles in veterinary practices — supporting the clinical team by handling prescribing and supply for eligible medicine categories
- SQP-approved retail and pharmacy roles — formally authorised to advise on and supply relevant veterinary medicines
- A complement to veterinary nursing — many RVNs add SQP status to broaden their scope of responsibility; if you’re working toward RVN status yourself, see TQual AB’s Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal) for that pathway
Anyone working in a veterinary practice, pharmacy, or SQP-approved retailer who wants formal authorisation to prescribe and supply certain veterinary medicines to companion animals.
Advisory and prescribing-support roles in veterinary practices, pharmacies, and SQP-approved retailers, alongside broadened responsibilities for existing RVNs.
It’s delivered fully online, with flexible start dates and no requirement to attend a physical centre.
Typically 4–6 months, shorter for Registered Veterinary Nurses eligible for unit exemptions.
Yes — one assessment per unit, combining knowledge testing with a practical demonstration of prescribing and supply competence.
