VTNE Eligibility Requirements
Most states and all provinces require that VTNE candidates must be graduates of a Veterinary Technology program accredited by the AVMA or the CVMA.
For a list of veterinary technology programs accredited in the United States, click here.
For a list of veterinary technology programs accredited in Canada, click here.
For contact information for any Board, click here: Boards and Agencies Directory.
Proof of Education
Candidates who apply through AAVSB for the VTNE must have transcripts on file with AAVSB or their state/province.
Official Final Transcript:
All transcripts must come directly from the school. The school may provide a transcript to you in a sealed envelope to be forwarded to AAVSB. We will not accept student copies or incomplete transcripts not showing receipt of degree. If the school has already sent us your transcript, you do not need to send us another one – if you are unsure, please contact us at vettech@aavsb.org or call 816.931.1504 ext 226.
All documents can be sent from the school to:
AAVSB
VTNE Program
380 W 22nd St, Suite 101
Kansas City, MO 64108
Fax: 816.931.1604
Email: vettech@aavsb.org
Taking the VTNE more than once
Candidates are allowed to take the VTNE a total of 5 times (since January 1, 2006). If you wish to take the exam after a fifth time, you must apply to the AAVSB Board of Directors for approval.
The board will want to know 2 things from you:
- Does the licensing board or certifying agency (such as the Veterinary Medical Board or Veterinary Technician Association) in your state agree that you would not be prohibited from being licensed or certified if you do pass the V TNE after more than 5 attempts? If so, please have them send a letter on your behalf to our office, addressed to the VTNE program.
- What have you done to become better prepared to take the exam? You can send us records of test preparatory classes, a letter from someone who has assisted in tutoring or review or your own explanation in a letter.
You may apply to take the VTNE in the usual way for your state and send your state letter and your explanation of additional preparation to AAVSB, attention Cate Daniels by the deadline for the examination. You will be notified of the decision approximately one month before the examination date.
If the Board is unable to approve your repeat testing request, AAVSB will refund your fee paid for that examination’s administration less a $25.00 processing fee. You can find the full Test Retake Policy in our FAQs
Special Accommodations
If you require special accommodations for the examination, please print and complete the application below; mail or fax to AAVSB no later than the application deadline.
ADA Accommodations Request Form (pdf)
International education, advanced degree or on the job training
While most jurisdictions require candidates to be graduates of an AVMA or CVMA Veterinary Technology accredited program, some will allow alternative pathways. Please visit the Boards and Agencies directory to find links to your state or province web pages and contact information.
Veterinarian
Some states do allow candidates with a Veterinary Education to take the VTNE and become licensed as Veterinary Technicians. Please use the Boards and Agencies directory to find contact information for your state or province.
*Please check back for news about the summer 2010 VTNE after April 1, 2010*