Referring Vets

Why should I choose a CCAB?

The term “behaviourist” is currently unregulated, which means anyone can call themselves a clinical animal behaviourist. Whether you are a caregiver or a referring veterinary surgeon, you need to be confident that the behaviourist you are working with has the knowledge and skills to provide you with professional, evidence-based, ethical and effective behavioural support.

Choosing a behaviourist from the CCAB Certification register gives you the reassurance that the individual’s academic knowledge and clinical skills have been rigorously assessed to a high standard by an assessment body that is independent of any practitioner organisation. 

What is the CCAB standard?

All CCABs:

  • Have studied subjects essential to the practice of clinical animal behaviour at a minimum of degree level1
  • Have developed their clinical skills by seeing sufficient breadth and depth of cases in their chosen species2 prior to applying for their clinical skills assessment
  • Have completed a two-stage3 clinical skills assessment conducted by two trained assessors
  • Unless on the retired register, CCABs continue to maintain their clinical competency once qualified, by meeting CCAB Certification’s requirements4

1. To demonstrate critical thinking skills and consistency in their knowledge across all subject areas, CCABs qualifying via validated courses are required to achieve a minimum of a 2:1 at degree level and complete a research project.

2. Breadth and depth of clinical experience is demonstrated by seeing each of the species-specific essential case types, within 2 years of applying to sit the clinical skills assessment.

3. Two-stage clinical skills assessment includes a viva and a practical.

4. The precedent for CCAB Certification’s renewal requirements, including CPD (Continuing Professional Development) is set by the RCVS (Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons) in their regulation of veterinary surgeons maintaining their MRCVS (Member of the RCVS) status.

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