OpenExamsFREE PRACTICE — ANY EXAM

Virginia Veterinarian — Requirements & Free Practice

US-VA · License preparation

312 free questions · Answer explanations · No signup required

Choose what to practice

Start with an exam below. Your examination requirements depend on your application pathway. View licensing requirements

Loading selected examination banks…

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.

Veterinarian Faculty

Faculty license for practice within an accredited veterinary medical education program and its affiliated services.

Licensing authority: Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine · Application information

Faculty licensure — accredited graduate licensed elsewhere
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Appointment
The dean must verify hiring and assess clinical competency and experience qualifying the applicant for a faculty license.
Education
Graduate of an accredited veterinary program.
Employment
License becomes null and void on termination of faculty employment; the dean must notify the Board within 30 days.
Existing license
Hold an unrestricted current license or, if it has lapsed, be eligible for reinstatement in another U.S. jurisdiction.
Fee and character
Pay the prescribed faculty fee and have no grounds for denial under § 54.1-3807.
Scope
Practice only as part of faculty duties in establishments or diagnostic and clinical services operated by or affiliated with the veterinary program; no unaffiliated establishments or private practice.
Verification
The Board faculty application page requests verification of all veterinary licenses ever held in another U.S. jurisdiction.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2018-05-30.

Faculty licensure — graduate with advanced or specialty training
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Appointment
The dean must verify hiring and assess clinical competency and experience qualifying the applicant for a faculty license.
Education
Graduate of a veterinary program.
Employment
License becomes null and void on termination of faculty employment; the dean must notify the Board within 30 days.
Fee and character
Pay the prescribed faculty fee and have no grounds for denial under § 54.1-3807.
Scope
Practice only as part of faculty duties in establishments or diagnostic and clinical services operated by or affiliated with the veterinary program; no unaffiliated establishments or private practice.
Training
Have advanced training recognized by the American Board of Veterinary Specialties or specialty training acceptable to the veterinary medical education program where the applicant serves on the faculty; no particular certification examination is named.
Verification
The Board faculty application page requests verification of all veterinary licenses ever held in another U.S. jurisdiction.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2018-05-30.

Faculty license reinstatement after expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board discretion
Pay the prescribed fee, supply continuing-education evidence under applicable provisions and any additional documentation of clinical competency and professional activities required by the Board.
Lapse
The general rule permits discretionary reinstatement of a license expired for more than one year.
Special conditions
Reinstatement does not eliminate faculty appointment or intern/resident program and supervision requirements; their special renewal provisions continue.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2018-05-30.

Faculty license late renewal within one year
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Practice
Do not practice under an expired or lapsed license.
Special conditions
Meet the relevant faculty continued-employment certification or intern/resident dean/director recommendation, and retain the original scope and supervision limitations.
Time limit
The general license-lapse rule permits renewal up to one year after expiration with renewal and late fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2018-05-30.

Faculty licensure — qualified for full licensure by endorsement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a complete application and the required fee.
Appointment
The dean must verify hiring and assess clinical competency and experience qualifying the applicant for a faculty license.
Board discretion
The Board may grant licensure by endorsement at its discretion.
Clinical practice
Document regular clinical practice for at least two of the four years immediately preceding application.
Continuing education
Document at least 30 hours of continuing education during the preceding four years.
Disciplinary eligibility
Have committed no acts that would constitute a violation of Code of Virginia § 54.1-3807.
Employment
License becomes null and void on termination of faculty employment; the dean must notify the Board within 30 days.
Existing license
Hold at least one current unrestricted veterinary license in another U.S. jurisdiction and have no pending or unresolved board action anywhere.
Fee and character
Pay the prescribed faculty fee and have no grounds for denial under § 54.1-3807.
Insufficient practice
The Board application page directs applicants lacking the two-of-four-year clinical-practice documentation to seek licensure by examination.
Law attestation
Attest that the applicant has read, understands and will abide by Virginia veterinary statutes and regulations.
Scope
Practice only as part of faculty duties in establishments or diagnostic and clinical services operated by or affiliated with the veterinary program; no unaffiliated establishments or private practice.
Verification
Board instructions request verification of every veterinary license ever held, including expired licenses.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2018-05-30.

Faculty licensure — qualified for full licensure by examination
North American Veterinary Licensing Examination
Application
Submit a complete Board application and the prescribed application fee; an application not completed within one year must be resubmitted with a new fee.
Appointment
The dean must verify hiring and assess clinical competency and experience qualifying the applicant for a faculty license.
Disciplinary eligibility
Have committed no acts that would constitute a violation of Code of Virginia § 54.1-3807.
Education
Provide an official transcript establishing an AVMA-accredited veterinary degree, or verification of fulfillment of ECFVG, PAVE, or another substantially equivalent credentialing body approved by the Board. These program certificates are applicant educational-equivalence conditions; the Virginia issuance sources do not separately identify the programs' examinations.
Employment
License becomes null and void on termination of faculty employment; the dean must notify the Board within 30 days.
Fee and character
Pay the prescribed faculty fee and have no grounds for denial under § 54.1-3807.
Law attestation
Attest that the applicant has read, understands and will abide by Virginia veterinary statutes and regulations.
Legacy scores
The National Board Examination and Clinical Competency Test alternative is explicitly confined to examinations prior to fall 2000; the Board instructions specify NAVLE since fall 2000. These historical examinations are prior-score evidence, not current leaves.
Licenses
Provide verification that veterinary licenses held in other U.S. jurisdictions are in good standing; Board instructions request verification of every license ever held, including expired licenses.
Military equivalent training
Code of Virginia § 54.1-118(A),(D) requires credit for substantially equivalent training, education or experience of an honorably discharged service member, on documentation requested by the Board.
Other equivalent exam
A substantially equivalent national examination approved by the Board is an open approval condition; these sources name no other currently offered examination for this slot.
Passing score
Have passed NAVLE with a score acceptable to the Board; its timing before application does not remove the currently offered examination from this route.
Scope
Practice only as part of faculty duties in establishments or diagnostic and clinical services operated by or affiliated with the veterinary program; no unaffiliated establishments or private practice.
Verification
The Board faculty application page requests verification of all veterinary licenses ever held in another U.S. jurisdiction.
Faculty license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Faculty renewal has no continuing-education requirement under 18VAC150-20-122(D).
Employment
The accredited program must certify continued employment.
Fee
Pay the prescribed faculty renewal fee.
Term
Initially expires December 31 of the second year after issuance; thereafter may be renewed annually.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2018-05-30.

Veterinarian

Ordinary active Virginia license to practice veterinary medicine.

Licensing authority: Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine · Application information

Annual active license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Attestation and records
Attest to compliance, keep original supporting documents for two years after renewal and submit documentation within 14 days if audited, unless extended.
Continuing education
Complete at least 15 hours of approved continuing education annually, in clinical veterinary care or courses enhancing patient safety; credits cannot be transferred to another year.
Deadline
Submit a completed renewal application and prescribed fee by January 1 annually; failure to renew lapses the license and prohibits practice.
Discipline hours
Continuing education ordered as discipline cannot satisfy annual renewal.
Extension
On a written request made before renewal, the Board may extend completion for good cause by up to one year without relieving the requirement.
First renewal
The first renewal following initial licensure by examination is exempt from continuing education.
Military deployment
Code of Virginia § 54.1-117 permits an extension of renewal requirements for deployment outside the United States until 60 days after return, not exceeding five years past license expiration.
Volunteer credit
Up to two annual hours may be earned at one credit per three hours of qualifying uncompensated services documented by the health department or free clinic.
Waiver
The Board may grant a continuing-education exemption for circumstances beyond the licensee's control.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2017-10-25.

Reinstatement following disciplinary action
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application disclosures
Answer the licensing, criminal-history, practice-safety, recent conduct, discipline and restriction questions in the official application and supply explanations and orders when requested.
Board decision
A reinstatement decision and its terms govern whether the applicant may return to practice; the Board requires additional steps to determine safe and competent practice.
Continuing education
The application requires 15 hours per inactive year, capped at two years.
Fee
Submit a mailed application with the $450 veterinarian disciplinary-reinstatement fee.
Law attestation
Attest that the applicant has read, understands and will abide by Virginia veterinary statutes and regulations.
Professional assessment
Individual Board competency documentation or mental/physical evaluations are applicant conditions; no currently offered veterinary licensure examination is identified in this reinstatement checklist.
Verification
Verify all professional licenses ever held in another U.S. jurisdiction including expired licenses.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Licensure by endorsement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a complete application and the required fee.
Board discretion
The Board may grant licensure by endorsement at its discretion.
Clinical practice
Document regular clinical practice for at least two of the four years immediately preceding application.
Continuing education
Document at least 30 hours of continuing education during the preceding four years.
Disciplinary eligibility
Have committed no acts that would constitute a violation of Code of Virginia § 54.1-3807.
Existing license
Hold at least one current unrestricted veterinary license in another U.S. jurisdiction and have no pending or unresolved board action anywhere.
Insufficient practice
The Board application page directs applicants lacking the two-of-four-year clinical-practice documentation to seek licensure by examination.
Law attestation
Attest that the applicant has read, understands and will abide by Virginia veterinary statutes and regulations.
Verification
Board instructions request verification of every veterinary license ever held, including expired licenses.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2017-10-25.

Licensure by examination
North American Veterinary Licensing Examination
Application
Submit a complete Board application and the prescribed application fee; an application not completed within one year must be resubmitted with a new fee.
Disciplinary eligibility
Have committed no acts that would constitute a violation of Code of Virginia § 54.1-3807.
Education
Provide an official transcript establishing an AVMA-accredited veterinary degree, or verification of fulfillment of ECFVG, PAVE, or another substantially equivalent credentialing body approved by the Board. These program certificates are applicant educational-equivalence conditions; the Virginia issuance sources do not separately identify the programs' examinations.
Law attestation
Attest that the applicant has read, understands and will abide by Virginia veterinary statutes and regulations.
Legacy scores
The National Board Examination and Clinical Competency Test alternative is explicitly confined to examinations prior to fall 2000; the Board instructions specify NAVLE since fall 2000. These historical examinations are prior-score evidence, not current leaves.
Licenses
Provide verification that veterinary licenses held in other U.S. jurisdictions are in good standing; Board instructions request verification of every license ever held, including expired licenses.
Military equivalent training
Code of Virginia § 54.1-118(A),(D) requires credit for substantially equivalent training, education or experience of an honorably discharged service member, on documentation requested by the Board.
Other equivalent exam
A substantially equivalent national examination approved by the Board is an open approval condition; these sources name no other currently offered examination for this slot.
Passing score
Have passed NAVLE with a score acceptable to the Board; its timing before application does not remove the currently offered examination from this route.
Reinstatement after expiration for more than one year
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application and fee
Submit a reinstatement application and prescribed reinstatement fee.
Board discretion
Reinstatement is at Board discretion; the Board may require additional documentation of clinical competency and professional activities.
Continuing education
Submit 15 hours per expired year, for a maximum of two years.
Lapse
License has been expired for more than one year.
Law attestation
Attest that the applicant has read, understands and will abide by Virginia veterinary statutes and regulations.
Verification
Verify all licenses ever held, including expired, in another U.S. jurisdiction; direct verification must include disciplinary history.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2017-10-25.

Late renewal within one year after expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Attestation and records
Attest to compliance, keep original supporting documents for two years after renewal and submit documentation within 14 days if audited, unless extended.
Continuing education
Complete at least 15 hours of approved continuing education annually, in clinical veterinary care or courses enhancing patient safety; credits cannot be transferred to another year.
Deadline
Submit a completed renewal application and prescribed fee by January 1 annually; failure to renew lapses the license and prohibits practice.
Discipline hours
Continuing education ordered as discipline cannot satisfy annual renewal.
Extension
On a written request made before renewal, the Board may extend completion for good cause by up to one year without relieving the requirement.
First renewal
The first renewal following initial licensure by examination is exempt from continuing education.
Late fee
Renew up to one year after expiration by paying the required renewal and late fees; the license lapses at expiration and practice is prohibited until restored.
Military deployment
Code of Virginia § 54.1-117 permits an extension of renewal requirements for deployment outside the United States until 60 days after return, not exceeding five years past license expiration.
Volunteer credit
Up to two annual hours may be earned at one credit per three hours of qualifying uncompensated services documented by the health department or free clinic.
Waiver
The Board may grant a continuing-education exemption for circumstances beyond the licensee's control.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2017-10-25.

Expedited equivalent licensure for a military spouse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Complete application
The Board must deem the application complete and may require equivalency documentation.
Discipline
No conduct that constitutes grounds for disciplinary action.
Equivalent license
Hold the same or a similar professional license in another jurisdiction whose requirements the Board considers substantially equivalent.
Experience waiver
The Board may waive an experience requirement on supporting documentation.
Spouse
Accompany a spouse on federal active-duty orders, or a veteran who left active duty within one year of application, to Virginia or an adjoining state or the District of Columbia.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-29.

Reactivation of an inactive veterinarian license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Submit evidence of 15 hours per inactive year for a maximum of two years under 18VAC150-20-70(C).
Practice
Inactive status authorizes no veterinary practice; reactivation is required to resume practice.
Prior status
The applicant's Virginia veterinarian license was placed on inactive status.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2017-10-25.

Military license portability under SCRA / CAMO
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Affidavit
Provide a notarized affidavit of identity, complete and accurate application, knowledge of and compliance with Virginia licensure and scope-of-practice requirements, and good standing in every jurisdiction where licensed.
Applicant
A servicemember or spouse relocating residence to Virginia because of military orders; supply active military orders and, for a spouse, a marriage certificate.
Application fee
Provide the application and fee to the relevant Board.
Background check
A background check may be conducted if the license type requires it.
Compact
The statutory interstate-compact exception applies when the applicant has a covered multistate compact license; the cited policy directs those applicants to that compact.
Covered license
Hold a current unrestricted equivalent professional license in good standing, with no revocation, discipline, pending professional-conduct investigation, or surrender under investigation.
Renewal
Follow the Board renewal cycle and requirements; ongoing military orders may be self-certified at renewal.
Report
The DHP CAMO checklist requests a National Practitioner Data Bank self-query, NURSYS report, or National Association of Boards of Pharmacy report.
Scope
Apply only for an equivalent license with a similar practice scope and comply with Virginia standards and Board disciplinary authority.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-13.

Limited practice traineeship — AVMA accredited graduate
North American Veterinary Licensing Examination
Authorization
Limited-practice traineeship for an applicant for veterinarian licensure, not a separately issued trainee license; practice title is Veterinarian Trainee.
Board rule condition
Emergency 18VAC150-20-136(B)(2) states: "The applicant has not passed the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination in one attempt but has not failed the examination more than twice." The rule adds that attempt restriction; the statutory applicant category remains controlling.
Disclosure
Disclose traineeship practice by visible signage or an informed-consent form.
Duration
The emergency rule allows limited practice for nine months following graduation.
Education
Graduate of an AVMA-accredited veterinary college.
Informed consent
Obtain written informed consent before trainee surgery, anesthesia or sedation.
Navle status
The statute admits graduates who have not yet passed NAVLE.
Procedural supervision
Surgery, anesthesia and sedation require direct, immediate, in-person supervision; the supervising veterinarian remains responsible for care and treatment.
Supervision
Direct supervision by a veterinarian holding an unrestricted Virginia license.
Limited practice traineeship — ECFVG registrant with NAVLE passed

All of the following:

Authorization
Limited-practice traineeship for an applicant for veterinarian licensure, not a separately issued trainee license; practice title is Veterinarian Trainee.
Board rule conflict
Emergency 18VAC150-20-136(B)(2) states that the applicant has not passed NAVLE in one attempt and has failed it no more than twice. Acts 2026, Chapter 344 / § 54.1-3805.3 expressly admits ECFVG registrants who have passed NAVLE and completed all steps except CPE; the statute controls this conflicting rule condition.
Cpe exception
CPE is the specifically named remaining ECFVG examination. It need not be completed for this traineeship; that exception is recorded as the applicant condition on its currently offered registered assessment.
Disclosure
Disclose traineeship practice by visible signage or an informed-consent form.
Duration
The emergency rule allows limited practice for nine months following graduation.
Ecfvg status
Be registered in ECFVG and have completed every step except the clinical proficiency examination.
Informed consent
Obtain written informed consent before trainee surgery, anesthesia or sedation.
Navle status
Have taken NAVLE and received a passing score.
Procedural supervision
Surgery, anesthesia and sedation require direct, immediate, in-person supervision; the supervising veterinarian remains responsible for care and treatment.
Supervision
Direct supervision by a veterinarian holding an unrestricted Virginia license.

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

Clinical Proficiency Examination

This assessment does not have a question bank.

Provider
AVMA ECFVG in cooperation with approved sites (faculty of a college of veterinary medicine or other authorized testing institution)
Format
Hands-on, performance-based clinical skills examination in 7 sections over 3 days
Passing score
At least 60 of 100 points in each section except anesthesia and surgery, which are scored pass or fail; all 7 sections must be passed
Exam fee
$12,804 (USD) for 2026 administrations after January 1 ($12,604 CPE application fee + $200 administrative fee)
Examination sources