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Colorado 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.

Registered Veterinary Technician

State registration required, effective January 1, 2024, for any individual who practices as a veterinary technician in Colorado (C.R.S. 12-315-202). Registration is a two-step process: a current credential from the Board-approved credentialing organization, the Colorado Association of Certified Veterinary Technicians (CACVT), then registration with the Board. A veterinary technician specialist designation may be added to the registration.

Licensing authority: Colorado State Board of Veterinary Medicine (Department of Regulatory Agencies, Division of Professions and Occupations) · Application information

Registration by completion of provisional requirements (provisional registrants only)
Veterinary Technician National Examination
Credentialing Organization Credential
After CACVT credentialing, submit the Board application, fee and verification of a current CACVT credential (4 CCR 727-1 Rule 1.9(B)(1)).
Deadline
Apply to CACVT for credentialing not later than December 31, 2027 (C.R.S. 12-315-203(4)(c); 4 CCR 727-1 Rule 1.9(B)(1)); a hardship extension to no later than June 30, 2028 may be requested (Rule 1.9(B)(3)).
Experience Pathways
Either at least 6,500 hours of veterinary-technician-equivalent work experience and a passing score on the Board-approved national veterinary technician examination (C.R.S. 12-315-203(4)(c)(I)), or at least 9,000 hours of such experience without an examination (C.R.S. 12-315-203(4)(c)(II)); CACVT requires the hours within the 7 years before application (CACVT Experience-based Credential).
Provisional Registration
Hold a provisional registration in good standing (issued on applications filed not later than January 1, 2024) (C.R.S. 12-315-203(4); 4 CCR 727-1 Rule 1.9(B)(2)).
Reactivation of an inactive registration
Veterinary Technician National Examination
Application
Submit a reactivation application form and fee, with the certifications in 4 CCR 727-1 Rule 1.9(F)(1)(d); the Board may decline if discipline is pending (Rule 1.9(F)(1)(e)).
Credentialing Organization Credential
Demonstrate credentialing in good standing by the credentialing organization (C.R.S. 12-315-206(4)(a)); a CACVT credential that expired on or before June 30, 2020 cannot be reinstated and requires retaking the VTNE and applying for credential by examination (CACVT Credential Reinstatement).
Inactive Less Than Two Years
Proof of fulfilling the requirements for the last active two-year period and the inactive period (4 CCR 727-1 Rule 1.9(F)(1)(f)).
Inactive Two Or More Years
The Rule 1.9(A)(2) requirements apply: a current credential from the Board-approved credentialing organization (4 CCR 727-1 Rule 1.9(F)(1)(g)).
Registration by endorsement (occupational credential portability program)
Veterinary Technician National Examination
Credentialing Organization Credential
Hold a CACVT credential confirming graduation from an AVMA-accredited veterinary technician program and passage of the national examination (4 CCR 727-1 Rule 1.9(E)(2)(b)); CACVT issues it as Credential by Endorsement (CACVT Transferring to Colorado).
Occupational Credential Portability
Satisfy the Occupational Credential Portability Program (C.R.S. 12-20-202(3); C.R.S. 12-315-205), verified through the state or federal agency of the credential relied on.
Out Of State Credential
Possess a current, active and unrestricted license in good standing and engaged in active practice in another jurisdiction for at least one year immediately preceding the application (4 CCR 727-1 Rule 1.9(E)(2)(a)); no revoked, suspended, restricted or conditional credential and no pending discipline (Rule 1.9(E)(1)).
Prior Endorsement Registrants
The CACVT/examination requirements apply only to endorsement applications submitted on or after February 12, 2026; registrants endorsed earlier are not subject to them for maintaining registration (4 CCR 727-1 Rule 1.9(E)(2)(c)).
Registration by examination (CACVT credential by examination, then Board registration)
Veterinary Technician National Examination
Application Window
All application documents must be received within one year of the date the application is received (4 CCR 727-1 Rule 1.9(A)(1)).
Credentialing Organization Credential
Hold a current credential from the Board-approved credentialing organization, the Colorado Association of Certified Veterinary Technicians (CACVT) (C.R.S. 12-315-203(2)(b); 4 CCR 727-1 Rule 1.9(A)(2)(a)).
Disclosures
List any acts that would be grounds for discipline and any final or pending disciplinary action in any jurisdiction (4 CCR 727-1 Rule 1.9(A)(3)).
Education
Graduation from an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program, verified by CACVT through official transcripts (CACVT Credential By Exam).
Late Credential By Examination
Applicants who graduated and/or passed the VTNE between 7/1/2020 and 1/15/2026 and were not credentialed use CACVT Late Credential by Examination with continuing education and past-due fees; a VTNE pass before 7/1/2020 without a credential requires retaking the VTNE (CACVT Late Credential By Exam).
Minimum Age
At least eighteen years of age (C.R.S. 12-315-203(2)(a)).
Vtne Score Transfer
The passing VTNE score must be reported to CACVT by AAVSB; scores from another jurisdiction require an AAVSB score transfer naming the Colorado State Board of Veterinary Medicine (CACVT Credential By Exam).
Reinstatement of an expired registration
Veterinary Technician National Examination
Application
Submit a Board application and fee with disclosures of grounds for discipline and disciplinary actions since last renewal (4 CCR 727-1 Rule 1.9(G)(1)(a)-(b)).
Credentialing Organization Credential
Hold a current credential from the Board-approved credentialing entity (4 CCR 727-1 Rule 1.9(G)(1)(c); C.R.S. 12-315-206(3)(a)); CACVT reinstates credentials expired June 30, 2022 or later with continuing education and fees, while a credential expired on or before June 30, 2020 requires retaking the VTNE and applying for credential by examination (CACVT Credential Reinstatement).
Renewal of registration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Military Fee Waiver
Renewal fee waived while on active duty with any branch of the U.S. Armed Services (4 CCR 727-1 Rule 1.9(I)(2)).
Renewal
Renew every two years, pay the fee and provide proof of a current credential from the Board-approved credentialing organization (4 CCR 727-1 Rule 1.9(I)(1); C.R.S. 12-315-206(3)(a)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-05-30.

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