AMTRA Marketing Authorisation Holders Representatives Scheme

The Animal Medicines Industry has long recognised the need to train those people that work within it. Since 1974, the industry's Code of Practice has required staff to be trained.

In addition to manufacturing companies' own training scheme for their sales teams, it was decided that an independent industry qualification be established to reassure their customers, regulatory authorities and the government that animal medicines were being sold in a responsible way.

Therefore, in 1991, NOAH and AMTRA launched the qualification - The Animal Medicine Manufacturers' Sales Staff Register. This was drawn up to ensure that all manufacturing companies' representatives undergo thorough training and possess sufficient veterinary and technical knowledge to present information on the company's products in an accurate and responsible manner.

It is a requirement of NOAH membership and participation in the NOAH Compendium that all companies' sales representatives involved in the direct technical selling of medicines (other than those on free sale) are registered with AMTRA and take the examination within two years of joining the industry. Content of the newly revised AMTRA training manual is relevant to all classes of product for large and companion animal use. This Training Manual provides information on animal production and physiology, animal health, and animal medicine legislation with the facility for some specialisation towards the detail of relevant sectors.