Changes to the application process for the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE®) will go into effect for those planning to apply to the December 15, 2024 – February 15, 2025 application window. A summary of the initial changes is below, including a timeline and where you can find additional information.

The AAVSB owns and administers the VTNE, but we do not credential veterinary technicians. For specific credential information, contact your state or provincial agency.

Eligibility Pathways

In most jurisdictions, you must graduate from an accredited veterinary technician education program to be eligible to take the VTNE.

However, in some U.S. states (Alaska, Montana, Utah, and Wisconsin) you can be considered eligible to take the VTNE if you meet on-the-job training requirements.

Other jurisdictions allow you to take the VTNE based on a third pathway that requires neither on-the-job training nor graduation from an accredited veterinary technician program.

Review the path that represents your situation and jurisdiction to understand the process. The AAVSB will determine your eligibility based on your jurisdiction’s requirements.

AVMA-CVTEA-Accredited Program Graduate

If you’re graduating before January 1, 2025:

• Your school must send a transcript directly to the AAVSB to verify your education.
• See the Transcript Requirements page for details on instructing your school to send your transcript.

If you’re graduating after January 1, 2025:

• Your school’s Program Director will validate your eligibility 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. We will have a list of participating programs beginning November 15, 2024.

On-the-Job Training (OJT)

• Fill out and submit an OJT form for your jurisdiction (Alaska, Montana, Utah, or Wisconsin).
• 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.

Limited Transferability

If you take the VTNE in a jurisdiction that accepts the OJT path, you may be limited in the jurisdictions you may work in once you obtain licensure. Make sure you’re familiar with your jurisdiction’s requirements and understand you may have to take the VTNE again using a different pathway should you attempt to transfer your licensure to another jurisdiction that does not recognize OJT.

Alternate Pathway

Includes non-OJT and 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 and complete a 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 visit your regulatory board’s website.

Limited Transferability

Taking the VTNE using on-the-job training or an alternate pathway will limit the jurisdictions in which you may work. In the future, if you want to get licensed in a jurisdiction that does not recognize OJT or alternate paths, you may be required to take and pass the VTNE again.