Knowledge test for veterinary surgeons whose diploma is not automatically recognised in France for practising veterinary medicine and surgery

Authorisation to practise veterinary medicine and surgery for vets whose qualifications are not automatically recognised in France is conditional upon passing this examination.

Persons of French nationality or nationals of another Member State of the European Union, a State party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area or Switzerland, who hold a qualification, certificate or qualification as a veterinary surgeon not referred to in Articles L 241-2 to L 241-5 of the Rural and Maritime Fisheries Code and who wish to practise veterinary medicine and surgery in France, must apply for authorisation from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food.

Prior to this, they must pass a comprehensive assessment of their knowledge in an examination, the procedures for which are set out in the Order of 25 September 2026 concerning the 2027 assessment tests for veterinary surgeons whose qualifications are not automatically recognised in France.

The composition of the examination board is determined each year by ministerial order. The board comprises lecturers and researchers from the four National Veterinary Schools, representatives from the Ministry responsible for agriculture (DGAL, CGAAER, the Departmental Directorate for Population Protection) and the Veterinary Council.

Please note: the decree setting out the organisation of the assessment was amended in 2025. Please familiarise yourself with it and take note of the following: the new documents to be submitted, in particular a letter detailing the candidate’s academic background, professional experience as a vet, their motivations and future career plans; and the changes to the assessment criteria and the oral and practical examinations. 

• Guidance on the procedures and process for the equivalence examination
• Document 1 : information sheet
• Document 2 : selection of topics for the oral, technical and practical examinations 

Information and regulatory references

• Decree of 25 September 2026
• Decree of 18 July 2025 amending the Decree of 18 January 2021
• Decree of 18 January 2021