AVS Accreditation
What is an Accredited Vascular Scientist (AVS)?
AVS is a globally renowned qualification. It demonstrates that individuals have:
- A minimum of 3 years clinical experience
- A high level of theoretical knowledge
- Have performed an extensive portfolio of scans
- Have an in-depth practical assessment of skills
- Have maintained a rigorous CPD program
Nearly all current job adverts for Vascular Scientist posts within the UK include AVS as essential or desirable in their personal specification criteria
All AVS members are searchable on the AVS Register (www.csvs.org.uk/avs-search/)
AVS TRAINING
There are many different routes of training for vascular scientists and the AVS award is designed to fit into your training. Once you have joined the CSVS as an ordinary member you can begin this process.
Theory Exams
There are two theory exams:
- Vascular Physics, Haemodynamics and Instrumentation
- Vascular Technology and Research
Each theory exams lasts 2 hours 30 minutes and consists of 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). The primary test result will be a PASS or FAIL decision. In addition, you will receive a percentage score. You need a percentage score of 70% or more to PASS the exam.
The dates of the next applications, appointment booking window and exam dates and will be made available on the theory exam section of the website. Applications can be made through the CSVS website where there will be a link to the CSVS exam registration.
There is no limit on the number of times a candidate may apply to re-sit a theory exam.
A successful pass in a theory exam is valid for 5 years (with respect to eligibility to sit practical exam). There is a detailed syllabus and reading list for each exam on the CSVS website.
Mandatory Research Requirement
Please see the CSVS research pages of the website for more information on the mandatory research requirement.
The mandatory research requirement within the AVS pathway provides research evidence to the CSVS accreditation process making the AHCS/HCPC equivalence application more streamlined. The mandatory completion of this came into effect on 1st September 2026. Anyone applying to sit their AVS practical exam after this date will need to complete this mandatory research requirement before being able to sit their practical exam.
Would your research beneficial from financial support in the form of a grant? Check out the CSVS Research Grants.
Practical Exams
A minimum number of diagnostic vascular investigations is required and must be achieved by direct hands-on experience of appropriate patient referrals (see below). At least 3 years full-time experience (or part-time equivalent) in each of the compulsory elements of the core modalities is required (even if the minimum number is reached sooner) before you are eligible to sit the CSVS Practical Exam.
The CSVS strives to be as flexible and inclusive as possible and consider the variety of clinical settings and changing workload of candidates aspiring to AVS. As such each Core Modality is split into compulsory and optional elements. The optional elements can be used to boost the numbers in each core modality up to the limits outlined in the table below. The general expectation would be for the number of scans to increase during the training period. For example: 100 scans in year 1, 200 in year 2 and 300 in year 3, in each modality. Most of the scans must demonstrate pathology rather than be “normal”.
Keeping a logbook of completed scans is recommended to evidence when applying to sit the practical exam.
What happens once I have gained my AVS?
Once you have been awarded your AVS you are entitled to use the term “Accredited Vascular Scientist (AVS)” and will appear on the AVS searchable register. You will need to maintain your status by remaining a current member of CSVS, maintain your clinical competency in 3 core modalities and complete continued professional development (CPD) activities. Click here for more information about CPD.