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Alabama Veterinary Technician — Requirements & Free Practice

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

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

Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT)

License to practice as a veterinary technician in Alabama under Code of Ala. 1975, §34-29-94.

Licensing authority: Alabama State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners · Application information

Licensure by examination

All of the following:

Age
At least 18 years of age (Code of Ala. 1975, §34-29-94(a)(1)a.).
Application
A notarized application on the Board form with an authenticated college transcript, a photograph taken within six months and the application fee (Code of Ala. 1975, §34-29-94(a)(2)-(4)); the application and examination fee is $100.00 plus the cost of the national examination (Ala. Admin. Code r. 930-X-1-.06(2)(a)); the Board application also requires two photos, the certificate of veterinary technician education or a certified diploma, and a declaration of citizenship or lawful presence.
Character
Of good character (Code of Ala. 1975, §34-29-94(a)(1)b.).
Discretionary Oral Or Practical
A comprehensive oral or practical examination may be given at the discretion of the Board (Ala. Admin. Code r. 930-X-1-.09(3)).
Education
A diploma in veterinary technology from an American Veterinary Medical Association accredited school, or other school of veterinary technology approved by the board (Code of Ala. 1975, §34-29-94(a)(1)c.). Graduates of veterinary technology programs not accredited by the AVMA may become eligible by meeting all of the requirements of the AVMA and passing the AVMA approved veterinary technician licensing examination (§34-29-94(n)).
Other Jurisdiction Licenses
Applicants licensed in another state or county list those licenses and have license verifications forwarded to the Board (LVT application, question 1 and license verification form).
State Written Examination
Ala. Admin. Code r. 930-X-1-.09(3) states: "Every applicant shall be subjected to a written state examination on material found in the Alabama Practice Act and the Administrative Code of the Board." Code of Ala. 1975, §34-29-61(3) defines an applicant as a person applying to be licensed to practice veterinary medicine or licensed as a veterinary technician. The Board LVT application asks: "8. I am eligible and want to take the State Board Written Examination. Yes No". The Board VTNE page lists the LVT application, citizenship form, two photos, a diploma or program letter and the $100.00 fee as the documentation required before an LVT License may be granted and does not name a state examination.
State Written Examination Retakes
A maximum of three retakes of the state written exam will be permitted (Ala. Admin. Code r. 930-X-1-.09(4)).
Vtne Eligibility
Beginning January 1, 2025, candidates contact the AAVSB, which determines VTNE eligibility; scores are sent to the Board if the candidate requests it (Board VTNE page).
Inactive license and reactivation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Continuing education is not waived for inactive license holders (Ala. Admin. Code r. 930-X-1-.08(2)).
Eligibility
The license must be in good standing and the licensee must meet all conditions and requirements for active renewal each year (Ala. Admin. Code r. 930-X-1-.08).
Fees
Annual renewal of inactive license $37.50; late renewal penalty $37.50 (Ala. Admin. Code r. 930-X-1-.06(2)(d)-(e)).
Reactivation
The inactive license holder must contact the Board office for activation before resuming practice (Ala. Admin. Code r. 930-X-1-.08(1)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2013-01-02.

Licensure of eligible military and federal employee spouses by substantial equivalence
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligible Individual
Spouse of an active duty, reserve or transitioning member of the U.S. Armed Forces (or surviving spouse) relocated to and stationed in Alabama under official military orders, or spouse of a U.S. Department of Justice, NASA or Department of Defense civil-service employee relocated to or employed in Alabama, who has not committed acts that would be grounds for refusal, suspension or revocation and has not been disciplined or under investigation in any jurisdiction (Code of Ala. 1975, §31-1-6(c)).
Fee Waiver
The initial licensing fee is waived when the applicant has already paid a licensing fee for the year to another jurisdiction, or on request (Ala. Admin. Code r. 930-X-1-.07(6)(c); Code of Ala. 1975, §31-1-6(g)).
Prior License
A valid license in good standing from another state, district, territory or branch of the Armed Forces whose requirements are substantially equivalent to those required by the Board (Code of Ala. 1975, §31-1-6(d); Ala. Admin. Code r. 930-X-1-.07(6)(b)).
State Written Examination Rule
Ala. Admin. Code r. 930-X-1-.09(3) states: "Every applicant shall be subjected to a written state examination on material found in the Alabama Practice Act and the Administrative Code of the Board." Code of Ala. 1975, §34-29-61(3) defines an applicant as a person applying to be licensed to practice veterinary medicine or licensed as a veterinary technician. Code of Ala. 1975, §31-1-6(b) applies notwithstanding other provisions of law and requires issuance to an eligible individual whose license is similar.
Timing
The license is issued within 30 days of application; the Executive Director determines equivalency (Ala. Admin. Code r. 930-X-1-.07(6)(b)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-14.

Reinstatement after suspension, revocation or surrender
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Vote
Re-licensing or reinstatement is by majority vote of the board on written application showing cause (Code of Ala. 1975, §34-29-81).
Petition And Hearing
A petition filed with the executive director is set for hearing; the petitioner must show by clear and convincing evidence the moral qualifications to practice veterinary technology and that resumption will not be detrimental (Ala. Admin. Code r. 930-X-1-.25(3)).
Waiting Period
A person suspended for more than three months may not apply until the suspension ends; after revocation or surrender, not until at least one year from its effective date (Ala. Admin. Code r. 930-X-1-.25(2)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2007-02-14.

Annual license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
At least eight hours of continuing education during the preceding year, at least six of them in Board-approved scientific programs; new graduates begin the next full calendar year after licensure (Ala. Admin. Code r. 930-X-1-.12(2)).
Deadline
Licenses expire annually on December 31 and must be renewed on or before December 31; late penalties are assessed on January 1 and the license is suspended for non-renewal (Code of Ala. 1975, §34-29-75; Ala. Admin. Code r. 930-X-1-.14(1)).
Fees
License renewal fee $75.00; late renewal penalty $75.00 (Ala. Admin. Code r. 930-X-1-.06(2)(b)-(c)).
Late Renewal
A license suspended for non-renewal may be renewed within two years upon application, payment of the renewal fee and a late penalty per year (Code of Ala. 1975, §34-29-75); applicants not renewed by the Board's first meeting of the new year must appear before the Board for reinstatement (Ala. Admin. Code r. 930-X-1-.14(3)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2013-01-02.

State Board Written Examination

Provider
Alabama State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners
Passing score
Correct answering of at least seventy percent of the questions
Exam fee
Application and examination fee $100.00 plus cost of national examination
Examination outline
  • Code of Ala. 1975, Title 34, Chapter 29 (Veterinarians; Alabama Veterinary Practice Act)
  • Ala. Admin. Code Chapter 930-X-1 General Rules
Examination sources

Veterinary Technician National Examination

Provider
American Association of Veterinary State Boards
Format
Three-hour multiple-choice examination
Exam questions
170 multiple-choice questions; 150 scored operational questions and 20 pilot questions
Examination outline
  • Pharmacy and Pharmacology (13%)
    • Utilize knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology as it applies to the use of pharmacological, chemical, and biological agents.
    • Prepare medications in compliance with veterinarian's orders.
    • Calculate medications, fluid therapy rate, and continuous rate infusions based on the appropriate dosage in compliance with veterinarian's orders.
    • Dispense medications in compliance with veterinary orders.
    • Maintain controlled drug inventory, related logbooks, and medical records.
    • Recognize classifications of drugs, their mechanisms, and clinically relevant side effects.
    • Store, handle, and safely dispose of pharmacological, chemical, and biological agents.
  • Surgical Nursing (13%)
    • Utilize knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology as it applies to surgical nursing.
    • Prepare the surgical environment, equipment, instruments, and supplies to meet the needs of the surgical team and patient.
    • Prepare patient for surgical procedure.
    • Function as a sterile surgical technician to ensure patient safety and procedural efficiency.
    • Function as a circulating (non-sterile) surgical technician to ensure patient safety and procedural efficiency.
    • Clean instruments by the appropriate method (including but not limited to manual, soak, or ultrasonic).
    • Maintain aseptic conditions in surgical suite and during surgical procedures.
    • Maintain the surgical environment, equipment, instruments, and supplies to meet the needs of the surgical team and patient.
    • Sterilize equipment and supplies by the appropriate method (including but not limited to steam, gas).
  • Dentistry (7%)
    • Utilize knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology as it applies to dentistry.
    • Prepare and maintain the environment, equipment, instruments, and supplies to meet the needs of the dental team and patient.
    • Perform Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (COHAT) (including but not limited to scaling and polishing; manual and machine).
    • Produce diagnostic dental radiographs.
  • Laboratory Procedures (9%)
    • Utilize knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology as it applies to laboratory procedures.
    • Prepare and maintain specimens and documentation for in-house or outside laboratory evaluation.
    • Perform laboratory tests and procedures (including but not limited to microbiology, serology, cytology, hematology, urinalysis, and parasitology).
    • Maintain laboratory equipment and related supplies to ensure safety and quality of results.
  • Animal Care and Nursing (20%)
    • Utilize knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology as it applies to patient care and nursing.
    • Document and manage initial and ongoing evaluations of patient to provide optimal care (including but not limited to physical, behavioral, nutritional, clinical procedures, and mentation status).
    • Perform nursing procedures and maintenance of prescribed treatments (including but not limited to catheterization, wound management, and bandaging).
    • Perform clinical procedures to aid in diagnosis and prognosis (including but not limited to blood pressure measurement, electrocardiography, and tonometry).
    • Provide a safe, sanitary, and comfortable environment for patient to ensure optimal healthcare and client/personnel safety.
    • Maintain diagnostic equipment and related supplies to ensure safety and quality of results.
    • Administer medications via the appropriate routes (including but not limited to topical, intravenous, subcutaneous).
    • Collect specimens for in-house or outside laboratory evaluation.
    • Recognize and respond to behavioral characteristics of patient.
    • Restrain patient with or without equipment for treatment following safety protocols.
  • Diagnostic Imaging (6%)
    • Utilize knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology as it applies to diagnostic images.
    • Produce and document diagnostic images and/or radiographs (excluding dental) following protocols for safety and quality of results.
    • Maintain imaging/radiograph equipment and related materials to ensure safety and quality of results.
  • Anesthesia (13%)
    • Utilize knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology as it applies to anesthesia.
    • Assist in the development and implementation of an anesthetic plan to ensure patient safety and procedural efficacy.
    • Prepare anesthetic equipment and related supplies to ensure operator and patient safety.
    • Maintain anesthetic equipment and related materials to ensure reliable operation.
    • Establish and maintain a patent airway using endotracheal intubation.
    • Monitor and respond to patient status during all stages of anesthesia (pre-, peri-, and post-).
  • Emergency Medicine/Critical Care (7%)
    • Utilize knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology as it applies to emergency medicine and critical care.
    • Perform triage of a patient presenting with emergency/critical conditions (including but not limited to shock, acute illness, acute trauma, and toxicity).
    • Perform emergency nursing procedures (including but not limited to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), control acute blood loss, and fracture stabilization).
    • Perform critical care nursing procedures (including but not limited to blood component therapy, fluid resuscitation, and ongoing oxygen therapy).
    • Perform ongoing evaluations of physical, behavioral, nutritional, and mentation status of patient in emergency and critical conditions.
  • Pain Management/Analgesia (7%)
    • Utilize knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology as it applies to pain management and analgesia.
    • Recognize need for analgesia in patient.
    • Assist in the development and implementation of the pain management plan to optimize patient comfort and/or healing.
  • Communication and Veterinary Professional Support Services (5%)
    • Educate the client about animal care, risks, and side effects to promote and maintain the health of animals and the safety of client/public (including but not limited to behavior, nutrition, pharmacological/biological/chemical agents, dental health, anesthetic procedures, pain assessment/management, pre- and post-operative care, preventative care, zoonosis)
    • Maintain professional communication in all client and veterinary team interactions.
    • Collect patient information (including but not limited to signalment, medical history, primary complaint).
    • Provide assistance with the euthanasia process (including but not limited to consent, aftercare, grief management).
Examination sources