Review Your Pathway
VTNE® Application Pathways
There are three pathways to be able to sit for the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE): Accredited, On-the-Job Training (OJT), or Alternate pathway. In most jurisdictions, they require graduating from an AVMA-CVTEA or CVMA-Accredited program before sitting for the VTNE. However, some jurisdictions allow On-the-Job Training (OJT) as an option. Additionally, certain jurisdictions offer an Alternate pathway, which does not require graduation from an accredited program.
Choose the pathway that best fits your situation and review your jurisdiction’s requirements to ensure compliance. The AAVSB will verify your selected pathway according to those requirements.
Transcript Requirements
If you need to send your transcript to the AAVSB, follow these guidelines. Learn more here.
Pathway 1:
Accredited Program Graduate
(AVMA-CVTEA or CVMA Accredited)
If you graduated before January 1, 2025:
- Your school must send a transcript directly to the AAVSB to verify your education.
- Review the transcript requirements for details on instructing your school to send your transcript.
If you have or will be graduating after January 1, 2025:
- Your school’s program director will verify you meet this pathways’ requirements by uploading a roster directly to the AAVSB.
- You may not take the exam until you are on an uploaded roster.
- Some veterinary technician programs may permit candidates to take the VTNE in the last semester of their education.
Pathway 2:
On-the-Job Training (OJT)
- Download the OJT form for your jurisdiction from your MyAAVSB Portal.
- Upload the form as part of your VTNE application process.
- AAVSB staff will verify you meet the requirements for OJT in your jurisdiction.
- After we verify, we’ll notify you and you’ll be able to continue and complete your application.
Pathway 3:
Alternate Pathway
Includes non-AVMA-CVTEA accredited graduates.
- The AAVSB requires a transcript to verify your education.
- If your jurisdiction requires a work experience component, you’ll need to download the work verification form and upload it as part of your VTNE application process.
Alternate pathways vary widely by jurisdiction. To view your jurisdiction’s alternate pathway requirements, please find your regulatory board’s website for more information.
OJT and Alternate Pathway – Limited Transferability
Taking the VTNE through the OJT or Alternate Pathways may limit where you can practice. Some jurisdictions don’t recognize these pathways, so check your state or province’s requirements beforehand. If needed, you may have to retake the VTNE through a different pathway to obtain licensure in a new jurisdiction (state or province).