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Arkansas Veterinarian — Requirements & Free Practice

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Veterinarian License

License to practice veterinary medicine in Arkansas.

Licensing authority: Arkansas Board of Animal Health, Department of Agriculture · Application information

Licensure by endorsement: approved specialty diplomate
North American Veterinary Licensing Examination
Additional Assessment
Under § 17-101-303(b), the Department may examine the applicant orally or practically, provided the applicant has no disciplinary proceedings pending or completed in another jurisdiction. No separate named assessment is specified.
Application
Submit the signed application, required supporting information, $100 nonrefundable application fee, and applicable score transfer through AAVSB; examination applications are due at least 30 days before the state examination.
Approval
Board approval is discretionary and considered at the meeting following application; include a letter explaining why the written state board examination should be waived.
Character
Moral integrity and acceptable ethical standards; submit the notarized application, recommendation, current photograph, and disclosures required by the Board application.
Education
Provide veterinary-school diploma and certified transcript. A graduating student may apply with the dean’s affidavit, but must supply the diploma and final transcript before the state examination.
Endorsement Qualification
Be a diplomate of an AVMA-approved specialty board.
Foreign Education
When applicable, supply an Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates Certificate or equivalent program approved by the Board. The statute specifies the certificate rather than its constituent examinations.
Historical Examination Scores
NBE and CCT scores from the examinations given before April 2000 are prior evidence; the Board application identifies NAVLE as the examination given after April 2000. A holder of acceptable historical scores need not sit NAVLE solely because the current examination is listed.
Minimum Age
At least 21 years old under § 17-101-301(a).
Other Jurisdiction Licenses
Disclose all current and former veterinary licenses and obtain primary-source license verifications.
State Written Examination Waiver
Board applicant instructions exempt applicants approved for endorsement from the written state examination.
Supplemental Assessment Discretion
The Board may require oral interviews or practical examinations under § 17-101-302(a)(2) and (c); those provisions do not identify a separate currently offered examination.
Licensure by endorsement: recognized veterinary expert
North American Veterinary Licensing Examination
Additional Assessment
Under § 17-101-303(b), the Department may examine the applicant orally or practically, provided the applicant has no disciplinary proceedings pending or completed in another jurisdiction. No separate named assessment is specified.
Application
Submit the signed application, required supporting information, $100 nonrefundable application fee, and applicable score transfer through AAVSB; examination applications are due at least 30 days before the state examination.
Approval
Board approval is discretionary and considered at the meeting following application; include a letter explaining why the written state board examination should be waived.
Character
Moral integrity and acceptable ethical standards; submit the notarized application, recommendation, current photograph, and disclosures required by the Board application.
Education
Provide veterinary-school diploma and certified transcript. A graduating student may apply with the dean’s affidavit, but must supply the diploma and final transcript before the state examination.
Endorsement Qualification
Have been recognized as an expert in the veterinary profession.
Foreign Education
When applicable, supply an Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates Certificate or equivalent program approved by the Board. The statute specifies the certificate rather than its constituent examinations.
Historical Examination Scores
NBE and CCT scores from the examinations given before April 2000 are prior evidence; the Board application identifies NAVLE as the examination given after April 2000. A holder of acceptable historical scores need not sit NAVLE solely because the current examination is listed.
Minimum Age
At least 21 years old under § 17-101-301(a).
Other Jurisdiction Licenses
Disclose all current and former veterinary licenses and obtain primary-source license verifications.
State Written Examination Waiver
Board applicant instructions exempt applicants approved for endorsement from the written state examination.
Supplemental Assessment Discretion
The Board may require oral interviews or practical examinations under § 17-101-302(a)(2) and (c); those provisions do not identify a separate currently offered examination.
Licensure by endorsement: five years of licensed practice
North American Veterinary Licensing Examination
Additional Assessment
Under § 17-101-303(b), the Department may examine the applicant orally or practically, provided the applicant has no disciplinary proceedings pending or completed in another jurisdiction. No separate named assessment is specified.
Application
Submit the signed application, required supporting information, $100 nonrefundable application fee, and applicable score transfer through AAVSB; examination applications are due at least 30 days before the state examination.
Approval
Board approval is discretionary and considered at the meeting following application; include a letter explaining why the written state board examination should be waived.
Character
Moral integrity and acceptable ethical standards; submit the notarized application, recommendation, current photograph, and disclosures required by the Board application.
Education
Provide veterinary-school diploma and certified transcript. A graduating student may apply with the dean’s affidavit, but must supply the diploma and final transcript before the state examination.
Endorsement Qualification
For the five years preceding application, have practiced and been licensed in a United States jurisdiction with substantially equivalent requirements when first licensed.
Foreign Education
When applicable, supply an Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates Certificate or equivalent program approved by the Board. The statute specifies the certificate rather than its constituent examinations.
Historical Examination Scores
NBE and CCT scores from the examinations given before April 2000 are prior evidence; the Board application identifies NAVLE as the examination given after April 2000. A holder of acceptable historical scores need not sit NAVLE solely because the current examination is listed.
Minimum Age
At least 21 years old under § 17-101-301(a).
Other Jurisdiction Licenses
Disclose all current and former veterinary licenses and obtain primary-source license verifications.
State Written Examination Waiver
Board applicant instructions exempt applicants approved for endorsement from the written state examination.
Supplemental Assessment Discretion
The Board may require oral interviews or practical examinations under § 17-101-302(a)(2) and (c); those provisions do not identify a separate currently offered examination.
Licensure by endorsement: postgraduate veterinary degree
North American Veterinary Licensing Examination
Additional Assessment
Under § 17-101-303(b), the Department may examine the applicant orally or practically, provided the applicant has no disciplinary proceedings pending or completed in another jurisdiction. No separate named assessment is specified.
Application
Submit the signed application, required supporting information, $100 nonrefundable application fee, and applicable score transfer through AAVSB; examination applications are due at least 30 days before the state examination.
Approval
Board approval is discretionary and considered at the meeting following application; include a letter explaining why the written state board examination should be waived.
Character
Moral integrity and acceptable ethical standards; submit the notarized application, recommendation, current photograph, and disclosures required by the Board application.
Education
Provide veterinary-school diploma and certified transcript. A graduating student may apply with the dean’s affidavit, but must supply the diploma and final transcript before the state examination.
Endorsement Qualification
Have been awarded a postgraduate degree in veterinary medicine.
Foreign Education
When applicable, supply an Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates Certificate or equivalent program approved by the Board. The statute specifies the certificate rather than its constituent examinations.
Historical Examination Scores
NBE and CCT scores from the examinations given before April 2000 are prior evidence; the Board application identifies NAVLE as the examination given after April 2000. A holder of acceptable historical scores need not sit NAVLE solely because the current examination is listed.
Minimum Age
At least 21 years old under § 17-101-301(a).
Other Jurisdiction Licenses
Disclose all current and former veterinary licenses and obtain primary-source license verifications.
State Written Examination Waiver
Board applicant instructions exempt applicants approved for endorsement from the written state examination.
Supplemental Assessment Discretion
The Board may require oral interviews or practical examinations under § 17-101-302(a)(2) and (c); those provisions do not identify a separate currently offered examination.
Licensure by examination: accredited veterinary education

All of the following:

Application
Submit the signed application, required supporting information, $100 nonrefundable application fee, and applicable score transfer through AAVSB; examination applications are due at least 30 days before the state examination.
Character
Moral integrity and acceptable ethical standards; submit the notarized application, recommendation, current photograph, and disclosures required by the Board application.
Education
Provide veterinary-school diploma and certified transcript. A graduating student may apply with the dean’s affidavit, but must supply the diploma and final transcript before the state examination.
Education Category
Graduate or graduating student of an accredited veterinary school.
Foreign Education
When applicable, supply an Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates Certificate or equivalent program approved by the Board. The statute specifies the certificate rather than its constituent examinations.
Historical Examination Scores
NBE and CCT scores from the examinations given before April 2000 are prior evidence; the Board application identifies NAVLE as the examination given after April 2000. A holder of acceptable historical scores need not sit NAVLE solely because the current examination is listed.
Minimum Age
At least 21 years old under § 17-101-301(a).
Other Jurisdiction Licenses
Disclose all current and former veterinary licenses and obtain primary-source license verifications.
Supplemental Assessment Discretion
The Board may require oral interviews or practical examinations under § 17-101-302(a)(2) and (c); those provisions do not identify a separate currently offered examination.
Licensure by examination: foreign veterinary education

All of the following:

Application
Submit the signed application, required supporting information, $100 nonrefundable application fee, and applicable score transfer through AAVSB; examination applications are due at least 30 days before the state examination.
Character
Moral integrity and acceptable ethical standards; submit the notarized application, recommendation, current photograph, and disclosures required by the Board application.
Education
Provide veterinary-school diploma and certified transcript. A graduating student may apply with the dean’s affidavit, but must supply the diploma and final transcript before the state examination.
Education Category
Foreign veterinary graduate; obtain the ECFVG certificate or a Board-approved equivalent certificate.
Foreign Education
When applicable, supply an Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates Certificate or equivalent program approved by the Board. The statute specifies the certificate rather than its constituent examinations.
Historical Examination Scores
NBE and CCT scores from the examinations given before April 2000 are prior evidence; the Board application identifies NAVLE as the examination given after April 2000. A holder of acceptable historical scores need not sit NAVLE solely because the current examination is listed.
Minimum Age
At least 21 years old under § 17-101-301(a).
Other Jurisdiction Licenses
Disclose all current and former veterinary licenses and obtain primary-source license verifications.
Supplemental Assessment Discretion
The Board may require oral interviews or practical examinations under § 17-101-302(a)(2) and (c); those provisions do not identify a separate currently offered examination.
Activation of an inactive veterinary license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Obtain the required continuing education hours during that renewal period under 17 CAR § 1-103(j).
Eligibility
Holder of an inactive veterinary license seeking active status.
Practice
Do not practice until active status is restored; active annual fee is $100.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Military automatic licensure: active duty
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application Form Demand
The Board military application asks returning veterans for honorable-discharge documentation; 17 CAR § 1-115 defines a returning veteran as discharged under circumstances other than dishonorable.
Military Status
Active duty military service member stationed in Arkansas.
Other License
Hold a substantially equivalent United States occupational license in good standing and submit proof of that license and military eligibility.
Scope Of Waiver
17 CAR § 1-115(a) defines automatic licensure as granting licensure without meeting the occupational licensure requirements under Title 17 or this part.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Military automatic licensure: spouse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application Form Demand
The Board military application asks returning veterans for honorable-discharge documentation; 17 CAR § 1-115 defines a returning veteran as discharged under circumstances other than dishonorable.
Military Status
Spouse of an active duty service member stationed in Arkansas or qualifying returning military veteran.
Other License
Hold a substantially equivalent United States occupational license in good standing and submit proof of that license and military eligibility.
Scope Of Waiver
17 CAR § 1-115(a) defines automatic licensure as granting licensure without meeting the occupational licensure requirements under Title 17 or this part.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Military automatic licensure: returning veteran
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application Form Demand
The Board military application asks returning veterans for honorable-discharge documentation; 17 CAR § 1-115 defines a returning veteran as discharged under circumstances other than dishonorable.
Military Status
Former United States Armed Forces member discharged under circumstances other than dishonorable, applying within one year of discharge.
Other License
Hold a substantially equivalent United States occupational license in good standing and submit proof of that license and military eligibility.
Scope Of Waiver
17 CAR § 1-115(a) defines automatic licensure as granting licensure without meeting the occupational licensure requirements under Title 17 or this part.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Annual active license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Earn 20 hours annually: ten in veterinary medicine/surgery, no more than eight nonscientific, no more than two colleague-visitation and two exhibit-hall hours; at least ten in person or live interactive webinar and no more than ten prerecorded/noninteractive.
Deadline
License expires March 31 annually; submit renewal and the $100 active renewal fee; late renewal incurs the Board delinquency fee.
Records
Certify continuing education on the renewal form; retain records three years and respond to a Board audit.
Waivers
Graduation-period CE is waived; sickness or other justifiable reasons may support a discretionary waiver or extension under 17 CAR § 1-103(h).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Relicensure or reinstatement after suspension or revocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Discretion
Submit a written application showing cause justifying relicensing or reinstatement; the Board may grant it at any time under § 17-101-305(b).
Individual Order
Satisfy the conditions of the Board reinstatement order; the statutory reinstatement provision identifies no examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

New license application after more than five years of expiration

All of the following:

Application
Submit the signed application, required supporting information, $100 nonrefundable application fee, and applicable score transfer through AAVSB; examination applications are due at least 30 days before the state examination.
Character
Moral integrity and acceptable ethical standards; submit the notarized application, recommendation, current photograph, and disclosures required by the Board application.
Education
Provide veterinary-school diploma and certified transcript. A graduating student may apply with the dean’s affidavit, but must supply the diploma and final transcript before the state examination.
Expiration
After five years the expired license cannot be renewed; apply for a new license and take the required examinations under § 17-101-309(b)(2).
Foreign Education
When applicable, supply an Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates Certificate or equivalent program approved by the Board. The statute specifies the certificate rather than its constituent examinations.
Historical Examination Scores
NBE and CCT scores from the examinations given before April 2000 are prior evidence; the Board application identifies NAVLE as the examination given after April 2000. A holder of acceptable historical scores need not sit NAVLE solely because the current examination is listed.
Minimum Age
At least 21 years old under § 17-101-301(a).
Other Jurisdiction Licenses
Disclose all current and former veterinary licenses and obtain primary-source license verifications.
Practice Boundary
Unrestricted veterinary practice.
Supplemental Assessment Discretion
The Board may require oral interviews or practical examinations under § 17-101-302(a)(2) and (c); those provisions do not identify a separate currently offered examination.
Reinstatement of a license expired no more than five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Satisfy the current active-renewal CE requirements unless a valid waiver applies.
Eligibility
Apply for renewal within five years of expiration under § 17-101-309(b)(1).
Fees
Pay current renewal and all delinquent renewal fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Reciprocal licensure under 17 CAR § 1 117
North American Veterinary Licensing Examination
Documents
Submit the § 17-101-301 application and required fees, evidence of equivalent active licensure, the names of all United States licensing jurisdictions, and primary-source verifications.
Education Equivalence
The other jurisdiction requires an accredited/approved veterinary diploma or an ECFVG or PAVE certificate. These certificates are applicant conditions; the rule does not name their constituent examinations.
Examination Scores
Transfer acceptable NAVLE or historical NBE/CCT scores through AAVSB. The Board application distinguishes the discontinued pre-April-2000 examinations from NAVLE.
Issuance
Under 17 CAR § 1-117(b)(2), the Board issues the license after determining reciprocal eligibility and receiving all required documents; this implementing issuance provision is read as exercise of the statutory discretion to license without the state written examination.
Other License
Hold a current, active, substantially similar United States veterinary license in good standing, not suspended or on probation and not revoked for bad faith or violation of law, rule, or ethics.
Unrestricted licensure following restricted practice

All of the following:

Application
Submit the signed application, required supporting information, $100 nonrefundable application fee, and applicable score transfer through AAVSB; examination applications are due at least 30 days before the state examination.
Character
Moral integrity and acceptable ethical standards; submit the notarized application, recommendation, current photograph, and disclosures required by the Board application.
Conversion
Receive a passing NAVLE score and meet every other unrestricted-license requirement under § 17-101-318(e).
Education
Provide veterinary-school diploma and certified transcript. A graduating student may apply with the dean’s affidavit, but must supply the diploma and final transcript before the state examination.
Foreign Education
When applicable, supply an Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates Certificate or equivalent program approved by the Board. The statute specifies the certificate rather than its constituent examinations.
Historical Examination Scores
NBE and CCT scores from the examinations given before April 2000 are prior evidence; the Board application identifies NAVLE as the examination given after April 2000. A holder of acceptable historical scores need not sit NAVLE solely because the current examination is listed.
Minimum Age
At least 21 years old under § 17-101-301(a).
Other Jurisdiction Licenses
Disclose all current and former veterinary licenses and obtain primary-source license verifications.
Supplemental Assessment Discretion
The Board may require oral interviews or practical examinations under § 17-101-302(a)(2) and (c); those provisions do not identify a separate currently offered examination.

Poultry Specialty license

Veterinary practice limited to poultry medicine.

Licensing authority: Arkansas Board of Animal Health, Department of Agriculture · Application information

Annual active license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Earn 20 hours annually: ten in veterinary medicine/surgery, no more than eight nonscientific, no more than two colleague-visitation and two exhibit-hall hours; at least ten in person or live interactive webinar and no more than ten prerecorded/noninteractive.
Deadline
License expires March 31 annually; submit renewal and the $100 active renewal fee; late renewal incurs the Board delinquency fee.
Records
Certify continuing education on the renewal form; retain records three years and respond to a Board audit.
Waivers
Graduation-period CE is waived; sickness or other justifiable reasons may support a discretionary waiver or extension under 17 CAR § 1-103(h).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Relicensure or reinstatement after suspension or revocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Discretion
Submit a written application showing cause justifying relicensing or reinstatement; the Board may grant it at any time under § 17-101-305(b).
Individual Order
Satisfy the conditions of the Board reinstatement order; the statutory reinstatement provision identifies no examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Poultry specialty licensure by examination

All of the following:

Application
Submit the signed application, required supporting information, $100 nonrefundable application fee, and applicable score transfer through AAVSB; examination applications are due at least 30 days before the state examination.
Character
Moral integrity and acceptable ethical standards; submit the notarized application, recommendation, current photograph, and disclosures required by the Board application.
Education
Provide veterinary-school diploma and certified transcript. A graduating student may apply with the dean’s affidavit, but must supply the diploma and final transcript before the state examination.
Foreign Education
When applicable, supply an Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates Certificate or equivalent program approved by the Board. The statute specifies the certificate rather than its constituent examinations.
Historical Examination Scores
NBE and CCT scores from the examinations given before April 2000 are prior evidence; the Board application identifies NAVLE as the examination given after April 2000. A holder of acceptable historical scores need not sit NAVLE solely because the current examination is listed.
Minimum Age
At least 21 years old under § 17-101-301(a).
Other Jurisdiction Licenses
Disclose all current and former veterinary licenses and obtain primary-source license verifications.
Passing Score
At least 70% on the poultry written examination plus an acceptable passing national examination score; the historical CCT is not required for poultry specialty licensure.
Practice Boundary
Practice only poultry medicine; 17 CAR § 1-101(b) says poultry-specialty applicants are tested only in poultry medicine.
Supplemental Assessment Discretion
The Board may require oral interviews or practical examinations under § 17-101-302(a)(2) and (c); those provisions do not identify a separate currently offered examination.
New license application after more than five years of expiration

All of the following:

Application
Submit the signed application, required supporting information, $100 nonrefundable application fee, and applicable score transfer through AAVSB; examination applications are due at least 30 days before the state examination.
Character
Moral integrity and acceptable ethical standards; submit the notarized application, recommendation, current photograph, and disclosures required by the Board application.
Education
Provide veterinary-school diploma and certified transcript. A graduating student may apply with the dean’s affidavit, but must supply the diploma and final transcript before the state examination.
Expiration
After five years the expired license cannot be renewed; apply for a new license and take the required examinations under § 17-101-309(b)(2).
Foreign Education
When applicable, supply an Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates Certificate or equivalent program approved by the Board. The statute specifies the certificate rather than its constituent examinations.
Historical Examination Scores
NBE and CCT scores from the examinations given before April 2000 are prior evidence; the Board application identifies NAVLE as the examination given after April 2000. A holder of acceptable historical scores need not sit NAVLE solely because the current examination is listed.
Minimum Age
At least 21 years old under § 17-101-301(a).
Other Jurisdiction Licenses
Disclose all current and former veterinary licenses and obtain primary-source license verifications.
Practice Boundary
Poultry-only practice and the 70% poultry-examination standard apply.
Supplemental Assessment Discretion
The Board may require oral interviews or practical examinations under § 17-101-302(a)(2) and (c); those provisions do not identify a separate currently offered examination.
Reinstatement of a license expired no more than five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Satisfy the current active-renewal CE requirements unless a valid waiver applies.
Eligibility
Apply for renewal within five years of expiration under § 17-101-309(b)(1).
Fees
Pay current renewal and all delinquent renewal fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Veterinarian Restricted License

Directly supervised practice for a veterinary graduate who has not passed NAVLE.

Licensing authority: Arkansas Board of Animal Health, Department of Agriculture · Application information

Initial restricted licensure
North American Veterinary Licensing Examination
Documents
Submit the § 17-101-301 application and applicable application fee unless previously submitted, restricted license fee, supervising veterinarian recommendation, and written confirmation of registration for the next available NAVLE.
Education
Graduate of an accredited or approved veterinary college who has not passed NAVLE.
Examination Timing
NAVLE follows issuance; passing it is required for conversion to an unrestricted license.
Limits
No DEA registration or federal APHIS accreditation; no more than three restricted licenses. The license expires the day after NAVLE results are known.
Supervision
Practice only under direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
Restricted license reissue after an unsuccessful NAVLE
North American Veterinary Licensing Examination
Documents
Submit restricted-license fee, supervising veterinarian recommendation, and confirmation of registration for the next available NAVLE.
Eligibility
Failed NAVLE after receiving a restricted license.
Limits
No more than three restricted licenses; each expires the day after NAVLE results become known; retain direct supervision and the restrictions on DEA registration and APHIS accreditation.

Veterinarian Temporary Permit

Temporary authority pending the state examination or reciprocal-licensure review.

Licensing authority: Arkansas Board of Animal Health, Department of Agriculture · Application information

Temporary permit pending the written state examination

All of the following:

Application
Submit the signed application, required supporting information, $100 nonrefundable application fee, and applicable score transfer through AAVSB; examination applications are due at least 30 days before the state examination.
Character
Moral integrity and acceptable ethical standards; submit the notarized application, recommendation, current photograph, and disclosures required by the Board application.
Education
Provide veterinary-school diploma and certified transcript. A graduating student may apply with the dean’s affidavit, but must supply the diploma and final transcript before the state examination.
Foreign Education
When applicable, supply an Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates Certificate or equivalent program approved by the Board. The statute specifies the certificate rather than its constituent examinations.
Historical Examination Scores
NBE and CCT scores from the examinations given before April 2000 are prior evidence; the Board application identifies NAVLE as the examination given after April 2000. A holder of acceptable historical scores need not sit NAVLE solely because the current examination is listed.
Minimum Age
At least 21 years old under § 17-101-301(a).
Other Jurisdiction Licenses
Disclose all current and former veterinary licenses and obtain primary-source license verifications.
Permit Fee
Pay the additional $50 temporary permit fee; issuance or revocation is subject to a Board majority vote.
Permit Timing
The permit may be issued without first taking the written state examination, but is pending that examination; it expires the day after notice or results of the first examination after issuance.
Prior NAVLE
The application says not to request this temporary permit before passing NAVLE.
Supplemental Assessment Discretion
The Board may require oral interviews or practical examinations under § 17-101-302(a)(2) and (c); those provisions do not identify a separate currently offered examination.
Immediate temporary permit pending reciprocal review
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Duration
The permit remains temporary and subject to the governing expiration and revocation provisions of § 17-101-304.
Issuance
17 CAR § 1-117(b)(1) requires immediate issuance on receipt of the application, required fees, and (a)(2)(B) documentation of the current active substantially similar license and educational equivalence.
Later Reciprocal Review
National score transfer and jurisdiction verifications under (a)(2)(C)-(D) are required for the subsequent reciprocal full license, rather than the temporary permit under (b)(1).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Written State Veterinary Examination

Provider
Arkansas Board of Animal Health, Department of Agriculture
Format
Written examination
Examination outline
  • The Arkansas Veterinary Medical Practice Act, § 17-101-101 et seq.
  • State and federal statutes relating to prescription and controlled drugs
  • Ethics of veterinary medicine
  • Rules and regulations of the Arkansas Board of Animal Health, the United States Department of Agriculture, the United States Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, and rabies control
Examination sources

North American Veterinary Licensing Examination

Provider
International Council for Veterinary Assessment (ICVA); delivered at Prometric testing centers
Format
Computer-based multiple-choice examination; each question presents a clinical scenario or vignette followed by a question requiring one answer from a list of response options; about 15-20% include graphics such as photos or radiographs. Beginning with the October-November 2026 NAVLE the test is divided into twelve blocks of 30 questions each.
Exam questions
360 multiple-choice questions
Time limit
Around seven and a half (7.5) hours
Passing score
Score report gives a pass or fail designation and a three-digit scaled score
Exam fee
$825 (USD) standard NAVLE fee; $1,220 (USD) international NAVLE fee (standard fee + international fee of $395)
Examination outline
  • Clinical Practice (competency domain; target blueprint 70%) (70%)
    • Data Gathering and Interpretation (target blueprint 35%) — Create or update medical records
    • Data Gathering and Interpretation (target blueprint 35%) — Develop a differential diagnosis
    • Data Gathering and Interpretation (target blueprint 35%) — Formulate a diagnostic plan
    • Data Gathering and Interpretation (target blueprint 35%) — Formulate possible differential diagnoses
    • Data Gathering and Interpretation (target blueprint 35%) — Interpret cytologic specimens
    • Data Gathering and Interpretation (target blueprint 35%) — Interpret diagnostic images (e.g., ECG, endoscopy, ultrasound, x-ray)
    • Data Gathering and Interpretation (target blueprint 35%) — Interpret findings from laboratory tests (e.g., urine, blood, tissue)
    • Data Gathering and Interpretation (target blueprint 35%) — Interpret findings from physical examination
    • Data Gathering and Interpretation (target blueprint 35%) — Interpret findings from postmortem specimen
    • Data Gathering and Interpretation (target blueprint 35%) — Interpret principles of pathophysiology and mechanism of action
    • Data Gathering and Interpretation (target blueprint 35%) — Interpret results of system-specific examination (e.g., ophthalmic, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, dental)
    • Data Gathering and Interpretation (target blueprint 35%) — Investigate possible exposure of companion animal to toxin
    • Data Gathering and Interpretation (target blueprint 35%) — Investigate possible exposure of food or game animal to toxin
    • Data Gathering and Interpretation (target blueprint 35%) — Observe or interpret an animal’s mental status and other aspects of behavior
    • Data Gathering and Interpretation (target blueprint 35%) — Obtain animal health history from client
    • Data Gathering and Interpretation (target blueprint 35%) — Obtain diagnostic images (e.g., ultrasound, x-ray)
    • Data Gathering and Interpretation (target blueprint 35%) — Obtain specimens or samples for laboratory studies (e.g., urine, blood, tissue)
    • Data Gathering and Interpretation (target blueprint 35%) — Perform general physical examination
    • Data Gathering and Interpretation (target blueprint 35%) — Perform postmortem examination to determine cause of death
    • Data Gathering and Interpretation (target blueprint 35%) — Perform standard diagnostic tests on samples (e.g., urine, blood, tissue)
    • Data Gathering and Interpretation (target blueprint 35%) — Perform system-specific examination (e.g., ophthalmic, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, dental)
    • Data Gathering and Interpretation (target blueprint 35%) — Prioritize need for diagnostic procedures considering available resources
    • Data Gathering and Interpretation (target blueprint 35%) — Read and interpret production records or farm-based computer reports to understand herd-level health parameters
    • Data Gathering and Interpretation (target blueprint 35%) — Review animal medical records to determine health status
    • Health Maintenance and Problem Management (listed in the target blueprint as 'Health Maintenance and Prevention', 35%) — Administer a biological or pharmacological agent other than anesthesia, including blood, vaccinations, drugs, and medications
    • Health Maintenance and Problem Management (listed in the target blueprint as 'Health Maintenance and Prevention', 35%) — Administer general anesthesia
    • Health Maintenance and Problem Management (listed in the target blueprint as 'Health Maintenance and Prevention', 35%) — Administer local anesthesia
    • Health Maintenance and Problem Management (listed in the target blueprint as 'Health Maintenance and Prevention', 35%) — Apply a splint, cast or other stabilization device
    • Health Maintenance and Problem Management (listed in the target blueprint as 'Health Maintenance and Prevention', 35%) — Care for wounds or surgical incisions (e.g., suture, dress)
    • Health Maintenance and Problem Management (listed in the target blueprint as 'Health Maintenance and Prevention', 35%) — Determine prognosis
    • Health Maintenance and Problem Management (listed in the target blueprint as 'Health Maintenance and Prevention', 35%) — Establish a rehabilitation plan
    • Health Maintenance and Problem Management (listed in the target blueprint as 'Health Maintenance and Prevention', 35%) — Establish a treatment plan
    • Health Maintenance and Problem Management (listed in the target blueprint as 'Health Maintenance and Prevention', 35%) — Evaluate a treatment outcome
    • Health Maintenance and Problem Management (listed in the target blueprint as 'Health Maintenance and Prevention', 35%) — Formulate or evaluate a behavior modification plan
    • Health Maintenance and Problem Management (listed in the target blueprint as 'Health Maintenance and Prevention', 35%) — Formulate patient/herd/population management and treatment plans (e.g., stall rest, medication, raising curtains in a pig barn, testing feed)
    • Health Maintenance and Problem Management (listed in the target blueprint as 'Health Maintenance and Prevention', 35%) — Perform common therapeutic/surgical procedures (e.g., tissue biopsy, wound drainage)
    • Health Maintenance and Problem Management (listed in the target blueprint as 'Health Maintenance and Prevention', 35%) — Perform major surgical procedures (e.g., abdominal, orthopedic)
    • Health Maintenance and Problem Management (listed in the target blueprint as 'Health Maintenance and Prevention', 35%) — Prescribe a biological or pharmacological agent
    • Health Maintenance and Problem Management (listed in the target blueprint as 'Health Maintenance and Prevention', 35%) — Refer clients to veterinary specialists for further diagnostic studies or treatment
    • Health Maintenance and Problem Management (listed in the target blueprint as 'Health Maintenance and Prevention', 35%) — Synthesize multiple sources of diagnostic information, including local disease prevalence, to determine diagnosis
    • Health Maintenance and Problem Management (listed in the target blueprint as 'Health Maintenance and Prevention', 35%) — Treat minor injuries or trauma (e.g., abrasions, lacerations, eye wounds)
  • Preventive Medicine and Animal Welfare (competency domain; target blueprint 15%) (15%)
    • Animal Welfare Issues and Concerns (target blueprint 6%) — Certify that animals or animal products meet certain standards (e.g., living conditions, sanitation, health or disease status)
    • Animal Welfare Issues and Concerns (target blueprint 6%) — Conduct or oversee an animal welfare audit
    • Animal Welfare Issues and Concerns (target blueprint 6%) — Conduct periodic/annual examinations on client animals and discuss vaccination, deworming, diet, exercise, and other wellness considerations
    • Animal Welfare Issues and Concerns (target blueprint 6%) — Explain to client the components of an animal welfare audit
    • Animal Welfare Issues and Concerns (target blueprint 6%) — Identify and take action on animal welfare problems
    • Animal Welfare Issues and Concerns (target blueprint 6%) — Verify that diseased or infected animals have been managed according to professional or governmental guidelines
    • Animal Welfare Issues and Concerns (target blueprint 6%) — Work with community groups or regulatory bodies to address the ethical treatment, health, and welfare of animals
    • Environmental Health and Safety (target blueprint 5%) — Apply isolation or quarantine and/or disinfection measures to own work environment as a means of disease prevention/control
    • Environmental Health and Safety (target blueprint 5%) — Ensure proper disposal of biomedical waste
    • Environmental Health and Safety (target blueprint 5%) — Evaluate animal environments to identify possible epidemiological problems and public health concerns
    • Environmental Health and Safety (target blueprint 5%) — Inform client or community about effective methods for managing animal or human waste
    • Environmental Health and Safety (target blueprint 5%) — Inspect practice environment (e.g., clinic, vehicle) to ensure that it is safe and accessible
    • Environmental Health and Safety (target blueprint 5%) — Instruct client about methods to humanely terminate diseased animals and dispose of infected carcasses
    • Environmental Health and Safety (target blueprint 5%) — Instruct staff, colleagues, or others about proper technique for disposal of biomedical waste
    • Environmental Health and Safety (target blueprint 5%) — Monitor workplace to verify that it complies with hazardous materials requirements
    • Veterinary Public Health (target blueprint 4%) — Apply isolation or quarantine procedures as a means of disease prevention and control
    • Veterinary Public Health (target blueprint 4%) — Collaborate or consult with clients, health professionals, government agencies, or community groups on public health issues such as food safety and zoonotic disease
    • Veterinary Public Health (target blueprint 4%) — Conduct a community education workshop on some topic related to animal or human health
    • Veterinary Public Health (target blueprint 4%) — Consult with community stakeholders about animal population control
    • Veterinary Public Health (target blueprint 4%) — Discuss animal care options with an immunocompromised owner
    • Veterinary Public Health (target blueprint 4%) — Formulate a patient/herd management and/or treatment plan for public health and/or zoonotic disease cases or concerns
    • Veterinary Public Health (target blueprint 4%) — Inform clients or community about prevention and treatment of zoonotic organism exposure
    • Veterinary Public Health (target blueprint 4%) — Inspect food to ensure consumer safety
    • Veterinary Public Health (target blueprint 4%) — Investigate a disease outbreak
    • Veterinary Public Health (target blueprint 4%) — Participate in disease control or eradication program
    • Veterinary Public Health (target blueprint 4%) — Participate in epidemiologic inquiry of a reportable disease by collecting, handling, or transporting specimens/samples
    • Veterinary Public Health (target blueprint 4%) — Report a transboundary or zoonotic disease to state, regional, or national agency
    • Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics (no separate subdomain percentage is published in the target blueprint) — Apply the fundamentals of epidemiology and/or biostatistics
    • Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics (no separate subdomain percentage is published in the target blueprint) — Interpret biostatistical or epidemiologic principles or problems
    • Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics (no separate subdomain percentage is published in the target blueprint) — Investigate epidemiologic problems
  • Communications (competency domain; the target blueprint lists 'Communication' at 8%) (8%)
    • Communications with Veterinary and Other Professionals (target blueprint 'Communication with Veterinary and other Professionals' 3%) — Build relationships with junior colleagues or new graduates
    • Communications with Veterinary and Other Professionals (target blueprint 'Communication with Veterinary and other Professionals' 3%) — Consult with other veterinarians or veterinary specialists regarding animal care
    • Communications with Veterinary and Other Professionals (target blueprint 'Communication with Veterinary and other Professionals' 3%) — Delegate delivery of veterinary care and services to associates or staff
    • Communications with Veterinary and Other Professionals (target blueprint 'Communication with Veterinary and other Professionals' 3%) — Deliver verbal case summaries to other veterinarians or members of the health care team
    • Communications with Veterinary and Other Professionals (target blueprint 'Communication with Veterinary and other Professionals' 3%) — Describe disaster preparedness plan to coworkers
    • Communications with Veterinary and Other Professionals (target blueprint 'Communication with Veterinary and other Professionals' 3%) — Engage regulatory bodies to improve standards of practice or to address other professional issues
    • Communications with Veterinary and Other Professionals (target blueprint 'Communication with Veterinary and other Professionals' 3%) — Explain results of research to non-veterinary health workers (e.g., staff, other agencies)
    • Communications with Veterinary and Other Professionals (target blueprint 'Communication with Veterinary and other Professionals' 3%) — Guide the work of associates or other staff in the delivery of veterinary services
    • Communications with Veterinary and Other Professionals (target blueprint 'Communication with Veterinary and other Professionals' 3%) — Mentor and supervise veterinary and veterinary technician students
    • Communications with Veterinary and Other Professionals (target blueprint 'Communication with Veterinary and other Professionals' 3%) — Respond to unprofessional or unethical behavior in others
    • Communications with Veterinary and Other Professionals (target blueprint 'Communication with Veterinary and other Professionals' 3%) — Train staff in animal health and care
    • Communications with Veterinary and Other Professionals (target blueprint 'Communication with Veterinary and other Professionals' 3%) — Write a case summary for use by other veterinarians or members of the health care team
    • Communications with Clients (target blueprint 'Communication with Clients' 5%) — Advise client on health maintenance for herd, flock or individual pet (e.g., husbandry, production management, public health, wellness exams)
    • Communications with Clients (target blueprint 'Communication with Clients' 5%) — Advise client regarding appropriate and inappropriate pharmacy compounding
    • Communications with Clients (target blueprint 'Communication with Clients' 5%) — Discuss euthanasia with client
    • Communications with Clients (target blueprint 'Communication with Clients' 5%) — Discuss strategies with producer or client to reduce antibiotic resistance and/or antibiotic residues
    • Communications with Clients (target blueprint 'Communication with Clients' 5%) — Discuss the limits of legal extra-label drug use with client
    • Communications with Clients (target blueprint 'Communication with Clients' 5%) — Ensure that client understands the effects of prescribed pharmaceuticals, including chemotherapeutics (e.g., withdrawal time, side effects)
    • Communications with Clients (target blueprint 'Communication with Clients' 5%) — Explain diagnosis and prognosis to clients using lay terminology
    • Communications with Clients (target blueprint 'Communication with Clients' 5%) — Explain research results to client, describing its implications for animal care
    • Communications with Clients (target blueprint 'Communication with Clients' 5%) — Help clients differentiate trustworthy from unreliable information (e.g., from Internet or advertisements) to support the care of their animals
    • Communications with Clients (target blueprint 'Communication with Clients' 5%) — Inform client of bad news (e.g., animal terminal illness, show animal that can’t be bred)
    • Communications with Clients (target blueprint 'Communication with Clients' 5%) — Instruct clients on how to obtain diagnostic information from an animal’s home environment (e.g., sleeping respiratory rate, stool or urine samples)
    • Communications with Clients (target blueprint 'Communication with Clients' 5%) — Instruct clients on methods for isolating and quarantining diseased animals
    • Communications with Clients (target blueprint 'Communication with Clients' 5%) — Negotiate payment plan with a client
    • Communications with Clients (target blueprint 'Communication with Clients' 5%) — Obtain informed consent from client
    • Communications with Clients (target blueprint 'Communication with Clients' 5%) — Provide instruction regarding food safety practices
    • Communications with Clients (target blueprint 'Communication with Clients' 5%) — Provide verbal instructions to client regarding follow-up care (e.g., medications, wound care, environmental enrichment)
    • Communications with Clients (target blueprint 'Communication with Clients' 5%) — Recommend management options to clients that are consistent with their cultural norms and personal values
    • Communications with Clients (target blueprint 'Communication with Clients' 5%) — Refer client for grief counseling
    • Communications with Clients (target blueprint 'Communication with Clients' 5%) — Talk with client to clarify concerns and expectations regarding type and level of care
    • Communications with Clients (target blueprint 'Communication with Clients' 5%) — Teach client about preventive care (e.g., nutrition, behavior, dental, vaccines, parasites)
    • Communications with Clients (target blueprint 'Communication with Clients' 5%) — Use appropriate communication techniques (e.g., open-ended inquiry, empathy)
    • Communications with Clients (target blueprint 'Communication with Clients' 5%) — Write a summary of animal care instructions for a client
  • Professionalism, Practice Management, and Wellness (competency domain; target blueprint 'Professionalism, Practice Management and Wellness' 7%) (7%)
    • Veterinary Practice Management (target blueprint 4%) — Apply appropriate animal restraint
    • Veterinary Practice Management (target blueprint 4%) — Describe workings of benefit plan (e.g., retirement, health insurance) to staff
    • Veterinary Practice Management (target blueprint 4%) — Develop a budget for own practice or employer
    • Veterinary Practice Management (target blueprint 4%) — Develop standard operating procedures (e.g., procedures manual for practice or work environment)
    • Veterinary Practice Management (target blueprint 4%) — Evaluate and purchase major medical equipment
    • Veterinary Practice Management (target blueprint 4%) — Evaluate and purchase office/practice management software
    • Veterinary Practice Management (target blueprint 4%) — Evaluate new medications, products, or treatment procedures to determine suitability for own practice
    • Veterinary Practice Management (target blueprint 4%) — Negotiate work or practice arrangements (e.g., compensation, work schedule) with colleagues
    • Veterinary Practice Management (target blueprint 4%) — Prepare or update employee handbook
    • Veterinary Practice Management (target blueprint 4%) — Purchase expendable supplies (e.g., pharmaceuticals, dressing)
    • Veterinary Practice Management (target blueprint 4%) — Review practice management data, including business and financial records
    • Veterinary Practice Management (target blueprint 4%) — Supervise paraprofessional or technical support staff
    • Professional Development and Lifelong Learning (target blueprint 'Professional Development and Life-Long Learning' 3%) — Attend a professional development seminar or workshop
    • Professional Development and Lifelong Learning (target blueprint 'Professional Development and Life-Long Learning' 3%) — Attend training on emerging technologies in veterinary medicine
    • Professional Development and Lifelong Learning (target blueprint 'Professional Development and Life-Long Learning' 3%) — Conduct oneself in a professional, ethical, and legal manner
    • Professional Development and Lifelong Learning (target blueprint 'Professional Development and Life-Long Learning' 3%) — Consult reference materials (e.g., journals, online databases, other) to help formulate diagnosis or treatment options
    • Professional Development and Lifelong Learning (target blueprint 'Professional Development and Life-Long Learning' 3%) — Encourage veterinarian and support staff wellness
    • Professional Development and Lifelong Learning (target blueprint 'Professional Development and Life-Long Learning' 3%) — Exchange new scientific or technical information with other health professionals
    • Professional Development and Lifelong Learning (target blueprint 'Professional Development and Life-Long Learning' 3%) — Give a talk at a professional meeting
    • Professional Development and Lifelong Learning (target blueprint 'Professional Development and Life-Long Learning' 3%) — Participate in activities of local, national, or international professional association (e.g., state veterinarian association)
    • Professional Development and Lifelong Learning (target blueprint 'Professional Development and Life-Long Learning' 3%) — Participate in online professional development activity
    • Professional Development and Lifelong Learning (target blueprint 'Professional Development and Life-Long Learning' 3%) — Participate in or conduct an investigation to test a new procedure (e.g., diagnostic, nutritional, medication, surgical)
    • Professional Development and Lifelong Learning (target blueprint 'Professional Development and Life-Long Learning' 3%) — Participate in professional development activities (e.g., continuing education, board certification)
    • Professional Development and Lifelong Learning (target blueprint 'Professional Development and Life-Long Learning' 3%) — Read a journal article for professional development
Examination sources

Written examination on poultry veterinary medicine

Provider
Arkansas Board of Animal Health, Department of Agriculture
Format
Written examination
Passing score
70% or better
Examination outline
  • Poultry veterinary medicine
Examination sources