The terms refer to different types of postgraduate qualification, which are not directly equivalent and are awarded within different systems.

Certificate holder

A certificate holder is a veterinarian who has completed a national postgraduate qualification, typically at European Qualifications Framework (EQF) Level 7.

These qualifications:

are awarded by national bodies or universities
recognise additional training and assessment in a defined area of practice
support the development of advanced knowledge and skills beyond the veterinary degree

Diplomate

A Diplomate is a veterinarian who has:

completed an approved specialist training programme (usually a residency or equivalent pathway), and
passed a comprehensive specialist examination

Diplomates are awarded their title by an EBVS-recognised European specialist College.

This represents a specialist-level qualification, aligned with EQF Level 8, and reflects:

extensive supervised training
high-level clinical responsibility
rigorous, standardised assessment

Specialist (EBVS® European Veterinary Specialist)

An EBVS® European Veterinary Specialist is a certified Diplomate who:

is actively practising their speciality
meets defined requirements for workload and professional activity
maintains their status through periodic re-certification

Key distinction

The difference is not simply one of title, but of:

training structure (national vs European specialist system)
depth and duration of training
level of assessment and standardisation

Important note

The term “diploma” is used generically in many educational contexts. In the EBVS system, it refers specifically to the qualification awarded after successfully completing specialist training and examination.

Information for the public

Information for the public