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Indiana Veterinarian — Requirements & Free Practice

US-IN · License preparation

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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.

Conditional Veterinary License

Conditional license for continuing-education noncompliance or during an investigation of a reinstatement application.

Licensing authority: Indiana Board of Veterinary Medicine · Application information

Conditional renewal for continuing education noncompliance
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Notice
Board issues notice of CE noncompliance and a conditional renewal license.
Remedy
Request review within 21 days if compliant; otherwise pay the applicable civil penalty within 21 days, acquire missing credits within six months, and comply with the chapter. Failure to comply leads to suspension or refusal of reinstatement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Conditional license during reinstatement investigation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board discretion
Board may issue a conditional license during the investigation; it lasts until reinstatement is granted or denied. Investigation may delay reinstatement for up to 120 days.
Reinstatement application
Applicant seeks reinstatement of a delinquent or lapsed license and the agency investigates possible disciplinary conduct.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Inactive Veterinary License

Existing veterinary license placed on inactive status; practice is prohibited during inactive status.

Licensing authority: Indiana Board of Veterinary Medicine · Application information

Placement of an existing license on inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
Active military duty, Peace Corps service, alternative service during a national emergency, a severe preventing medical condition, or retirement.
Practice
Do not practice while inactive; a retired inactive veterinarian may not maintain an office or practice.
Request
Notify the Board in writing.
Waivers
Continuing education and renewal fees are waived while inactive; renewal notices stop.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

License to Practice Veterinary Medicine

License to practice veterinary medicine.

Licensing authority: Indiana Board of Veterinary Medicine · Application information

Renewal or reinstatement after correction of CE noncompliance
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Compliance
Supply proof of compliance; obtain missing credit hours and pay the applicable civil penalties where required.
Credit cycle
Hours acquired to cure noncompliance cannot also satisfy the next renewal period.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Restoration following child support bureau probation or suspension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Reinstatement authority
Board receives the prescribed child-support bureau notice that the delinquency has been addressed.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Restoration following child support court suspension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Reinstatement authority
Receive the reinstatement order from the court that ordered suspension; suspension terminates ten business days after the Board receives the order.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Licensure by examination: accredited veterinary education
Application
Submit the Board application and the $150 application fee; provide official transcripts and direct verification of any health-profession license held elsewhere.
Controlled substances
A controlled substance registration is a separate authorization, obtained after an active practitioner license; applicants seeking it must supply two hours of approved opioid education. It is an applicant condition, not a veterinary examination.
Criminal and professional history
Meet IC 25-38.1-3-2(1)-(2); submit the required criminal background check and explanations and supporting records for affirmative application responses. Convictions are evaluated under IC 25-1-1.1-6 and 888 IAC 1.1-12.
Education cohort
Applicant is a graduate of, or an eligible last-term student in, an accredited veterinary college.
Historical scores
The rules and older examination page also accept passing NBE and CCT scores. Those examinations were replaced by NAVLE in November 2000; their scores are prior evidence, not current examination leaves.
Jurisprudence
The Board sends its Indiana-specific multiple-choice test after application. Attain a score of at least 75; the current instructions state that it is required only for first-time Indiana licensees.
Name change
Provide legal name-change documentation if names differ across application documents.
Navle score and retake
Submit the official NAVLE score through AAVSB. A previously passed NAVLE need not be retaken under 888 IAC 1.1-6-3(d); passing before application still involves that examination. After three failed attempts, further attempts require Board approval and remedial education under IC 25-38.1-3-4(f).
Professional degree
Provide proof of graduation from an accredited veterinary college, or an ECFVG or PAVE certificate under IC 25-38.1-3-3(a). A last-term student may apply with the required dean letter but may not receive the license until graduation or certification is proved.
Rule application materials
888 IAC 1.1-6-1 additionally specifies certified transcripts or a dean letter or notarized diploma, two signed and dated passport-quality photographs taken within eight weeks, and licensure-history statements. Its NAVLE application deadline is at least 95 days before administration.
Licensure by examination: nonaccredited veterinary education
Application
Submit the Board application and the $150 application fee; provide official transcripts and direct verification of any health-profession license held elsewhere.
Controlled substances
A controlled substance registration is a separate authorization, obtained after an active practitioner license; applicants seeking it must supply two hours of approved opioid education. It is an applicant condition, not a veterinary examination.
Criminal and professional history
Meet IC 25-38.1-3-2(1)-(2); submit the required criminal background check and explanations and supporting records for affirmative application responses. Convictions are evaluated under IC 25-1-1.1-6 and 888 IAC 1.1-12.
Education cohort
Applicant graduated from a nonaccredited college and must hold an ECFVG or PAVE certificate before licensure. The certificate and its educational equivalency are conditions; Indiana names neither BCSE, CPE nor QSE as an examination of this route. Under 888 IAC 1.1-6-1(b), ECFVG enrollment and completion of its English-proficiency step can permit NAVLE approval before the certificate is issued.
Historical scores
The rules and older examination page also accept passing NBE and CCT scores. Those examinations were replaced by NAVLE in November 2000; their scores are prior evidence, not current examination leaves.
Jurisprudence
The Board sends its Indiana-specific multiple-choice test after application. Attain a score of at least 75; the current instructions state that it is required only for first-time Indiana licensees.
Name change
Provide legal name-change documentation if names differ across application documents.
Navle score and retake
Submit the official NAVLE score through AAVSB. A previously passed NAVLE need not be retaken under 888 IAC 1.1-6-3(d); passing before application still involves that examination. After three failed attempts, further attempts require Board approval and remedial education under IC 25-38.1-3-4(f).
Professional degree
Provide proof of graduation from an accredited veterinary college, or an ECFVG or PAVE certificate under IC 25-38.1-3-3(a). A last-term student may apply with the required dean letter but may not receive the license until graduation or certification is proved.
Rule application materials
888 IAC 1.1-6-1 additionally specifies certified transcripts or a dean letter or notarized diploma, two signed and dated passport-quality photographs taken within eight weeks, and licensure-history statements. Its NAVLE application deadline is at least 95 days before administration.
Renewal of expired license: more than three years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Additional conditions
For a lapse exceeding three years, the Board may require appearance, CE or remediation and training, or practice in consultation with or under a licensed veterinarian's supervision.
Application and fees
Submit the completed renewal application and current renewal and reinstatement fees required by statute and current rule.
Continuing education
Provide the required CE certification or satisfy statutory remedies for noncompliance.
Elapsed time
More than three years since expiration.
Investigation
Reinstatement may be delayed for the statutory investigation period under IC 25-1-8-8.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Renewal of expired license: three years or less
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Additional conditions
Comply with any CE conditions imposed by the Board.
Application and fees
Submit the completed renewal application and current renewal and reinstatement fees required by statute and current rule.
Continuing education
Provide the required CE certification or satisfy statutory remedies for noncompliance.
Elapsed time
Not later than three years after expiration under the statute; the Board page describes fewer than three years. The statutory boundary controls.
Investigation
Reinstatement may be delayed for the statutory investigation period under IC 25-1-8-8.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Military service applicant: qualifying existing license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Conduct
No act warranting refusal, suspension or revocation, and no pending licensing complaint or investigation.
Experience credit
Credit relevant official-duty experience under IC 25-1-17-6.
Fees
Pay the Board's required fees.
First time implementation
The first-time application page separately states: "The Juris Prudence examination is required only for first-time Indiana licensees." IC 25-1-17-4 states an exhaustive entitlement notwithstanding any other law; the page's additional demand is retained here as an implementation condition.
Military status
Applicant is a military service member under IC 25-1-17.
Qualification
Hold a current license from another jurisdiction with substantially equivalent or greater requirements and have held it for at least one year.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Renewal extension for out of state active duty
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Active duty
Qualifying license is not revoked, suspended, lapsed or subject to complaint when active duty begins, and expires while the practitioner is out of state on active duty without prior expiration notice.
Extension
Renewal and CE extension is 180 days after release or discharge; qualifying service-related illness, injury or disability can support an extension of no more than 365 days. Late renewal fees are waived.
Proof
Supply discharge or government movement orders at renewal.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Military spouse or dependent: qualifying existing license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Competency
Demonstrate occupational competency by methods determined by the Board; no identifiable examination is named in this statutory slot.
Conduct
No disqualifying acts, discipline, complaint or investigation; maintain good standing.
Fees
Pay the required Board fees.
Implementation condition
The first-time application page states that its jurisprudence test is required for first-time Indiana licensees; this lower-ranked page demand is recorded as a condition against the exhaustive notwithstanding-any-other-law entitlement in IC 25-1-17-5.
License
Hold a current substantially equivalent or greater license from another jurisdiction for at least one year.
Relationship
Meet the statutory definition of military spouse or dependent.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Military service applicant: equivalent training and service
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Conduct
No act warranting refusal, suspension or revocation, and no pending licensing complaint or investigation.
Experience credit
Credit relevant official-duty experience under IC 25-1-17-6.
Fees
Pay the Board's required fees.
First time implementation
The first-time application page separately states: "The Juris Prudence examination is required only for first-time Indiana licensees." IC 25-1-17-4 states an exhaustive entitlement notwithstanding any other law; the page's additional demand is retained here as an implementation condition.
Military status
Applicant is a military service member under IC 25-1-17.
Qualification
Complete military training, obtain a military occupational specialty, and serve in it at a level equivalent to or above the Board's academic or experience requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Military member, spouse or dependent: qualifying work experience
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board scope determination
Have worked at least three years in an occupation that was not licensed in the place of that work but has a similar scope to the occupation licensed in Indiana, as determined by the Board. This route records the statutory condition without asserting that any other jurisdiction satisfies it.
Conduct
No disqualifying conduct, discipline, pending complaint or investigation; satisfy statutory good-standing conditions.
Eligibility
Member of the military, military spouse or dependent.
Fees
Pay the required fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

New license application after the statutory revocation waiting period
Application
Submit the Board application and the $150 application fee; provide official transcripts and direct verification of any health-profession license held elsewhere.
Controlled substances
A controlled substance registration is a separate authorization, obtained after an active practitioner license; applicants seeking it must supply two hours of approved opioid education. It is an applicant condition, not a veterinary examination.
Criminal and professional history
Meet IC 25-38.1-3-2(1)-(2); submit the required criminal background check and explanations and supporting records for affirmative application responses. Convictions are evaluated under IC 25-1-1.1-6 and 888 IAC 1.1-12.
Historical scores
The rules and older examination page also accept passing NBE and CCT scores. Those examinations were replaced by NAVLE in November 2000; their scores are prior evidence, not current examination leaves.
Jurisprudence
The Board sends its Indiana-specific multiple-choice test after application. Attain a score of at least 75; the current instructions state that it is required only for first-time Indiana licensees.
Name change
Provide legal name-change documentation if names differ across application documents.
Navle score and retake
Submit the official NAVLE score through AAVSB. A previously passed NAVLE need not be retaken under 888 IAC 1.1-6-3(d); passing before application still involves that examination. After three failed attempts, further attempts require Board approval and remedial education under IC 25-38.1-3-4(f).
Professional degree
Provide proof of graduation from an accredited veterinary college, or an ECFVG or PAVE certificate under IC 25-38.1-3-3(a). A last-term student may apply with the required dean letter but may not receive the license until graduation or certification is proved.
Revocation
A revoked license cannot be reinstated under IC 25-1-9-12. A new license application is prohibited until seven years after revocation, after which the current issuance requirements and Board eligibility assessment apply.
Rule application materials
888 IAC 1.1-6-1 additionally specifies certified transcripts or a dean letter or notarized diploma, two signed and dated passport-quality photographs taken within eight weeks, and licensure-history statements. Its NAVLE application deadline is at least 95 days before administration.
Removal or modification of probation restrictions
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Hearing
Board finds after a hearing that the deficiency requiring disciplinary action has been remedied, or that changed circumstances warrant modification where IC 25-1-9-9(b) applies.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Reactivation of inactive veterinary license: more than three years and no more than four years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application and fee
Apply in the Board's required form and manner and pay the current reactivation fee.
Continuing education
Submit proof of completion of 80 hours of qualifying veterinary continuing education with the reactivation application.
Inactive duration
More than three years and no more than four years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Reactivation of inactive veterinary license: more than two years and no more than three years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application and fee
Apply in the Board's required form and manner and pay the current reactivation fee.
Continuing education
Submit proof of completion of 60 hours of qualifying veterinary continuing education with the reactivation application.
Inactive duration
More than two years and no more than three years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Reactivation of inactive veterinary license: two years or less
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application and fee
Apply in the Board's required form and manner and pay the current reactivation fee.
Continuing education
Submit proof of completion of 40 hours of qualifying veterinary continuing education with the reactivation application.
Inactive duration
Two years or less.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Licensure by reciprocity or endorsement under IC 25 1 21
Juris Prudence Examination
Application and fee
Submit the Board application, $150 fee, name-change documentation and positive-response explanations when applicable.
Background check
Submit a national criminal history background check when required under IC 25-1-1.1-4.
Current foreign license
Hold a current license from another state or jurisdiction with substantially equivalent or greater requirements; alternatively, satisfy the education, applicable experience and supervision requirements existing when that license was issued, and have passed that jurisdiction's examination if it required one.
Good standing
No disqualifying act, discipline, pending complaint or investigation; provide the signed affidavit and direct license verifications required by IC 25-1-21-5.
Indiana law test
IC 25-1-21-5(6) permits an Indiana law test where the occupation's law requires one; 888 IAC 1.1-7-1(b) exercises that permission and requires at least 75 on the written jurisprudence examination.
Issuance and first renewal
Issue within 30 days after verification of one qualifying license and completion of sections 5 and 6. Verify all remaining licenses in good standing by the first renewal.
Older form practice demand
State Form 44614 (R14 / 6-23) still describes five immediately preceding years of practice under substantially equivalent licensure and a state-constructed examination instead of NBE/CCT/NAVLE. Those older form demands are retained as conditions; the currently controlling IC 25-38.1-3-5 and IC 25-1-21 do not impose that five-year threshold.
Older rule score demand
The 2026 statute makes this route satisfy IC 25-1-21. The lower-ranked 888 IAC 1.1-7-1(a)(3) additionally demands: "Official score report of the applicant's National Board Examination (NBE) and the Clinical Competency Test (CCT) or the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE)". The complete quote and its context are retained in the route exception claim. This additional demand is a condition, not an extra statutory examination leaf.
Biennial renewal of an active veterinary license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application and fee
Apply and pay the renewal fee by October 15 of each odd-numbered year.
Continuing education
Complete and certify 40 hours of veterinary continuing education during the biennium; retain records for three years after its end. The first renewal following initial licensure is exempt; statutory and rule-based waivers remain available.
Existing restrictions
Existing probation or other Board restrictions must still be observed.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Reinstatement of a surrendered license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board approval
Surrender requires the Board's written approval; satisfy any conditions it imposes for reinstatement. The provision identifies no examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Reinstatement after disciplinary suspension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Corrective measures
Comply with disciplinary or corrective measures imposed under the chapter; no identifiable examination is prescribed in these provisions.
Hearing
After a hearing, the Board must be satisfied the applicant can practice with reasonable skill and safety.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Probationary Veterinary License

A license issued on probation when appropriate under IC 25-1-9-16 or another applicable statute.

Licensing authority: Indiana Board of Veterinary Medicine · Application information

Existing license placed on probation for child support delinquency
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Bureau order
A child-support bureau order places the existing license on probation.
Delinquency
Address the child-support delinquency through the prescribed payment or payment-plan process; absent the required bureau notice within 20 days, the license is suspended.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Existing license placed on disciplinary probation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board finding
Board finds grounds for disciplinary sanctions after the required process.
Restrictions
Comply with reporting, practice limits, education and any required or prohibited acts imposed in the probation order.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Initial licensure with Board imposed probation
Application
Submit the Board application and the $150 application fee; provide official transcripts and direct verification of any health-profession license held elsewhere.
Controlled substances
A controlled substance registration is a separate authorization, obtained after an active practitioner license; applicants seeking it must supply two hours of approved opioid education. It is an applicant condition, not a veterinary examination.
Criminal and professional history
Meet IC 25-38.1-3-2(1)-(2); submit the required criminal background check and explanations and supporting records for affirmative application responses. Convictions are evaluated under IC 25-1-1.1-6 and 888 IAC 1.1-12.
Historical scores
The rules and older examination page also accept passing NBE and CCT scores. Those examinations were replaced by NAVLE in November 2000; their scores are prior evidence, not current examination leaves.
Jurisprudence
The Board sends its Indiana-specific multiple-choice test after application. Attain a score of at least 75; the current instructions state that it is required only for first-time Indiana licensees.
Name change
Provide legal name-change documentation if names differ across application documents.
Navle score and retake
Submit the official NAVLE score through AAVSB. A previously passed NAVLE need not be retaken under 888 IAC 1.1-6-3(d); passing before application still involves that examination. After three failed attempts, further attempts require Board approval and remedial education under IC 25-38.1-3-4(f).
Probationary discretion
IC 25-1-9-16 permits refusal or probationary issuance for relevant discipline, conduct or unlicensed practice. The Board may impose reporting, practice limits, professional education, service and rehabilitation conditions; issuance is discretionary.
Professional degree
Provide proof of graduation from an accredited veterinary college, or an ECFVG or PAVE certificate under IC 25-38.1-3-3(a). A last-term student may apply with the required dean letter but may not receive the license until graduation or certification is proved.
Rule application materials
888 IAC 1.1-6-1 additionally specifies certified transcripts or a dean letter or notarized diploma, two signed and dated passport-quality photographs taken within eight weeks, and licensure-history statements. Its NAVLE application deadline is at least 95 days before administration.

Provisional Veterinary License

Provisional license at the same practice level for an eligible military spouse or dependent; expires 365 days after issuance.

Licensing authority: Indiana Board of Veterinary Medicine · Application information

Provisional license for military spouse or dependent
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Affidavit
Submit the sworn affidavit of no revocation, surrender during investigation, discipline or pending unprofessional-conduct investigation.
Application and fee
Submit the application and required fee.
Background check
No disqualifying criminal history if the occupation requires a national criminal history background check.
Exception
IC 25-1-17-8(f) excludes licenses established or recognized through an interstate compact, reciprocity agreement or comity agreement; mere statutory reciprocity under IC 25-1-21 is not itself an identified agreement.
Existing license
Verify a current license in the regulated occupation in at least one other state and good standing in every licensed jurisdiction.
Period
Issue within 30 days after the conditions are met; expires 365 days after issuance.
Relationship
Spouse or dependent of a military service member assigned to Indiana.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Juris Prudence Examination

Provider
Indiana Board of Veterinary Medicine
Format
Indiana-specific multiple-choice test sent after application
Passing score
75 or above
Practice scope

Inferred from the examination name; the authority has not published an examination outline.

  • IC 25-0.5-1 Initial License or Certificate Under IC 25-1-1.1-4
  • IC 25-0.5-2 Permits, Licenses, Certificates of Registration, and Evidences of Authority Under IC 25-1-2-2.1
  • IC 25-0.5-3 Entities Under IC 25-1-2-6
  • IC 25-0.5-4 "Board" as Used in IC 25-1-4
  • IC 25-0.5-6 "Provider" as Used in IC 25-1-5-10
  • IC 25-0.5-8 "Regulated Occupation" for Purposes of IC 25-1-7
  • IC 25-0.5-9 "Board" as Used in IC 25-1-8
  • IC 25-0.5-10 "Board" as Used in IC 25-1-8-6
  • IC 25-0.5-11 "Board" as Used in IC 25-1-9 and IC 25-1-21
  • IC 25-1-0.1 Effect of Certain Acts
  • IC 25-1-1.1 Effect of Criminal Convictions on Licensed or Registered Persons
  • IC 25-1-1.2 Effect of Delinquency in Child Support Payments on Licensed or Registered Persons
  • IC 25-1-2 Renewal of Licenses Granted by State Agencies ─ Notice of Expiration
  • IC 25-1-3 Civil Immunity of Regulatory Agencies
  • IC 25-1-4 Continuing Education
  • IC 25-1-5 Professional Licensing Agency
  • IC 25-1-7 Investigation and Prosecution of Complaints Concerning Regulated Occupations
  • IC 25-1-8 Occupational and Professional Licensure, Registration, and Certification Fees
  • IC 25-1-9 Health Professions Standards of Practice
  • IC 25-1-10 Direct Primary Care Agreements
  • IC 25-1-12 Renewal of Licenses Held by Individuals in Military Service
  • IC 25-1-17 Licensure of Individuals with Military Training; Licensure of Military Spouses
  • IC 25-1-20 Effect of a State Disaster Emergency on Professional Disciplinary Action
  • IC 25-1-21 Reciprocity for Health Care Professionals
  • IC 25-1-9.5 Telehealth Services and Prescriptions
  • IC 25-1-9.7 Prescribing and Dispensing of Opioids
  • IC 25-26-24 Central Repository for Controlled Substances Data
  • IC 25-38.1-1 Preamble; Definitions
  • IC 25-38.1-2 Indiana Board of Veterinary Medicine
  • IC 25-38.1-3 Veterinarians; Veterinary Technicians; Licenses, Special Permits, and Registration
  • IC 25-38.1-4 Practice; Discipline; Prohibitions
  • IC 25-38.1-5 Impaired Veterinary Health Care Providers
  • IC 23-1.5-1 Definitions
  • IC 23-1.5-2 Administrative Provisions
  • IC 23-1.5-3 Ownership
  • IC 23-1.5-4 Change of Corporate Form
  • IC 23-1.5-5 Foreign Professional Corporations
  • IC 4-6-14 Health Records and Identifying Information Protection
  • IC 4-31-2.1 Definitions
  • IC 4-31-12 Medication of Race Horses
  • IC 10-14-3.5 Uniform Emergency Volunteer Health Practitioners Act
  • IC 15-17-2 Definitions
  • IC 15-17-3 Board of Animal Health
  • IC 15-17-4 Personnel
  • IC 15-17-5 Meat and Poultry Inspection; Humane Slaughter Act
  • IC 15-17-6 Rabies
  • IC 15-17-7 Bovine Tuberculosis
  • IC 15-17-8 Bovine Brucellosis
  • IC 15-17-9 Swine Brucellosis
  • IC 15-17-20 Certification of Animals and Animal Products
  • IC 15-21-1 Application and Definitions
  • IC 16-42-1 Uniform Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act: General Provisions
  • IC 16-42-2 Uniform Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act: Adulteration or Misbranding of Foods
  • IC 16-42-3 Uniform Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act: Adulteration and Misbranding of Drugs or Devices
  • IC 16-42-4 Uniform Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act: Adulteration or Misbranding of Cosmetics
  • IC 34-30-2.1 Statutes Outside IC 34 That Confer Immunity
  • 888 IAC 1.1, Rule 1. Veterinarians
  • 888 IAC 1.1, Rule 3. Fees
  • 888 IAC 1.1, Rule 4. Veterinary Practice Facilities
  • 888 IAC 1.1, Rule 5. Standards of Practice
  • 888 IAC 1.1, Rule 6. Application for License as a Veterinarian
  • 888 IAC 1.1, Rule 7. Application for Veterinary License; Endorsement
  • 888 IAC 1.1, Rule 10. Continuing Education
  • 888 IAC 1.1, Rule 11. Inactive Status of Licenses
  • 888 IAC 1.1, Rule 12. Convictions of Concern
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