What is the Veterinary Technician National Exam?

The Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) is the benchmark for judging an entry-level Vet Tech’s level of knowledge and competency in order to be licensed to practice in veterinary technology in a commercial setting. It is administered every January and June. The exam is in a constant state of being updated, where it is reviewed and constantly re-done making it the most qualified testing tool in the evaluation of candidates for licensure.

Almost Universally Accepted

There are some jurisdictions that do not use the VTNE but usually do not have any licensing at all. Ones that do require a passing score is just one criterion for obtaining a license. The American Association of Veterinary State Boards owns the exam in contracts with administering agencies, also partnering with the Professional Examination service (PES) for continuous examination development as well as administration services regarding the exam.

New Eligibility Requirements
Anyone wishing to take the VTNE past Dec. 31, 2010, will need to be a graduate from a veterinary technology program has been accredited by the AVMA or CVMA or program that has been approved by whatever regulatory board has jurisdiction where that exams being given. To date, all Canadian provinces and most US states require this of perspective exam takers. If you’re not sure if your program is accredited you can check here:

• For accredited programs in the United States.
• For accredited programs in Canada.

Online examinations available here
If you’re in the states of Washington, Tennessee, Oregon, Illinois, Delaware, Arkansas, and Arizona and you want to take the VTNE, you must also apply to your respective state for its eligibility requirements before you can apply at the VTNE website. You can find your jurisdiction authority by going to the Boards and Agencies Directory.

The test wants to you to prove that you’ve been educated
Before taking the test, you’ll need to send your school transcripts to put on file at the AAVSB. This does not apply to test takers in Arizona, Delaware, Illinois, Tennessee, Washington and Oregon where your transcript must be sent direct to the state. Do not send transcripts personally. These must be sent by the school because the AAVSB will not accept anything other than transcripts sent in a sealed and walked directly from the school. Incomplete transcripts or copies made by students will not be acceptable. Anyone unsure if the school attended sent the proper documentation should contact vettech@aavsb.org or call 816-931-1504, asking for extension 228. The address to send official school transcripts is: AASVB, VTNE Program, 380 West 22nd Street, Kansas City, MO 64108.

Can I Take the Test More Than Once?
Candidates are allowed to take the VTNE a total of 5 times (since January 1, 2006). If you wish to take the exam after a fifth time, you must apply to the AAVSB Board of Directors for approval. Additional information about the VTNE can be found at the AASVB online FAQs.

See additional VTNE study tips.