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Veterinary License

Ordinary authorization to practice veterinary medicine, including examination, statutory recognition, reciprocity, renewal, reactivation and reinstatement routes.

Licensing authority: Ohio Veterinary Medical Licensing Board · Application information

Initial ordinary license after provisional graduate licensure
North American Veterinary Licensing Examination
Application
Submit the Board application through eLicense Ohio and complete all requirements within six months; an incomplete application requires resubmission and a new application fee.
Background Checks
Complete Ohio BCI and FBI criminal records checks within a year of requesting licensure; results go directly to the Board. Provide official court documentation and a written explanation of criminal charges when applicable.
Conduct
The applicant must not be in violation of Chapter 4741; the criminal-record and disciplinary provisions remain applicable.
Discontinued Score Alternative
OAC 4741-1-04(C) also accepts prior passing NBE and CCT scores. The Board Examination Process page says both ended after April 2000 and were replaced by NAVLE. Those historical scores are applicant evidence rather than current examination leaves.
Fee Exception
ORC 4741.17(B) waives the initial veterinary license fee after successful passage of the Board-approved nationally recognized examination and submission of satisfactory proof.
Licensing Fee
Pay the applicable fee under ORC 4741.17. The Board application page states $425 in even-numbered years and $300 in odd-numbered years, plus a $3.50 transaction charge; that implementing demand is retained alongside the controlling statute.
Passing Score
OAC 4741-1-04(C) requires a score of at least seventy-five; arrange transfer of the passing NAVLE score to the Board.
Prior Authorization
Hold a provisional veterinary graduate license and apply for an ordinary license.
Reciprocity — veterinarian licensed in another country
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Background Checks
Comply with the initial-license criminal records requirements of ORC 4741.10.
Board Discretion
The Board may issue the license without the examination required by ORC 4741.11.
Education
Graduate from an AVMA-accredited veterinary college, or hold an ECFVG certificate issued on or after May 1, 1987, or another nationally recognized certification approved by Board rule.
Foreign License
Hold an unrestricted, unsuspended and unrevoked license from a comparable foreign licensing agency with equivalent requirements and reciprocal rights for an Ohio license holder.
Investigation
The applicant must not be under investigation for conduct that would require revocation or refusal of renewal.
State Law Knowledge
Demonstrate thorough knowledge of Ohio veterinary laws and rules as determined by the Board under ORC 4741.12(B)(4). That provision identifies no separate examination; the qualification remains an applicant condition.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Initial licensure — approved or AVMA accredited veterinary graduate
North American Veterinary Licensing Examination
Application
Submit the Board application through eLicense Ohio and complete all requirements within six months; an incomplete application requires resubmission and a new application fee.
Background Checks
Complete Ohio BCI and FBI criminal records checks within a year of requesting licensure; results go directly to the Board. Provide official court documentation and a written explanation of criminal charges when applicable.
Conduct
The applicant must not be in violation of Chapter 4741; the criminal-record and disciplinary provisions remain applicable.
Discontinued Score Alternative
OAC 4741-1-04(C) also accepts prior passing NBE and CCT scores. The Board Examination Process page says both ended after April 2000 and were replaced by NAVLE. Those historical scores are applicant evidence rather than current examination leaves.
Education
Graduate from a Board-approved or AVMA-accredited veterinary college. Supply the official final transcript directly from the college. Pending final transcripts, the Board accepts a dean letter indicating the graduation date; final transcripts are due within six weeks after graduation.
Licensing Fee
Pay the applicable fee under ORC 4741.17. The Board application page states $425 in even-numbered years and $300 in odd-numbered years, plus a $3.50 transaction charge; that implementing demand is retained alongside the controlling statute.
Passing Score
OAC 4741-1-04(C) requires a score of at least seventy-five; arrange transfer of the passing NAVLE score to the Board.
Initial licensure — ECFVG certificate holder
North American Veterinary Licensing Examination
Application
Submit the Board application through eLicense Ohio and complete all requirements within six months; an incomplete application requires resubmission and a new application fee.
Background Checks
Complete Ohio BCI and FBI criminal records checks within a year of requesting licensure; results go directly to the Board. Provide official court documentation and a written explanation of criminal charges when applicable.
Conduct
The applicant must not be in violation of Chapter 4741; the criminal-record and disciplinary provisions remain applicable.
Discontinued Score Alternative
OAC 4741-1-04(C) also accepts prior passing NBE and CCT scores. The Board Examination Process page says both ended after April 2000 and were replaced by NAVLE. Those historical scores are applicant evidence rather than current examination leaves.
Education
Hold an ECFVG certificate issued on or after May 1, 1987. The Ohio application requires completion of steps 1, 2, 3 and 4 and a copy of the program certificate; it does not identify those program steps as separate examinations.
Licensing Fee
Pay the applicable fee under ORC 4741.17. The Board application page states $425 in even-numbered years and $300 in odd-numbered years, plus a $3.50 transaction charge; that implementing demand is retained alongside the controlling statute.
Passing Score
OAC 4741-1-04(C) requires a score of at least seventy-five; arrange transfer of the passing NAVLE score to the Board.
Initial licensure — PAVE certificate holder
North American Veterinary Licensing Examination
Application
Submit the Board application through eLicense Ohio and complete all requirements within six months; an incomplete application requires resubmission and a new application fee.
Background Checks
Complete Ohio BCI and FBI criminal records checks within a year of requesting licensure; results go directly to the Board. Provide official court documentation and a written explanation of criminal charges when applicable.
Conduct
The applicant must not be in violation of Chapter 4741; the criminal-record and disciplinary provisions remain applicable.
Discontinued Score Alternative
OAC 4741-1-04(C) also accepts prior passing NBE and CCT scores. The Board Examination Process page says both ended after April 2000 and were replaced by NAVLE. Those historical scores are applicant evidence rather than current examination leaves.
Education
Hold a PAVE certificate under ORC 4741.11 and OAC 4741-1-04(B). The Ohio application requires completion of steps 1, 2, 3 and 4 and a copy of the program certificate; it does not identify those program steps as separate examinations.
Licensing Fee
Pay the applicable fee under ORC 4741.17. The Board application page states $425 in even-numbered years and $300 in odd-numbered years, plus a $3.50 transaction charge; that implementing demand is retained alongside the controlling statute.
Passing Score
OAC 4741-1-04(C) requires a score of at least seventy-five; arrange transfer of the passing NAVLE score to the Board.
Regular veterinary license in lieu of temporary military license — service member
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Background Checks
Complete the required criminal records checks; good standing must be verified. A pending other-jurisdiction investigation may delay issuance.
Board Discretion
ORC 4743.041(C) permits the Board to issue a regular license instead of a temporary license if the statutory eligibility and issuance deadline are met.
Duration
After issuance as a regular license, ordinary veterinary-license renewal and practice rules apply under ORC 4743.041(J).
Fees
ORC 4743.041(G) expressly waives fees associated with issuance of a temporary license; no regular-license fee waiver is inferred.
Military Connection
Provide adequate proof of the applicant's military duty in Ohio.
Prior License
Hold a valid veterinary license from another state or jurisdiction and be in good standing.
Scope
Practice only within Ohio law and the applicant's training.
Termination
The license is denied or revoked if the prior license expires or is revoked, or the holder loses good standing; a spouse's temporary license also ends six months after divorce, dissolution or annulment.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Regular veterinary license in lieu of temporary military license — spouse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Background Checks
Complete the required criminal records checks; good standing must be verified. A pending other-jurisdiction investigation may delay issuance.
Board Discretion
ORC 4743.041(C) permits the Board to issue a regular license instead of a temporary license if the statutory eligibility and issuance deadline are met.
Duration
After issuance as a regular license, ordinary veterinary-license renewal and practice rules apply under ORC 4743.041(J).
Fees
ORC 4743.041(G) expressly waives fees associated with issuance of a temporary license; no regular-license fee waiver is inferred.
Military Connection
Provide adequate proof that the applicant's spouse is on military duty in Ohio.
Prior License
Hold a valid veterinary license from another state or jurisdiction and be in good standing.
Scope
Practice only within Ohio law and the applicant's training.
Termination
The license is denied or revoked if the prior license expires or is revoked, or the holder loses good standing; a spouse's temporary license also ends six months after divorce, dissolution or annulment.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Discretionary reinstatement after suspension or revocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the written reinstatement application in the Board-prescribed form, signed by the applicant and delivered to the executive director.
Board Discretion
Reinstatement may be granted at the Board's discretion without an examination under ORC 4741.24(A); satisfy the applicable reinstatement fee.
Permanent Bar
ORC 4741.24(B) permanently bars later practice and licensure for a subsequent violation of the listed provisions after revocation for those violations.
Prior Status
The license was suspended or revoked.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

New licensure application after an inactive license becomes void
North American Veterinary Licensing Examination
Application
Submit the Board application through eLicense Ohio and complete all requirements within six months; an incomplete application requires resubmission and a new application fee.
Background Checks
Complete Ohio BCI and FBI criminal records checks within a year of requesting licensure; results go directly to the Board. Provide official court documentation and a written explanation of criminal charges when applicable.
Conduct
The applicant must not be in violation of Chapter 4741; the criminal-record and disciplinary provisions remain applicable.
Discontinued Score Alternative
OAC 4741-1-04(C) also accepts prior passing NBE and CCT scores. The Board Examination Process page says both ended after April 2000 and were replaced by NAVLE. Those historical scores are applicant evidence rather than current examination leaves.
Licensing Fee
Pay the applicable fee under ORC 4741.17. The Board application page states $425 in even-numbered years and $300 in odd-numbered years, plus a $3.50 transaction charge; that implementing demand is retained alongside the controlling statute.
Passing Score
OAC 4741-1-04(C) requires a score of at least seventy-five; arrange transfer of the passing NAVLE score to the Board.
Prior Status
Under ORC 4741.16(E), a license inactive for more than four years without a reactivation application expires and becomes void. The applicant must qualify for a new license under ORC 4741.11 and OAC 4741-1-04.
Reactivation of an inactive license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply to the Board for reactivation.
Board Requirements
Fulfill continuing education and other reactivation requirements the Board prescribes under ORC 4741.16(E); no particular examination is identified by this provision.
Government Exception
ORC 4741.16(F) exempts veterinarians serving solely in a professional capacity with a government agency or the armed forces from subsection (E).
Prior Status
The license became inactive upon failure to renew and has not become void after more than four years of inactivity without a reactivation application.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the renewal application and pay the legally applicable biennial fee. Late payments are subject to the tiers in ORC 4741.17.
Continuing Education
Complete thirty hours in the preceding two years: at least twenty approved medical hours and no more than ten practice-management/professional-development hours; at least twelve hours in person unless a medical exemption is granted. Extra hours do not carry forward.
Emergency Waiver
The Board may grant CE relief for documented prolonged illness or emergency. Submit waiver documentation within thirty days of renewal submission; statutory waived hours are cumulative in the succeeding biennium.
Initial Renewal
OAC 4741-1-11(E) exempts an initial renewer who certifies graduation within the renewal biennium. The Board page explains that prior-renewing reciprocity applicants do not receive the new-graduate exemption.
Military Relief
OAC 4741-2-06(C) waives fees for active-duty service and qualifying honorable separation within the biennium, grants documented extensions of the CE reporting period equal to active-duty months, and considers relevant military education, training and service toward CE. These are conditions of the same renewal process.
Renewal Date
The ordinary veterinary license expires March 1 in even-numbered years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Return to active practice after retirement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply to reactivate the underlying ordinary license and meet the Board's CE and other requirements. A void license instead requires new licensure.
Board Determination
No separate identified examination is established by ORC 4741.171 or 4741.16(E); additional Board conditions remain applicant conditions.
Prior Status
A previously licensed veterinarian notified the Board of temporary retirement under ORC 4741.171 and now holds an inactive underlying license eligible for reactivation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Statutory recognition — government certification
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board National Standard
ORC 4796.22 permits a posted national-standard requirement for later verification of an Ohio license with another licensing entity; satisfaction and any posted Board demand are applicant conditions rather than an invented examination.
Criminal And Discipline
Satisfy ORC 4796.03(E)-(G): no surrender or revocation for negligence or intentional misconduct; pay the applicable fee; no disqualifying criminal offense. Under ORC 4796.08(B), complete the required criminal records check. Pending complaints, allegations or investigations prevent a decision until resolved to the Board's satisfaction under ORC 4796.20.
Individual Capacity
Apply as an individual and hold the prior authorization, or have performed the qualifying work, in an individual capacity under ORC 4796.26.
Legal Reading
ORC 4741.12(A) requires issuance in accordance with Chapter 4796. The exhaustive eligibility criteria in ORC 4796.03, .04 or .05 control this recognition route; ORC 4796.08 reserves a possible state-laws examination only if one is actually required. No identified Ohio veterinarian examination is created from that general permission.
Prior Authorization
Hold a government certification in the same profession from a state or uniformed service that does not issue an occupational license for the profession, and be in good standing in all such jurisdictions.
Prior Practice
Hold the government certification for the immediately preceding year and have actively practiced for one of the preceding five years, unless the Board waives these periods.
Prior Qualification
Satisfy the prior-qualification criterion of ORC 4796.03(D); unnamed qualifying examinations remain conditions.
Scope
Practice only within Ohio law and the applicant's training under ORC 4796.21.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Statutory recognition — substantially similar out of state occupational license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Additional Demand
The Board Veterinary License by Reciprocity page states: "You must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE) or NBE (if licensed before the NAVLE was administered) and have your passing scores transferred to the Ohio Board." This lower-ranked demand is retained here; Chapter 4796 supplies the statutory recognition requirements. NBE is discontinued, as the Board Examination Process page confirms.
Board Education
The Board reciprocity page also asks for an AVMA-approved degree or ECFVG/PAVE certificate (all four program steps), official transcripts, and license certifications from every jurisdiction where previously licensed. These posted demands remain applicant conditions.
Board National Standard
ORC 4796.22 permits a posted national-standard requirement for later verification of an Ohio license with another licensing entity; satisfaction and any posted Board demand are applicant conditions rather than an invented examination.
Criminal And Discipline
Satisfy ORC 4796.03(E)-(G): no surrender or revocation for negligence or intentional misconduct; pay the applicable fee; no disqualifying criminal offense. Under ORC 4796.08(B), complete the required criminal records check. Pending complaints, allegations or investigations prevent a decision until resolved to the Board's satisfaction under ORC 4796.20.
Individual Capacity
Apply as an individual and hold the prior authorization, or have performed the qualifying work, in an individual capacity under ORC 4796.26.
Legal Reading
ORC 4741.12(A) requires issuance in accordance with Chapter 4796. The exhaustive eligibility criteria in ORC 4796.03, .04 or .05 control this recognition route; ORC 4796.08 reserves a possible state-laws examination only if one is actually required. No identified Ohio veterinarian examination is created from that general permission.
Prior Authorization
Hold a substantially similar occupational license in the same profession from another state or the uniformed services; be in good standing in every licensing jurisdiction.
Prior Practice
Have held the authorization for one year immediately preceding application and practiced for at least one of the preceding five years, unless the Board waives these periods.
Prior Qualification
The prior jurisdiction required minimum education, training or experience, or passage of an examination, as provided in ORC 4796.03(D); any unspecified or other-jurisdiction examination is an applicant condition.
Scope
Practice only within Ohio law and the applicant's training under ORC 4796.21.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Statutory recognition — private certification
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board National Standard
ORC 4796.22 permits a posted national-standard requirement for later verification of an Ohio license with another licensing entity; satisfaction and any posted Board demand are applicant conditions rather than an invented examination.
Criminal And Discipline
Satisfy ORC 4796.03(E)-(G): no surrender or revocation for negligence or intentional misconduct; pay the applicable fee; no disqualifying criminal offense. Under ORC 4796.08(B), complete the required criminal records check. Pending complaints, allegations or investigations prevent a decision until resolved to the Board's satisfaction under ORC 4796.20.
Individual Capacity
Apply as an individual and hold the prior authorization, or have performed the qualifying work, in an individual capacity under ORC 4796.26.
Legal Reading
ORC 4741.12(A) requires issuance in accordance with Chapter 4796. The exhaustive eligibility criteria in ORC 4796.03, .04 or .05 control this recognition route; ORC 4796.08 reserves a possible state-laws examination only if one is actually required. No identified Ohio veterinarian examination is created from that general permission.
Prior Authorization
Hold a private certification in the profession from a private organization and be in good standing with that organization.
Prior Practice
Hold certification for the immediately preceding two years and practice for two of the preceding five years in a state that issues neither an occupational license nor government certification for the profession; the Board may waive these periods.
Scope
Practice only within Ohio law and the applicant's training under ORC 4796.21.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Statutory recognition — work experience
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board National Standard
ORC 4796.22 permits a posted national-standard requirement for later verification of an Ohio license with another licensing entity; satisfaction and any posted Board demand are applicant conditions rather than an invented examination.
Criminal And Discipline
Satisfy ORC 4796.03(E)-(G): no surrender or revocation for negligence or intentional misconduct; pay the applicable fee; no disqualifying criminal offense. Under ORC 4796.08(B), complete the required criminal records check. Pending complaints, allegations or investigations prevent a decision until resolved to the Board's satisfaction under ORC 4796.20.
Individual Capacity
Apply as an individual and hold the prior authorization, or have performed the qualifying work, in an individual capacity under ORC 4796.26.
Legal Reading
ORC 4741.12(A) requires issuance in accordance with Chapter 4796. The exhaustive eligibility criteria in ORC 4796.03, .04 or .05 control this recognition route; ORC 4796.08 reserves a possible state-laws examination only if one is actually required. No identified Ohio veterinarian examination is created from that general permission.
Prior Practice
Actively practice for three of the preceding five years in a state that issues neither an occupational license nor government certification for the profession, or in the uniformed services; the Board may waive the practice period.
Scope
Practice only within Ohio law and the applicant's training under ORC 4796.21.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Provisional Veterinary Graduate License

A nonrenewable six-month graduate authorization for supervised veterinary duties or statutory recognition of an equivalent authorization.

Licensing authority: Ohio Veterinary Medical Licensing Board · Application information

Graduate awaiting the licensing examination
North American Veterinary Licensing Examination
Duration
Valid for six months from issuance; not renewable. The holder may not be represented as a licensed veterinarian.
Education
Graduate from a Board-approved veterinary college; supply the official transcript.
Exam Registration
Have applied for and be waiting to take the nationally recognized examination approved by the Board, identified as NAVLE by OAC 4741-1-04(C) and the Board Examination Process page.
Fee And Background
Pay the provisional fee and submit BCI/FBI criminal records checks and criminal-charge documentation when applicable.
Supervision
Submit recommendation letters from the licensed veterinarians who will directly supervise clinical work and be responsible for the applicant. Other veterinary duties require veterinary supervision.
Discretionary reinstatement after suspension or revocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a written Board-prescribed reinstatement application, signed and delivered to the executive director.
Board Discretion
The Board may reinstate without examination under ORC 4741.24(A).
Duration
Reinstatement does not create a statutory renewal or a longer term: provisional licensure is nonrenewable and six months; a temporary permit permits at most two six-month terms; the military license has a six-year maximum.
Permanent Bar
The subsequent-violation permanent bar under ORC 4741.24(B) remains applicable.
Prior Status
The underlying authorization was suspended or revoked; the route is subject to its original scope and lawful term.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Provisional graduate license — statutory recognition — government certification
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board National Standard
ORC 4796.22 permits a posted national-standard requirement for later verification of an Ohio license with another licensing entity; satisfaction and any posted Board demand are applicant conditions rather than an invented examination.
Criminal And Discipline
Satisfy ORC 4796.03(E)-(G): no surrender or revocation for negligence or intentional misconduct; pay the applicable fee; no disqualifying criminal offense. Under ORC 4796.08(B), complete the required criminal records check. Pending complaints, allegations or investigations prevent a decision until resolved to the Board's satisfaction under ORC 4796.20.
Duration
The provisional graduate license is valid for six months from issuance and is not renewable.
Individual Capacity
Apply as an individual and hold the prior authorization, or have performed the qualifying work, in an individual capacity under ORC 4796.26.
Legal Reading
ORC 4741.12(A) requires issuance in accordance with Chapter 4796. The exhaustive eligibility criteria in ORC 4796.03, .04 or .05 control this recognition route; ORC 4796.08 reserves a possible state-laws examination only if one is actually required. No identified Ohio veterinarian examination is created from that general permission.
Prior Authorization
Hold a government certification in the same profession from a state or uniformed service that does not issue an occupational license for the profession, and be in good standing in all such jurisdictions.
Prior Practice
Hold the government certification for the immediately preceding year and have actively practiced for one of the preceding five years, unless the Board waives these periods.
Prior Qualification
Satisfy the prior-qualification criterion of ORC 4796.03(D); unnamed qualifying examinations remain conditions.
Scope
Practice only within Ohio law and the applicant's training under ORC 4796.21.
Supervision
Only perform or assist medical treatment, diagnosis and surgery under direct veterinary supervision; other veterinary duties require veterinary supervision. Do not represent the holder as a licensed veterinarian.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Provisional graduate license — statutory recognition — substantially similar out of state occupational license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board National Standard
ORC 4796.22 permits a posted national-standard requirement for later verification of an Ohio license with another licensing entity; satisfaction and any posted Board demand are applicant conditions rather than an invented examination.
Criminal And Discipline
Satisfy ORC 4796.03(E)-(G): no surrender or revocation for negligence or intentional misconduct; pay the applicable fee; no disqualifying criminal offense. Under ORC 4796.08(B), complete the required criminal records check. Pending complaints, allegations or investigations prevent a decision until resolved to the Board's satisfaction under ORC 4796.20.
Duration
The provisional graduate license is valid for six months from issuance and is not renewable.
Individual Capacity
Apply as an individual and hold the prior authorization, or have performed the qualifying work, in an individual capacity under ORC 4796.26.
Legal Reading
ORC 4741.12(A) requires issuance in accordance with Chapter 4796. The exhaustive eligibility criteria in ORC 4796.03, .04 or .05 control this recognition route; ORC 4796.08 reserves a possible state-laws examination only if one is actually required. No identified Ohio veterinarian examination is created from that general permission.
Prior Authorization
Hold a substantially similar occupational license in the same profession from another state or the uniformed services; be in good standing in every licensing jurisdiction.
Prior Practice
Have held the authorization for one year immediately preceding application and practiced for at least one of the preceding five years, unless the Board waives these periods.
Prior Qualification
The prior jurisdiction required minimum education, training or experience, or passage of an examination, as provided in ORC 4796.03(D); any unspecified or other-jurisdiction examination is an applicant condition.
Scope
Practice only within Ohio law and the applicant's training under ORC 4796.21.
Supervision
Only perform or assist medical treatment, diagnosis and surgery under direct veterinary supervision; other veterinary duties require veterinary supervision. Do not represent the holder as a licensed veterinarian.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Provisional graduate license — statutory recognition — private certification
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board National Standard
ORC 4796.22 permits a posted national-standard requirement for later verification of an Ohio license with another licensing entity; satisfaction and any posted Board demand are applicant conditions rather than an invented examination.
Criminal And Discipline
Satisfy ORC 4796.03(E)-(G): no surrender or revocation for negligence or intentional misconduct; pay the applicable fee; no disqualifying criminal offense. Under ORC 4796.08(B), complete the required criminal records check. Pending complaints, allegations or investigations prevent a decision until resolved to the Board's satisfaction under ORC 4796.20.
Duration
The provisional graduate license is valid for six months from issuance and is not renewable.
Individual Capacity
Apply as an individual and hold the prior authorization, or have performed the qualifying work, in an individual capacity under ORC 4796.26.
Legal Reading
ORC 4741.12(A) requires issuance in accordance with Chapter 4796. The exhaustive eligibility criteria in ORC 4796.03, .04 or .05 control this recognition route; ORC 4796.08 reserves a possible state-laws examination only if one is actually required. No identified Ohio veterinarian examination is created from that general permission.
Prior Authorization
Hold a private certification in the profession from a private organization and be in good standing with that organization.
Prior Practice
Hold certification for the immediately preceding two years and practice for two of the preceding five years in a state that issues neither an occupational license nor government certification for the profession; the Board may waive these periods.
Scope
Practice only within Ohio law and the applicant's training under ORC 4796.21.
Supervision
Only perform or assist medical treatment, diagnosis and surgery under direct veterinary supervision; other veterinary duties require veterinary supervision. Do not represent the holder as a licensed veterinarian.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Provisional graduate license — statutory recognition — work experience
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board National Standard
ORC 4796.22 permits a posted national-standard requirement for later verification of an Ohio license with another licensing entity; satisfaction and any posted Board demand are applicant conditions rather than an invented examination.
Criminal And Discipline
Satisfy ORC 4796.03(E)-(G): no surrender or revocation for negligence or intentional misconduct; pay the applicable fee; no disqualifying criminal offense. Under ORC 4796.08(B), complete the required criminal records check. Pending complaints, allegations or investigations prevent a decision until resolved to the Board's satisfaction under ORC 4796.20.
Duration
The provisional graduate license is valid for six months from issuance and is not renewable.
Individual Capacity
Apply as an individual and hold the prior authorization, or have performed the qualifying work, in an individual capacity under ORC 4796.26.
Legal Reading
ORC 4741.12(A) requires issuance in accordance with Chapter 4796. The exhaustive eligibility criteria in ORC 4796.03, .04 or .05 control this recognition route; ORC 4796.08 reserves a possible state-laws examination only if one is actually required. No identified Ohio veterinarian examination is created from that general permission.
Prior Practice
Actively practice for three of the preceding five years in a state that issues neither an occupational license nor government certification for the profession, or in the uniformed services; the Board may waive the practice period.
Scope
Practice only within Ohio law and the applicant's training under ORC 4796.21.
Supervision
Only perform or assist medical treatment, diagnosis and surgery under direct veterinary supervision; other veterinary duties require veterinary supervision. Do not represent the holder as a licensed veterinarian.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

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