The International Council for Veterinary Assessment (ICVA®) created and administers the Species Specific Examinations at the request of the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). The exams are for use by licensing boards to evaluate a veterinarian’s knowledge of Companion Animal Medicine or Equine Medicine.
See the Species Specific Candidate Bulletin for more information on the exam, including sample items.
Accessing the Species Specific Exams
The Species Specific Exams may be requested only by a state or territorial licensing board for licensing-related purposes, as determined by the board. Licensing boards may use the results in disciplinary cases, or to assess a veterinarian’s competency if previously licensed elsewhere and now applying in a new state or province. The price of each exam is $400 (USD) per form, ordered directly through the ICVA.
NOTE: Once your board has arranged an exam, candidate and proctor details, testing logistics, and fee payment are handled through the Species Specific Exams Payment page. Check the Blockout Date Calendar for currently available testing dates — dates that are grayed out are unavailable for scheduling.
Familiarize Yourself with the Exam Structure
The Species Specific Exam includes 100 multiple-choice questions, similar to those on the NAVLE®. Two forms of each examination are available, each with a passing standard recommended by ICVA.
Format
100 multiple-choice questions present a statement or question that requires one answer from the options.
Some responses may be partially correct — choose the most accurate.
Administration
120 Minutes (2 Hours)
The exam is web-based and can be taken on the candidate’s computer, with the proctor monitoring progress.
Proctoring may be conducted in person at the licensing board office, or remotely via camera software such as Teams or Zoom.
Scoring
ICVA scores the examination and reports the score to the licensing agency, including the number and percentage of correct answers.
The licensing agency shares scores with candidates.
Each exam has an ICVA-recommended minimum passing score.
Item and Test Development Procedures
Multiple-choice items for the Species Specific Examinations were written and reviewed by veterinarians under the guidance of professional testing specialists. The ICVA convened test development committees of veterinarians representing companion animal and equine practice areas to develop these examinations. These committees conducted a rigorous review based on the test content outlines, ensuring the highest standards of fairness and accuracy, and made updates as necessary. After a final editorial review, the examinations were prepared for administration by licensing agencies.
How Boards Can Use These Exams
- To support disciplinary cases.
- To determine a veterinarian’s competency when previously licensed in another jurisdiction and now seeking licensure in your state or province.
- For other licensure-related purposes at the board’s discretion.
For Candidates
If your licensing board has arranged a Species Specific Examination for you, review the Species Specific Candidate Bulletin to prepare, and contact your licensing board directly with questions about your specific test administration logistics.