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Rhode Island Veterinarian — Requirements & Free Practice

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

License to practice veterinary medicine

Ordinary veterinarian license, with examination, endorsement and military recognition routes. R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-25-7(b) and § 5-25-11(c) instead authorize narrowly exempt activities and emergency practice; they do not issue an additional veterinarian license. The linked X-Ray Veterinarian application registers a diagnostic X-ray equipment facility, rather than an individual veterinarian. The generic inactive-status form expressly limits itself to its listed license types and does not list veterinarians.

Licensing authority: Rhode Island Department of Health, Board of Veterinary Medicine · Application information

Licensure by endorsement — foreign veterinary medical school graduates
Application
Submit the Department application and certified supporting documents 60 days before the scheduled Board meeting; the application instructions say an application is valid for one year after receipt and requires a new application if licensure is not completed in that year.
Application affidavit
Sign the application affidavit before a notary; answer all questions completely and accurately and notify the Board of subsequent changes while the application is pending.
Board decision
The Board may require other necessary and appropriate information under § 14.6(B)(6); the Department may accept or reject its licensing recommendation.
Continuing education
Comply with the continuing-education qualifications prescribed by § 5-25-10(5) and § 14.8; the rule exempts veterinarians initially licensed after May 1 until the next renewal cycle.
Education
Submit proof of graduation from a school recognized and accredited by AVMA and the Department, or the foreign-graduate certification accepted under § 5-25-10 and § 14.5.3.
Endorsement eligibility
Have been duly licensed by examination as a veterinarian in another state, territory or the District of Columbia, satisfy Rhode Island qualifications and obtain direct license verifications. Section 5-25-11(b) and rule § 14.5.2 permit issuance without sitting a new examination; the currently offered NAVLE remains a leaf because § 14.5.2(A)(2) retains § 14.5 examination qualifications and the application requires score certification, including scores already earned.
Equivalency certificate
Provide ECFVG certification and the ECFVG letter required by § 14.6(B)(3)(b). Rule § 14.5.3(B) gives the Department discretion to accept PAVE in satisfaction of ECFVG certification. The September 8, 2025 application explicitly asks for the qualifying ECFVG certificate; that implementing instruction remains disclosed alongside the regulatory PAVE option.
Fees
Pay the nonrefundable application and initial licensing fees. The September 8, 2025 application asks for $580 and states that it includes the initial license through the next expiration date.
Foreign dismissal
The application states that a foreign graduate dismissed at any time from an American veterinary medical school will not be considered.
Foreign education
Foreign-school applications are considered individually. Submit a certified veterinary diploma with a translation satisfactory to the Board and an affidavit identifying you as the person named in it.
Foreign photograph
The application requires the foreign graduate’s photograph to be verified by ECFVG.
Historical scores
Rule § 14.5.1(B)(2) accepts NBE passed before May 1, 1979, or NBE and CCT passed between May 1, 1979 and April 30, 2000. Before December 1, 1992 the specified passing standard is minus one standard deviation of the median score; from that date the rule uses the recommended criterion-referenced passing standard. ICVA states that NBE and CCT were last administered on April 11 and April 12, 2000 respectively; these retained historical scores are conditions, not currently offered examination leaves.
License verifications
Every jurisdiction where you hold or have held licensure must send verification directly to the Rhode Island Board.
Military expedition
An active-duty member, reservist, qualifying spouse or honorably discharged veteran may request expedited processing with the military-status documentation specified in the application. Expedite processing alone does not replace this route’s qualifications.
Moral character
Be of good moral character, evidenced as prescribed by the Department; disclose criminal convictions or pending charges and prior professional disciplinary proceedings or license denials with complete details.
Navle standard
For examinations after April 30, 2000, demonstrate successful NAVLE completion at the criterion-referenced passing score recommended by the National Board Examination Committee, Standard Setting Committee.
Other approved examinations
Rule § 14.5.1(B)(2)(d) permits other national veterinary board examinations approved by the Board, with the administering board determining the criterion-referenced passing score. The open approval clause does not identify an additional currently offered examination.
Photograph
Supply a recent head-and-shoulders identification photograph. Rule § 14.6(B)(1) specifies approximately 2 by 3 inches; the application specifies approximately 2 by 2 inches.
Preveterinary education
Submit satisfactory evidence of preveterinary education equivalent to the requirements identified in the application.
Professional ethics
Conduct yourself in accordance with the 2024 Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics of the AVMA incorporated by § 14.2(A).
Score transfer
Have the testing service send the required national licensing examination score or certification directly to the Board; the application directs applicants to AAVSB verification services.
Tax attestation
The application requires an attestation that applicable tax returns have been filed and all taxes owed to Rhode Island have been paid.
Licensure by endorsement — graduates of schools in the United States or Canada
Application
Submit the Department application and certified supporting documents 60 days before the scheduled Board meeting; the application instructions say an application is valid for one year after receipt and requires a new application if licensure is not completed in that year.
Application affidavit
Sign the application affidavit before a notary; answer all questions completely and accurately and notify the Board of subsequent changes while the application is pending.
Board decision
The Board may require other necessary and appropriate information under § 14.6(B)(6); the Department may accept or reject its licensing recommendation.
Continuing education
Comply with the continuing-education qualifications prescribed by § 5-25-10(5) and § 14.8; the rule exempts veterinarians initially licensed after May 1 until the next renewal cycle.
Education
Submit proof of graduation from a school recognized and accredited by AVMA and the Department, or the foreign-graduate certification accepted under § 5-25-10 and § 14.5.3.
Endorsement eligibility
Have been duly licensed by examination as a veterinarian in another state, territory or the District of Columbia, satisfy Rhode Island qualifications and obtain direct license verifications. Section 5-25-11(b) and rule § 14.5.2 permit issuance without sitting a new examination; the currently offered NAVLE remains a leaf because § 14.5.2(A)(2) retains § 14.5 examination qualifications and the application requires score certification, including scores already earned.
Fees
Pay the nonrefundable application and initial licensing fees. The September 8, 2025 application asks for $580 and states that it includes the initial license through the next expiration date.
Historical scores
Rule § 14.5.1(B)(2) accepts NBE passed before May 1, 1979, or NBE and CCT passed between May 1, 1979 and April 30, 2000. Before December 1, 1992 the specified passing standard is minus one standard deviation of the median score; from that date the rule uses the recommended criterion-referenced passing standard. ICVA states that NBE and CCT were last administered on April 11 and April 12, 2000 respectively; these retained historical scores are conditions, not currently offered examination leaves.
License verifications
Every jurisdiction where you hold or have held licensure must send verification directly to the Rhode Island Board.
Military expedition
An active-duty member, reservist, qualifying spouse or honorably discharged veteran may request expedited processing with the military-status documentation specified in the application. Expedite processing alone does not replace this route’s qualifications.
Moral character
Be of good moral character, evidenced as prescribed by the Department; disclose criminal convictions or pending charges and prior professional disciplinary proceedings or license denials with complete details.
Navle standard
For examinations after April 30, 2000, demonstrate successful NAVLE completion at the criterion-referenced passing score recommended by the National Board Examination Committee, Standard Setting Committee.
Other approved examinations
Rule § 14.5.1(B)(2)(d) permits other national veterinary board examinations approved by the Board, with the administering board determining the criterion-referenced passing score. The open approval clause does not identify an additional currently offered examination.
Photograph
Supply a recent head-and-shoulders identification photograph. Rule § 14.6(B)(1) specifies approximately 2 by 3 inches; the application specifies approximately 2 by 2 inches.
Professional ethics
Conduct yourself in accordance with the 2024 Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics of the AVMA incorporated by § 14.2(A).
Score transfer
Have the testing service send the required national licensing examination score or certification directly to the Board; the application directs applicants to AAVSB verification services.
Tax attestation
The application requires an attestation that applicable tax returns have been filed and all taxes owed to Rhode Island have been paid.
Transcript
The veterinary school must send an official transcript directly to the Board, showing attendance/completion, graduation date and degree, with Dean or Registrar authentication as required by § 14.6(B)(3)(a).
Licensure by examination — foreign veterinary medical school graduates
Application
Submit the Department application and certified supporting documents 60 days before the scheduled Board meeting; the application instructions say an application is valid for one year after receipt and requires a new application if licensure is not completed in that year.
Application affidavit
Sign the application affidavit before a notary; answer all questions completely and accurately and notify the Board of subsequent changes while the application is pending.
Board decision
The Board may require other necessary and appropriate information under § 14.6(B)(6); the Department may accept or reject its licensing recommendation.
Continuing education
Comply with the continuing-education qualifications prescribed by § 5-25-10(5) and § 14.8; the rule exempts veterinarians initially licensed after May 1 until the next renewal cycle.
Education
Submit proof of graduation from a school recognized and accredited by AVMA and the Department, or the foreign-graduate certification accepted under § 5-25-10 and § 14.5.3.
Equivalency certificate
Provide ECFVG certification and the ECFVG letter required by § 14.6(B)(3)(b). Rule § 14.5.3(B) gives the Department discretion to accept PAVE in satisfaction of ECFVG certification. The September 8, 2025 application explicitly asks for the qualifying ECFVG certificate; that implementing instruction remains disclosed alongside the regulatory PAVE option.
Fees
Pay the nonrefundable application and initial licensing fees. The September 8, 2025 application asks for $580 and states that it includes the initial license through the next expiration date.
Foreign dismissal
The application states that a foreign graduate dismissed at any time from an American veterinary medical school will not be considered.
Foreign education
Foreign-school applications are considered individually. Submit a certified veterinary diploma with a translation satisfactory to the Board and an affidavit identifying you as the person named in it.
Foreign photograph
The application requires the foreign graduate’s photograph to be verified by ECFVG.
Historical scores
Rule § 14.5.1(B)(2) accepts NBE passed before May 1, 1979, or NBE and CCT passed between May 1, 1979 and April 30, 2000. Before December 1, 1992 the specified passing standard is minus one standard deviation of the median score; from that date the rule uses the recommended criterion-referenced passing standard. ICVA states that NBE and CCT were last administered on April 11 and April 12, 2000 respectively; these retained historical scores are conditions, not currently offered examination leaves.
License verifications
Every jurisdiction where you hold or have held licensure must send verification directly to the Rhode Island Board.
Military expedition
An active-duty member, reservist, qualifying spouse or honorably discharged veteran may request expedited processing with the military-status documentation specified in the application. Expedite processing alone does not replace this route’s qualifications.
Moral character
Be of good moral character, evidenced as prescribed by the Department; disclose criminal convictions or pending charges and prior professional disciplinary proceedings or license denials with complete details.
Navle standard
For examinations after April 30, 2000, demonstrate successful NAVLE completion at the criterion-referenced passing score recommended by the National Board Examination Committee, Standard Setting Committee.
Other approved examinations
Rule § 14.5.1(B)(2)(d) permits other national veterinary board examinations approved by the Board, with the administering board determining the criterion-referenced passing score. The open approval clause does not identify an additional currently offered examination.
Photograph
Supply a recent head-and-shoulders identification photograph. Rule § 14.6(B)(1) specifies approximately 2 by 3 inches; the application specifies approximately 2 by 2 inches.
Preveterinary education
Submit satisfactory evidence of preveterinary education equivalent to the requirements identified in the application.
Professional ethics
Conduct yourself in accordance with the 2024 Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics of the AVMA incorporated by § 14.2(A).
Score transfer
Have the testing service send the required national licensing examination score or certification directly to the Board; the application directs applicants to AAVSB verification services.
Tax attestation
The application requires an attestation that applicable tax returns have been filed and all taxes owed to Rhode Island have been paid.
Licensure by examination — graduates of schools in the United States or Canada
Application
Submit the Department application and certified supporting documents 60 days before the scheduled Board meeting; the application instructions say an application is valid for one year after receipt and requires a new application if licensure is not completed in that year.
Application affidavit
Sign the application affidavit before a notary; answer all questions completely and accurately and notify the Board of subsequent changes while the application is pending.
Board decision
The Board may require other necessary and appropriate information under § 14.6(B)(6); the Department may accept or reject its licensing recommendation.
Continuing education
Comply with the continuing-education qualifications prescribed by § 5-25-10(5) and § 14.8; the rule exempts veterinarians initially licensed after May 1 until the next renewal cycle.
Education
Submit proof of graduation from a school recognized and accredited by AVMA and the Department, or the foreign-graduate certification accepted under § 5-25-10 and § 14.5.3.
Fees
Pay the nonrefundable application and initial licensing fees. The September 8, 2025 application asks for $580 and states that it includes the initial license through the next expiration date.
Historical scores
Rule § 14.5.1(B)(2) accepts NBE passed before May 1, 1979, or NBE and CCT passed between May 1, 1979 and April 30, 2000. Before December 1, 1992 the specified passing standard is minus one standard deviation of the median score; from that date the rule uses the recommended criterion-referenced passing standard. ICVA states that NBE and CCT were last administered on April 11 and April 12, 2000 respectively; these retained historical scores are conditions, not currently offered examination leaves.
License verifications
Every jurisdiction where you hold or have held licensure must send verification directly to the Rhode Island Board.
Military expedition
An active-duty member, reservist, qualifying spouse or honorably discharged veteran may request expedited processing with the military-status documentation specified in the application. Expedite processing alone does not replace this route’s qualifications.
Moral character
Be of good moral character, evidenced as prescribed by the Department; disclose criminal convictions or pending charges and prior professional disciplinary proceedings or license denials with complete details.
Navle standard
For examinations after April 30, 2000, demonstrate successful NAVLE completion at the criterion-referenced passing score recommended by the National Board Examination Committee, Standard Setting Committee.
Other approved examinations
Rule § 14.5.1(B)(2)(d) permits other national veterinary board examinations approved by the Board, with the administering board determining the criterion-referenced passing score. The open approval clause does not identify an additional currently offered examination.
Photograph
Supply a recent head-and-shoulders identification photograph. Rule § 14.6(B)(1) specifies approximately 2 by 3 inches; the application specifies approximately 2 by 2 inches.
Professional ethics
Conduct yourself in accordance with the 2024 Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics of the AVMA incorporated by § 14.2(A).
Score transfer
Have the testing service send the required national licensing examination score or certification directly to the Board; the application directs applicants to AAVSB verification services.
Tax attestation
The application requires an attestation that applicable tax returns have been filed and all taxes owed to Rhode Island have been paid.
Transcript
The veterinary school must send an official transcript directly to the Board, showing attendance/completion, graduation date and degree, with Dean or Registrar authentication as required by § 14.6(B)(3)(a).
Reinstatement after failure to renew
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Business limit
No more than four of the 24 hours may concern business management; the remaining 20 hours must concern professional veterinary medicine practice.
Continuing education
Complete at least 24 hours of Board-approved continuing veterinary medical education in the preceding two years. Approved sponsors include state veterinary associations, AVMA, RACE, AAHA, veterinary licensing boards and approved veterinary schools.
Documentation
Obtain dated credit and participation documentation, retain it for at least four years and supply it for Board review or random audit.
Existing license
Hold a Rhode Island veterinarian license.
Fee
The controlling veterinarian renewal-fee row in § 23-1-54 states $580.
Hardship
The Department may grant only one six-month extension when hardship prevented completion.
Initial license exception
Veterinarians initially licensed after May 1 are exempt until the next renewal cycle, described by the rule as April 30 of the next even-numbered year.
License lapse
The license lapsed through failure to renew by March 31 of the relevant even-numbered year.
Noncontact limit
No more than eight of the 24 hours may be noncontact education in a two-year period.
Practice restriction
Using the veterinarian title while the license has lapsed is subject to the chapter’s penalties.
Reinstatement fee
The Department may reinstate the license on payment of the current renewal fee plus the additional statutory fee; § 23-1-54 gives a $120 late-renewal fee.
Renewal application
File the executed renewal application and fee on or before March 31 of each even-numbered year; the certificate expires May 1 and renewal is effective May 2 through May 1 of the next even-numbered year.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Licensure by military member or spouse recognition
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Background check
The military form requests a Rhode Island Attorney General criminal background check unless one is already required by the initial license application.
Criminal record
Have no disqualifying criminal record as determined by the Board under § 28-5.1-14.
Decision
The Board must provide a written decision within 60 days of receipt; an adverse decision is appealable under the administrative procedures act.
Equivalent training
The Board determines whether satisfactory evidence of substantially equivalent military education, training or experience, or a spouse’s qualifications used to obtain the other-state license, fully or partially satisfies Rhode Island requirements.
Existing license
Hold the relevant professional license or certification in another state for at least one year.
Fees
Pay all applicable Rhode Island fees.
Good standing
The licensing board in the other state must hold you in good standing.
Military status
Be a member of the United States armed forces or the spouse of such a member.
Pending matters
Have no complaint, allegation or investigation pending before another state’s board concerning unprofessional conduct or an alleged crime.
Prior revocation
No board may have revoked your occupational license, certificate or permit for negligence or intentional misconduct.
Prior surrender
Do not have a prior surrender of an occupational license, certificate or permit because of negligence or intentional misconduct.
Proof
Supply military-status evidence, permanent change-of-station orders, proof of good standing and the application’s required attestations.
Relocation
Be subject to military change-of-station orders to Rhode Island, in the process of a military transfer, or the spouse of the person undergoing the transfer.
Spouse employment
A military spouse must have left employment to accompany the military member to Rhode Island.
State validity
A license issued under Chapter 5-88 is valid only in Rhode Island and does not itself establish compact or reciprocity eligibility elsewhere.
Substantial equivalence
The Board must find the other-state certification or licensure requirements substantially equivalent to those of Rhode Island under § 5-88-1(b)(1). Recognition is issued notwithstanding other law; Chapter 5-88 does not prescribe a new examination for this recognition route.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Business limit
No more than four of the 24 hours may concern business management; the remaining 20 hours must concern professional veterinary medicine practice.
Continuing education
Complete at least 24 hours of Board-approved continuing veterinary medical education in the preceding two years. Approved sponsors include state veterinary associations, AVMA, RACE, AAHA, veterinary licensing boards and approved veterinary schools.
Documentation
Obtain dated credit and participation documentation, retain it for at least four years and supply it for Board review or random audit.
Existing license
Hold a Rhode Island veterinarian license.
Fee
The controlling veterinarian renewal-fee row in § 23-1-54 states $580.
Hardship
The Department may grant only one six-month extension when hardship prevented completion.
Initial license exception
Veterinarians initially licensed after May 1 are exempt until the next renewal cycle, described by the rule as April 30 of the next even-numbered year.
Noncontact limit
No more than eight of the 24 hours may be noncontact education in a two-year period.
Renewal application
File the executed renewal application and fee on or before March 31 of each even-numbered year; the certificate expires May 1 and renewal is effective May 2 through May 1 of the next even-numbered year.

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