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District of Columbia 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. Current initial application checklists use a jurisprudence affidavit. The older District examination described in the superseded pinned regulations is replaced by legal review; the current rule permits adoption of an examination or other methods and the obtained current implementing checklists prescribe the affidavit.

Licensing authority: District of Columbia Board of Veterinary Medicine · Application information

Licensure by endorsement — AVMA accredited degree

At least one of the following alternatives:

Age And Character
At least eighteen years old; satisfy the occupation-related conviction, disciplinary-history, and professional qualification requirements in D.C. Code § 3-1205.03.
Application Documents
Submit the completed application, application fee, official transcript, government identification, photograph, moral-character references, name-change documentation where applicable, and screening explanations required by the May 2025 checklist.
Criminal Background Check
Complete the criminal background check required by D.C. Code § 3-1205.22 and the Board application checklist.
Education
Complete a veterinary program accredited by AVMA at graduation and furnish satisfactory proof under 17 DCMR § 2802.1.
Equivalent Examination
Sections 2803.1 and 2804.1(b) also accept an equivalent examination administered by NBVME or its successor. That open, unidentified remainder is a condition; no additional identifiable currently offered examination is named.
Good Standing
All veterinary licenses must be in good standing as determined by the Board under § 2803.2.
Historical Scores
The Board instructions also name the retired National Board Examination. ICVA states that NAVLE replaced NBE and CCT in November 2000; an accepted historical NBE score is prior evidence, not a current exam leaf.
Jurisprudence Knowledge
For an initial license, demonstrate competent knowledge of District veterinary laws and rules under 17 DCMR § 2806.1. The May 2025 checklists require a signed and dated DC Veterinary Jurisprudence Affidavit; the affidavit attests to reading and understanding and does not score answers.
Other License
Hold a U.S. state or jurisdiction veterinary license for at least the twelve months preceding the application and provide official verifications for every professional license ever held.
Waiver Discretion
Under D.C. Code § 3-1208.62(b), the Board may waive examination requirements upon a completed application and fees, an examination passed in a substantially equivalent U.S. jurisdiction, and twelve preceding months of continuous practice with a license in good standing. A currently offered NAVLE score remains a leaf even when already passed or potentially waived.
Licensure by endorsement — foreign degree

At least one of the following alternatives:

Age And Character
At least eighteen years old; satisfy the occupation-related conviction, disciplinary-history, and professional qualification requirements in D.C. Code § 3-1205.03.
Application Documents
Submit the completed application, application fee, official transcript, government identification, photograph, moral-character references, name-change documentation where applicable, and screening explanations required by the May 2025 checklist.
Criminal Background Check
Complete the criminal background check required by D.C. Code § 3-1205.22 and the Board application checklist.
Education
Graduate from a foreign veterinary program not accredited by AVMA; submit ECFVG certification or PAVE certification establishing professional equivalence under 17 DCMR § 2805.1. The certifications are applicant qualifications; D.C.'s provision does not name BCSE, CPE, or QSE.
English Competency
Provide evidence satisfactory to the Board of English-language competency.
Equivalent Examination
Sections 2803.1 and 2804.1(b) also accept an equivalent examination administered by NBVME or its successor. That open, unidentified remainder is a condition; no additional identifiable currently offered examination is named.
Good Standing
All veterinary licenses must be in good standing as determined by the Board under § 2803.2.
Historical Scores
The Board instructions also name the retired National Board Examination. ICVA states that NAVLE replaced NBE and CCT in November 2000; an accepted historical NBE score is prior evidence, not a current exam leaf.
Jurisprudence Knowledge
For an initial license, demonstrate competent knowledge of District veterinary laws and rules under 17 DCMR § 2806.1. The May 2025 checklists require a signed and dated DC Veterinary Jurisprudence Affidavit; the affidavit attests to reading and understanding and does not score answers.
Other License
Hold a U.S. state or jurisdiction veterinary license for at least the twelve months preceding the application and provide official verifications for every professional license ever held.
Translations
Documents not in English require a signed and dated certified English translation prepared by a person acceptable to the Board on the preparer's official stationery under § 2805.2.
Waiver Discretion
Under D.C. Code § 3-1208.62(b), the Board may waive examination requirements upon a completed application and fees, an examination passed in a substantially equivalent U.S. jurisdiction, and twelve preceding months of continuous practice with a license in good standing. A currently offered NAVLE score remains a leaf even when already passed or potentially waived.
Licensure by examination — AVMA accredited degree

At least one of the following alternatives:

Age And Character
At least eighteen years old; satisfy the occupation-related conviction, disciplinary-history, and professional qualification requirements in D.C. Code § 3-1205.03.
Application Documents
Submit the completed application, application fee, official transcript, government identification, photograph, moral-character references, name-change documentation where applicable, and screening explanations required by the May 2025 checklist.
Criminal Background Check
Complete the criminal background check required by D.C. Code § 3-1205.22 and the Board application checklist.
Education
Complete a veterinary program accredited by AVMA at graduation and furnish satisfactory proof under 17 DCMR § 2802.1.
Equivalent Examination
Sections 2803.1 and 2804.1(b) also accept an equivalent examination administered by NBVME or its successor. That open, unidentified remainder is a condition; no additional identifiable currently offered examination is named.
Historical Scores
The Board instructions also name the retired National Board Examination. ICVA states that NAVLE replaced NBE and CCT in November 2000; an accepted historical NBE score is prior evidence, not a current exam leaf.
Jurisprudence Knowledge
For an initial license, demonstrate competent knowledge of District veterinary laws and rules under 17 DCMR § 2806.1. The May 2025 checklists require a signed and dated DC Veterinary Jurisprudence Affidavit; the affidavit attests to reading and understanding and does not score answers.
Score And Currency
Pass NAVLE at the testing agency's passing score. Under current § 2804.3, a score at least seven years old with no current active U.S. veterinary license may trigger 400 hours of Board-approved externship or mentorship and sixty hours of continuing education. The older instruction's seven-year score limit and the May 2025 checklist's seven-year notice are lower-ranked implementing statements and do not override that current rule.
Licensure by examination — foreign degree

At least one of the following alternatives:

Age And Character
At least eighteen years old; satisfy the occupation-related conviction, disciplinary-history, and professional qualification requirements in D.C. Code § 3-1205.03.
Application Documents
Submit the completed application, application fee, official transcript, government identification, photograph, moral-character references, name-change documentation where applicable, and screening explanations required by the May 2025 checklist.
Criminal Background Check
Complete the criminal background check required by D.C. Code § 3-1205.22 and the Board application checklist.
Education
Graduate from a foreign veterinary program not accredited by AVMA; submit ECFVG certification or PAVE certification establishing professional equivalence under 17 DCMR § 2805.1. The certifications are applicant qualifications; D.C.'s provision does not name BCSE, CPE, or QSE.
English Competency
Provide evidence satisfactory to the Board of English-language competency.
Equivalent Examination
Sections 2803.1 and 2804.1(b) also accept an equivalent examination administered by NBVME or its successor. That open, unidentified remainder is a condition; no additional identifiable currently offered examination is named.
Historical Scores
The Board instructions also name the retired National Board Examination. ICVA states that NAVLE replaced NBE and CCT in November 2000; an accepted historical NBE score is prior evidence, not a current exam leaf.
Jurisprudence Knowledge
For an initial license, demonstrate competent knowledge of District veterinary laws and rules under 17 DCMR § 2806.1. The May 2025 checklists require a signed and dated DC Veterinary Jurisprudence Affidavit; the affidavit attests to reading and understanding and does not score answers.
Score And Currency
Pass NAVLE at the testing agency's passing score. Under current § 2804.3, a score at least seven years old with no current active U.S. veterinary license may trigger 400 hours of Board-approved externship or mentorship and sixty hours of continuing education. The older instruction's seven-year score limit and the May 2025 checklist's seven-year notice are lower-ranked implementing statements and do not override that current rule.
Translations
Documents not in English require a signed and dated certified English translation prepared by a person acceptable to the Board on the preparer's official stationery under § 2805.2.
First renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a timely renewal application and applicable fee and remain otherwise entitled to licensure under D.C. Code § 3-1205.10(d).
Continuing Education
The first license renewal is exempt from § 2807 continuing-education requirements under § 2807.1.
Continuing Education Waiver
The Board may grant an individual CE exemption or variance under § 4018.1 for documented hardship, disability, serious illness, or other accepted circumstances.
Disciplinary Standing
Meet § 2803.2 concerning licenses in other jurisdictions and current eligibility to practice.
Term
Section 2801.2 and § 4006.3 authorize the Director's birth-month renewal system; use the expiration on the issued license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2021-08-06.

Placement on inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply and pay the inactive-status fee under D.C. Code § 3-1205.11(a).
Practice Restriction
Do not practice, attempt to practice, or offer to practice veterinary medicine in the District while inactive.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2024-07-19.

Late renewal within sixty days
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a timely renewal application and applicable fee and remain otherwise entitled to licensure under D.C. Code § 3-1205.10(d).
Continuing Education
Complete thirty-six hours of approved CE during the preceding two-year license term, including two hours of LGBTQ CE and ten percent in the Director's published public health priorities under § 2807.3; document completion under § 2807.4. The first-renewal exemption in § 2807.1 applies when appropriate.
Continuing Education Waiver
The Board may grant an individual CE exemption or variance under § 4018.1 for documented hardship, disability, serious illness, or other accepted circumstances.
Disciplinary Standing
Meet § 2803.2 concerning licenses in other jurisdictions and current eligibility to practice.
Late Window
Renew within sixty days after expiration and pay the late fee; after this period the license lapses and reinstatement is required.
Term
Section 2801.2 and § 4006.3 authorize the Director's birth-month renewal system; use the expiration on the issued license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2021-08-06.

Renewal or reinstatement after lapse during active military deployment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply while still in the armed services or within six months after discharge or return to inactive status, submit activation orders or equivalent proof, and pay the renewal fee. No reinstatement or late-renewal fee is due under § 4015.1.
Continuing Education
Complete missing CE within six months of discharge, return to inactive status, or return from the war zone. These hours cannot be used for the next renewal and the next term's CE is not prorated.
Deployment
License was active at deployment; it lapsed while serving in the military during active operations against a foreign power or hostile force.
Statutory Reinstatement Limit
Reinstatement remains subject to the controlling statute's five-year limit and any applicable competency requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2021-08-06.

New application after license has been expired more than five years — AVMA accredited degree

At least one of the following alternatives:

Age And Character
At least eighteen years old; satisfy the occupation-related conviction, disciplinary-history, and professional qualification requirements in D.C. Code § 3-1205.03.
Application Documents
Submit the completed application, application fee, official transcript, government identification, photograph, moral-character references, name-change documentation where applicable, and screening explanations required by the May 2025 checklist.
Criminal Background Check
Complete the criminal background check required by D.C. Code § 3-1205.22 and the Board application checklist.
Education
Complete a veterinary program accredited by AVMA at graduation and furnish satisfactory proof under 17 DCMR § 2802.1.
Equivalent Examination
Sections 2803.1 and 2804.1(b) also accept an equivalent examination administered by NBVME or its successor. That open, unidentified remainder is a condition; no additional identifiable currently offered examination is named.
Expired District License
D.C. Code § 3-1205.12(b) prohibits reinstatement more than five years after expiration; meet the current new-application requirements instead.
Historical Scores
The Board instructions also name the retired National Board Examination. ICVA states that NAVLE replaced NBE and CCT in November 2000; an accepted historical NBE score is prior evidence, not a current exam leaf.
Jurisprudence Knowledge
For an initial license, demonstrate competent knowledge of District veterinary laws and rules under 17 DCMR § 2806.1. The May 2025 checklists require a signed and dated DC Veterinary Jurisprudence Affidavit; the affidavit attests to reading and understanding and does not score answers.
Score And Currency
Pass NAVLE at the testing agency's passing score. Under current § 2804.3, a score at least seven years old with no current active U.S. veterinary license may trigger 400 hours of Board-approved externship or mentorship and sixty hours of continuing education. The older instruction's seven-year score limit and the May 2025 checklist's seven-year notice are lower-ranked implementing statements and do not override that current rule.
New application after license has been expired more than five years — foreign degree

At least one of the following alternatives:

Age And Character
At least eighteen years old; satisfy the occupation-related conviction, disciplinary-history, and professional qualification requirements in D.C. Code § 3-1205.03.
Application Documents
Submit the completed application, application fee, official transcript, government identification, photograph, moral-character references, name-change documentation where applicable, and screening explanations required by the May 2025 checklist.
Criminal Background Check
Complete the criminal background check required by D.C. Code § 3-1205.22 and the Board application checklist.
Education
Graduate from a foreign veterinary program not accredited by AVMA; submit ECFVG certification or PAVE certification establishing professional equivalence under 17 DCMR § 2805.1. The certifications are applicant qualifications; D.C.'s provision does not name BCSE, CPE, or QSE.
English Competency
Provide evidence satisfactory to the Board of English-language competency.
Equivalent Examination
Sections 2803.1 and 2804.1(b) also accept an equivalent examination administered by NBVME or its successor. That open, unidentified remainder is a condition; no additional identifiable currently offered examination is named.
Expired District License
D.C. Code § 3-1205.12(b) prohibits reinstatement more than five years after expiration; meet the current new-application requirements instead.
Historical Scores
The Board instructions also name the retired National Board Examination. ICVA states that NAVLE replaced NBE and CCT in November 2000; an accepted historical NBE score is prior evidence, not a current exam leaf.
Jurisprudence Knowledge
For an initial license, demonstrate competent knowledge of District veterinary laws and rules under 17 DCMR § 2806.1. The May 2025 checklists require a signed and dated DC Veterinary Jurisprudence Affidavit; the affidavit attests to reading and understanding and does not score answers.
Score And Currency
Pass NAVLE at the testing agency's passing score. Under current § 2804.3, a score at least seven years old with no current active U.S. veterinary license may trigger 400 hours of Board-approved externship or mentorship and sixty hours of continuing education. The older instruction's seven-year score limit and the May 2025 checklist's seven-year notice are lower-ranked implementing statements and do not override that current rule.
Translations
Documents not in English require a signed and dated certified English translation prepared by a person acceptable to the Board on the preparer's official stationery under § 2805.2.
Reactivation after more than five inactive years without another active license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Complete ninety approved CE hours including two LGBTQ hours and ten percent public health priorities; thirty-six hours must fall within the preceding two years.
Criminal Background Check
Complete the criminal background check required by D.C. Code § 3-1205.22.
Current Competency
Establish current safe and effective practice competency under D.C. Code § 3-1205.11(c); comply with any applicable re-entry plan.
Disciplinary Standing
Meet the good-standing requirements in § 2803.2.
Inactive District License
Previously held a District veterinary license on inactive status; apply for reactivation and pay the fee.
Inactive Duration
Inactive for more than five years and no active veterinary license in another jurisdiction.
Mentored Practice
Complete four hundred supervised and mentored practice hours under a licensed veterinarian within the three months before application. Obtain the Board's § 2818 authorization before the practice begins.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2024-07-19.

Reactivation after no more than five inactive years without another active license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Complete eighteen approved CE hours for each year not licensed, including two total LGBTQ hours and ten percent public health priorities under § 2811.2.
Criminal Background Check
Complete the criminal background check required by D.C. Code § 3-1205.22.
Current Competency
Establish current safe and effective practice competency under D.C. Code § 3-1205.11(c); comply with any applicable re-entry plan.
Disciplinary Standing
Meet the good-standing requirements in § 2803.2.
Inactive District License
Previously held a District veterinary license on inactive status; apply for reactivation and pay the fee.
Inactive Duration
Inactive for five years or less, with no active veterinary license in another jurisdiction.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2024-07-19.

Reactivation with a maintained active license elsewhere
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Criminal Background Check
Complete the criminal background check required by D.C. Code § 3-1205.22.
Current Competency
Establish current safe and effective practice competency under D.C. Code § 3-1205.11(c); comply with any applicable re-entry plan.
Disciplinary Standing
Meet the good-standing requirements in § 2803.2.
Inactive District License
Previously held a District veterinary license on inactive status; apply for reactivation and pay the fee.
Other License
Hold and have maintained an active veterinary license in another jurisdiction. Section 2811.4 does not require submitting CE proof with the application.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2024-07-19.

Licensure by reciprocity

At least one of the following alternatives:

Age And Character
At least eighteen years old; satisfy the occupation-related conviction, disciplinary-history, and professional qualification requirements in D.C. Code § 3-1205.03.
Application Documents
Submit the completed application, application fee, official transcript, government identification, photograph, moral-character references, name-change documentation where applicable, and screening explanations required by the May 2025 checklist.
Board Review
The Board may interview the applicant and review disciplinary history under §§ 4014.2-4014.4.
Criminal Background Check
Complete the criminal background check required by D.C. Code § 3-1205.22 and the Board application checklist.
Education
Provide the veterinary educational qualification or foreign-degree equivalence accepted under §§ 2802.1 and 2805.1.
Equivalent Examination
Sections 2803.1 and 2804.1(b) also accept an equivalent examination administered by NBVME or its successor. That open, unidentified remainder is a condition; no additional identifiable currently offered examination is named.
Historical Scores
The Board instructions also name the retired National Board Examination. ICVA states that NAVLE replaced NBE and CCT in November 2000; an accepted historical NBE score is prior evidence, not a current exam leaf.
Jurisprudence Knowledge
For an initial license, demonstrate competent knowledge of District veterinary laws and rules under 17 DCMR § 2806.1. The May 2025 checklists require a signed and dated DC Veterinary Jurisprudence Affidavit; the affidavit attests to reading and understanding and does not score answers.
Reciprocal Jurisdiction
Hold a license in good standing in a U.S. jurisdiction whose requirements were substantially equivalent at licensure and which admits District veterinarians in a like manner; provide official proof or qualify through the Board's approved list under § 4014.1.
Waiver Discretion
D.C. Code § 3-1205.06(e)(1) permits waiver of examinations for reciprocity or endorsement. This permission does not erase the Board instructions' requirement that all veterinarian applicants submit NAVLE or an accepted historical NBE score. Prior NAVLE passage and an individual waiver are conditions.
Reinstatement after twelve months without another active license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Active Practice
This completed route is scoped to applicants who have not been out of active veterinary practice for more than two years. The separately retained secondary-route note addresses the unnamed possible testing under D.C. Code § 3-1205.12(c).
Application And Competency
Submit reinstatement application and fee and demonstrate fitness and competency under § 4010.2-4010.5; Board-required education or training is an applicant condition.
Continuing Education
Eighteen approved CE hours for each year not licensed, up to ninety total; include two total LGBTQ hours and ten percent public health priorities, with thirty-six hours within the preceding two years.
Criminal Background Check
Complete the criminal background check under D.C. Code § 3-1205.22.
Disciplinary Standing
Meet § 2803.2 good-standing requirements.
Expiration
Apply within five years after expiration under D.C. Code § 3-1205.12(a) and § 2812.1-2812.2, after the late-renewal window when applicable.
Expired Duration
Expired more than twelve months but no more than five years and no active veterinary license elsewhere.
Mentored Practice
Complete four hundred supervised and mentored practice hours under a licensed veterinarian within the three months before application; obtain prior Board authorization under § 2818.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2024-07-19.

Reinstatement after twelve months with another active license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Active Practice
This completed route is scoped to applicants who have not been out of active veterinary practice for more than two years. The separately retained secondary-route note addresses the unnamed possible testing under D.C. Code § 3-1205.12(c).
Application And Competency
Submit reinstatement application and fee and demonstrate fitness and competency under § 4010.2-4010.5; Board-required education or training is an applicant condition.
Continuing Education
Eighteen approved CE hours for each year not licensed in the District; include two total LGBTQ hours and ten percent public health priorities under § 2812.4.
Criminal Background Check
Complete the criminal background check under D.C. Code § 3-1205.22.
Disciplinary Standing
Meet § 2803.2 good-standing requirements.
Expiration
Apply within five years after expiration under D.C. Code § 3-1205.12(a) and § 2812.1-2812.2, after the late-renewal window when applicable.
Expired Duration
Expired more than twelve months but no more than five years; hold an active veterinary license in another jurisdiction.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2024-07-19.

Reinstatement within twelve months of expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Active Practice
This completed route is scoped to applicants who have not been out of active veterinary practice for more than two years. The separately retained secondary-route note addresses the unnamed possible testing under D.C. Code § 3-1205.12(c).
Application And Competency
Submit reinstatement application and fee and demonstrate fitness and competency under § 4010.2-4010.5; Board-required education or training is an applicant condition.
Continuing Education
Complete thirty-six hours of approved CE during the preceding two-year license term, including two hours of LGBTQ CE and ten percent in the Director's published public health priorities under § 2807.3; document completion under § 2807.4.
Criminal Background Check
Complete the criminal background check under D.C. Code § 3-1205.22.
Disciplinary Standing
Meet § 2803.2 good-standing requirements.
Expiration
Apply within five years after expiration under D.C. Code § 3-1205.12(a) and § 2812.1-2812.2, after the late-renewal window when applicable.
Expired Duration
Expired for no more than twelve months.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2024-07-19.

Subsequent renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a timely renewal application and applicable fee and remain otherwise entitled to licensure under D.C. Code § 3-1205.10(d).
Continuing Education
Complete thirty-six hours of approved CE during the preceding two-year license term, including two hours of LGBTQ CE and ten percent in the Director's published public health priorities under § 2807.3; document completion under § 2807.4.
Continuing Education Waiver
The Board may grant an individual CE exemption or variance under § 4018.1 for documented hardship, disability, serious illness, or other accepted circumstances.
Disciplinary Standing
Meet § 2803.2 concerning licenses in other jurisdictions and current eligibility to practice.
Term
Section 2801.2 and § 4006.3 authorize the Director's birth-month renewal system; use the expiration on the issued license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2021-08-06.

Provisional Veterinarian License by Reciprocity

Provisional reciprocal license, not exceeding ninety days, while formal proof of the other jurisdiction's license is pending and the Board verifies good standing by other means.

Licensing authority: District of Columbia Board of Veterinary Medicine · Application information

Provisional reciprocal license while verification is pending

At least one of the following alternatives:

Age And Character
At least eighteen years old; satisfy the occupation-related conviction, disciplinary-history, and professional qualification requirements in D.C. Code § 3-1205.03.
Application Documents
Submit the completed application, application fee, official transcript, government identification, photograph, moral-character references, name-change documentation where applicable, and screening explanations required by the May 2025 checklist.
Board Review
The Board may interview the applicant and review disciplinary history under §§ 4014.2-4014.4.
Criminal Background Check
Complete the criminal background check required by D.C. Code § 3-1205.22 and the Board application checklist.
Duration
The Board may grant the provisional license for no more than ninety days.
Education
Provide the veterinary educational qualification or foreign-degree equivalence accepted under §§ 2802.1 and 2805.1.
Equivalent Examination
Sections 2803.1 and 2804.1(b) also accept an equivalent examination administered by NBVME or its successor. That open, unidentified remainder is a condition; no additional identifiable currently offered examination is named.
Historical Scores
The Board instructions also name the retired National Board Examination. ICVA states that NAVLE replaced NBE and CCT in November 2000; an accepted historical NBE score is prior evidence, not a current exam leaf.
Jurisprudence Knowledge
For an initial license, demonstrate competent knowledge of District veterinary laws and rules under 17 DCMR § 2806.1. The May 2025 checklists require a signed and dated DC Veterinary Jurisprudence Affidavit; the affidavit attests to reading and understanding and does not score answers.
Pending Verification
Meet the other reciprocal-license requirements; only the formal certification or proof of the other jurisdiction's license is pending. The Board must verify good standing by telephone inquiry or other means.
Reciprocal Jurisdiction
Hold a license in good standing in a U.S. jurisdiction whose requirements were substantially equivalent at licensure and which admits District veterinarians in a like manner; provide official proof or qualify through the Board's approved list under § 4014.1.
Waiver Discretion
D.C. Code § 3-1205.06(e)(1) permits waiver of examinations for reciprocity or endorsement. This permission does not erase the Board instructions' requirement that all veterinarian applicants submit NAVLE or an accepted historical NBE score. Prior NAVLE passage and an individual waiver are conditions.

Temporary Veterinarian License

Temporary license subject to written authorization, practice restrictions, and a maximum duration of ninety days. The current statute requires a license in good standing in another jurisdiction and excludes an applicant whose former District license was revoked or suspended.

Licensing authority: District of Columbia Board of Veterinary Medicine · Application information

Temporary license for a licensed applicant with a submitted new application
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Duration And Restrictions
Maximum ninety days, subject to the Board's restrictions; do not represent yourself as regularly licensed under § 4007.7.
Former District Discipline
A former District license that was revoked or suspended makes the applicant ineligible under § 3-1205.08a(d).
New Application
Have submitted a new-license application. Section 4007.4(c) sets this temporary-issuance route's criteria as that application and a license in good standing elsewhere; it does not impose a named examination for temporary issuance. The ordinary-license application is a separate route.
Other Jurisdiction License
The controlling D.C. Code § 3-1205.08a requires a license in good standing in another jurisdiction: active and free of current public or private discipline or practice restrictions.
Written Authorization
Issuance under § 4007.1 requires the Director's written determination that temporary licenses are needed to protect public health and welfare; statutory authorization does not establish that a particular determination is currently open.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2024-07-19.

Temporary license while awaiting the next examination

At least one of the following alternatives:

Duration And Restrictions
Maximum ninety days, subject to the Board's restrictions; do not represent yourself as regularly licensed under § 4007.7.
Former District Discipline
A former District license that was revoked or suspended makes the applicant ineligible under § 3-1205.08a(d).
Other Jurisdiction License
The controlling D.C. Code § 3-1205.08a requires a license in good standing in another jurisdiction: active and free of current public or private discipline or practice restrictions.
Pending Examination
Meet all other regular-license qualifications and have applied to take the next scheduled licensing examination. Section 2804.1(b) identifies NAVLE for veterinary licensure.
Statute Priority
Although the older § 4007.4(b) wording does not expressly demand another license, the later statute still requires a license in good standing elsewhere; the completed route applies only to applicants satisfying that statutory prerequisite.
Written Authorization
Issuance under § 4007.1 requires the Director's written determination that temporary licenses are needed to protect public health and welfare; statutory authorization does not establish that a particular determination is currently open.
Temporary license pending ordinary endorsement or reciprocity

At least one of the following alternatives:

Duration And Restrictions
Maximum ninety days, subject to the Board's restrictions; do not represent yourself as regularly licensed under § 4007.7.
Former District Discipline
A former District license that was revoked or suspended makes the applicant ineligible under § 3-1205.08a(d).
Jurisprudence Affidavit
For an initial license, demonstrate competent knowledge of District veterinary laws and rules under 17 DCMR § 2806.1. The May 2025 checklists require a signed and dated DC Veterinary Jurisprudence Affidavit; the affidavit attests to reading and understanding and does not score answers.
Ordinary Application
Apply for ordinary licensure by endorsement or reciprocity; meet that route's education, standing, and prior-score requirements. Prior NAVLE passage is still a current-examination leaf under this contract.
Other Jurisdiction License
The controlling D.C. Code § 3-1205.08a requires a license in good standing in another jurisdiction: active and free of current public or private discipline or practice restrictions.
Written Authorization
Issuance under § 4007.1 requires the Director's written determination that temporary licenses are needed to protect public health and welfare; statutory authorization does not establish that a particular determination is currently open.

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