OpenExamsFREE PRACTICE — ANY EXAM

Louisiana Veterinary Technician — Requirements & Free Practice

US-LA · License preparation

414 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

Combined practice

Choose an exam or combined practice to begin.

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 (Certificate of Approval)

Certificate of approval issued by the Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine to a registered veterinary technician, who provides veterinary services under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian.

Licensing authority: Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine · Application information

Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
At least 10 hours of approved continuing education each fiscal year, no more than 5 hours online (LAC 46:LXXXV.812.A.1).
Deadline
Renewal application received by September 30 each year, renewal fee paid, continuing education documentation received, and any late continuing education fee or disciplinary fine paid (LAC 46:LXXXV.811.A).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Certification by examination (student or new graduate)
Applicant Type
Veterinary technology student within 60 days of graduation or new graduate, applying through the Board's "RVT - Student/New Graduate" application.
Application
Application sworn to before a notary public, evidence of good moral character, and payment of the fees established by the Board (La. R.S. 37:1543(A)); the application expires if no certificate is issued within one year of submission (LAC 46:LXXXV.801.F).
Education
High school diploma or equivalent, and either (i) completion of an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program, or (ii) completion of a board-approved veterinary technology program at an accredited institution of higher education plus two years of actual experience in a veterinary practice under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian (La. R.S. 37:1543(A)(3)).
Non Accredited Program
Graduates of non-AVMA-accredited programs must be approved by both the Board and AAVSB before sitting for the VTNE (Board VTNE page).
Prior Unlicensed Practice
The Board rejects the application of an applicant who practiced veterinary medicine or veterinary technology in Louisiana without a certificate of approval during the year before the initial application (LAC 46:LXXXV.801.E).
State Exam No Waiver
No waivers of the state board examination are granted (LAC 46:LXXXV.803.B).
State Exam Score Validity
LAC 46:LXXXV.803.I gives a passing score on either required examination effect for three years; the Board's state examination page states: "state jurisprudence exam scores are valid for a period of five years from the date the examination was completed."
Vtne Attempt Limit
An applicant may sit for the VTNE at most five times; thereafter the applicant is no longer eligible for certification in Louisiana (LAC 46:LXXXV.803.K).
Vtne Timing
The VTNE must have been passed within three years of the application submission date; older scores require a retake unless the Board grants the retake waiver (Board RVT application pages; LAC 46:LXXXV.803.I).
Vtne Waiver
The VTNE requirement may be waived when the applicant holds a current valid license or certificate in good standing as a registered or certified veterinary technician in another U.S. state, district or territory and has been employed as such an average of 20 hours per week continuously for the three years immediately preceding the application (LAC 46:LXXXV.803.J; Board policy 10.02, decided by the full Board).
Renewal of an expired certificate
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Requirements
Renewal application, current and delinquent renewal fees, late fees, continuing education for the current and all delinquent years, and any late continuing education fees (LAC 46:LXXXV.811.B.1-6).
Window
Only within two years of expiration; after two years the certificate cannot be renewed and a new application is required (LAC 46:LXXXV.811.B, 811.D.2).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military transfer under 50 U.S.C. 4025a
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Proof of military orders, marriage certificate if a spouse, verification of every license held, notarized affidavit of the affirmations listed in 50 U.S.C. 4025a(c)(3), and the $25 non-refundable application fee (Board military transfer page).
Background Check
The Board may conduct a background check before recognizing the license (50 U.S.C. 4025a(d)).
Eligibility
Servicemember or spouse of a servicemember who holds a covered license (in good standing, not revoked or disciplined, no pending investigation, not surrendered under investigation) as a veterinary technician in another State and relocates because of military orders (50 U.S.C. 4025a(a), (f)(1)).
State Rule Contrary
LAC 46:LXXXV.805.A states: "The board shall not issue certificates of approval without examination under any circumstances." The federal statute controls this route; the Board's military transfer page lists no examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Certification of an RVT certified in another state
Applicant Type
Applicant who holds or has held an RVT (or equivalent) certification in another jurisdiction, applying through the Board's "RVT - Certified in Another State" application.
Application
Application sworn to before a notary public, evidence of good moral character, and payment of the fees established by the Board (La. R.S. 37:1543(A)); the application expires if no certificate is issued within one year of submission (LAC 46:LXXXV.801.F).
Education
High school diploma or equivalent, and either (i) completion of an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program, or (ii) completion of a board-approved veterinary technology program at an accredited institution of higher education plus two years of actual experience in a veterinary practice under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian (La. R.S. 37:1543(A)(3)).
Out Of State Verification
Proof of certification must be submitted directly from every state in which the applicant currently holds or previously held an RVT certificate; a copy of the certificate is not acceptable.
Prior Unlicensed Practice
The Board rejects the application of an applicant who practiced veterinary medicine or veterinary technology in Louisiana without a certificate of approval during the year before the initial application (LAC 46:LXXXV.801.E).
State Exam No Waiver
No waivers of the state board examination are granted (LAC 46:LXXXV.803.B).
State Exam Score Validity
LAC 46:LXXXV.803.I gives a passing score on either required examination effect for three years; the Board's state examination page states: "state jurisprudence exam scores are valid for a period of five years from the date the examination was completed."
Vtne Attempt Limit
An applicant may sit for the VTNE at most five times; thereafter the applicant is no longer eligible for certification in Louisiana (LAC 46:LXXXV.803.K).
Vtne Timing
The VTNE must have been passed within three years of the application submission date; older scores require a retake unless the Board grants the retake waiver (Board RVT application pages; LAC 46:LXXXV.803.I).
Vtne Waiver
The VTNE requirement may be waived when the applicant holds a current valid license or certificate in good standing as a registered or certified veterinary technician in another U.S. state, district or territory and has been employed as such an average of 20 hours per week continuously for the three years immediately preceding the application (LAC 46:LXXXV.803.J; Board policy 10.02, decided by the full Board).
Reinstatement of a certificate revoked for non payment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
Certificate revoked under La. R.S. 37:1544(B) for failure to pay required fees (LAC 46:LXXXV.813.A).
Requirements
Proof that the failure to renew was not willful or evasive, payment of the accrued fees, and a Board-imposed penalty not exceeding twice the delinquent fees (LAC 46:LXXXV.813.A).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Welcome Home Act conditional certification (La. R.S. 37:51 59)
Louisiana State Board Examination for Registered Veterinary Technicians
Conditional Status
The Board issues a conditional certification pending normal certification (La. R.S. 37:52(C)); normal certification requires the VTNE and the state board examination (LAC 46:LXXXV.803.H).
Eligibility
Holds a current and valid certification in another state with a similar scope of practice for at least one year, obtained by examination or education/training/experience standards, in good standing, no disqualifying criminal record, no pending discipline or investigation, fees paid, and Louisiana residency proven under La. R.S. 37:53 (La. R.S. 37:52(A)).
State Exam Discretion
La. R.S. 37:54(A) permits the Board to require the jurisprudential examination; the Board's pages do not state whether it is required before the conditional certification is issued.

Louisiana State Board Examination for Registered Veterinary Technicians

Provider
Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine (in person) or AAVSB State and Provincial Assessments (online)
Format
Multiple choice
Exam questions
26
Time limit
30 minutes
Passing score
70 percent
Exam fee
$40 Board exam fee; $50 vendor fee for the online option
Examination outline
  • Louisiana Veterinary Practice Law (La. R.S. 37:1511-1570)
  • LAC 46:LXXXV, Chapter 1. Operations of the Board of Veterinary Medicine
  • LAC 46:LXXXV, Chapter 3. Licensure Procedures
  • LAC 46:LXXXV, Chapter 4. Continuing Education
  • LAC 46:LXXXV, Chapter 7. Veterinary Practice
  • LAC 46:LXXXV, Chapter 8. Registered Veterinary Technicians
  • LAC 46:LXXXV, Chapter 9. Peer Assistance Program for Impaired Veterinarians
  • LAC 46:LXXXV, Chapter 10. Rules of Professional Conduct
  • LAC 46:LXXXV, Chapter 12. Certified Animal Euthanasia Technicians
  • LAC 46:LXXXV, Chapter 14. Disciplinary Procedures
  • LAC 46:LXXXV, Chapter 15. Registered Equine Dentists
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