Existing AHOs
APHA Animal Health Officers (AHOs)
If you work as an AHO for APHA and are a trained TB Lay Tester you can apply for grandfather rights to the OCQ(AHP) - ATT qualification. When you apply, APHA will check your record and if they approve your application you will be awarded authorisation to work as an Approved Tuberculin Tester for a private practice in England.
Approved Tuberculin Testers are not recognised in Wales or Scotland.
When working in private practice you must work under the supervision of a nominated Approved Veterinary Supervisor (AVS) who will be an Official Veterinarian (OV) who holds the OCQ(V) - TT qualification. You must nominate your AVS before you commence any TB tests for a private practice.
You will be required to revalidate your OCQ(AHP) - ATT qualification after 2 years. The process of revalidation will involve a short online course, followed by an exam and evidence of a satisfactory TB testing audit.
There is no fee to apply for grandfather rights but APHA, as your employer, will be required to confirm that you have a clear DBS check and have the right to work in the UK.
For further information or clarification please contact the APHA OV Team or Improve International.
Animal Health Paraprofessional training
Welcome to the Improve AHP website.
APHA's AHP and CO Instructions have moved and are now hosted by Improve International. They can be accessed using the links below:
Counts of AHPs/COs Authorised by APHA in GB
