Compendium update

The latest print run and delivery of the Compendium will be the last that one that we issue as we are moving to a ‘digital first’ approach moving forwards for a number of important reasons: 

• As soon as the Compendium is printed it is out-of-date so by using the NOAH app and VMD Product Database instead, you can be sure that you have the most accurate information to work from 

• From an environmental perspective we also want to play our part in minimising the amount of printed materials we produce and even though we have printed the Compendiums as sustainably as possible to date, digital alternatives to access the information now exist, which means it is only right and responsible to stop printing hard copies moving forwards 

All students were posted a copy on 25 November 2024. 

We know that for some, having a hard copy is what you have been used to so to help everyone transition, please find below some useful links: 

NOAH Website: www.noahcompendium.co.uk for access up-to-date datasheets of authorised veterinary medicines to assist prescribing and support responsible use. 

NOAH App: The NOAH Compendium App is available free of charge to download from the App Store and Google Play. The content is refreshed regularly and can then be accessed offline on your phone or tablet. To find out more visit NOAH Compendium App. 

VMD Product Database: This website contains current information about veterinary medicines authorised in Great Britain and Northern Ireland Product Information Database - Home 

Exams and the Compendium 

From January, the new exams based on the new training manual will not permit access to the Compendium during the exam. 

Access may be provided to a small subset of data sheets / SPCs (or extracts of them) where relevant to specific questions, so candidates should continue to be familiar with what data sheets / SPCs look like and interpreting and using them, either from the book if they have access or in future via the NOAH or VMD websites. This mirrors daily life, where it is entirely normal and reasonable to look up details about a specific medicine, and it is not expected that anyone will remember all the key details about every product. 

However, understanding and implementing the SQP Code of Practice is an integral part of the role of being a RAMA/SQP, and so questions based on the Code will be included in the Base exam, and candidates should be able to answer them without needing to access the Compendium.