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Tennessee Veterinarian — Requirements & Free Practice

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

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Veterinarian

License to practice veterinary medicine; issuance by examination or reciprocity, with renewal, reinstatement and reactivation pathways.

Licensing authority: Tennessee Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners · Application information

Licensure by Examination
North American Veterinary Licensing Examination
Application
Submit a complete truthful application, required fees, two recent photographs, and an official graduate transcript directly from an approved veterinary school showing the conferred doctorate.
Background Check
Arrange submission of the criminal background check directly from the identified vendor.
Character
Provide proof of good moral character; the Board may require an appearance and additional character information.
Citizenship
Provide United States or Canadian citizenship or evidence of lawful entitlement to live in the United States; submit the Declaration of Citizenship.
Disclosures
Disclose criminal convictions other than minor traffic violations, licensure denial or discipline, loss or restriction of credentials or accreditation, and final, settled or pending professional legal actions.
Exam Recency
Pass NAVLE within the five years preceding application, with official scores sent directly by AAVSB. Rule 1730-01-.05(1)(f) controls examination applicants.
Interview
Under Rule 1730-01-.07(9), the Board may require an interview about mental, physical, moral or educational qualifications; this is an applicant condition.
Lower Ranked Application Alternative
PH-2784 item 7 also lists historical NBE and CCT scores. The higher-ranked current rule requires NAVLE within five years for examination licensure; the application alternative does not remove that leaf.
National Registration
Apply directly to ICVA to sit NAVLE; senior students may submit applications with final transcripts and scores to follow.
Other Licenses
Obtain direct verification from every jurisdiction where veterinary licensure has been held, including license status and disciplinary information.
Practitioner Profile
Submit the mandatory practitioner profile and update changes within 30 days while actively licensed.
Translation
Provide certified authentic English translations where required.
Reinstatement of an Expired License
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Administrative Approval
The policy permits reinstatement on approval by the Board designee for expiration shorter than six months.
Application
Request reinstatement and submit the completed signed notarized application, work history since expiration, supporting documents and other-license verifications.
Continuing Education
Meet the continuing-education requirement; PH-3540 requires hours for all years since the last renewal for a failed-to-renew license.
Disciplinary Referral
Practice for 18 months or longer, or refusal of the citation or payment within 60 days, is referred for formal discipline; administrative reinstatement can remain subject to further license action.
Fees
Pay all past-due renewal and State Regulatory fees and the late renewal fee.
Military Expedition
Eligible military members or spouses may submit PH-4279 or PH-4280 with the completed reinstatement application for expedited processing.
Practice Beyond Six Months
Practice on a lapsed license for more than six but less than 18 months requires execution of an Agreed Citation and payment of the veterinarian fine of $100 for each month with practice beyond the six-month period.
Prior License
Hold an expired Tennessee veterinarian license and cease practice until reinstated.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Licensure by Examination — Foreign Veterinary School Graduate
North American Veterinary Licensing Examination
Application
Submit a complete truthful application, required fees, two recent photographs, and an official graduate transcript directly from an approved veterinary school showing the conferred doctorate.
Background Check
Arrange submission of the criminal background check directly from the identified vendor.
Character
Provide proof of good moral character; the Board may require an appearance and additional character information.
Citizenship
Provide United States or Canadian citizenship or evidence of lawful entitlement to live in the United States; submit the Declaration of Citizenship.
Disclosures
Disclose criminal convictions other than minor traffic violations, licensure denial or discipline, loss or restriction of credentials or accreditation, and final, settled or pending professional legal actions.
Exam Recency
Pass NAVLE within the five years preceding application, with official scores sent directly by AAVSB. Rule 1730-01-.05(1)(f) controls examination applicants.
Foreign Certification
A foreign veterinary-school graduate must hold ECFVG, PAVE, or certification from an agency the Board deems equivalent; these are certification conditions, and the Tennessee sources do not identify BCSE, CPE or QSE as separate required examinations.
Foreign Records
Provide an official copy of grades and curriculum, with certified authentic English translation if needed.
Foreign School
The foreign school must be approved by AVMA or the Board.
Interview
Under Rule 1730-01-.07(9), the Board may require an interview about mental, physical, moral or educational qualifications; this is an applicant condition.
Lower Ranked Application Alternative
PH-2784 item 7 also lists historical NBE and CCT scores. The higher-ranked current rule requires NAVLE within five years for examination licensure; the application alternative does not remove that leaf.
National Registration
Apply directly to ICVA to sit NAVLE; senior students may submit applications with final transcripts and scores to follow.
Other Licenses
Obtain direct verification from every jurisdiction where veterinary licensure has been held, including license status and disciplinary information.
Practitioner Profile
Submit the mandatory practitioner profile and update changes within 30 days while actively licensed.
Translation
Provide certified authentic English translations where required.
Licensure by Reciprocity — Foreign Veterinary School Graduate
North American Veterinary Licensing Examination
Application
Submit a complete truthful application, required fees, two recent photographs, and an official graduate transcript directly from an approved veterinary school showing the conferred doctorate.
Background Check
Arrange submission of the criminal background check directly from the identified vendor.
Character
Provide proof of good moral character; the Board may require an appearance and additional character information.
Citizenship
Provide United States or Canadian citizenship or evidence of lawful entitlement to live in the United States; submit the Declaration of Citizenship.
Continuing Education
Show at least 60 hours in the preceding five years: 45 hours on medical and surgical animal care and up to 15 on other veterinary interests; no more than 30 hours in multimedia format.
Continuing Education Waiver
The Board may individually waive the continuing-education requirement upon written request.
Disclosures
Disclose criminal convictions other than minor traffic violations, licensure denial or discipline, loss or restriction of credentials or accreditation, and final, settled or pending professional legal actions.
Existing License
Provide proof of initial licensure by examination and good standing; disclose discipline or restrictions on any other veterinary credential. The Board assesses the magnitude of disciplinary action.
Foreign Certification
A foreign veterinary-school graduate must hold ECFVG, PAVE, or certification from an agency the Board deems equivalent; these are certification conditions, and the Tennessee sources do not identify BCSE, CPE or QSE as separate required examinations.
Foreign Records
Provide an official copy of grades and curriculum, with certified authentic English translation if needed.
Foreign School
The foreign school must be approved by AVMA or the Board.
Interview
Under Rule 1730-01-.07(9), the Board may require an interview about mental, physical, moral or educational qualifications; this is an applicant condition.
Other Licenses
Obtain direct verification from every jurisdiction where veterinary licensure has been held, including license status and disciplinary information.
Practice
Show active veterinary practice in another jurisdiction for three of the five years preceding application, averaging at least 25 hours per week.
Practice Waiver
A written individual request may seek a waiver of the required practice years or weekly hours.
Practitioner Profile
Submit the mandatory practitioner profile and update changes within 30 days while actively licensed.
Prior Discontinued Scores
Official NBE and CCT passing scores remain accepted historical evidence in place of NAVLE under Rule 1730-01-.05(2)(b); ICVA states that NAVLE replaced both in November 2000, so neither is a current examination leaf.
Reciprocity Fees
Pay application, reciprocity and State Regulatory fees.
Score Delivery
Official examination scores must be sent directly by AAVSB.
Translation
Provide certified authentic English translations where required.
Late Renewal Within the Following Month
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Obtain 20 hours each calendar year, with 15 on medical and surgical animal care and five allowed on other veterinary interests; no more than ten hours in multimedia format. Two hours in each two-year period must concern regulatory issues, controlled substances or professional ethics.
Continuing Education Exceptions
Graduation-year exemption and individual written waivers or extensions apply under Rule 1730-01-.12.
Deadline
The Division accepts no renewal application after the last day of the month following license expiration.
Existing License
Hold a Tennessee veterinarian license.
Late Fee
Pay the late renewal fee under Rule 1730-01-.06.
Multimedia Course Assessment
Rule 1730-01-.12(3)(d)(2) requires successful completion of a written post-experience examination for multimedia-course credit; this is a course-completion condition, with no identified licensing examination.
Practice Restriction
An expired license does not authorize veterinary practice.
Renewal Application
Submit the completed renewal application and renewal and State Regulatory fees; licenses follow the biennial renewal system.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Expedited Reciprocity — Military Member
North American Veterinary Licensing Examination
Application
Submit a complete truthful application, required fees, two recent photographs, and an official graduate transcript directly from an approved veterinary school showing the conferred doctorate.
Background Check
Arrange submission of the criminal background check directly from the identified vendor.
Character
Provide proof of good moral character; the Board may require an appearance and additional character information.
Citizenship
Provide United States or Canadian citizenship or evidence of lawful entitlement to live in the United States; submit the Declaration of Citizenship.
Continuing Education
Show at least 60 hours in the preceding five years: 45 hours on medical and surgical animal care and up to 15 on other veterinary interests; no more than 30 hours in multimedia format.
Continuing Education Waiver
The Board may individually waive the continuing-education requirement upon written request.
Disclosures
Disclose criminal convictions other than minor traffic violations, licensure denial or discipline, loss or restriction of credentials or accreditation, and final, settled or pending professional legal actions.
Existing License
Provide proof of initial licensure by examination and good standing; disclose discipline or restrictions on any other veterinary credential. The Board assesses the magnitude of disciplinary action.
Foreign Graduate If Applicable
A foreign veterinary-school graduate must hold ECFVG, PAVE, or certification from an agency the Board deems equivalent; these are certification conditions, and the Tennessee sources do not identify BCSE, CPE or QSE as separate required examinations.
Interview
Under Rule 1730-01-.07(9), the Board may require an interview about mental, physical, moral or educational qualifications; this is an applicant condition.
Military Member
Be currently licensed or certified in another jurisdiction and, within 180 days, have retired from the armed forces, received a discharge other than dishonorable, or been released from active duty to a reserve component. Submit PH-4279 with the complete application, military identification, status papers and expedited verification.
Other Licenses
Obtain direct verification from every jurisdiction where veterinary licensure has been held, including license status and disciplinary information.
Practice
Show active veterinary practice in another jurisdiction for three of the five years preceding application, averaging at least 25 hours per week.
Practice Waiver
A written individual request may seek a waiver of the required practice years or weekly hours.
Practitioner Profile
Submit the mandatory practitioner profile and update changes within 30 days while actively licensed.
Prior Discontinued Scores
Official NBE and CCT passing scores remain accepted historical evidence in place of NAVLE under Rule 1730-01-.05(2)(b); ICVA states that NAVLE replaced both in November 2000, so neither is a current examination leaf.
Reciprocity Fees
Pay application, reciprocity and State Regulatory fees.
Score Delivery
Official examination scores must be sent directly by AAVSB.
Translation
Provide certified authentic English translations where required.
Expedited Reciprocity — Military Spouse
North American Veterinary Licensing Examination
Application
Submit a complete truthful application, required fees, two recent photographs, and an official graduate transcript directly from an approved veterinary school showing the conferred doctorate.
Background Check
Arrange submission of the criminal background check directly from the identified vendor.
Character
Provide proof of good moral character; the Board may require an appearance and additional character information.
Citizenship
Provide United States or Canadian citizenship or evidence of lawful entitlement to live in the United States; submit the Declaration of Citizenship.
Continuing Education
Show at least 60 hours in the preceding five years: 45 hours on medical and surgical animal care and up to 15 on other veterinary interests; no more than 30 hours in multimedia format.
Continuing Education Waiver
The Board may individually waive the continuing-education requirement upon written request.
Disclosures
Disclose criminal convictions other than minor traffic violations, licensure denial or discipline, loss or restriction of credentials or accreditation, and final, settled or pending professional legal actions.
Existing License
Provide proof of initial licensure by examination and good standing; disclose discipline or restrictions on any other veterinary credential. The Board assesses the magnitude of disciplinary action.
Foreign Graduate If Applicable
A foreign veterinary-school graduate must hold ECFVG, PAVE, or certification from an agency the Board deems equivalent; these are certification conditions, and the Tennessee sources do not identify BCSE, CPE or QSE as separate required examinations.
Interview
Under Rule 1730-01-.07(9), the Board may require an interview about mental, physical, moral or educational qualifications; this is an applicant condition.
Military Spouse
Be currently licensed or certified in another jurisdiction, be the spouse of a United States armed-forces member transferred to Tennessee, and submit PH-4280 with the complete application, military identification, transfer orders and expedited verification from the other licensing authority.
Other Licenses
Obtain direct verification from every jurisdiction where veterinary licensure has been held, including license status and disciplinary information.
Practice
Show active veterinary practice in another jurisdiction for three of the five years preceding application, averaging at least 25 hours per week.
Practice Waiver
A written individual request may seek a waiver of the required practice years or weekly hours.
Practitioner Profile
Submit the mandatory practitioner profile and update changes within 30 days while actively licensed.
Prior Discontinued Scores
Official NBE and CCT passing scores remain accepted historical evidence in place of NAVLE under Rule 1730-01-.05(2)(b); ICVA states that NAVLE replaced both in November 2000, so neither is a current examination leaf.
Reciprocity Fees
Pay application, reciprocity and State Regulatory fees.
Score Delivery
Official examination scores must be sent directly by AAVSB.
Translation
Provide certified authentic English translations where required.
Reactivation After Continuous Practice Elsewhere
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Show Board-approved continuing education equal to the hours required during retirement, capped at 80 hours; the Board may waive any or all of this upon written request and explanation.
Fees
If reactivation is requested within one year of retirement, pay the late renewal, past-due renewal and State Regulatory fees.
Military Expedition
Eligible military members or spouses may attach PH-4279 or PH-4280 to a completed reinstatement or reactivation application.
Practice
Show continuous practice in another jurisdiction during retirement and good standing there.
Prior License
Hold a retired Tennessee veterinarian license and request reactivation.
Review
Reactivation applications are reviewed under Rule 1730-01-.07.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Reactivation Without Continuous Practice
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application Oral Wording
PH-3540, a lower-ranked application instruction, states: • Retirees must submit evidence of continuous practice in another state during period of retirement of Tennessee license or if not engaged in continuous practice, appear before Board for an oral examination. The governing rule specifies an interview; the instruction is retained as an applicant condition, and no independently identified scored state examination is established by this wording.
Board Interview
Rule 1730-01-.11(3) requires an appearance before the Board for an interview, with evidence of continuing education.
Continuing Education
Show Board-approved continuing education equal to the hours required during retirement, capped at 80 hours; the Board may waive any or all of this upon written request and explanation.
Fees
If reactivation is requested within one year of retirement, pay the late renewal, past-due renewal and State Regulatory fees.
Military Expedition
Eligible military members or spouses may attach PH-4279 or PH-4280 to a completed reinstatement or reactivation application.
Prior License
Hold a retired Tennessee veterinarian license and request reactivation.
Review
Reactivation applications are reviewed under Rule 1730-01-.07.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Licensure by Reciprocity
North American Veterinary Licensing Examination
Application
Submit a complete truthful application, required fees, two recent photographs, and an official graduate transcript directly from an approved veterinary school showing the conferred doctorate.
Background Check
Arrange submission of the criminal background check directly from the identified vendor.
Character
Provide proof of good moral character; the Board may require an appearance and additional character information.
Citizenship
Provide United States or Canadian citizenship or evidence of lawful entitlement to live in the United States; submit the Declaration of Citizenship.
Continuing Education
Show at least 60 hours in the preceding five years: 45 hours on medical and surgical animal care and up to 15 on other veterinary interests; no more than 30 hours in multimedia format.
Continuing Education Waiver
The Board may individually waive the continuing-education requirement upon written request.
Disclosures
Disclose criminal convictions other than minor traffic violations, licensure denial or discipline, loss or restriction of credentials or accreditation, and final, settled or pending professional legal actions.
Existing License
Provide proof of initial licensure by examination and good standing; disclose discipline or restrictions on any other veterinary credential. The Board assesses the magnitude of disciplinary action.
Interview
Under Rule 1730-01-.07(9), the Board may require an interview about mental, physical, moral or educational qualifications; this is an applicant condition.
Other Licenses
Obtain direct verification from every jurisdiction where veterinary licensure has been held, including license status and disciplinary information.
Practice
Show active veterinary practice in another jurisdiction for three of the five years preceding application, averaging at least 25 hours per week.
Practice Waiver
A written individual request may seek a waiver of the required practice years or weekly hours.
Practitioner Profile
Submit the mandatory practitioner profile and update changes within 30 days while actively licensed.
Prior Discontinued Scores
Official NBE and CCT passing scores remain accepted historical evidence in place of NAVLE under Rule 1730-01-.05(2)(b); ICVA states that NAVLE replaced both in November 2000, so neither is a current examination leaf.
Reciprocity Fees
Pay application, reciprocity and State Regulatory fees.
Score Delivery
Official examination scores must be sent directly by AAVSB.
Translation
Provide certified authentic English translations where required.
Biennial Renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Obtain 20 hours each calendar year, with 15 on medical and surgical animal care and five allowed on other veterinary interests; no more than ten hours in multimedia format. Two hours in each two-year period must concern regulatory issues, controlled substances or professional ethics.
Continuing Education Exceptions
Graduation-year exemption and individual written waivers or extensions apply under Rule 1730-01-.12.
Deadline
Renew by the last day of the license-period month.
Existing License
Hold a Tennessee veterinarian license.
Multimedia Course Assessment
Rule 1730-01-.12(3)(d)(2) requires successful completion of a written post-experience examination for multimedia-course credit; this is a course-completion condition, with no identified licensing examination.
Renewal Application
Submit the completed renewal application and renewal and State Regulatory fees; licenses follow the biennial renewal system.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Temporary License to Practice Veterinary Medicine

Supervised temporary veterinarian license for examination applicants, reciprocity applicants or eligible foreign graduates.

Licensing authority: Tennessee Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners · Application information

Temporary License — Examination Applicant
North American Veterinary Licensing Examination
Application
Submit a complete truthful application, required fees, two recent photographs, and an official graduate transcript directly from an approved veterinary school showing the conferred doctorate.
Attendance
Under Rule 1730-01-.14(1)(c), failure to report for the next examination without prior written notice expires the temporary license on that examination date.
Background Check
Arrange submission of the criminal background check directly from the identified vendor.
Character
Provide proof of good moral character; the Board may require an appearance and additional character information.
Citizenship
Provide United States or Canadian citizenship or evidence of lawful entitlement to live in the United States; submit the Declaration of Citizenship.
Disclosures
Disclose criminal convictions other than minor traffic violations, licensure denial or discipline, loss or restriction of credentials or accreditation, and final, settled or pending professional legal actions.
Eligibility
Graduate of a Board-approved veterinary school who meets the veterinary-license qualifications and applies to take the next examination.
Examination Timing
NAVLE remains the examination involved although the temporary license can precede taking it. The statutory license remains valid until results are known; the rule states expiration 30 days after the next scheduled examination.
Foreign Graduate If Applicable
A foreign veterinary-school graduate must hold ECFVG, PAVE, or certification from an agency the Board deems equivalent; these are certification conditions, and the Tennessee sources do not identify BCSE, CPE or QSE as separate required examinations.
Interview
Under Rule 1730-01-.07(9), the Board may require an interview about mental, physical, moral or educational qualifications; this is an applicant condition.
Other Licenses
Obtain direct verification from every jurisdiction where veterinary licensure has been held, including license status and disciplinary information.
Practitioner Profile
Submit the mandatory practitioner profile and update changes within 30 days while actively licensed.
Repeat Temporary Licenses
After examination failure another temporary license may be requested with the required fee; no more than three temporary licenses may be issued.
Supervision
Practice only under the direct responsible supervision of a Tennessee-licensed veterinarian. The supervising veterinarian must sign the temporary application before a notary, provide the facility and contact information, and attest to supervision.
Temporary Fee
Pay the temporary-license fee.
Translation
Provide certified authentic English translations where required.
Temporary License — Foreign Graduate Seeking Certification
North American Veterinary Licensing Examination
Application
Submit a complete truthful application, required fees, two recent photographs, and an official graduate transcript directly from an approved veterinary school showing the conferred doctorate.
Background Check
Arrange submission of the criminal background check directly from the identified vendor.
Certification In Progress
Be seeking ECFVG, PAVE or Board-deemed equivalent certification; the Tennessee text does not name the certification programs’ constituent examinations as additional leaves.
Character
Provide proof of good moral character; the Board may require an appearance and additional character information.
Citizenship
Provide United States or Canadian citizenship or evidence of lawful entitlement to live in the United States; submit the Declaration of Citizenship.
Disclosures
Disclose criminal convictions other than minor traffic violations, licensure denial or discipline, loss or restriction of credentials or accreditation, and final, settled or pending professional legal actions.
Education
Graduate of a nonaccredited or nonapproved veterinary college who satisfactorily completed the fourth year of clinical study at an accredited or approved veterinary college.
Expiration
The temporary license is valid until the certification is obtained, for no more than 18 months after issuance.
Interview
Under Rule 1730-01-.07(9), the Board may require an interview about mental, physical, moral or educational qualifications; this is an applicant condition.
Other Licenses
Obtain direct verification from every jurisdiction where veterinary licensure has been held, including license status and disciplinary information.
Passing Scores
Have passed the examinations specified by Rule 1730-01-.08; NAVLE is the currently offered examination. Historical NBE and CCT scores are prior evidence.
Practitioner Profile
Submit the mandatory practitioner profile and update changes within 30 days while actively licensed.
Supervision
Practice only under the direct responsible supervision of a Tennessee-licensed veterinarian. The supervising veterinarian must sign the temporary application before a notary, provide the facility and contact information, and attest to supervision.
Temporary Fee
Pay the temporary-license fee.
Translation
Provide certified authentic English translations where required.
Temporary License — Reciprocity Applicant
North American Veterinary Licensing Examination
Application
Submit a complete truthful application, required fees, two recent photographs, and an official graduate transcript directly from an approved veterinary school showing the conferred doctorate.
Background Check
Arrange submission of the criminal background check directly from the identified vendor.
Character
Provide proof of good moral character; the Board may require an appearance and additional character information.
Citizenship
Provide United States or Canadian citizenship or evidence of lawful entitlement to live in the United States; submit the Declaration of Citizenship.
Continuing Education
Show at least 60 hours in the preceding five years: 45 hours on medical and surgical animal care and up to 15 on other veterinary interests; no more than 30 hours in multimedia format.
Continuing Education Waiver
The Board may individually waive the continuing-education requirement upon written request.
Disclosures
Disclose criminal convictions other than minor traffic violations, licensure denial or discipline, loss or restriction of credentials or accreditation, and final, settled or pending professional legal actions.
Eligibility
Be a veterinarian licensed in another jurisdiction who has applied for permanent Tennessee licensure and meets all other qualifications.
Existing License
Provide proof of initial licensure by examination and good standing; disclose discipline or restrictions on any other veterinary credential. The Board assesses the magnitude of disciplinary action.
Expiration
The temporary license expires on the Board decision on the permanent-license application; the statute states expiration on receipt of a permanent license where the Board licenses without examination.
Foreign Graduate If Applicable
A foreign veterinary-school graduate must hold ECFVG, PAVE, or certification from an agency the Board deems equivalent; these are certification conditions, and the Tennessee sources do not identify BCSE, CPE or QSE as separate required examinations.
Interview
Under Rule 1730-01-.07(9), the Board may require an interview about mental, physical, moral or educational qualifications; this is an applicant condition.
Other Licenses
Obtain direct verification from every jurisdiction where veterinary licensure has been held, including license status and disciplinary information.
Practice
Show active veterinary practice in another jurisdiction for three of the five years preceding application, averaging at least 25 hours per week.
Practice Waiver
A written individual request may seek a waiver of the required practice years or weekly hours.
Practitioner Profile
Submit the mandatory practitioner profile and update changes within 30 days while actively licensed.
Prior Discontinued Scores
Official NBE and CCT passing scores remain accepted historical evidence in place of NAVLE under Rule 1730-01-.05(2)(b); ICVA states that NAVLE replaced both in November 2000, so neither is a current examination leaf.
Score Delivery
Official examination scores must be sent directly by AAVSB.
Supervision
Practice only under the direct responsible supervision of a Tennessee-licensed veterinarian. The supervising veterinarian must sign the temporary application before a notary, provide the facility and contact information, and attest to supervision.
Temporary Fee
Pay the temporary-license fee.
Translation
Provide certified authentic English translations where required.

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