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Kentucky Veterinarian — Requirements & Free Practice

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

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Veterinarian

Veterinarian license requiring approved education, passing required examinations, and board approval.

Licensing authority: Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners · Application information

New Graduate Licensure Program — day of degree conferral
Advance filing
Complete application, fees, state exam pass, color photo, direct school good-standing verification, NAVLE pass report, disciplinary disclosures, FBI check and signed consent agreement on file at least 30 days before graduation.
Application
Completed veterinarian application, attachments, current color photo or color identification, official final transcripts or diploma, applicable court/disciplinary records, and fees under 201 KAR 16:540 Section 1(1).
Character
Good moral character, fingerprint-based criminal-record checks, Board approval and compliance with KRS Chapter 321 and rules. KRS 321.193.
Eligibility
New DVM/VMD graduate of AVMA COE accredited program.
Historical scores
201 KAR 16:530 Section 1(2)(b) accepts NBE scores of 75 from 1954–April 2000, and Section 1(2)(c) accepts pre-1954 state competency scores if an exam existed. 201 KAR 16:540 Section 1(1)(e) instead requests NBE and CCT before May 31, 2000. Same-rank historical-evidence wording differs; NAVLE remains a leaf and these prior-score qualifications remain conditions. ICVA states NBE/CCT were replaced in November 2000.
Military fee relief
Eligible military personnel receive waivers/reductions under 201 KAR 16:510 Section 9(1), with orders/DD-214 or acceptable proof. A fee waiver does not waive exam requirements.
Scores
Direct official score report from ICVA, AAVSB, recognized testing body, designee or custodian. A prior passing NAVLE is retained even if no retest is necessary.
State exam
State answer sheet and a score of at least 80 percent.
Transcripts
Request final official transcripts showing degree conferral within 90 days after licensure. Missing transcripts automatically suspend the license until cured or expired; the suspension remains disciplinary history.
Licensure by endorsement — approved veterinary medical program
Application
Completed veterinarian application, attachments, current color photo or color identification, official final transcripts or diploma, applicable court/disciplinary records, and fees under 201 KAR 16:540 Section 1(1).
Character
Good moral character, fingerprint-based criminal-record checks, Board approval and compliance with KRS Chapter 321 and rules. KRS 321.193.
Education
Graduate of an approved veterinary medical program under KRS 321.221(1)(a) and 201 KAR 16:520 Section 2.
Historical scores
201 KAR 16:530 Section 1(2)(b) accepts NBE scores of 75 from 1954–April 2000, and Section 1(2)(c) accepts pre-1954 state competency scores if an exam existed. 201 KAR 16:540 Section 1(1)(e) instead requests NBE and CCT before May 31, 2000. Same-rank historical-evidence wording differs; NAVLE remains a leaf and these prior-score qualifications remain conditions. ICVA states NBE/CCT were replaced in November 2000.
Military fee relief
Eligible military personnel receive waivers/reductions under 201 KAR 16:510 Section 9(1), with orders/DD-214 or acceptable proof. A fee waiver does not waive exam requirements.
Pending investigation
An investigation that could lead to disciplinary action must be concluded, including disciplinary proceedings, before endorsement. KRS 321.221(2).
Prior licensure
Valid qualifying license and practice for at least the immediately preceding year in an eligible United States jurisdiction or Canadian province; its standards must equal or exceed Kentucky’s. KRS 321.221(1)(c).
Scores
Direct official score report from ICVA, AAVSB, recognized testing body, designee or custodian. A prior passing NAVLE is retained even if no retest is necessary.
State exam
State answer sheet and a score of at least 80 percent.
Verification
All former/current jurisdiction verifications and direct AAVSB VAULT report containing national scores. 201 KAR 16:540 Section 1(2).
Licensure by endorsement — foreign equivalency certification
Application
Completed veterinarian application, attachments, current color photo or color identification, official final transcripts or diploma, applicable court/disciplinary records, and fees under 201 KAR 16:540 Section 1(1).
Character
Good moral character, fingerprint-based criminal-record checks, Board approval and compliance with KRS Chapter 321 and rules. KRS 321.193.
Education
Non-approved veterinary program graduate; successfully complete and be certified by either AVMA ECFVG or AAVSB PAVE. The Kentucky sources specify completion of these programs without separately naming BCSE, CPE or QSE, so program completion is an applicant condition.
Historical scores
201 KAR 16:530 Section 1(2)(b) accepts NBE scores of 75 from 1954–April 2000, and Section 1(2)(c) accepts pre-1954 state competency scores if an exam existed. 201 KAR 16:540 Section 1(1)(e) instead requests NBE and CCT before May 31, 2000. Same-rank historical-evidence wording differs; NAVLE remains a leaf and these prior-score qualifications remain conditions. ICVA states NBE/CCT were replaced in November 2000.
Military fee relief
Eligible military personnel receive waivers/reductions under 201 KAR 16:510 Section 9(1), with orders/DD-214 or acceptable proof. A fee waiver does not waive exam requirements.
Pending investigation
An investigation that could lead to disciplinary action must be concluded, including disciplinary proceedings, before endorsement. KRS 321.221(2).
Prior licensure
Valid qualifying license and practice for at least the immediately preceding year in an eligible United States jurisdiction or Canadian province; its standards must equal or exceed Kentucky’s. KRS 321.221(1)(c).
Program evidence
Official completion report/letter directly from the organization, designee or custodian, current AAVSB VAULT report with scores, and verifications of every former/current license under 201 KAR 16:540 Section 1(3).
Scores
Direct official score report from ICVA, AAVSB, recognized testing body, designee or custodian. A prior passing NAVLE is retained even if no retest is necessary.
State exam
State answer sheet and a score of at least 80 percent.
Verification
All former/current jurisdiction verifications and direct AAVSB VAULT report containing national scores. 201 KAR 16:540 Section 1(2).
Reinstatement within five years of license expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Reinstatement application, required attachments, court/disciplinary documents, all former/current license verifications, current AAVSB VAULT report, and fee under 201 KAR 16:540 Section 2.
Continuing education
30 approved CE hours in the 24 months before application or as the Board requires to complete the filed application; applicable current subject/format requirements apply.
Eligibility
Within five years of expiration; KRS 321.211(3) expressly prohibits an examination as a condition of reinstatement.
Fee
$775 for July 1, 2026–June 30, 2028, subject to military relief.
Form difference
The June 2026 form calls for VAULT, background check and license verifications after more than one expired year; the controlling rule requires VAULT and verifications for reinstatement generally. Follow the rule and the form submission instructions.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Conversion to inactive license status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
Existing active license; request inactive status on the status-change form or appropriate renewal application.
Maintenance
Continue biennial renewal and pay inactive fees. Use the renewal form in the renewal period or status-change form outside it.
Practice
No Kentucky practice while inactive; no CE and no limit on years inactive.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Reinstatement from inactive to active status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Reinstatement application and attachments, or active-status request on the renewal form in the renewal period; supply approved CE proof.
Background
The Board may require a background check, reject results older than 90 days or without a seal/watermark, impose additional conditions or deny on review.
Continuing education
30 CE hours in the immediately preceding 24 months with applicable current subject and delivery requirements.
Fee
The rule uses less than 24 months for the $550 fee in July 1, 2026–June 30, 2028 and greater than 24 months for the $400 fee. It does not assign the exact 24-month point; the Board must determine that fee.
Form difference
The June 2026 reinstatement form uses less/greater than 12 months for its $550/$400 bands. The rule outranks the form; both statements are disclosed.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Inactive license biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
Biennially by September 30 in an even year, $100 fee; late renewal October 1–November 30 adds $200; failure to renew by November 30 expires the license.
Status
Existing inactive license; no practice and no CE while inactive.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Initial licensure — approved veterinary medical program
Application
Completed veterinarian application, attachments, current color photo or color identification, official final transcripts or diploma, applicable court/disciplinary records, and fees under 201 KAR 16:540 Section 1(1).
Character
Good moral character, fingerprint-based criminal-record checks, Board approval and compliance with KRS Chapter 321 and rules. KRS 321.193.
Education
Advanced veterinary medical degree from a program with AVMA COE full accreditation, limited accreditation or approval when the degree was awarded. 201 KAR 16:520 Section 2.
Historical scores
201 KAR 16:530 Section 1(2)(b) accepts NBE scores of 75 from 1954–April 2000, and Section 1(2)(c) accepts pre-1954 state competency scores if an exam existed. 201 KAR 16:540 Section 1(1)(e) instead requests NBE and CCT before May 31, 2000. Same-rank historical-evidence wording differs; NAVLE remains a leaf and these prior-score qualifications remain conditions. ICVA states NBE/CCT were replaced in November 2000.
Military fee relief
Eligible military personnel receive waivers/reductions under 201 KAR 16:510 Section 9(1), with orders/DD-214 or acceptable proof. A fee waiver does not waive exam requirements.
Scores
Direct official score report from ICVA, AAVSB, recognized testing body, designee or custodian. A prior passing NAVLE is retained even if no retest is necessary.
State exam
State answer sheet and a score of at least 80 percent.
Initial licensure — approved foreign equivalency program
Application
Completed veterinarian application, attachments, current color photo or color identification, official final transcripts or diploma, applicable court/disciplinary records, and fees under 201 KAR 16:540 Section 1(1).
Character
Good moral character, fingerprint-based criminal-record checks, Board approval and compliance with KRS Chapter 321 and rules. KRS 321.193.
Education
Non-approved veterinary program graduate; successfully complete and be certified by either AVMA ECFVG or AAVSB PAVE. The Kentucky sources specify completion of these programs without separately naming BCSE, CPE or QSE, so program completion is an applicant condition.
Historical scores
201 KAR 16:530 Section 1(2)(b) accepts NBE scores of 75 from 1954–April 2000, and Section 1(2)(c) accepts pre-1954 state competency scores if an exam existed. 201 KAR 16:540 Section 1(1)(e) instead requests NBE and CCT before May 31, 2000. Same-rank historical-evidence wording differs; NAVLE remains a leaf and these prior-score qualifications remain conditions. ICVA states NBE/CCT were replaced in November 2000.
Military fee relief
Eligible military personnel receive waivers/reductions under 201 KAR 16:510 Section 9(1), with orders/DD-214 or acceptable proof. A fee waiver does not waive exam requirements.
Program evidence
Official completion report/letter directly from the organization, designee or custodian, current AAVSB VAULT report with scores, and verifications of every former/current license under 201 KAR 16:540 Section 1(3).
Scores
Direct official score report from ICVA, AAVSB, recognized testing body, designee or custodian. A prior passing NAVLE is retained even if no retest is necessary.
State exam
State answer sheet and a score of at least 80 percent.
Active license renewal during grace period
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
30 hours per biennium; at least 20 directly related to practice, at least 2 in pharmacy/controlled substances, antimicrobials or relevant law; at most 10 administrative/wellbeing/professional hours. At least 15 live in person or online; at most 15 prerecorded. No carryover or double counting. 201 KAR 16:590 Section 3.
Deadline
October 1–November 30 in the renewal year, regular fee plus $300 late fee. Failure to renew by November 30 expires the license.
First renewal
Qualifying new graduates in the first biennium year need 15 hours; second-year graduates receive a CE waiver. This reduction does not apply to endorsement licensees who graduated before their initial licensing biennium.
Records
List CE on the application, submit certificates on request/audit, and retain documentation four years. 201 KAR 16:590 Section 5.
Relief
Board-approved fellowship/internship/residency credits, case-specific medical/extenuating-circumstance relief and mandatory qualifying military-duty relief require the official verification.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Recognition of a covered license after military relocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Compact
Federal portability does not apply to a license governed by an interstate compact.
Eligibility
Servicemember or spouse relocating because of military orders with a covered license in good standing and no disqualifying discipline, pending investigation or surrender.
Federal documents
Military orders, marriage certificate for a spouse, and notarized affidavit of identity, truthful complete application, understanding/compliance with destination scope/licensing requirements, and good standing in all licensing states; a background check may be conducted.
Kentucky implementation
201 KAR 16:510 Section 9(2) calls for registration within 90 days on the veterinarian application, equivalent license, current military orders, all licenses in good standing, AAVSB VAULT report, and submission to Board practice, discipline and CE jurisdiction; application fees are waived.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

New licensure after more than five years of expiration
Application
Completed veterinarian application, attachments, current color photo or color identification, official final transcripts or diploma, applicable court/disciplinary records, and fees under 201 KAR 16:540 Section 1(1).
Character
Good moral character, fingerprint-based criminal-record checks, Board approval and compliance with KRS Chapter 321 and rules. KRS 321.193.
Historical scores
201 KAR 16:530 Section 1(2)(b) accepts NBE scores of 75 from 1954–April 2000, and Section 1(2)(c) accepts pre-1954 state competency scores if an exam existed. 201 KAR 16:540 Section 1(1)(e) instead requests NBE and CCT before May 31, 2000. Same-rank historical-evidence wording differs; NAVLE remains a leaf and these prior-score qualifications remain conditions. ICVA states NBE/CCT were replaced in November 2000.
Military fee relief
Eligible military personnel receive waivers/reductions under 201 KAR 16:510 Section 9(1), with orders/DD-214 or acceptable proof. A fee waiver does not waive exam requirements.
Prior license
Prior license not reinstated within five years of expiration/termination; KRS 321.211(6) requires a new license under current issuance qualifications. Supply approved-program or foreign-equivalency education evidence as applicable.
Scores
Direct official score report from ICVA, AAVSB, recognized testing body, designee or custodian. A prior passing NAVLE is retained even if no retest is necessary.
State exam
State answer sheet and a score of at least 80 percent.
New licensure following retirement
Application
Completed veterinarian application, attachments, current color photo or color identification, official final transcripts or diploma, applicable court/disciplinary records, and fees under 201 KAR 16:540 Section 1(1).
Character
Good moral character, fingerprint-based criminal-record checks, Board approval and compliance with KRS Chapter 321 and rules. KRS 321.193.
Historical scores
201 KAR 16:530 Section 1(2)(b) accepts NBE scores of 75 from 1954–April 2000, and Section 1(2)(c) accepts pre-1954 state competency scores if an exam existed. 201 KAR 16:540 Section 1(1)(e) instead requests NBE and CCT before May 31, 2000. Same-rank historical-evidence wording differs; NAVLE remains a leaf and these prior-score qualifications remain conditions. ICVA states NBE/CCT were replaced in November 2000.
Military fee relief
Eligible military personnel receive waivers/reductions under 201 KAR 16:510 Section 9(1), with orders/DD-214 or acceptable proof. A fee waiver does not waive exam requirements.
Retired license
Retired licenses cannot be reinstated/reactivated. Apply for a new, separate license under 201 KAR 16:540 with applicable approved-program or foreign-equivalency qualifications.
Scores
Direct official score report from ICVA, AAVSB, recognized testing body, designee or custodian. A prior passing NAVLE is retained even if no retest is necessary.
State exam
State answer sheet and a score of at least 80 percent.
Active license biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
30 hours per biennium; at least 20 directly related to practice, at least 2 in pharmacy/controlled substances, antimicrobials or relevant law; at most 10 administrative/wellbeing/professional hours. At least 15 live in person or online; at most 15 prerecorded. No carryover or double counting. 201 KAR 16:590 Section 3.
Deadline
September 30 of even-numbered years, completed application and required attachments, with the fee. All active licenses share the cycle.
Fee
$495 on the evaluation date under 201 KAR 16:510 Section 5(2)(b), subject to military relief.
First renewal
Qualifying new graduates in the first biennium year need 15 hours; second-year graduates receive a CE waiver. This reduction does not apply to endorsement licensees who graduated before their initial licensing biennium.
Records
List CE on the application, submit certificates on request/audit, and retain documentation four years. 201 KAR 16:590 Section 5.
Relief
Board-approved fellowship/internship/residency credits, case-specific medical/extenuating-circumstance relief and mandatory qualifying military-duty relief require the official verification.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Conversion to retired license status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Request retirement with the status-change or renewal form and one-time $25 fee.
Practice
No practice while retired. Retirement is irreversible for that license; future practice requires a new, separate license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Petition for reinstatement following revocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board discretion
The Board investigates and may reinstate when prescribed terms are met and competent practice is again possible. Applicant-specific terms are conditions.
Fee
A revoked license cannot be renewed; reinstatement requires the reinstatement fee.
Waiting period
Five years from revocation before petition.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Registration of specialty recognition on an existing license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Certification
Be awarded and maintain certification by an AVMA-recognized specialty organization, program or college; register the specialty and file certification before representing Board-certified specialist status. The state names certification as a qualification without identifying a currently offered registered specialty examination.
Underlying license
Hold the ordinary veterinarian license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Renewal or reinstatement of a suspended license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
30 hours per biennium; at least 20 directly related to practice, at least 2 in pharmacy/controlled substances, antimicrobials or relevant law; at most 10 administrative/wellbeing/professional hours. At least 15 live in person or online; at most 15 prerecorded. No carryover or double counting. 201 KAR 16:590 Section 3.
First renewal
Qualifying new graduates in the first biennium year need 15 hours; second-year graduates receive a CE waiver. This reduction does not apply to endorsement licensees who graduated before their initial licensing biennium.
Records
List CE on the application, submit certificates on request/audit, and retain documentation four years. 201 KAR 16:590 Section 5.
Reinstatement
Within five expired years, supply the reinstatement application, attachments, all verifications, VAULT report, preceding 24-month CE and fee.
Relief
Board-approved fellowship/internship/residency credits, case-specific medical/extenuating-circumstance relief and mandatory qualifying military-duty relief require the official verification.
Suspension
Maintain renewal; expiration and reinstatement requirements apply. Renewal/reinstatement does not restore practice until suspension ends or the Board removes it and restores practice rights.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Restoration following completion or removal of suspension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board action
Suspension must end or be removed and the Board must restore practice rights; fulfill applicable terms and maintain a current license. The Board may reconsider, modify or reverse discipline.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Temporary license

Statutorily authorized temporary veterinarian license during processing of a covered military-portability application; issuance is discretionary.

Licensing authority: Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners · Application information

Temporary license while military portability recognition is processed
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Administrative delay
If the authority cannot recognize a covered license within 30 days of receipt of the federal application, it may issue a temporary license with permanent-license rights, privileges and responsibilities. Issuance is discretionary.
Compact
Federal portability does not apply to a license governed by an interstate compact.
Eligibility
Servicemember or spouse relocating because of military orders with a covered license in good standing and no disqualifying discipline, pending investigation or surrender.
Federal documents
Military orders, marriage certificate for a spouse, and notarized affidavit of identity, truthful complete application, understanding/compliance with destination scope/licensing requirements, and good standing in all licensing states; a background check may be conducted.
Kentucky implementation
201 KAR 16:510 Section 9(2) calls for registration within 90 days on the veterinarian application, equivalent license, current military orders, all licenses in good standing, AAVSB VAULT report, and submission to Board practice, discipline and CE jurisdiction; application fees are waived.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Special permit to practice veterinary medicine

Supervised practice while an approved national examination or a foreign equivalency final examination is pending; at most four permits.

Licensing authority: Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners · Application information

Special permit — awaiting final foreign equivalency assessment
Education
Non-approved veterinary program graduate; successfully complete and be certified by either AVMA ECFVG or AAVSB PAVE. The Kentucky sources specify completion of these programs without separately naming BCSE, CPE or QSE, so program completion is an applicant condition.
Expiration
Seven business days after notice of the first exam results after issuance. No renewal; reapply following a failed attempt, at most four permits total.
Fee
$200 special permit fee, plus applicable underlying licensure and state-exam fees.
Pending exam
Awaiting the final ECFVG/PAVE examination stage. Kentucky does not identify that slot as BCSE, CPE or QSE, so it remains a condition. The qualified underlying licensure application involves the registered NAVLE and veterinarian jurisprudence examination.
Practice limits
Board prerequisites page requires disclosure of permit status and client opt-out; no establishing VCPRs, prescribing, DEA controlled-substance registration or USDA APHIS accreditation.
Program evidence
Official completion report/letter directly from the organization, designee or custodian, current AAVSB VAULT report with scores, and verifications of every former/current license under 201 KAR 16:540 Section 1(3).
Qualified applicant
Otherwise qualified veterinarian licensure applicant with the underlying application on file/attached, all required attachments and fees, and application for the next approved examination.
Supervision
Employment and direct supervision by a Kentucky-licensed veterinarian, with each supervisor’s signed recommendation and acknowledgment of supervisory duties.
Special permit — awaiting approved national examination
Expiration
Seven business days after notice of the first exam results after issuance. No renewal; reapply following a failed attempt, at most four permits total.
Fee
$200 special permit fee, plus applicable underlying licensure and state-exam fees.
Pending exam
NAVLE results pending or retake application submitted. A pending result is an applicant condition; the currently offered examination remains a leaf. The qualified underlying license application includes the state examination answer sheet.
Practice limits
Board prerequisites page requires disclosure of permit status and client opt-out; no establishing VCPRs, prescribing, DEA controlled-substance registration or USDA APHIS accreditation.
Qualified applicant
Otherwise qualified veterinarian licensure applicant with the underlying application on file/attached, all required attachments and fees, and application for the next approved examination.
Supervision
Employment and direct supervision by a Kentucky-licensed veterinarian, with each supervisor’s signed recommendation and acknowledgment of supervisory duties.

Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners Jurisprudence Examination for Veterinarians

Provider
Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners
Format
Paper or electronic; published v.2 paper examination has true/false and multiple-choice questions. Submit the answer sheet with the licensure application.
Exam questions
50
Passing score
80 percent or higher
Exam fee
$100; military waivers are governed by 201 KAR 16:510 Section 9.
Examination outline
  • KRS Chapter 321 — Kentucky Veterinary Medicine Practice Act
  • 201 KAR Chapter 16 — Board of Veterinary Examiners
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