A 16 week study plan for the RCVS written exam

Updated 20 October 2026

This plan spreads the three clinical areas and the Code paper over 16 weeks, finishing with mock papers and a rest week. If you have fewer weeks, keep the order and shorten the topics you already know well.

Weeks 1 to 6: companion animal

Week 1: baseline. Read the RCVS guidance and take the 110-question formative quiz cold. List your weakest systems.
Week 2: emergency, anaesthesia and analgesia.
Week 3: cardiology, respiratory disease and imaging.
Week 4: endocrine, gastrointestinal, liver and urinary.
Week 5: orthopaedics, neurology, oncology, skin and eye.
Week 6: exotics, infectious disease and legislation.

Weeks 7 to 10: production animal

Week 7: cattle I: calf scour, colostrum, BVD, IBR, Johne's disease and metabolic disease.
Week 8: cattle II: fertility, mastitis, lameness and parturition.
Week 9: sheep, goats and camelids: parasites, footrot, listeriosis and pregnancy toxaemia.
Week 10: pigs, poultry and veterinary public health: notifiable disease, meat hygiene and welfare.

Weeks 11 to 13: equine and the Code

Week 11: equine medicine and colic.
Week 12: equine lameness, surgery and reproduction.
Week 13: the Code of Professional Conduct, with 20 scenario look-ups a day.

Weeks 14 to 16: test, repair, rest

Week 14: full timed mock papers in exam proportions. Review every miss.
Week 15: repair week. Redo every missed question.
Week 16: light revision and rest. Test your remote exam set-up: ID, webcam, room and connection.

Every day

Aim for 25 new questions, 10 revision questions and 30 minutes of reading, and clear your missed list before you sleep.

Frequently asked questions

How long should I study for the RCVS written exam?

A 16 week plan gives time for each area and the Code paper. Fewer weeks can work if you focus on your weakest areas.

Where do I start?

Take the RCVS formative quiz of 110 questions cold, then focus on the systems where you score lowest.

Keep reading

Official sources

RCVS: Statutory Membership Exam