Take the Qualifying Science Examination (QSE®)
About the Qualifying Science Exam
The Qualifying Science Examination (QSE) was specifically designed and developed for the PAVE® Program and is a required step for all PAVE candidates. It assesses foundational science and pre-clinical knowledge typically covered during the first three years of accredited veterinary school curricula. This exam is offered three times a year—in January, May, and September. The AAVSB partners with PSI to provide examination development and administration services.
Review the QSE Resources & Content Outline
Before looking any further, download and review the QSE Candidate Handbook entirely.
The QSE does not categorize its content outline by animal species or veterinary practice roles. It covers all species a veterinarian may encounter in North American clinical practice and includes 200 multiple-choice operational questions, and 25 multiple-choice pilot questions formed by the test specifications. All 225 questions are given in a single 220-minute session.
Qualifying Science Exam (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% |
Application Status
You will receive an email once we approve your application and will also have the option to check on your application status through your MyAAVSB portal. If approved, the Scheduling button will be enabled and green.
Scheduling Your Exam
To take the QSE, you must schedule your exam appointment through PSI. You can do this up to 48 hours before the exam window closes.
- Log in to your MyAAVSB portal to access the PSI scheduling platform.
- Click into your Active QSE Application box.
- Once the Scheduling button is enabled, click it to access PSI and follow their prompts.
- Create a PSI login to schedule your exam.
- Note: Have your VIVA ID ready.
- During this process your will need to choose between a PSI In-Person Test Center or a Live Remote Proctored (LRP) Exam. Download and review the Live Report Proctored Guide for all requirements before making your choice.
- After you have successfully scheduled your exam appointment, you will receive confirmation through PSI.
Rescheduling Your Exam
Changes can be made to your selected time and location through your PSI portal.
Time Reschedules:
You may change your time and location for your LRP or Test Center exam as many times as you need to, at no additional charge.
- All changes must be completed at least 48 hours before your scheduled exam.
Date Reschedules:
In order to change the date of your exam, you must cancel your scheduled exam appointment by using the Schedule link on your MyAAVSB portal to re-enter the PSI scheduling site.
- You may be eligible for a partial refund. Refer to the QSE Candidate Handbook for information on canceling a scheduled exam appointment.
- Email PAVE if you have canceled an exam and think you are eligible for a partial refund.
Accessing Your Score Report
PSI will automatically generate and email your individual score report approximately 4-6 weeks after you take the exam. We will post your official score report to your MyAAVSB portal within the same timeframe. You will have access to view and print your score report for one year, which will include your score and a pass/fail designation.
Retaking the QSE
Refer to the PAVE Standards & Policies and the QSE Retake Guidelines before you apply to retake the QSE.
- Retake Fee is $1,550 USD.
- If you need to retake the QSE, you will have 5 business days from the date we email your results to apply, regardless of the posted application deadline.
- Email PAVE with any address or email changes, so you receive communication in a timely manner.
Exam Security
Help protect the integrity of the QSE by reporting security concerns or suspected misconduct. Reporting is in your best interest and it’s an obligation you agree to uphold as part of the QSE Candidate Handbook.
For any concerns, no matter how minor, email the Exam Security Tip Line. Information you share will remain confidential, and the AAVSB will not disclose your identity unless required to by law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I Eligible for Live Remote Proctoring (LRP)?
All candidates who meet the AAVSB’s eligibility requirements may choose live remote proctoring (LRP). LRP exams are by appointment only.
To test with LRP, you must meet technological requirements to ensure uninterrupted testing. Requirements include a strong Wi-Fi connection, a PC or Desktop computer, hardware requirements (see below for requirements), and a quiet, private testing environment.
Where do I take the exam?
Choose a calm, quiet area in your home that you can ideally close off from distractions and other people.
- Do not permit children, pets, or spouses in the testing area.
- Be sure your testing location is free from excess noise and distractions.
- Avoid public places like coffee shops or libraries, as well as workplace offices (as some may have firewalls that prohibit online testing).
You can schedule LRP exams virtually any day or time, depending on proctor availability and U.S. holiday closures.
How do I schedule a Live Remote Proctored (LRP) Exam?
Ensure your contact information is correct in your MyAAVSB portal. If you need any contact information updated, please email [email protected].
Once you have received your eligibility/scheduling email:
- Click on Schedule Exam button on your MyAAVSB portal homepage, which will redirect you to PSI’s website.
- Create a login with PSI to access their scheduling portal. You will need your Candidate ID.
- Click on the Schedule button next to the applicable exam to select your live remote proctored exam date and time.
To schedule by phone:
- Contact PSI customer service at 1.833.256.1419
After you schedule your exam, PSI will send a confirmation email listing your exam date and time.
What if I need to reschedule my exam?
You may reschedule your live remote proctored exam as many times as you need if you are within your exam authorization window AND at least 48 hours prior to your currently scheduled exam.
You must log in to your MyAAVSB portal and click Reschedule My Exam for more information. You will then need to log in to your PSI portal where you will be able to reschedule to a different date and time. You will receive a new confirmation email from PSI, listing your new date and time.
If I’m already scheduled for an In-Person exam, can I switch to a Live Remote Proctored (LRP) exam?
Yes, go to your MyAAVSB portal and click “Reschedule My Exam” for more information. You will need to login to your PSI portal to cancel your currently scheduled exam and reschedule your exam to Live Remote Proctoring. Then, you will receive a new confirmation email from PSI, listing your new date and time.
How do I prepare for my Live Remote Proctored (LRP) exam?
Please perform a final compatibility check 72 hours before your scheduled exam time. You will receive a reminder email three days before your exam, providing the information and steps you need for online check-in.
Familiarize yourself with the instructions and contact us with any questions you may have. Prepare your testing space before the exam. Eat well, get adequate rest and plan time to unwind after the exam.
What can I expect on the day of the exam?
Collect the items you will need for the exam, including an unexpired, government-issued photo ID that matches the first and last name you used on your PAVE online application.
You may NOT have common office items in your testing space, including binders, reference materials and books, cell phones and chargers, sticky notes, plants, eyeglass cases or food. You may have a charger connected to your laptop for the duration of the exam.
NOTE: If you wear a religious head covering, you will need to notify PSI before scheduling your exam and request an accommodation to wear it while testing.
PSI Candidate Services for Special Accommodations – 800.367.1565 x6750, [email protected]
Before you begin your QSE, either at a test center or via LRP, you must confirm the name of the exam you are taking and agree to the PSI and AAVSB-QSE Exam Rules and Regulations regarding exam confidentiality.
Total seat time for the exam is 220 minutes. The timer begins counting when your exam begins.
What is the process to start the exam?
We recommend you log into your PSI portal at least 30 minutes before the start time of your exam. This will give you adequate time to complete the necessary sign-in procedures. Note that you cannot launch the exam until 15 minutes before the scheduled start time, and it will not begin until your online proctor logs in.
NOTE: If your proctor is late, please wait 5-15 minutes before contacting PSI.
Before the proctor can launch your exam, you must do the following:
- Download the Secure Browser (if not already done)
- Complete a system check of your computer microphone and web-camera
- Complete a 360-degree scan of your testing environment and your work area. This may require you to lift your laptop or PC if your webcam is not detachable.
- Submit a valid, correct form of ID
- Have your photograph taken*
* You must agree to have your photograph taken as part of the admission procedure. If you do not agree, you will not be admitted to the exam
What happens if an infraction occurs?
The PAVE administration is heavily monitored and many restrictions have been put in place while taking the exam to ensure the integrity of the exam is upheld, similar to a testing center experience.
Please review this list of major and minor infractions prior to taking your exam. Candidates can make up to three minor infractions or one major infraction before the live remote proctor will end the exam.
No refunds will be issued due to exam infractions.
If your exam is ended due to infractions, you will need to wait until the next PAVE online application window opens, before submitting a new exam application.
Can I take a break?
You may take a break whenever you wish as long as you inform the proctor, however, your timer continues. Your exam is NOT paused during a break. During any break, you are not permitted to access personal items other than medication required at a specific time (unless you receive prior permission).
When will I receive my score?
Your individual score report will be auto-generated by PSI immediately upon completion of your PAVE and emailed to you. Additionally, your individual score report will be posted on your MyAAVSB portal approximately 6 weeks after your exam.
What type of technical requirements do I need to meet?
Before your equipment is tested by PSI, please ensure you have:
- Microphone: enabled built-in or external microphone
- Bandwidth: minimum connection speed of at least 500K bits per second
- Operating systems: Windows 7.0, 8.0, 8.1, 10.0; Macintosh 10 or Linux (Chrome Extension) NOTE: To have a more seamless process for taking the exam online, it is highly recommended to NOT use a Mac laptop or computer with the Catalina operation system for this exam. iPads, Chromebooks, and other tablet devices are not supported by PSI’s exam proctoring system.
- Web browser: Google Chrome 58.0 and above
- Javascript and Cookies Enabled
- Webcam:
- NOTE: if you use your computer’s built-in webcam, you will need to pick it up and move it around the room during the environment scan.
- Microphone: enabled built-in or external microphone
When should I test my equipment?
- Test your laptop and Wi-Fi connection before scheduling your exam.
- Once scheduled, retest your connection at least 72 hours before your exam to ensure everything works correctly.
- Perform your compatibility check here.
What do I do if I don’t pass the compatibility check?
- If you are using your work computer, please notify your IT department to review any security and privacy settings/restrictions in place; you may need to seek permission to lift or relax these settings in order to take your PAVE online.
- Please contact PSI Technical Support if you or your IT department have any questions about your compatibility test results.
- If you’re using your personal computer, contact PSI Customer Service for technical support at 833.518.7459.
- Note that exam purchases are nonrefundable. If your computer is unable to support taking the LRP exam, you will need to take the exam at a physical PSI location. Exams must be rescheduled 48 hours prior to the currently scheduled date.
What if I experience technical difficulties during the exam?
If you have completed a successful compatibility check, technical issues are unlikely, but not impossible. Sluggish or overloaded Wi-Fi is the most common problem. If you experience an issue, make an attempt to inform your proctor via live chat. If you are unable to connect, contact PSI Customer Service on that day. Their staff will be able to analyze your issue and set up a new testing time, free of charge. If you wait until the following day, contact the AAVSB.