Task 1: Download the Candidate Handbook

• The QSE was designed and developed exclusively for the PAVE Program and is required for all PAVE candidates.
• It covers basic science or pre-clinical subjects taught in the first three years of the curriculum of accredited veterinary schools.
• The QSE is offered three times per year in January, May and September. The AAVSB utilizes PSI for examination development and administration services.
• The QSE consists of 200 multiple-choice operational questions and 25 multiple-choice pilot questions derived from the test specifications. The QSE is delivered in a 220-minute, one single block session.

Download the candidate handbook

Task 2: Review the QSE Content Outline

The QSE content outline does not classify items by animal species or veterinary practice role. Many items on the QSE are not species specific or are applicable to more than one species. The examination includes items dealing with all animal species that might be encountered by veterinarians in private clinical practice in North America.

Qualifying Science Examination (QSE) Content Outline

Domain	Content Area	Domain %
Normal Structure and Function	Gross Anatomy Physiology and Biochemistry Histology and Embryology Endocrinology Immunology Genetics and Breed Characteristics Animal Behavior (i.e. individual, herd)	24%
Concepts of Disease	General Pathology and Pathophysiology Microbiology (e.g., virology, bacteriology, mycology, etiological agent, etc.) Parasitology Toxicology	18%
Diagnostics	Clinical Pathology (e.g., clinical chemistry, hematology, diagnostic cytology, etc.) Anatomic Pathology (i.e., histopathology, necropsy) Diagnostic Imaging Examination (e.g., physical, neurological, etc.) Other Diagnostics (e.g., ECG, abdominocentesis, etc.)	23%
Therapeutic Intervention	Surgery Anesthesia and Analgesia Emergency and Critical Care Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Basic Pharmacology (e.g., concepts, classifications, mechanisms, etc.) Behavioral Interventions	20%
Public Health and Disease Prevention	Zoonoses, Public Health, and Biosecurity Preventative Health Care Epidemiology Nutrition (e.g., diet, disease management, etc.) Regulatory Medicine (e.g., USDA, CFIA, etc.)	11%
Professional Skills	Human-Animal Bond (e.g., animal welfare, hospice care, euthanasia, etc.) Communication, Professionalism, Ethics, and Wellness Practice Management (e.g., record keeping, regulations, controlled substances, workplace safety, etc.)	4%
	TOTAL	100%

Task 3: Review Candidate Resources

• QSE Reference Textbook List
• QSE Abbreviations List
• QSE Sample Questions
• QSE Practice Test (administered by PSI)

Task 4: Eligibility/Scheduling

• After your application is reviewed and approved, an eligibility/scheduling email will be sent from [email protected]. You’ll need to log into your MyAAVSB portal to access the PSI scheduling platform. Refer to Task #6 below for information about testing options.
• Check your MyAAVSB portal for application status. The Scheduling button will be enabled and turn green if your eligibility has been approved.
• Once approved, click the scheduling button to be redirected to the PSI site. You will need to create a PSI login to schedule your exam. Please have your VIVA ID available.
• An individual score report will be auto-generated and emailed to you by PSI, approximately 4-6 weeks after taking the exam.
  • Your official score report will be posted to your MYAAVSB portal approximately 4-6 weeks after taking the exam.
  • You will be able to view/print your score report for one year. The score report will show your score and a pass/fail designation.

Task 5: Reschedule Your Exam

• You can make changes to your selected time and location through your PSI portal.
• You may change your time and location for your LRP or Test Center exam as many times as you need to, at least 48 hours prior to your currently scheduled exam. You may not change the date.
• Refer to the Candidate Handbook for information on canceling a scheduled exam appointment to see if you are eligible for a partial refund.
  • You can cancel your scheduled exam appointment by using the Schedule link on your MyAAVSB portal to re-enter the PSI scheduling site.
  • You must also notify the AAVSB if you have canceled an exam and think you are eligible for a partial refund, per the PAVE Candidate Handbook.

Task 6: Retake the QSE, if Required

How do I retake the QSE? How much does it cost?

Refer to the PAVE Standards & Policies and the QSE Retake Guidelines before you apply to retake the QSE.

• If a retake is necessary, you will be allowed 5 business days from when your results are emailed to apply for the next QSE, regardless of the posted application deadline. The fee to retake is $1,550 USD.
• Remember to notify the AAVSB at [email protected] of any address or email changes, so you receive communication in a timely manner.

Task 7: Choose Between a PSI Test Center or Live Remote Proctored (LRP) Exam

• After your application is reviewed and approved, an eligibility/scheduling email will be sent from aavsb.org.
  • Log into your MyAAVSB portal.
  • Click into your Active PAVE Application box
  • Click on enabled Scheduling button and follow the prompts.
• You can schedule your exam appointment up to 48 hours prior to the end of the exam window.

Live remote proctoring (LRP) is an available option through our vendor, PSI Exams. PSI has set up a seamless process for online scheduling and equipment testing, so you can take your exam safely and securely from home or another secure location.

While LRP is a convenient option, not everyone may meet the technical requirements to test at home. Approved, extended time is the only exam accommodation that can be administered in a LRP exam.

If you try to launch your exam on test day and have not met the following requirements,

1. you will not be able to test.
2. you will not be able to reschedule.
3. you will forfeit your exam application fee.

Live Remote Proctored (LRP) Requirements prior to and at exam time:

• Hardware compatibility – PC /MAC only (iPad, Chromebook and other tablets will NOT work).
• Operating System – Windows 7 and higher and MAC 10
• Browser – Google Chrome 58.0 or higher. This is the only browser supported. Learn how to determine your browser version.
• Other Requirements
  • Web cam
  • Microphone
  • Speakers
  • Stable Broadband internet connection (500 Kbits per second or higher). Test your speed.
• Allowable Materials: Mini Whiteboard, dry erase marker, and eraser.
• You MUST do a system check prior to your scheduled exam
  • The system check will not assess your operating system. Be sure your computer meets the requirements outlined above for Hardware Compatibility, Operating System and Browser.
• Room scan – 360-degree scan of your testing environment and your work area.
• If you experience problems during your exams, any of the following may be required:
  • another room scan
  • showing your ID
  • contacting PSI technical and/or customer support at 833.518.7459.
  • PSI may need to access your computer remotely to help resolve any technical issues.

When you’re ready, simply log into your MyAAVSB account, and select Remote Online Proctored Exam when scheduling your exam through PSI.

Informational Video