AMTRA Exams including exam dates
Contents
Online exams
Most AMTRA exams take place online - though we do occasionally offer pen-and-paper exams, and online exams hosted on University equipment and with IT support.
For more details read the sections on exams generally, and more specific information on written exams.
Written examsThe online format brings major benefits for candidates and employers, including avoiding time away from home and work, avoiding travelling costs, and more flexibility about the way in which you sit your exams, splitting modules to suit you and your work needs.
Full details of the process are in the " Online written exams: Instructions and Information for Candidates and Employers " which should be studied.
While the purpose and academic effort is the same as a conventional exam, the way you prepare for and "sit" online exams may be different to what you have experienced previously.
Each module exam (Base, Companion Animal, Farm, Equine, Avian, Veterinary Nurse) will be made available on a specific date and time.
You will need to be alone in a quiet room, using a computer equipped with a webcam and which in other ways meets the Harper Adams University requirements - see the instructions document linked above.
Written exam dates
Each written module will take place on a particular day of the week, within each of the exam blocks - see below for the standard online exams, or see note 1 for the on-campus exams.
Day of week within exam block
Module(s) on this day (for standard online exams - see note 1 for on-campus exams)
Monday
Base
Tuesday
Companion Animal and Veterinary Nurse
Wednesday
Equine
Thursday
Avian and Farm Animal
| Exam block | Note | Booking deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 16 June to 17 June 2025 | Base and Companion only (note 2) | Noon on Friday 16 May 2025 |
| 21 July to 24 July 2025 | Noon on Friday 20 June 2025 | |
| 15 September to 18 September 2025 | Noon on Friday 15 August 2025 | |
| 23 October to 24 October 2025 | On-campus exams (note 1) | Noon on Friday 19 September 2025 |
| 10 November to 11 November 2025 | Base and Companion only (note 2) | Noon on Friday 10 October 2025 |
| 8 December to 11 December 2025 | Noon on Friday 7 November 2025 | |
| 26 January to 27 January 2026 | Base and Companion only (note 2) | Noon on Friday 19 December 2025 |
| 9 February to 13 February 2026 | Noon on Friday 9 January 2026 | |
| 16 March to 19 March 2026 | Noon on Friday 13 February 2026 | |
| 13 April to 16 April 2026 | Noon on Friday 13 March 2026 | |
| 16 April to 17 April 2026 | On campus exams only (note 1) | Noon on Friday 13 March 2026 |
| 18 May to 21 May 2026 | Noon on Friday 17 April 2026 | |
| 15 June to 16 June 2026 | Base and Companion only (note 2) | Noon on Friday 15 May 2026 |
| 6 July to 9 July 2026 | Noon on Friday 5 June 2026 |
Note 1: Alternative format on-campus exams
These exams highlighted above will take place at Harper Adams University in Shropshire: you will be able to choose either a traditional pen-and-paper exam (the same exam questions/format as those done online), or will still be an online exam but on University equipment in University facilities, and so may better suit those who are less computer-confident or who don't have access to suitable equipment or Internet connection. Make sure when you book your exam that you make it clear which format you are choosing.
Please book as normal with AMTRA, but spaces at this exam are limited and thus subject to confirmation.
Please note that these on-campus exams are subject to sufficient numbers choosing to book, and may be withdrawn at the discretion of Harper Adams University if unviable.
Alternative format, pen-and-paper exam at Harper Adams - 23/24 October 2025 and 16/17 April 2026.
Alternative format, online exam on campus at Harper Adams - 23/24 October 2025 and 16/17 April 2026.
23 October 2025 and 16 April 2026: Base, Companion and VN modules
24 October 2025 and 17 April 2026: Equine, Farm and Avian modules.
Note 2: Base and Companion exams
These exams are only available for those who wish to sit both Base and Companion at this sitting. That can include re-sits (if re-sitting both), and can include people aiming at more modules overall but who wish to sit both Base and Companion on this occasion. No other modules are available.
How to book your place
Please return the exam booking form to us.
On the form, make sure you include the date for each module you wish to book - don't forget to include the Base module as well as species module(s) if that's appropriate for you. The viva is only relevant for a tiny number of people who passed older style Base or VN exam and haven't yet passed the viva.
If you wish to spread out your modules over multiple exam blocks, that's fine.
If you already know what you want to do when, you can book them all in one go even for different months, or you can book them individually as and when you're ready - it's up to you. Also, there's no requirement to do them in a particular order - whatever works best for you.
Exam drop-in sessions
One of these sessions is held before each exam round. They are aimed at candidates sitting exams in that exam round, and trainers and others supporting such individuals.
An exam drop-in session is for questions regarding the Systems Access Test; technical specifications for your laptop; exam day process etc. It is not a revision session and will not cover modular content.
The links should allow anyone to join the session as a guest, so it's not company specific, and there's no need to book in advance.
- 2nd May 2025, 1000-1045: May 2025 AMTRA Exams - Drop-In Session
- 30th May 2025, 1000-1045: June 2025 AMTRA Exams - Drop-In Session
- 4th July 2025, 1000-1045: July 2025 AMTRA Exams - Drop-In Session
- 29th August 2025, 1000-1045: September 2025 AMTRA Exams - Drop-In Session
- 3rd October 2025, 1000-1045: October 2025 AMTRA Exams - Drop-In Session
- 24th October 2025, 1000-1045: November 2025 AMTRA Exams - Drop-In Session
- 21st November 2025, 1000-1045: December 2025 AMTRA Exams - Drop-In Session
Online vivas
Anyone passing the new-format Base or Veterinary Nurse written exam taken from September 2024 onwards (so not including the last chance at the older format exams in the week 28 October to 1 November 2024) is not required to pass the viva. The viva is thus only relevant for a tiny number of people who passed the older style exam and haven't yet passed the viva.
Online vivas are undertaken via Zoom. Subject to certain conditions, the viva exam can be taken from home or work or any suitable location of your choosing.
Because very few people now need to sit a viva, they are provided on demand via a waiting list. Please contact the AMTRA office and ask to be included on this list if you wish to sit a viva. Email [email protected] with your name and AMTRA number.
Revalidation viva
If you're looking for information about the "revalidation viva", including for those without enough CPD points, please see the revalidation viva page.
Training providers
AMTRA in conjunction with Harper Adams University now offers ONLINE training to support qualification for the role of SQP.
This is a great online training collaboration between AMTRA and Harper Adams. The training supports the journey to our range of level four & level five modules leading to the SQP qualification, offering various routes to qualification according to professional need.
Many candidates find the AMTRA training manual, together with support from their employer, is a solid basis for getting ready to sit the AMTRA/Harper Adams exams. But for those wanting a bit more support, this new online training course offers a great opportunity to mix recorded content and live interaction with knowledgeable and experienced tutors.
Click here for other possible training providers.
Final notes
Please also read our guidance on the qualification process for more information on exams.
Exam bookings must be received by AMTRA by the booking deadlines given above - usually 4 weeks prior to the written exam dates.
Candidates with additional support needs who are seeking adjustments must notify Harper Adams at least 6 weeks in advance of the exam date.
The exam booking form can be found on the forms page.