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 |
|---|---|---|
| 6 July to 9 July 2026 | Noon on Friday 5 June 2026 | |
| 14 September to 17 September 2026 | Noon on Friday 14 August 2026 | |
| 12 October to 15 October 2026 | Noon on Friday 11 September 2026 | |
| 9 November to 10 November 2026 | Base and Companion only (note 2) | Noon on Friday 9 October 2026 |
| 7 December to 10 December 2026 | Noon on Friday 6 November 2026 |
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.
| Session date & time | Session title | |
|---|---|---|
| 29 May 2026, 1000 - 1045 | June 2026 AMTRA Exams - Drop-In Session | |
| 19 June 2026, 1000 - 1045 | July 2026 AMTRA Exams - Drop-In Session | |
| 28 August 2026, 1000 - 1045 | September 2026 AMTRA Exams - Drop-In Session | |
| 25 September 2026, 1000 - 1045 | October 2026 AMTRA Exams - Drop-In Session | |
| 23 October 2026, 1000 - 1045 | November 2026 AMTRA Exams - Drop-In Session | |
| 20 November 2026, 1000 - 1045 | December 2026 AMTRA Exams - Drop-In Session |
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.