FAQ

Please visit our page that gives more information regarding the ICVA Assessment Grant process.

The ICVA processes the NAVLE approvals for 38 licensing boards.  In order to be approved to take the NAVLE you must be a:

SENIOR STUDENT:  A number of the AVMA accredited schools provide a senior class roster to ICVA as verification of eligibility to take the NAVLE.  Please reach out to your school registrar to confirm whether your school provides a roster to ICVA for NAVLE approval.  No additional verification is necessary for NAVLE application approval.      

Senior Students from AVMA accredited schools that do not provide a senior class roster will need to contact their school registrar and request that a letter verifying their anticipated date of graduation be emailed to ICVA  before the application deadline (August 1, for the Fall testing window and February 1, for the Spring testing window). The document MUST be sent directly from the school.    

Please check the NAVLE Candidate Bulletin for further information.

GRADUATE:  Graduates from AVMA accredited schools must provide verification of graduation.  ICVA must receive the verification by the NAVLE application deadline (August 1, for the Fall testing window and February 1, for the Spring testing window).  Verification must be one of the following ways:

1.   Letter emailed to ICVA  directly from your school verifying the date of graduation.

2.   An official transcript ordered from your school to be electronically delivered to ICVA.

3.   Certified copy of your transcripts or diploma mailed by US Postal Service to ICVA, PO Box 1356, Bismarck, ND  58502  

STUDENT FROM AN AVMA NON-ACCREDITED SCHOOL:

The first step for you would be to enroll in an educational equivalency program such as ECFVG or PAVE.

If you have additional questions they can be reached at ecfvg@avma.org OR pave@aavsb.org

To be eligible you must have completed the first 3 steps of either program.  You can find general information about the test here on our website.

If you were not able to fill out a state application, please reach out to eligibility@icva.net.

ICVAID:  was included in the email you received from ICVA indicating we received your NAVLE application.

Access Code: your access code was included in the email you received from ICVA  indicating we received your NAVLE application. If you need a new access code you can get one here.

You need to be enrolled in an educational equivalency program such as ECFVG or PAVE if you are a student at or a graduate from a veterinary school NOT accredited by the AVMA.  Locate AVMA accredited veterinary schools here.

For information on ECFVG, you can look here on their website:  AVMA-ECFVG 

If you have other questions after that, you can e-mail them at ecfvg@avma.org

For information on PAVE, you can look here on their website:  AAVSB-PAVE

If you have other questions after that, you can e-mail them at pave@aavsb.org

Once you complete the first three steps of either the ECFVG or PAVE program, you would be eligible to apply for the NAVLE. 

The only state boards that require NAVLE candidates to have completed all four steps of ECFVG prior to NAVLE approval are California, New Mexico, and Delaware.  All other states will approve for the NAVLE after completion of the Step 3 examination (BCSE).

You will need to complete the NAVLE online application on our website.  Please make sure to indicate the Florida board as your agency for application, and please make sure to mark your exile status. For the documentation, please send your affidavit (either the original or a notarized copy) to our office at ICVA, Attn: Laurie Holverson, PO Box 1356, Bismarck, ND 58502.

Please note, the upcoming changes to the NAVLE retake policy (effective with the November-December 2024 testing window) do not change the approval process for NAVLE candidates who are applying as a Cuban/Venezuelan in Exile, except that there is no longer a five-year time limit between the first and fifth attempts.  Information on the upcoming NAVLE retake policy can be found here on the website.

You must notify ICVA in writing via e-mail so your ICVA NAVLE application can be updated with the correct licensing board information. You must also submit the required NAVLE state application and documentation to the state/territorial licensing board through which you are seeking NAVLE approval (or to their designated processor) before their application receipt deadline.

The NAVLE fee for the upcoming 2023-2024 testing cycle is $740, in USD. There is an additional international testing fee of $355 for individuals who want to test outside of the United States, Canada, or the US Territories.  If you are applying through a state licensing board that ICVA does not process, be sure to contact your state licensing board as fee(s) may be different.  State fees for the 38 states ICVA processes are $55.

No. The NAVLE application fee is non-refundable.

No, if you are enrolled in the ECFVG program, you must have passed the BCSE before you can apply for the NAVLE. If you are enrolled in PAVE, you must have passed the QSE before you can apply for the NAVLE.

The consent statement only applies to NAVLE candidates who are senior students at AVMA-accredited veterinary schools. If you grant consent, you are authorizing the ICVA to provide a copy of your score report to the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at your veterinary school (or his/her designee). Score reports for consenting students will be sent to veterinary schools after scores are reported to licensing boards and candidates. Schools are required to keep this information confidential; the information will not be made a part of your academic record and your decision whether to release your score will not affect your student status. You are under no obligation to agree to the consent statement, and if consent is not granted, your score information will not be reported to your school. Once the testing window has opened, you cannot change your consent status.

All candidates, regardless of whether they have applied for and taken the examination previously, must apply for the NAVLE by completing the ICVA NAVLE application and be approved by a state licensing board to take the NAVLE again.

All candidates must be senior students at or graduates of AVMA-accredited schools or colleges of veterinary medicine, or candidates enrolled in or who hold certificates issued by the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) program or the Program for the Assessment of Veterinary Education Equivalence (PAVE). ECFVG and PAVE candidates must have passed the step 3 examination of their respective program before the application deadline to be eligible for the NAVLE.

To be eligible to apply for the NAVLE, the ICVA requires that veterinary students must have an expected graduation date no later than 10 months from the last date of the applicable testing window. Some state licensing boards have other requirements. Please select the licensing board for your intended state of licensure to see those requirements

Canadian Applicants: Contact the Canadian National Examining Board (NEB) in Ottawa for application instructions, and you will submit your application materials and fees directly to the NEB by their deadline.

United States Applicants: If you are applying through one of the 38 states that ICVA processes the state application on behalf of the state/territorial licensing board, you will complete the online combined application.

NAVLE application: submitted online via our website.

NAVLE state/territorial licensing board application:  For more information, please visit the State and Provincial Licensing Boards page.

No. You should apply through the state board where you intend to apply for licensure to practice veterinary medicine. The board through which you were approved to take NAVLE will receive a copy of your NAVLE Score Report when scores are reported.

The ICVA NAVLE application can be submitted at any time during the application period.

Our office processes state NAVLE applications and approves candidates on behalf of 38 states. For these states, we have made available the on-line NAVLE application. If you are applying through one of these state boards you, will submit your combined ICVA NAVLE application and state/territorial application at one time. Click here for additional information on the state NAVLE State application procedures.

All candidates are encouraged to submit both their NAVLE application and complete their state/territorial application early, to allow time to resolve any application issues before the deadline.

Please go to ICVA State Application, scroll down to the bottom of the page and choose your state you are seeking approval from in orange to complete the state application and pay the appropriate fee.  This will need to be completed by the August 1 application deadline for the November December testing window, OR the February 1 deadline for the April testing window.   Please contact ICVA if you are unable to complete the State application process.

November-December Testing Window: August 1

April Testing Window: February 1

No exceptions.

Applications will not be accepted after deadline. Individuals who miss the deadline will need to wait to apply for the subsequent testing window.

Some state licensing boards’ NAVLE application deadlines are earlier.  You should contact your chosen board (or its designated NAVLE processor) to determine their exact application requirements and deadline dates.

The NAVLE is offered at select Prometric Testing Centers worldwide. When completing the NAVLE application, you must indicate the country/region where you will take the examination. Once you have applied, there is a fee to change your testing region. Additional information on testing locations can be found on the Prometric website. There are additional fees associated with testing outside the US, Canada, and US territories.

You must notify ICVA in writing via e-mail so your ICVA NAVLE application can be updated with the correct licensing board information. You must also submit the required NAVLE state application and documentation to the state/territorial licensing board through which you are seeking NAVLE approval (or to their designated processor) before their application receipt deadline.

The ICVA processes the NAVLE  approvals for 38 licensing boards.  The 38 boards that have ICVA process NAVLE approvals on their behalf are:  Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusettes Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, and Wisconsin.  

NAVLE eligibility documents required for NAVLE application approval through any of the 37 boards processed by ICVA:

SENIOR STUDENTS:  A number of the AVMA Accredited Schools provide a senior class roster to ICVA as verification of eligibility to take the NAVLE.  Please reach out to YOUR school registrar to confirm whether your school provides a roster to ICVA for NAVLE approval. No additional verification paperwork is necessary for NAVLE application approval.      

Senior Students from AVMA accredited schools that do not provide a senior class roster will need to contact their school registrar and request that a letter verifying their anticipated date of graduation be EMAILED to ICVA  before the application deadline (August 1, 2023 for the Fall 2023 testing window and February 1, 2024 for the Spring 2024 testing window). The document MUST be sent directly from the school.    

The NAVLE Bulletin of Information states you must be within 8 months (for Nebraska) or 10 months (for all other states) of graduation during the testing window when you take the examination.

GRADUATES:  Graduates from AVMA Accredited Schools must provide verification of graduation.  ICVA must receive the verification by the NAVLE application deadline (August 1, 2023 for the Fall 2023 testing window and February 1, 2024 for the Spring 2024 testing window).  Verification must be one of the following documents:

1.   Letter emailed to ICVA directly from your school verifying the date of graduation.

2.   An official transcript ordered from your school to be electronically delivered to ICVA.

3.   Certified copy of your transcripts or diploma mailed by US Postal Service to ICVA, PO Box 1356, Bismarck, ND  58502   

For questions regarding the NAVLE application process or veterinary licensure in Canada, please contact the Canadian National Examining Board.

When you apply to take the NAVLE, the application asks if you have EVER taken the VEA or the NAVLE before.  If you have, select "YES", and the system will find your ICVAID associated with those exams.  If you have not, select "NO" and you will assigned a new ICVAID. 

Your ICVAID will then be emailed to you (to your email address on file), and you will need your ICVAID to access your NAVLE Candidate Dashboard, your Scheduling and Admission Permit, and your scores when they are released. 

Your first and last names on your NAVLE Scheduling and Admission Permit and your first and last names as listed on the non-expired, government-issued, signed, photo identification (the ID you plan to use for entrance into the testing center) need to match exactly.  If there is the presence of a middle name, middle initial or suffix on one document and its absence on the other, that is an acceptable difference.  If it is the full middle name on one document and the corresponding middle initial on the other document, this is also an acceptable difference.

Irregular behavior is defined as any behavior that undermines the application, assessment, or certification processes of the ICVA or that threatens the integrity of the NAVLE. Irregular behavior may occur prior to, during, and/or following examination application and administration. Specific examples of conduct that may be deemed to be irregular behavior include, but are not limited to:

• any unauthorized reproduction by any means, including, but not limited to, reconstruction through memorization, and/or dissemination of copyrighted examination materials by any means, including the Internet.
• communicating or attempting to communicate about specific test items, cases, and/or answers with another examinee, potential examinee, or formal or informal test preparation group at any time before, during, or after an examination.

Anyone having information or evidence that suspected irregular behavior has occurred should email ICVA providing a detailed description of the incident. Please attach copies of any supporting documentation or evidence, if available.

Any finding of irregular behavior may constitute grounds for the NAVLE program to:

• Bar you from one or more future examinations or permanently
• Withhold current NAVLE scores or invalidate the results of your examination and any prior examinations
• Report irregular behavior to licensing agencies or AAVSB
• Sue you for damages and civil remedies
• Pursue prosecution of you for any conduct that constitutes a criminal or civil violation

The NAVLE consists of 360 multiple-choice questions; 300 questions count toward your score and sixty items are unscored pretest questions. Approximately 15%-20% of the items on the NAVLE include graphic or pictorial information relevant to the item (photograph, radiograph, drawing, chart, etc.).

The content covered on the examinations is based on the NAVLE Blueprint. The blueprint has two dimensions: competencies and animal species/diagnoses. You can also view the Competencies and the Species Diagnoses.

You will have a total of 7.5 hours of test time to complete the NAVLE. The structure of the examination administration is as follows:

*Break time is inclusive of time for lunch. Breaks are only permitted between blocks.

Breaks taken within a block are prohibited. If you do take a break during a block, the clock will not stop, and you will lose testing time. The proctor will also file an incident report that will be shared with the ICVA.

No. The NAVLE is administered as a “fixed form” where each candidate is presented with 360 test questions.

You may be required to make simple calculations to answer some questions on the NAVLE.  The test delivery driver for the NAVLE contains an on-screen calculator for candidates who would like to use it.

The software permits candidates to skip items or mark items for later review, within each block only. Once you move to the next block it will lock, you will not be able to go back and review or change your answers to items in a prior block.

The NAVLE is given during testing two testing windows annually:

• November 1 – December 16, 2023
• April: April 1-26, 2024

The NAVLE is given at testing centers operated by Prometric. There are about 300 centers in North America. Look for sites listed for the "International Council for Veterinary Assessment" and then select "NAVLE" or "NAVLF (French version)." The NAVLE is offered at Prometric centers in the US, Puerto Rico, Guam, the US Virgin Islands, and in Canada. The NAVLE is also offered at selected testing centers overseas, including sites in countries throughout Europe, Latin America, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, and also at Prometric testing centers in China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Thailand and Taiwan. Additional information on testing locations can be found on the Prometric website.

We assign each NAVLE candidate an ICVA identification number (ICVAID) to uniquely identify their candidate record. You will use your ICVAID for the following:

• When you correspond with our office
• To access the NAVLE Candidate Dashboard
• To access and download your NAVLE Scheduling and Admission Permit
• To retrieve your NAVLE score report
• To reapply for the NAVLE
• When you request a score transfer through the AAVSB to another licensing entity.

Your ICVAID should be kept confidential as you would your Social Security Number or your National Identification Number. Please do not share your ICVAID with anyone.

If you have a change of address, you must notify the ICVA in writing via email. You should also notify the licensing board through which you were approved to take the NAVLE (or their designated NAVLE application processor).

To reach the Veterinary Internship and Residency Matching Program, you can e-mail them at support@virmp.org.

If you believe that the administration of the examination or the examination conditions adversely affected your performance, for consideration, you must send a signed, written request to the ICVA for an investigation. Such requests must be received by the ICVA within 10 days of your test date. Indicate the date and location of the administration and describe the event in as much detail as possible. In addition to notifying the ICVA, you need to file a complaint with Prometric staff.

Each grievance filed with the ICVA will be evaluated. If your grievance cannot be substantiated through analysis, or if it is determined that your performance was not adversely affected, the score as reported will stand. However, if your complaint can be supported, appropriate corrective action will be taken.

ICVA has recommended to licensing boards that candidates not be approved to take the NAVLE more than five times, and that they not be allowed to sit for the examination at a date that is later than five years after their initial attempt.

This policy took effect beginning with the November–December 2007 NAVLE administration, and any attempts by a candidate to pass the NAVLE prior to that administration do not count toward the five-attempt limit.

Beginning with the November-December 2023 NAVLE administration, candidates are no longer required to have each of their final two attempts be at least one year from the previous attempts

Candidates will be permitted to take the NAVLE up to five times, including incomplete attempts.  An incomplete attempt is any attempt where a candidate initiates the NAVLE and responds to questions without completing the exam. 

Candidates may appeal to the ICVA Board of Directors for approval to take the NAVLE more than five times.

This NAVLE retake policy takes effect with the November-December 2024 administration.  Attempts made prior to this administration are counted toward the five-attempt limit.

Candidates may only take the NAVLE once during each testing window.  ICVA's policy states candidates will be permitted to take the NAVLE up to five times, including incomplete attempts.  An incomplete attempt is any attempt where a candidate initiates the NAVLE and responds to questions without completing the exam. 

Candidates may appeal to the ICVA Board of Directors for approval to take the NAVLE more than five times.

For the November-December 2023 and April 2024 NAVLE administrations, the current ICVA-recommended NAVLE retake policy is still in effect.  Therefore, if a candidate has more than five attempts, they can still be approved for the NAVLE if they are applying through one of the licensing board with no limits on the number of NAVLE attempts or the timing of the NAVLE retakes.  Information on the licensing boards and their NAVLE retake policies can be on the ICVA website.

If a candidate has failed the NAVLE five times and wants to take the test a sixth time, they will need to file an appeal with the ICVA.  Please note, approval of appeals is not guaranteed.  Candidates will be required to have a state licensing board support their appeal request as part of the process.  Candidates who want further information on the appeal process should contact the ICVA.

1. This NAVLE retake policy will apply to all candidates.

Beginning in November-December 2007, ICVA had a recommended NAVLE retake policy of five attempts per candidate, with all attempts taking place within five years of the first attempt and with a year between each of the last two attempts.  However, licensing boards were given the option to have their own NAVLE retake policy with their own limits, or to have no limits at all. 

With the new policy, the retake limits apply to all candidates.  If a candidate wants to be approved for a NAVLE attempt after they have failed five previous times, they go through an appeal process with the ICVA, which includes the candidate securing verification from a licensing board that they will accept the candidate’s NAVLE score if they pass the test on that attempt.

2. This NAVLE retake policy will include all previous attempts.

The ICVA-recommended NAVLE retake policy that began in 2007 did not include attempts completed prior to the November-December 2007 testing window.  The new policy includes all previous attempts in the five-attempt limit.

1. This NAVLE retake policy follows assessment best practices.

Limiting the number of test attempts by a candidate is a best practice for maintaining test security, since it reduces the exposure of test items.  Additionally, allowing the candidate to repeat the test multiple times may lead to the assessment providing less accurate information as to the candidate’s knowledge level.

2. This NAVLE retake policy aligns with the policy of the VTNE

The limit of five attempts and the appeal process for an additional attempt are both similar to the current retake policy for the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), providing more clarity for applicants and for licensing board personnel.

No. The ICVA recommends that you practice with the computer-based NAVLE tutorial before you take the actual examination, so that you are familiar with the computer interface and the question formats.

The content coverage of the NAVLE is outlined in the NAVLE blueprint that is the result of the NAVLE Practice Analysis. The questions on the NAVLE are based on both competencies required for entry-level practice and the diagnoses that entry-level veterinarian are expected to know.

NAVLE Competencies

NAVLE Species Diagnoses

Yes, there are some free select sample questions are available on our site.

Yes, the NAVLE Self-Assessments (NAVLE SA) can be purchased through our website. Click here to access more information about the NAVLE Self-Assessment.  All NAVLE Self Assessments follow the current blueprint of the current NAVLE.

Here are the study resources we have on our website for the NAVLE:

You can find information about the NAVLE blueprint here.

You can find the species and diagnoses covered on the NAVLE.

You can find competencies covered on the NAVLE.

You can find additional preparation resources for NAVLE here.

Find more information about the NAVLE SA here. There are 3 unique forms in English and 2 unique forms available in French.  You first need to create an account (under account center) before you purchase an assessment.  Your NAVLE SA account is totally separate from when you applied to take the NAVLE.   Only Visa and MasterCard are accepted as forms of payment. 

There are 2 types of NAVLE SA’s - regular and expanded feedback.

English Forms 1 and 3 and French form 1 are regular assessments and the fee is $50

English and French Forms 2 provide expanded feedback, and the fee is $65.  Meaning answers are provided for the questions answered incorrectly. 

NAVLE SA are the only preparation material that is composed of actual retired NAVLE items.  There are 200 multiple choice questions in 4 books of 50 questions each.  Once you finish a block, that block locks and you can no longer access that block. You can review questions while in an open block only.

Standard-Paced:  same timing used on the NAVLE. 

Self-Paced:  is for those who need extra testing time, or for those that will be requesting testing accommodations on their NAVLE.  This timing mode is double time of the standard paced timing mode. 

A score report is available immediately after completing a self-assessment, showing the percentage of items answered correctly for the total assessment and for each of the main topic areas. The report also indicates the performance of a comparison group of candidates on the same items.

The score report also includes a projected NAVLE score based on the participant's performance on the assessment.

Research has verified that the projected score range for examinees who take the NAVLE Self-Assessment under the standard-paced timing mode is predictive of later performance on the NAVLE.

The NAVLE Scheduling and Admission Permit is only issued to candidates who are approved to take NAVLE. Approved candidates will receive an e-mail message from the ICVA with instructions on how to access their permit on-line. You need to have your permit printed or have it available electronically on your smartphone to check-in at Prometric.

The Scheduling and Admission Permit is used to:

• schedule your testing appointment with Prometric.
• enter the testing center the day you take the NAVLE.

Click here for a sample Scheduling and Admission Permit.

• The Scheduling Number is used to schedule your testing appointment with Prometric.
• The Confirmation Number is provided to you by Prometric when you schedule your examination. You will need this number to confirm and/or reschedule your testing appointment. ICVA does not have access to this number.
• The Candidate Identification Number (CIN) is used to launch your examination on test day.

Once we have you approved both for the NAVLE AND for your accommodations, (if you have requested testing accommodations) we'll submit your file to our test vendor so they can process your permit. Once your permit is ready, you will receive an email from ICVA with instructions so you can access it on-line and then schedule your NAVLE appointment.

You should contact Prometric or call the phone number listed in Section 1 of your permit to schedule your examination as soon as possible after you are able access your Scheduling and Admission Permit.

You can take your NAVLE at any available testing center located within the testing region you selected when you submitted your ICVA NAVLE application. You do not have to take the NAVLE at a testing center located in the same state that approved you to take the examination.

No. We do not have access to your confirmation number

Yes, but any changes must be made by noon local time (for the region where you are taking the examination) at least two business days before your scheduled appointment. You can reschedule either on-line through Prometric’s website or by telephone by speaking with a Prometric representative. You will need to provide your Prometric confirmation number.

You will be considered a “late-cancellation or a no show” and you forfeit your eligibility for the testing window.  You will be required to pay Prometric a rescheduling (reset) fee if you would like to attempt to test during the testing window. The reset fee is non-refundable, and there is no guarantee a seat will be available after your eligibility has been reset.  This process is explained in Section 2 of your NAVLE Scheduling and Admission Permit.

Primary Identification must be a current, government-issued identification that contains your name, photograph, and signature. Examples Include:

• Driver’s license
• Passport
• National identity card
• State identification card

You will not be permitted to test if you arrive at the testing center without your Scheduling and Admission Permit. You will forfeit your eligibility and you will be required to follow the process for late cancellation /no shows as explained in Section 2 of your NAVLE Scheduling and Admission Permit.

Go to the ICVA page on the Prometric website click on LOCATE (rather than on RESCHEDULE/CANCEL) and you can see openings without entering your Prometric confirmation number for your current appointment.

If you are having trouble scheduling your NAVLE, go to Prometric and click on “schedule” on the left-hand side of the page.

• Please make sure you are only listing the scheduling number, with no hashtag in front of it.
• Make sure you are selecting the correct Testing Region listed on your Scheduling and Admission Permit.
• If you are not able to make your appointment in their website, then call the telephone number listed in Section 1 of your NAVLE Scheduling and Admission Permit to have a Prometric staff member assist you with making your appointment by phone.

To switch to testing in an international testing region, you will need to pay the international testing fee.  To make this payment, please go to ICVA’s payment page, complete the form, click on “NAVLE region change” for the reference identifier, and then pay $355 for the international testing fee.  Please email ICVA and let us know that the additional international testing fee has been paid, and we will make the change.  Your updated scheduling permit would then be available within a week to ten days.

If you need to change from an international testing location to the United States - the international fee will not be refunded, but you must contact our office so we can make the change in the system. 

Any changes in your testing region must be made at least 14 days prior to the start of the testing window.

The NAVLE fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. If you do not take the examination during the testing window for which you were approved, you must submit a new application and pay the full fee to take the NAVLE during a subsequent window. If there are extenuating circumstances that make it impossible for you to take the NAVLE once you have submitted your application and paid your fee, contact the ICVA office for guidance.  If you do not take the NAVLE, it does NOT count as an attempt.  If you decide to not take the test, we ask that you contact Prometric to cancel your appointment as a courtesy, so another examinee can make use of that opening.

Apply for the NAVLE using the name you think will be on your driver’s license (or passport) when you take your NAVLE.  There will be a place on the application that asks if you have been known by any other name, and that’s where you will put your other last name. 

If something happens and your driver’s license (or passport) will not have the last name you put on your application, you will need to e-mail at least two weeks before your scheduled appointment and let us know what name is on the photo ID so we can send a request to our test vendor to process an updated permit for you (don’t worry - your appointment will still stay in place).

After my NAVLE: 

Please be aware that a name change does not impact the NAVLE score report PDF.    If you’re thinking about future NAVLE score transfers to other boards, you should check with the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB).  They hold the score archive and handle all official score transfers.  You can e-mail AAVSB here.

1) go to the Prometric website

2) click on “schedule” on the lefthand side of the page. 

3) Use the nine-digit scheduling number from your NAVLE permit to enter the testing system. 

There is a small window of time this change can be made, however after your name has been sent to our test vendor, it is too late to make the change.  In that case, once you receive your score report you will do an official score transfer to the new licensing board through the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB).

Prometric website puts the first and middle name in one single field when it comes up in their scheduling system.  They say they cannot change that.  Your non-expired government issued photo ID needs to show all of the names and they need to be spelled correctly for there not to be an issue.

The score report contains your total test score, each content area sub-score, and your pass/fail designation. Please review the NAVLE Interactive Score Report here.

For the November - December testing window, scores are normally reported in mid-January, and for the April administration score are reported in mid-May.

NAVLE scores are expressed on a scale that ranges from 200 to 800, with the minimum passing score set at 425. The NAVLE uses criterion-referenced passing score and is not graded on a curve. This means that each candidate's performance is measured against a set standard, rather than the performance of other candidates. For additional information refer to the Scoring and Score Reports section of the NAVLE Bulletin of Information.

The minimum passing standard is set through an activity known as a standard setting exercise. A standard setting exercise is conducted on a periodic basis to establish the minimum level of proficiency required for entry-level private clinical practice. The standard setting process ensures that valid and fair decisions are being made based on candidates’ scores

The NAVLE process is consistent with other national high-stakes examinations for health professions and follows the industry standard best practices in determining minimum passing standard.

For additional information on the standard setting process, click here.

For additional information on the scoring process, click here

No. The NAVLE is scored after the close of each testing window. Scores are reported to licensing boards and to candidates approximately 4-5 weeks after the close of each testing window.

Your initial score report is reported to you and to the licensing board through which you were approved to take the NAVLE. If you need your score reported to additional boards, you must submit a score transfer request through the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB).  Expect 7-14 business days for your NAVLE score transfer request to be complete.

Yes, all NAVLE candidates can access their NAVLE Score report by logging into the ICVA NAVLE Score Portal after NAVLE results have been released to boards. An email will be sent to all NAVLE candidates with instructions on how to access their NAVLE score report.

We do not process score transfers. Licensing boards will require an official score report, which can be requested through the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). A score transfer request can be submitted through the AAVSB website.

No. ICVA uses a highly rigorous process to ensure the accuracy of scores before they are reported, including a parallel scoring method involving independent scoring systems.

Your NAVLE score will be available to access for approximately 6 months after the initial posting date.  Please login to the NAVLE Score Portal enter your ICVAID and DOB (mm/dd/yyyy) and select the ‘Print Score Report’ link. Your exam results will open in a new browser window. Use your browser’s ‘Print’ function to print the report.

Please make sure that you've watched this video with tips on how to proceed after finding out that you did not pass the NAVLE. Review your NAVLE score report(s). This is HUGE. The 'big four' species on the NAVLE are dogs, cats, horses, and cows. If you are below average in one or more of those species, you will have a hard time passing the NAVLE. That should be your BIG focus for your next round of NAVLE Prep.  Make sure to check out the other videos on our  YouTube channel about NAVLE prep resources we provide, especially our Species and Diagnoses NAVLE list. If it's on the NAVLE, it's on that list!! It should be the absolute foundation of your preparation.

Individual NAVLE score reports are posted on-line for approximately six months after release.  Candidates should download a copy of their NAVLE score report for their personal records at that time and save it.  If a copy of an individual NAVLE score report is needed after it is no longer posted, candidates can order a duplicate score report.

If you are a candidate with a documented disability covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and require test accommodations, please indicate so on your NAVLE application

You must check the box on your initial application form to indicate that you intend to seek accommodations for the applicable testing window. If you apply without indicating the need for accommodations and receive a permit for standard format testing, you will not be permitted to seek accommodations for the testing window. You must also complete and submit the NAVLE Accommodation Request Process Packet, including the request form and documentation, by the applicable application deadline for your testing window.

All requests for accommodations for applicants applying for NAVLE approval through the United States and Canada must be approved by the ICVA.

You must contact the NEB office directly for information regarding their NAVLE accommodation request process

Information on the documentation requirements is found in the NAVLE Accommodation Request Process Packet.

It takes time to review the documentation necessary to approve test accommodations, so submission of application and accommodation materials early is encouraged.

Click here for additional information on requesting testing accommodations for the NAVLE.

Requests and documentation for accommodations on the NAVLE are due by the same deadlines as the applications to test — August 1 for the November - December testing window, and February 1 for the April testing window.  You can find the application process packet here on our website.

To schedule a test date via the Prometric website available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

or

Call 800-967-1139 located in Baltimore, MD available M-F 8am-5pm (local time).

To learn more about NAVLE presentations please contact Dr. Elizabeth Johnson Million.

The NAVLE Self-Assessment is a web-based preparation tool that resemble the format and content covered on the NAVLE. The NAVLE Self-Assessment was created by ICVA to help candidates to identify their strengths and weaknesses as they prepare for NAVLE.

There is no limit to the number of times any form of a self-assessment may be taken, although once completed, another assessment must be purchased again to take the same assessment. 

Two free sample assessments (one English and one French, 10 items each) are available. The sample assessments contain a tutorial which provides an overview of the delivery software and assists the candidate with navigating the self-assessment system. An answer key is provided for the free sample assessments.

A score report is available immediately after completing a self-assessment.

Regular Feedback Self-Assessment Forms: Candidates are provided with percent correct scores for the total self-assessment and for each of the main topic areas. The report also indicates the performance of a comparison group of candidates on the same items.

The score report also includes a projected NAVLE score based on the candidates's performance on the assessment.

Expanded Feedback Self-Assessment Forms: In addition to the feedback described for the regular forms, individuals who purchase the expanded feedback form (form 2) receive the correct answers to incorrectly answered questions only.

Score reports will be available for reviewing and printing indefinitely in your NAVLE SA account.

This is the anticipated range of your NAVLE score based on your performance on the Self-Assessment. Research has verified that the projected score range for examinees who take the NAVLE Self-Assessment under the standard-paced timing mode is predictive of later performance on the NAVLE.

The NAVLE Self-Assessment is created using the same blueprint as the NAVLE. That means that the content on the Self-Assessment is the same as the NAVLE.

The NAVLE Self-Assessment consists of multiple-choice questions that have one correct response.

Yes. The NAVLE Self-Assessments are composed of retired NAVLE items. That means that the questions once appeared on the NAVLE, but are no longer used.

No, the NAVLE is used for licensure in the United States where the official language is English and Canada where the official languages are English and French.

Each NAVLE self-assessment form consists of 200 multiple-choice items, which are presented in four sections of 50 items each.

English and French

• The regular Self-Assessment forms provide individuals with a score report that contains the total test and sub scores as well as a predicted score range.
• The expanded feedback Self-Assessment form provides the same feedback and provides the examinee with an opportunity to review the questions and answers to those questions that answered incorrectly.

Please Note - if you buy Form 1 more than once, you will see the same questions.  There are 3 unique forms - each containing different questions from the other forms. 

Five forms of the self-assessment are available. There are three forms in English and two forms in French. The French forms are translated versions of the English forms.

English Form 1 - Regular
English Form 2 - Expanded Feedback
English Form 3 - Regular

French Form 1 - Regular (same items as English Form 1)
French Form 2 - Expanded Feedback (same items as English Form 2)

• Regular Self-Assessment: $50.00
• Expanded Feedback Forms: $65.00

*Fees can be paid by Visa or MasterCard only and self-assessment fees are non-refundable.

You can purchase a NAVLE SA here.

Self-assessments are offered under two timing modes, standard-paced and self-paced:

• Standard-paced - 55 minutes per section for a total test time of 220 minutes. This is the same timing used on the NAVLE.
• Self-paced timing - 110 minutes per section, for a total test time of 440 minutes.

* The timing mode cannot be changed once the self-assessment has been accessed by the candidate.

A participant must complete a self-assessment within 30 days of launching the assessment.

You will have 30 days from the launch date to complete your assessment. You may pause the assessment at any time by clicking the Pause button in the navigation panel of the screen and then clicking OK to the resulting message box. The pause button allows you to exit the assessment and resume later, provided the time allotted for your assessment has not run out. When paused, your assessment will stop and the browser will close. When you resume the assessment from the Current Status page, you will return to the same section and item on which you were working.

At any time during the 30-day administration period, the assessment can be paused and resumed later. Your assessment is saved at the last question you answered. You can resume your assessment, provided the time allotted has not run out.

When a participant completes a section of the self-assessment, the participant must select “End” before proceeding to the next section. Once a section is intentionally ended, or time expires for a section, you cannot return to that section. Once the total assessment has been completed, you cannot return to review any part of it.

If you are working in a section and the allotted section time runs out before you answer all the questions, the section will end, and you will be unable to answer the remaining questions in that section.

Once the entire self-assessment is completed, you CANNOT go back and review the total assessment. However, while working within each section and before submitting it, you can change answers, mark them for review, or leave them blank.

Examinees who fail to read the tutorial to get acquainted with the screen navigations may report this type of problem.  Contact ICVA for assistance.

Examinees may experience this type of issue if there is a loss of server connection (locally or otherwise), power outages, etc.  If this occurs contact ICVA for assistance.

Contact ICVA for assistance.

The NAVLE Self-Assessment is designed to be available 24 hours a day/7 days a week, however routine maintenance may occur on the NAVLE Self-Assessment website, and participants may be unable to access a purchased assessment during that maintenance period. Scheduled maintenance will be noted on the home page of the Self-Assessment site or the News and Updates page of our website.

Remember the NAVLE SA account is totally separate from when you applied to take the NAVLE.  Create and account, or log in to your account here.  If you forgot your password, use the "forget password" option.  You can always create another account under your personal or school email address.

Please visit our Species Specific Examination page for more information regarding this assessment. 

Please visit our Veterinary Educational Assessment page for more information about this assessment.

Please visit our page that explains Volunteer Opportunities with ICVA. 

Please visit our Wisconsin State Rules and Laws page for more information. 

Examinees not currently licensed in another jurisdiction, planning to take the Wisconsin Rules and Laws Examination should contact the ICVA.

Examinees currently licensed who are seeking licensure in the state of Wisconsin should contact the Wisconsin Veterinary Examining Board to be approved for the exam. 

The fee for the examaination is $50.00

You have 60 days from the start of eligibility to complete this ‘open book’ exam.  You may log in and out during that time.  

Yes, once you have completed the exam, your score is immediately available for download.

The links to the codes and statutes, that you can reference during the examination:

Wisconsin Statutes 89

Wisconsin Administrative Code

If you need to expedite your licensure, you can email your results to the Wisconsin Veterinary Examining Board.

Candidates are submited to our test vendor twice per month (1st and 15th of the month). It takes 2 weeks for your eligibility to begin.

Example - if your name is submitted to our test vendor March 15, your eligibility period will begin April 1.

Please visit our page that gives more information regarding ICVA workshops.