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California Veterinarian — Requirements & Free Practice

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

Veterinarian License

License to practice veterinary medicine under BPC § 4846.

Licensing authority: California Veterinary Medical Board · Application information

Restoration of inactive veterinary license to active status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Complete continuing education equivalent to a single renewal period if required for the underlying active license; university-license holders retain their statutory exemption.
Existing license
Hold an inactive license issued under §§ 700–704; restoration preserves the underlying license identity and restrictions.
Renewal fee
Pay the renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Initial licensure — ECFVG education equivalence

All of the following:

Application
Submit the Board-approved application and applicable fees; provide fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks under BPC § 4846(a)(2)-(4).
Education
Receive an ECFVG certificate and arrange its direct submission to the Board. California names the certificate as an education qualification; it does not identify BCSE or CPE as additional California route examinations in these requirements.
Fitness evaluation
16 CCR § 2017 permits a Board-selected physician or psychologist to evaluate suspected mental or physical impairment; this other-profession diagnostic assessment is an applicant condition.
National score age
Under BPC § 4846(a)(5)(A), a NAVLE score over five years old requires retaking the national examination, or proof of at least two years and 2,500 hours of clinical practice during the preceding three years in another state, Canadian province, or United States territory, or the § 4858.1 continuing education for the current and preceding year. These are applicant conditions; the currently offered NAVLE remains a leaf.
Prior license verification
Disclose every current or former license in a state, Canadian province, or United States territory; the issuing authority must provide verification and disciplinary or enforcement history under BPC § 4846(b).
Regulatory score window
16 CCR §§ 2015 and 2015.1 state a sixty-month completion window and conditional credit for out-of-state passing scores. BPC § 4846(a)(5)(A) controls its express alternatives for older national scores.
Vle exemption
BPC § 4846(a)(5)(B) exempts University of California and Western University veterinary medical students who successfully completed a Board-approved veterinary law-and-ethics course covering Chapter 11. The Board application and VLE page state more broadly that the VLE is required for applicants who did not graduate from UC Davis or Western University. Apply the statutory approved-course condition.
Vle submission
Personally complete the VLE after submitting the license application, provide the application file number, and return it within 40 days; failure or late return requires reapplication and retaking.
Initial licensure — PAVE education equivalence

All of the following:

Application
Submit the Board-approved application and applicable fees; provide fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks under BPC § 4846(a)(2)-(4).
Education
Receive a PAVE certificate and arrange its direct submission to the Board. California names the certificate as an education qualification; it does not identify QSE as an additional California route examination in these requirements.
Fitness evaluation
16 CCR § 2017 permits a Board-selected physician or psychologist to evaluate suspected mental or physical impairment; this other-profession diagnostic assessment is an applicant condition.
National score age
Under BPC § 4846(a)(5)(A), a NAVLE score over five years old requires retaking the national examination, or proof of at least two years and 2,500 hours of clinical practice during the preceding three years in another state, Canadian province, or United States territory, or the § 4858.1 continuing education for the current and preceding year. These are applicant conditions; the currently offered NAVLE remains a leaf.
Prior license verification
Disclose every current or former license in a state, Canadian province, or United States territory; the issuing authority must provide verification and disciplinary or enforcement history under BPC § 4846(b).
Regulatory score window
16 CCR §§ 2015 and 2015.1 state a sixty-month completion window and conditional credit for out-of-state passing scores. BPC § 4846(a)(5)(A) controls its express alternatives for older national scores.
Vle exemption
BPC § 4846(a)(5)(B) exempts University of California and Western University veterinary medical students who successfully completed a Board-approved veterinary law-and-ethics course covering Chapter 11. The Board application and VLE page state more broadly that the VLE is required for applicants who did not graduate from UC Davis or Western University. Apply the statutory approved-course condition.
Vle submission
Personally complete the VLE after submitting the license application, provide the application file number, and return it within 40 days; failure or late return requires reapplication and retaking.
Initial licensure — Board recognized veterinary college

All of the following:

Application
Submit the Board-approved application and applicable fees; provide fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks under BPC § 4846(a)(2)-(4).
Education
Graduate from a Board-recognized veterinary college; the Board recognizes AVMA accreditation under 16 CCR § 2022(a), and § 2022(b) permits recognition of equivalent academic standards after application. Submit proof directly from the college or AAVSB.
Fitness evaluation
16 CCR § 2017 permits a Board-selected physician or psychologist to evaluate suspected mental or physical impairment; this other-profession diagnostic assessment is an applicant condition.
National score age
Under BPC § 4846(a)(5)(A), a NAVLE score over five years old requires retaking the national examination, or proof of at least two years and 2,500 hours of clinical practice during the preceding three years in another state, Canadian province, or United States territory, or the § 4858.1 continuing education for the current and preceding year. These are applicant conditions; the currently offered NAVLE remains a leaf.
Prior license verification
Disclose every current or former license in a state, Canadian province, or United States territory; the issuing authority must provide verification and disciplinary or enforcement history under BPC § 4846(b).
Regulatory score window
16 CCR §§ 2015 and 2015.1 state a sixty-month completion window and conditional credit for out-of-state passing scores. BPC § 4846(a)(5)(A) controls its express alternatives for older national scores.
Vle exemption
BPC § 4846(a)(5)(B) exempts University of California and Western University veterinary medical students who successfully completed a Board-approved veterinary law-and-ethics course covering Chapter 11. The Board application and VLE page state more broadly that the VLE is required for applicants who did not graduate from UC Davis or Western University. Apply the statutory approved-course condition.
Vle submission
Personally complete the VLE after submitting the license application, provide the application file number, and return it within 40 days; failure or late return requires reapplication and retaking.
Licensure for applicants currently or formerly licensed elsewhere

All of the following:

Application
Submit the Board-approved application and applicable fees; provide fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks under BPC § 4846(a)(2)-(4).
Education
Meet the same § 4846 education qualification: recognized veterinary-college graduation, ECFVG certificate, or PAVE certificate. Furnish verification of each license held elsewhere; holding another license does not replace the currently identified examinations.
Fitness evaluation
16 CCR § 2017 permits a Board-selected physician or psychologist to evaluate suspected mental or physical impairment; this other-profession diagnostic assessment is an applicant condition.
National score age
Under BPC § 4846(a)(5)(A), a NAVLE score over five years old requires retaking the national examination, or proof of at least two years and 2,500 hours of clinical practice during the preceding three years in another state, Canadian province, or United States territory, or the § 4858.1 continuing education for the current and preceding year. These are applicant conditions; the currently offered NAVLE remains a leaf.
Prior license verification
Disclose every current or former license in a state, Canadian province, or United States territory; the issuing authority must provide verification and disciplinary or enforcement history under BPC § 4846(b).
Regulatory score window
16 CCR §§ 2015 and 2015.1 state a sixty-month completion window and conditional credit for out-of-state passing scores. BPC § 4846(a)(5)(A) controls its express alternatives for older national scores.
Vle exemption
BPC § 4846(a)(5)(B) exempts University of California and Western University veterinary medical students who successfully completed a Board-approved veterinary law-and-ethics course covering Chapter 11. The Board application and VLE page state more broadly that the VLE is required for applicants who did not graduate from UC Davis or Western University. Apply the statutory approved-course condition.
Vle submission
Personally complete the VLE after submitting the license application, provide the application file number, and return it within 40 days; failure or late return requires reapplication and retaking.
Return from military active status after discharge
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Discharge
Meet all necessary Board renewal requirements within six months after discharge from active duty; notify the Board of discharge within sixty days of receiving notice.
Renewal
Complete ordinary renewal requirements, including applicable continuing education and fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Timely reinstatement after military service expiration with continuing professional practice
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application window
Apply while serving or not later than one year after discharge or return to inactive military status, subject to the statutory exclusion of time in veterans-facility treatment or hospitalization preventing practice.
Documentation
Submit an affidavit of entry, current service or discharge dates, and pay the current renewal-period fee.
Practice during service
This no-exam route is scoped to applicants who actively practiced their profession during service; § 114(c) permits an unnamed examination if they did not.
Previous license
The license was valid upon entry into the California National Guard or United States Armed Forces and expired while on active duty.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Renewal of veterinary license expired no more than five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Meet § 4858.1: at least 36 hours in the preceding two years, subject to its exemptions and the Board’s applicable waivers.
Delinquency
Pay accrued unpaid renewal fees and the delinquency fee when renewal occurs more than thirty days after expiration under § 4901.
Fingerprints
16 CCR § 2010.05 requires fingerprints for specified older licensees and licensees without an electronic fingerprint record; disclose convictions and disciplinary actions as directed.
Renewal
Submit the renewal form and fee by expiration; disclose convictions, professional discipline, or Practice Act violations, and confirm current contact information under BPC § 4900.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Renewal of unexpired veterinary license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Meet § 4858.1: at least 36 hours in the preceding two years, subject to its exemptions and the Board’s applicable waivers.
Fingerprints
16 CCR § 2010.05 requires fingerprints for specified older licensees and licensees without an electronic fingerprint record; disclose convictions and disciplinary actions as directed.
Renewal
Submit the renewal form and fee by expiration; disclose convictions, professional discipline, or Practice Act violations, and confirm current contact information under BPC § 4900.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Renewal while veterinary license is suspended
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Meet § 4858.1: at least 36 hours in the preceding two years, subject to its exemptions and the Board’s applicable waivers.
Fingerprints
16 CCR § 2010.05 requires fingerprints for specified older licensees and licensees without an electronic fingerprint record; disclose convictions and disciplinary actions as directed.
Practice
Renewal preserves the license against expiration but does not authorize practice until reinstatement or override the suspension order.
Renewal
Submit the renewal form and fee by expiration; disclose convictions, professional discipline, or Practice Act violations, and confirm current contact information under BPC § 4900.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

New licensure after five year cancellation

All of the following:

Application
Submit the Board-approved application and applicable fees; provide fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks under BPC § 4846(a)(2)-(4).
Education
Recognized veterinary-college graduation, ECFVG certification, or PAVE certification under BPC § 4846(a)(1).
Eligibility
The previous veterinary license was not renewed within five years and has been canceled under BPC § 4902; apply as a new applicant and satisfy all current licensing requirements.
Fitness evaluation
16 CCR § 2017 permits a Board-selected physician or psychologist to evaluate suspected mental or physical impairment; this other-profession diagnostic assessment is an applicant condition.
National score age
Under BPC § 4846(a)(5)(A), a NAVLE score over five years old requires retaking the national examination, or proof of at least two years and 2,500 hours of clinical practice during the preceding three years in another state, Canadian province, or United States territory, or the § 4858.1 continuing education for the current and preceding year. These are applicant conditions; the currently offered NAVLE remains a leaf.
Prior license verification
Disclose every current or former license in a state, Canadian province, or United States territory; the issuing authority must provide verification and disciplinary or enforcement history under BPC § 4846(b).
Regulatory score window
16 CCR §§ 2015 and 2015.1 state a sixty-month completion window and conditional credit for out-of-state passing scores. BPC § 4846(a)(5)(A) controls its express alternatives for older national scores.
Vle exemption
BPC § 4846(a)(5)(B) exempts University of California and Western University veterinary medical students who successfully completed a Board-approved veterinary law-and-ethics course covering Chapter 11. The Board application and VLE page state more broadly that the VLE is required for applicants who did not graduate from UC Davis or Western University. Apply the statutory approved-course condition.
Vle submission
Personally complete the VLE after submitting the license application, provide the application file number, and return it within 40 days; failure or late return requires reapplication and retaking.

Temporary Veterinarian License on Probation

Discretionary disciplinary-order form expressly described in the incorporated current guidelines; all statutory and regulatory prerequisites remain applicable.

Licensing authority: California Veterinary Medical Board · Application information

Temporary veterinarian licensure under a probationary disciplinary order

All of the following:

Application
Submit the Board-approved application and applicable fees; provide fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks under BPC § 4846(a)(2)-(4).
Board discretion
The Board must approve the disciplinary disposition; the current incorporated guideline model order 8 requires completion of all statutory and regulatory prerequisites within two years of its effective date, then revokes the issued temporary license, stays revocation, and imposes the specified probation.
Education
Meet the ordinary § 4846 education requirement.
Fitness evaluation
16 CCR § 2017 permits a Board-selected physician or psychologist to evaluate suspected mental or physical impairment; this other-profession diagnostic assessment is an applicant condition.
National score age
Under BPC § 4846(a)(5)(A), a NAVLE score over five years old requires retaking the national examination, or proof of at least two years and 2,500 hours of clinical practice during the preceding three years in another state, Canadian province, or United States territory, or the § 4858.1 continuing education for the current and preceding year. These are applicant conditions; the currently offered NAVLE remains a leaf.
Prior license verification
Disclose every current or former license in a state, Canadian province, or United States territory; the issuing authority must provide verification and disciplinary or enforcement history under BPC § 4846(b).
Probation terms
Comply with the individual order. Guideline term 12 may impose an unnamed species-specific clinical or written practice examination administered by the Board or its designee; no source identifies it as one of the supplied ICVA species-specific examinations. This discretionary unidentified slot is a condition alongside the registered licensing leaves.
Regulatory score window
16 CCR §§ 2015 and 2015.1 state a sixty-month completion window and conditional credit for out-of-state passing scores. BPC § 4846(a)(5)(A) controls its express alternatives for older national scores.
Vle exemption
BPC § 4846(a)(5)(B) exempts University of California and Western University veterinary medical students who successfully completed a Board-approved veterinary law-and-ethics course covering Chapter 11. The Board application and VLE page state more broadly that the VLE is required for applicants who did not graduate from UC Davis or Western University. Apply the statutory approved-course condition.
Vle submission
Personally complete the VLE after submitting the license application, provide the application file number, and return it within 40 days; failure or late return requires reapplication and retaking.

Veterinary Law Examination

Provider
California Veterinary Medical Board
Format
Open-book examination submitted electronically
Exam questions
32 questions
Time limit
Return within 40 days of submitting the veterinary license application
Passing score
At least 80 percent
Examination outline
  • Business and Professions Code, Division 2, Chapter 11 — Veterinary Medicine
  • California Code of Regulations, Title 16, Division 20 — Veterinary Medical Board
  • California Code of Regulations, Title 16, Division 17 — California State Board of Pharmacy
  • California Code of Regulations, Title 17, Division 1, Chapter 5 — Sanitation (Environmental), enumerated radiation provisions
  • California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2, Chapter 12 — Interior Environment, Veterinary Premises
  • Business and Professions Code — General Provisions
  • Business and Professions Code, Division 2, Chapter 1 — General Provisions
  • Business and Professions Code, Division 1, Chapter 1 — The Department
  • Business and Professions Code, Division 1, Chapter 1.5 — Unlicensed Activity Enforcement
  • Business and Professions Code, Division 1, Chapter 2 — The Director of Consumer Affairs
  • Business and Professions Code, Division 1, Chapter 4 — Consumer Affairs
  • Business and Professions Code, Division 1, Chapter 7 — Licensee
  • Business and Professions Code, Division 1.5, Chapter 1 — General Provisions
  • Business and Professions Code, Division 1.5, Chapter 2 — Denial of Licenses
  • Business and Professions Code, Division 1.5, Chapter 3 — Suspension and Revocation of Licenses
  • Business and Professions Code, Division 1.5, Chapter 4 — Public Reprovals
  • Business and Professions Code, Division 1.5, Chapter 5 — Examination Security
  • Business and Professions Code, Division 2, Chapter 9 — Pharmacy
  • Business and Professions Code, Division 7, Part 3, Chapter 1 — Advertising
  • Civil Code, Division 3, Part 4, Title 3, Chapter 2 — Deposit for Keeping
  • Civil Code, Division 3, Part 4, Title 14, Chapter 6 — Other Liens
  • Civil Code, Division 3, Part 4, Title 14, Chapter 6.7 — Livestock Service Lien
  • Corporations Code, Title 1, Division 3, Part 4 — Professional Corporations
  • Family Code, Division 17, Chapter 2 — Child Support Enforcement
  • Government Code, Title 2, Division 3, Part 1, Chapter 5 — Administrative Adjudication: Formal Hearing
  • Government Code, Title 3, Division 2, Part 3, Chapter 1 — District Attorney
  • Health and Safety Code, Division 10, Chapter 1 — General Provisions and Definitions
  • Health and Safety Code, Division 10, Chapter 2 — Standards and Schedules
  • Health and Safety Code, Division 10, Chapter 4 — Prescriptions
  • Health and Safety Code, Division 10, Chapter 5 — Use of Controlled Substances
  • Health and Safety Code, Division 104, Part 9, Chapter 8 — Radiation Control Law
  • Penal Code, Part 1, Title 14 — Malicious Mischief
  • Penal Code, Part 2, Title 6, Chapter 2.5 — Special Proceedings in Narcotics and Drug Abuse Cases
  • Penal Code, Part 2, Title 8, Chapter 1 — The Judgment
  • Penal Code, Part 4, Title 1, Chapter 1 — Investigation, Identification, and Information Responsibilities of the Department of Justice
  • Code of Federal Regulations, Title 10, Part 20 — Standards for Protection Against Radiation
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