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Mississippi Veterinarian — Requirements & Free Practice

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Mississippi Faculty License

Veterinary practice under the auspices of the employing institution only.

Licensing authority: Mississippi Board of Veterinary Medicine · Application information

Faculty license: Advanced veterinary degree
Mississippi Veterinary State Board Exam
Employment
Graduate veterinarian employed as faculty at the College of Veterinary Medicine.
Ordinary ineligibility
Faculty eligible for the ordinary license must obtain it; this pathway is for faculty not eligible.
Qualification
Advanced degree at an AVMA-COE accredited college of veterinary medicine.
Scope
Practice under the institution only; outside practice requires ordinary Board licensure.
State examination
Section 73-39-69 applies to any person not licensed in Mississippi and states no faculty exception, so the state examination is retained. Ordinary NAVLE eligibility is not imported into specialized faculty qualifications.
Faculty license: European specialty certification
Mississippi Veterinary State Board Exam
Employment
Graduate veterinarian employed as faculty at the College of Veterinary Medicine.
Ordinary ineligibility
Faculty eligible for the ordinary license must obtain it; this pathway is for faculty not eligible.
Qualification
Board certification by the European Board of Veterinary Specialization; an overseas qualification condition.
Scope
Practice under the institution only; outside practice requires ordinary Board licensure.
State examination
Section 73-39-69 applies to any person not licensed in Mississippi and states no faculty exception, so the state examination is retained. Ordinary NAVLE eligibility is not imported into specialized faculty qualifications.
Renewal of an expired license within five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Comply with continuing-education requirements. Administrative expired-license renewal differs from disciplinary reinstatement under section 73-39-93.
Fees
Current renewal fee, Board-determined reinstatement fee and all delinquent renewal fees.
Time limit
Written application within five years of expiration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-01.

Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
15 hours with 10 contact credits and up to 5 RACE credits; documented attendance. Board instructions include approved interactive-distance and live-streamed contact programs.
Cycle guidance
The obtained 2025-2026 renewal letter states specific age and new-graduate exceptions for that cycle; these dates are not asserted as new exemptions for subsequent cycles.
Fee exemptions
Board may waive fees during active military duty; age 70 or older with fewer than 20 weekly practice hours is fee exempt under section 73-39-75(5).
Registration
Annual Board registration and renewal fee; expiration August 1.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-01.

Faculty license: Approved veterinary residency
Mississippi Veterinary State Board Exam
Employment
Graduate veterinarian employed as faculty at the College of Veterinary Medicine.
Ordinary ineligibility
Faculty eligible for the ordinary license must obtain it; this pathway is for faculty not eligible.
Qualification
Formal residency at an AVMA-COE accredited veterinary college or another AVMA-approved residency.
Scope
Practice under the institution only; outside practice requires ordinary Board licensure.
State examination
Section 73-39-69 applies to any person not licensed in Mississippi and states no faculty exception, so the state examination is retained. Ordinary NAVLE eligibility is not imported into specialized faculty qualifications.
Faculty license: AVMA recognized specialty certification
Mississippi Veterinary State Board Exam
Employment
Graduate veterinarian employed as faculty at the College of Veterinary Medicine.
Ordinary ineligibility
Faculty eligible for the ordinary license must obtain it; this pathway is for faculty not eligible.
Qualification
Board certification in an AVMA-COE recognized specialty; certification is a qualification, with no particular current licensure exam identified.
Scope
Practice under the institution only; outside practice requires ordinary Board licensure.
State examination
Section 73-39-69 applies to any person not licensed in Mississippi and states no faculty exception, so the state examination is retained. Ordinary NAVLE eligibility is not imported into specialized faculty qualifications.

License to Practice Veterinary Medicine

State veterinary practice license.

Licensing authority: Mississippi Board of Veterinary Medicine · Application information

Ordinary licensure for a faculty license holder seeking outside practice
Application
Complete application; diploma or official transcript; $200 fee; good-standing letters from every jurisdiction ever licensed; passport-quality photograph taken within six months; three recommendation letters from licensed veterinarians.
Character
Good moral character and other information and proof required by the Board.
Historical scores
Board accepts NBE and CCT grades or NAVLE score from AAVSB. Replaced NBE/CCT scores are historical applicant evidence, not currently offered exams.
Prior license
Faculty license holder seeking practice outside institutional authority.
Qualification
Meet requirements for an ordinary valid Mississippi veterinary license.
State process
After application, receive an AAVSB SPA link. A failed attempt requires a 60-day wait and another $50 fee.
State score
The Board ordinary application procedure requires the state exam. Existing Mississippi faculty licensure may affect the statutory state-exam duty; applicant must establish with the Board whether a prior state score satisfies it.
Initial licensure: accredited veterinary graduate
Application
Complete application; diploma or official transcript; $200 fee; good-standing letters from every jurisdiction ever licensed; passport-quality photograph taken within six months; three recommendation letters from licensed veterinarians.
Character
Good moral character and other information and proof required by the Board.
Education
Graduate of an AVMA-COE accredited veterinary college.
Historical scores
Board accepts NBE and CCT grades or NAVLE score from AAVSB. Replaced NBE/CCT scores are historical applicant evidence, not currently offered exams.
State process
After application, receive an AAVSB SPA link. A failed attempt requires a 60-day wait and another $50 fee.
Initial licensure: nonaccredited graduate using ECFVG examination
Application
Complete application; diploma or official transcript; $200 fee; good-standing letters from every jurisdiction ever licensed; passport-quality photograph taken within six months; three recommendation letters from licensed veterinarians.
Character
Good moral character and other information and proof required by the Board.
Education
Nonaccredited veterinary degree with Board-accepted educational equivalence.
Equivalency path
Rule 2.8 permits educational equivalence by successfully passing the examination sponsored by ECFVG. The state rule does not separately identify BCSE or CPE; this unnamed examination slot remains a condition.
Historical scores
Board accepts NBE and CCT grades or NAVLE score from AAVSB. Replaced NBE/CCT scores are historical applicant evidence, not currently offered exams.
State process
After application, receive an AAVSB SPA link. A failed attempt requires a 60-day wait and another $50 fee.
Initial licensure: nonaccredited graduate using Approved clinical internship
Application
Complete application; diploma or official transcript; $200 fee; good-standing letters from every jurisdiction ever licensed; passport-quality photograph taken within six months; three recommendation letters from licensed veterinarians.
Character
Good moral character and other information and proof required by the Board.
Education
Nonaccredited veterinary degree with Board-accepted educational equivalence.
Equivalency path
Establish educational equivalence by completing a one-year approved clinical internship.
Historical scores
Board accepts NBE and CCT grades or NAVLE score from AAVSB. Replaced NBE/CCT scores are historical applicant evidence, not currently offered exams.
State process
After application, receive an AAVSB SPA link. A failed attempt requires a 60-day wait and another $50 fee.
Initial licensure: nonaccredited graduate using PAVE certification
Application
Complete application; diploma or official transcript; $200 fee; good-standing letters from every jurisdiction ever licensed; passport-quality photograph taken within six months; three recommendation letters from licensed veterinarians.
Character
Good moral character and other information and proof required by the Board.
Education
Nonaccredited veterinary degree with Board-accepted educational equivalence.
Equivalency path
Establish educational equivalence by PAVE certification. The state rule identifies certification, not a separately named QSE examination requirement.
Historical scores
Board accepts NBE and CCT grades or NAVLE score from AAVSB. Replaced NBE/CCT scores are historical applicant evidence, not currently offered exams.
State process
After application, receive an AAVSB SPA link. A failed attempt requires a 60-day wait and another $50 fee.
Military Family Freedom Act: work experience
Mississippi Veterinary State Board Exam
Board national score instruction
The Board general application procedure states "2. Submit NBE and CCT grades or NAVLE score from AAVSB". Recognition statutes instead prescribe recognition based on training, an existing license or work experience and reserve jurisprudence; the additional national-score demand is recorded here as the Board instruction.
Conduct
Meet statutory conduct, criminal-history, good-standing, no misconduct-related surrender, complaint-resolution and applicable-fee requirements.
Jurisprudence discretion
Section 73-50-1(5) or 73-50-2(5) permits the Board to require state jurisprudence. Section 73-39-69 identifies the state exam, and the Board application procedure requires it; applicant-specific discretion is a condition.
Military status
Military member, spouse or dependent.
Qualification
At least three years in an unlicensed occupation in another jurisdiction, with similar Board-determined scope, and section 73-50-1(3)(c)-(f) conditions.
Military Family Freedom Act: existing occupational license
Mississippi Veterinary State Board Exam
Board national score instruction
The Board general application procedure states "2. Submit NBE and CCT grades or NAVLE score from AAVSB". Recognition statutes instead prescribe recognition based on training, an existing license or work experience and reserve jurisprudence; the additional national-score demand is recorded here as the Board instruction.
Conduct
Meet statutory conduct, criminal-history, good-standing, no misconduct-related surrender, complaint-resolution and applicable-fee requirements.
Jurisprudence discretion
Section 73-50-1(5) or 73-50-2(5) permits the Board to require state jurisprudence. Section 73-39-69 identifies the state exam, and the Board application procedure requires it; applicant-specific discretion is a condition.
Military status
Military member, spouse or dependent.
Qualification
Current valid occupational license with similar Board-determined scope, held at least one year; good standing and statutory conduct requirements.
Military Family Freedom Act: occupational training
Mississippi Veterinary State Board Exam
Board national score instruction
The Board general application procedure states "2. Submit NBE and CCT grades or NAVLE score from AAVSB". Recognition statutes instead prescribe recognition based on training, an existing license or work experience and reserve jurisprudence; the additional national-score demand is recorded here as the Board instruction.
Conduct
Meet statutory conduct, criminal-history, good-standing, no misconduct-related surrender, complaint-resolution and applicable-fee requirements.
Jurisprudence discretion
Section 73-50-1(5) or 73-50-2(5) permits the Board to require state jurisprudence. Section 73-39-69 identifies the state exam, and the Board application procedure requires it; applicant-specific discretion is a condition.
Military status
Military member, spouse or dependent.
Qualification
Military occupational specialty, military program of training, testing or equivalent training and experience, and performance in the specialty.
Renewal of an expired license within five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Comply with continuing-education requirements. Administrative expired-license renewal differs from disciplinary reinstatement under section 73-39-93.
Fees
Current renewal fee, Board-determined reinstatement fee and all delinquent renewal fees.
Time limit
Written application within five years of expiration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-01.

Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
15 hours with 10 contact credits and up to 5 RACE credits; documented attendance. Board instructions include approved interactive-distance and live-streamed contact programs.
Cycle guidance
The obtained 2025-2026 renewal letter states specific age and new-graduate exceptions for that cycle; these dates are not asserted as new exemptions for subsequent cycles.
Fee exemptions
Board may waive fees during active military duty; age 70 or older with fewer than 20 weekly practice hours is fee exempt under section 73-39-75(5).
Registration
Annual Board registration and renewal fee; expiration August 1.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-01.

Licensure for an applicant already licensed in another jurisdiction
Application
Complete application; diploma or official transcript; $200 fee; good-standing letters from every jurisdiction ever licensed; passport-quality photograph taken within six months; three recommendation letters from licensed veterinarians.
Character
Good moral character and other information and proof required by the Board.
Current statute
HB 514 removes the former section 73-39-71 discretionary endorsement grant and three-year minimum. The Board current general application procedure still requests national scores and the state examination.
Existing license
License in at least one state, territory or district; practice in all those jurisdictions without state or federal disciplinary action immediately before applying.
Historical scores
Board accepts NBE and CCT grades or NAVLE score from AAVSB. Replaced NBE/CCT scores are historical applicant evidence, not currently offered exams.
State process
After application, receive an AAVSB SPA link. A failed attempt requires a 60-day wait and another $50 fee.
Recognition for a new Mississippi resident based on work experience
Mississippi Veterinary State Board Exam
Board national score instruction
The Board general application procedure states "2. Submit NBE and CCT grades or NAVLE score from AAVSB". Recognition statutes instead prescribe recognition based on training, an existing license or work experience and reserve jurisprudence; the additional national-score demand is recorded here as the Board instruction.
Conduct
Meet statutory conduct, criminal-history, good-standing, no misconduct-related surrender, complaint-resolution and applicable-fee requirements.
Jurisprudence discretion
Section 73-50-1(5) or 73-50-2(5) permits the Board to require state jurisprudence. Section 73-39-69 identifies the state exam, and the Board application procedure requires it; applicant-specific discretion is a condition.
Qualification
At least three years in a jurisdiction that does not license the occupation, with Board-determined similar scope. No determination that a particular jurisdiction qualifies is made.
Residence
Establish Mississippi residence under section 73-50-2(6).
Recognition for a new Mississippi resident holding an occupational license
Mississippi Veterinary State Board Exam
Board national score instruction
The Board general application procedure states "2. Submit NBE and CCT grades or NAVLE score from AAVSB". Recognition statutes instead prescribe recognition based on training, an existing license or work experience and reserve jurisprudence; the additional national-score demand is recorded here as the Board instruction.
Conduct
Meet statutory conduct, criminal-history, good-standing, no misconduct-related surrender, complaint-resolution and applicable-fee requirements.
Jurisprudence discretion
Section 73-50-1(5) or 73-50-2(5) permits the Board to require state jurisprudence. Section 73-39-69 identifies the state exam, and the Board application procedure requires it; applicant-specific discretion is a condition.
Qualification
Current valid license in good standing with similar scope, held at least one year; issuing jurisdiction verifies minimum education and any applicable experience, examinations and clinical supervision.
Residence
Establish Mississippi residence under section 73-50-2(6).

Temporary License / Temporary Practice Permit to Practice Veterinary Medicine

Time-limited authority pending the scheduled examination or statutory recognition processing.

Licensing authority: Mississippi Board of Veterinary Medicine · Application information

Temporary license for graduates of foreign veterinary colleges
Application
Complete application; diploma or official transcript; $200 fee; good-standing letters from every jurisdiction ever licensed; passport-quality photograph taken within six months; three recommendation letters from licensed veterinarians.
Character
Good moral character and other information and proof required by the Board.
Discretion
Board may grant temporary authority; no more than two permits.
Education
Foreign veterinary degree and educational equivalence under Rule 2.8.
Employment
Proof of Mississippi employment.
Historical scores
Board accepts NBE and CCT grades or NAVLE score from AAVSB. Replaced NBE/CCT scores are historical applicant evidence, not currently offered exams.
National score
Pass NAVLE before temporary issuance under Rule 2.5.
State process
After application, receive an AAVSB SPA link. A failed attempt requires a 60-day wait and another $50 fee.
Temporary license pending the scheduled state board examination
Application
Complete application; diploma or official transcript; $200 fee; good-standing letters from every jurisdiction ever licensed; passport-quality photograph taken within six months; three recommendation letters from licensed veterinarians.
Board discretion
Board may grant temporary authority until the state exam; at most two temporary permits. State examination remains pending, rather than a prerequisite passing score for issuance of the first permit.
Character
Good moral character and other information and proof required by the Board.
Historical scores
Board accepts NBE and CCT grades or NAVLE score from AAVSB. Replaced NBE/CCT scores are historical applicant evidence, not currently offered exams.
Qualification
Pay the application fee and show licensure qualifications.
Residence
Provide Mississippi residence evidence.
State process
After application, receive an AAVSB SPA link. A failed attempt requires a 60-day wait and another $50 fee.
Temporary practice permit pending military family freedom act: work experience
Mississippi Veterinary State Board Exam
Board national score instruction
The Board general application procedure states "2. Submit NBE and CCT grades or NAVLE score from AAVSB". Recognition statutes instead prescribe recognition based on training, an existing license or work experience and reserve jurisprudence; the additional national-score demand is recorded here as the Board instruction.
Conduct
Meet statutory conduct, criminal-history, good-standing, no misconduct-related surrender, complaint-resolution and applicable-fee requirements.
Jurisprudence discretion
Section 73-50-1(5) or 73-50-2(5) permits the Board to require state jurisprudence. Section 73-39-69 identifies the state exam, and the Board application procedure requires it; applicant-specific discretion is a condition.
Military status
Military member, spouse or dependent.
Processing
If processing takes more than two weeks, issue a temporary permit within 30 days on the statutory affidavit under penalty of perjury and applicable fees. Practice until issuance or denial; permit expires after 365 days if applicable recognition/jurisprudence conditions remain unmet.
Qualification
At least three years in an unlicensed occupation in another jurisdiction, with similar Board-determined scope, and section 73-50-1(3)(c)-(f) conditions.
Temporary practice permit pending military family freedom act: existing occupational license
Mississippi Veterinary State Board Exam
Board national score instruction
The Board general application procedure states "2. Submit NBE and CCT grades or NAVLE score from AAVSB". Recognition statutes instead prescribe recognition based on training, an existing license or work experience and reserve jurisprudence; the additional national-score demand is recorded here as the Board instruction.
Conduct
Meet statutory conduct, criminal-history, good-standing, no misconduct-related surrender, complaint-resolution and applicable-fee requirements.
Jurisprudence discretion
Section 73-50-1(5) or 73-50-2(5) permits the Board to require state jurisprudence. Section 73-39-69 identifies the state exam, and the Board application procedure requires it; applicant-specific discretion is a condition.
Military status
Military member, spouse or dependent.
Processing
If processing takes more than two weeks, issue a temporary permit within 30 days on the statutory affidavit under penalty of perjury and applicable fees. Practice until issuance or denial; permit expires after 365 days if applicable recognition/jurisprudence conditions remain unmet.
Qualification
Current valid occupational license with similar Board-determined scope, held at least one year; good standing and statutory conduct requirements.
Temporary practice permit pending military family freedom act: occupational training
Mississippi Veterinary State Board Exam
Board national score instruction
The Board general application procedure states "2. Submit NBE and CCT grades or NAVLE score from AAVSB". Recognition statutes instead prescribe recognition based on training, an existing license or work experience and reserve jurisprudence; the additional national-score demand is recorded here as the Board instruction.
Conduct
Meet statutory conduct, criminal-history, good-standing, no misconduct-related surrender, complaint-resolution and applicable-fee requirements.
Jurisprudence discretion
Section 73-50-1(5) or 73-50-2(5) permits the Board to require state jurisprudence. Section 73-39-69 identifies the state exam, and the Board application procedure requires it; applicant-specific discretion is a condition.
Military status
Military member, spouse or dependent.
Processing
If processing takes more than two weeks, issue a temporary permit within 30 days on the statutory affidavit under penalty of perjury and applicable fees. Practice until issuance or denial; permit expires after 365 days if applicable recognition/jurisprudence conditions remain unmet.
Qualification
Military occupational specialty, military program of training, testing or equivalent training and experience, and performance in the specialty.
Temporary license for new graduates employed in Mississippi
Application
Complete application; diploma or official transcript; $200 fee; good-standing letters from every jurisdiction ever licensed; passport-quality photograph taken within six months; three recommendation letters from licensed veterinarians.
Character
Good moral character and other information and proof required by the Board.
Duration
Rule 2.4 refers to the second Tuesday of June exam after graduation and a second permit if warranted; statute limits permits to two. The current SPA procedure reflects changed examination delivery.
Employment
Employment in Mississippi.
Graduation
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree received in May or June.
Historical scores
Board accepts NBE and CCT grades or NAVLE score from AAVSB. Replaced NBE/CCT scores are historical applicant evidence, not currently offered exams.
State process
After application, receive an AAVSB SPA link. A failed attempt requires a 60-day wait and another $50 fee.
Temporary practice permit pending recognition for a new mississippi resident based on work experience
Mississippi Veterinary State Board Exam
Board national score instruction
The Board general application procedure states "2. Submit NBE and CCT grades or NAVLE score from AAVSB". Recognition statutes instead prescribe recognition based on training, an existing license or work experience and reserve jurisprudence; the additional national-score demand is recorded here as the Board instruction.
Conduct
Meet statutory conduct, criminal-history, good-standing, no misconduct-related surrender, complaint-resolution and applicable-fee requirements.
Jurisprudence discretion
Section 73-50-1(5) or 73-50-2(5) permits the Board to require state jurisprudence. Section 73-39-69 identifies the state exam, and the Board application procedure requires it; applicant-specific discretion is a condition.
Processing
If processing takes more than two weeks, issue a temporary permit within 30 days on the statutory affidavit under penalty of perjury and applicable fees. Practice until issuance or denial; permit expires after 365 days if applicable recognition/jurisprudence conditions remain unmet.
Qualification
At least three years in a jurisdiction that does not license the occupation, with Board-determined similar scope. No determination that a particular jurisdiction qualifies is made.
Residence
Establish Mississippi residence under section 73-50-2(6).
Temporary practice permit pending recognition for a new mississippi resident holding an occupational license
Mississippi Veterinary State Board Exam
Board national score instruction
The Board general application procedure states "2. Submit NBE and CCT grades or NAVLE score from AAVSB". Recognition statutes instead prescribe recognition based on training, an existing license or work experience and reserve jurisprudence; the additional national-score demand is recorded here as the Board instruction.
Conduct
Meet statutory conduct, criminal-history, good-standing, no misconduct-related surrender, complaint-resolution and applicable-fee requirements.
Jurisprudence discretion
Section 73-50-1(5) or 73-50-2(5) permits the Board to require state jurisprudence. Section 73-39-69 identifies the state exam, and the Board application procedure requires it; applicant-specific discretion is a condition.
Processing
If processing takes more than two weeks, issue a temporary permit within 30 days on the statutory affidavit under penalty of perjury and applicable fees. Practice until issuance or denial; permit expires after 365 days if applicable recognition/jurisprudence conditions remain unmet.
Qualification
Current valid license in good standing with similar scope, held at least one year; issuing jurisdiction verifies minimum education and any applicable experience, examinations and clinical supervision.
Residence
Establish Mississippi residence under section 73-50-2(6).

Mississippi Veterinary State Board Exam

Provider
Mississippi Board of Veterinary Medicine; AAVSB SPA
Format
Open book; true/false and multiple choice
Exam questions
100
Time limit
180 minutes
Passing score
70%
Exam fee
$50 paid directly to AAVSB
Examination outline
  • AVMA Policies
    • Complementary and alternative veterinary medicine
    • Positions on Animal Welfare
    • Controlled Substances
    • Companion Animal Electronic Identification
    • Internet Prescribing
    • Veterinary Prescription Drugs and Prescription Writing
    • Referrals
    • Naming Veterinary Facilities
  • Veterinary Practice Law of Mississippi and Rules
  • U.S. Department of Justice DEA Physician’s Manual
  • Mississippi Rabies Laws
  • Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics as set forth by the American Veterinary Medical Association
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