About Your PAVE® Application
Application Submission Guidelines
First
To ensure you’re eligible to take the QSE, verify that your school is recognized by the program and confirm the exam date you wish to take. It’s important to check these details early, as knowing the correct exam date will help you determine the submission deadline for your application.
How to Verify Your School & Choose Your Exam Date
Verify your School
The AVMA-ECFVG must list your veterinary school in their Directory of Veterinary Colleges before you apply for the program.
- Email PAVE for more information if your school is not listed.
Next, Review the Exam Dates
Submit your application during the designated window listed in the chart below.
2025-2026 Qualifying Science Examination Dates
Second
Submit your QSE application by following the outlined process, reviewing the associated fees, and including all required information.
How to Submit Your Application
What you need to know
- The first and last name on the PAVE application must match the first and last name of your government issued, unexpired, photo ID with signature, that you will use on exam day. Email PAVE if this is a concern.
- As part of your application, we’ll create a MyAAVSB account for you and tell you how to sign in.
| Initial Fees | |
| PAVE Application Fee | $390 USD |
| Qualifying Science Examination Fee | $1,550 USD |
Due to a high volume of applicants, please expect a waiting period for acceptance into an Evaluated Clinical Experience (ECE). Please understand paying associated fees and passing the Qualifying Science Exam (QSE) does not guarantee placement in an ECE.
Third
Review the following section to learn how to verify your English proficiency for the QSE. There are three options to choose from, be sure to review the requirements for your chosen option to ensure your submission is complete.
How to Verify Your English Proficiency
English Proficiency Verification Options:
Option 1: TOEFL iBT® or iBT TOEFL Home Edition
(Test of English as a Foreign Language)
You must achieve at least the following scores in each section:
| Reading | 18 |
| Listening | 26 |
| Speaking | 26 |
| Writing | 20 |
| Overall Score | No Minimum |
- Valid for two years after test date.
- English proficiency scores must be valid at the time you sit for the QSE.
- Scores from multiple score reports cannot be combined. There are no exceptions to this policy.
- You must achieve all section requirements within one exam.
- Include the AAVSB’s Institution Code, 8216, on the TOEFL exam forms to ensure scores are sent directly to the AAVSB office. Then, notify PAVE Staff.
Option 2: IELTS Academic Examination
(International English Language Testing System)
You must achieve at least the following scores in each section:
| Reading | 6.0 |
| Listening | 6.5 |
| Speaking | 7.0 |
| Writing | 6.0 |
| Overall Score | 6.5 |
- Can be performed in person or online.
- Valid for two years after test date.
- English proficiency scores must be valid at the time you sit for the QSE.
- Scores from multiple score reports cannot be combined. There are no exceptions to this policy.
- You must achieve all section requirements within one exam.
- You must send the Test Report Form Number via email. It can be found on the bottom right corner off your Test Report Form.
Option 3: Alternative to the English Proficiency Examinations
Provide proof of attending at least three years at a secondary high school or graduating from a professional veterinary school where English was the primary language of instruction.
You will need:
An official letter, with the school’s letterhead, sent directly by the school that lists:
- The dates of attendance.
- The complete language of instruction was in English.
Plus, one of the below options:
Option A.
A certified or notarized copy of your final diploma or transcript.
OR
Option B.
If you were homeschooled for all or part of your high school education (grades 9-12):
A letter submitted by a school district official that had oversight over your curriculum, confirming English was the complete language of instruction.
Fourth
Submit all required documents, including additional information relevant to your situation. Follow the instructions below carefully to ensure we receive and process your materials accurately.
How to Send Your Documentation
General Information:
When you begin:
Submit your application before you start sending in documents.
Non-English Documents, Seals, and/or Stamps Instructions:
- Documents not in English, including seals or stamps, must be translated and certified by a professional translation service.
- The professional translation service must submit the original documents, in addition to the certified translations, to PAVE.
Documents can be sent:
- During or after your chosen online application window, but must be received a minimum of two weeks before your chosen exam date.
- Separately or all together.
- Via email or mail, directly sent from the institution to the AAVSB.
- Email to: PAVE
- Mail to:
PAVE Program
12101 W 110th St, Suite 300
Overland Park, KS 66210
United States
Required Documents:
English Proficiency Information
- Scores sent directly by the administers of TOEFL / IELTS; or
- Documentation sent directly by the school.
Veterinary School Information:
If you have graduated, please submit:
- Official proof of your veterinary degree or qualification (diploma).
- Official final veterinary transcripts.
If you are currently enrolled, please submit:
- A letter from the Dean or Principal indicating:
- Academic standing,
- Anticipated date of your graduation,
- Verifying you have completed 50% of the program.
- An unofficial transcript or grade report detailing courses and grades.
Have you changed your name?
If your name is different from your passport or birth certificate, you are required to submit a notarized copy of your:
- marriage license; or
- divorce decree; or
- name-change document.